The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood has partnered with New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) in many ways over the years. They continue to sponsor a NEAT membership for every Birth to Three Provider and Agency throughout CT. Benefits of this membership come at no cost to you and the exciting details can be found below. You will also discover the unique and targeted resources exclusive for CT Birth to Three Providers.
Benefits to the NEAT Membership
Our Membership is specifically designed to serve people of all ages and abilities, all over the world. It includes access to our specialists, webinars, lending library, demonstrations, special events and more! Learn more about your Membership benefits here. It’s important to know that as a Birth to Three provider you also have some incredibly unique benefits available to you as well.
Unique to CT Birth to Three
Adaptive Equipment Loans
The CT Birth to Three System owns an extensive inventory of equipment for use by providers. This inventory is stored, cleaned, repaired, and managed by The NEAT Center at Oak Hill. Adaptive equipment may include walkers, sitters, standers, adaptive strollers/wheelchairs, etc. This equipment is owned by the CT Birth to Three system and is available for use by a child until they are no longer using/needing it. There are designated racks in the basement of the NEAT building where you can browse the available equipment. NEAT has hours opened to the public and you are welcome to view the equipment at that time. Appointments are encouraged to assure timely assistance with questions and loans.
Please use Form 3-14 to loan out equipment.
Long-term Loans for Communication
The CT Birth to Three System owns an inventory of iPads that can be used to facilitate communication for children in the Birth to Three agencies. This inventory is managed by the NEAT Center at Oak Hill but can be used after the assessment of a Birth to Three provider. These devices are available for use by a child until they are no longer using/needing it.
Please use From 3-14 to loan out communication devices.
Highlighting: NEAT’s AT Lending Library
The NEAT Lending Library provides short-term loans (30 days) of assistive technology devices. Devices include (but are not limited to) laptops with specialized software; iPads with learning, productivity and communication apps; low vision magnifiers; adapted board games and toys; mid-tech communication devices as well as eye gaze; capability switches and access assessment tool-kits; and so much more!
More specifically, we have an extensive library of switch adapted toys that all children can benefit from. For children with disabilities, an added capability switch allows them independent access to their toys, teaches them about environmental control, and helps build gross and fine motor skills. They also provide incredible opportunities for play-based learning and increased language.
For more information on our loan equipment and technology, explore our
Lending Library here.
FAQ
If you have questions about The NEAT Center Membership for CT Birth to Three Providers, please see our Birth to Three FAQ page by clicking here.
Reach out about your subscription or membership today!
Your member benefits are generously sponsored by The CT Birth to Three System and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.
