SDE Subscription Frequently Asked Questions

Assistive Technology is frequently abbreviated to “AT”; which refers to devices and services that are used to increase, maintain or improve a person’s ability to function in any aspect of their life. This includes but is not limited to: communication, learning, productivity, mobility, and independence. For students, assistive technology effectively eliminates learning barriers, helping young people accomplish tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. A child with low vision can read using a device that enlarges text; a student with autism can use special noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory distraction; or a child with communication challenges can use iPad apps specially designed to improve language. In Connecticut, we are hoping to enhance the delivery of services to improve results for children with disabilities. We must consider the use of Assistive Technology for our students, and this subscription service will help your district teams better understand that process, and learn what’s possible.

“NEAT” is The New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center, a program of Oak Hill, the largest disability services provider in Connecticut. We have, proudly, been serving school districts throughout Connecticut for many years! Our focus is on how we can empower individuals of all ages and abilities to utilize Assistive Technology for an increase in independence. Our team has over 125 years of collective experience in the assistive technology field. This year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the State Department of Education to offer a formal subscription to districts with a goal of building capacity of our state to serve students with disabilities!

We have, proudly, been serving school districts throughout Connecticut for many years! This year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the State Department of Education to offer a formal subscription to districts with a goal of building capacity of our state to serve students with disabilities. Districts with this one year subscription will have access to a number of our services as well as some new services at no cost to you.

The State Department of Education has a contract with New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) and pays the subscription fee for each district in Cohort B. Your district does not pay anything. With this subscription your district will receive, at no cost to you, one or more of the following:

• • Consultations
  • Training/Coaching
  • Kickstarts (Consultation + Training)
  • Evaluations
  • NEW!  Pop-up Consultations

The State Department of Education has a contract with New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) and pays the subscription fee for each district in Cohort B. Your district does not pay anything. With this subscription your district will receive, at no cost to you, one or more of the following:

• Consultations
• Training/Coaching
• Kickstarts (Consultation + Training)
• Evaluations
• Pop-up Consultations

• Schedule a service by creating an account and submitting the needed paperwork on our intake website here
• Keep your eyes peeled for monthly emails with Pop-up Consultation appointments, new webinars, and more!
• Check out our webinar page here to sign up for upcoming webinars, or view recorded archived ones

Yes! As part of your subscription, you receive all the NEAT member benefits, which includes access to our Lending Library - a great way to test something out to see if it will meet your students needs.  Our Lending Library inventory, which includes switches, toys, tablets with apps, communication devices, etc., is not open to the public – it’s just for our members.  In order to borrow, there is a short form to complete. Please check our our Lending Library page here for more details and to start borrowing! We offer an assistive technology lending library, which allows you to try an item before you decide to make a purchase.

In an effort to best meet your needs, we are taking a team approach. All you need to do is reach out to: CentersConnect@oakhillct.org . We will be sure to match your need or inquiry with the right person - so you may be connected to one of many people on our team! For a complete overview of our team of experts, you may go to Our Team page.