Device Loan Services
- Sam Shepherd
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
By Srivalli Koppuakula
Introduction
Assistive technology (AT) is a vital tool for ensuring the independence of individuals with disabilities in school, at work, and in daily living. However, choosing the right device is not always straightforward. When equipment cannot be tested in real-world conditions, individuals and organizations risk investing in technology that may remain unused. Device loan services, offered by all State Assistive Technology Programs, directly address this challenge by providing short-term equipment loans to individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, and employers [1].
What Are Device Loan Services?
Device loan programs are government-funded initiatives that allow people to borrow assistive technology devices for a short period. Unlike device demonstrations, which provide side-by-side comparisons of tools, device loans allow individuals to take equipment into their homes, schools, or workplaces for real-world use [2].
The categories of devices available vary by state but often include communication aids, magnifiers, adaptive switches, mobility aids, and smart home technology. The ultimate goal is to help users make informed decisions before committing to long-term funding or purchase [3].
Who Is Eligible to Borrow Devices?
Device lending services are broadly accessible. Eligibility typically extends to people of all ages with disabilities, as well as their families, clinicians, teachers, and employers. For example, the Virginia Assistive Technology System specifies that any Virginian with a disability, along with their family or service providers, may borrow devices for short trial periods [4]. This broad eligibility ensures that decisions are collaborative, with input from both users and their support networks.
Why Device Loan Services Matter
The benefits of device loan programs extend beyond individual consumers. They represent a cost-effective and equitable way to expand AT access nationwide:
Informed decisions. Trial use reduces costly mistakes and lowers device abandonment rates [5].
Continuity of access. Loans provide temporary solutions while devices are being repaired or during funding delays [6].
Skill development. Borrowing devices gives users, families, and professionals the opportunity to gain confidence and skills before permanent adoption [2].
Equity. By offering low- or no-cost access, device loans ensure AT is available to individuals who might not otherwise be able to obtain it [1].
Return on investment. In FY 2024, device loan and related services generated $28.6 million in nationwide savings by preventing unnecessary expenditures and optimizing the use of existing assistive technology resources [8].
Integration with Schools and IDEA
Device loan programs are closely aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law requires that assistive technology be considered in every student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Short-term lending provides IEP teams with practical evidence of how devices impact student learning, without requiring immediate district purchases. This approach helps maximize student success while ensuring compliance with federal mandates [7].
How to Access Device Loan Services
The process of borrowing is generally consistent across states:
Locate your State Assistive Technology Program through the AT3 Center directory [8].
Browse the online catalog of available devices.
Request a demonstration, if needed.
Apply online or by phone for a loan.
Borrow and use the device, typically for 2–4 weeks.
Return the device on time and provide feedback.
Conclusion
Device loan programs are one of the most practical and impactful components of State Assistive Technology Programs. By allowing individuals and organizations to test devices in real-world settings, they reduce financial risks, foster independence, and promote inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities. These programs embody the belief that all individuals deserve access to the tools necessary to achieve their fullest potential. Their impact is not only personal but also quantifiable—in FY 2024 alone, device loan services produced $28.6 million in national savings by reducing redundant purchases and ensuring more efficient allocation of resources [8].
References
[1] ACL. State Grant Program for Assistive Technology.
[2] AT3 Center. Device Lending.
[3] Wisconsin DHS (WisTech). Device Loan — Purpose of Loans.
[4] Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS). Device Loan & Demonstration Program.
[5] ACL. Assistive Technology: Tools to Enhance Everyday.
[6] Tennessee TTAP. Core Programs – Device Loans.
[7] U.S. Department of Education, OSEP. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
[8] ATAP. FY 2024 Return on Investment Report.
