查找 AT

Your State or Territory AT Act Program is a Good Place to Start

考虑辅助技术（AT）的一个好方法是确定功能--该设备能帮助残疾人做什么，如阅读文本、打字、听电视、拨电话、更容易从椅子上站起来--而不是根据诊断，如帕金森病患者的辅助技术、年龄，如老年人的辅助技术，或根据设置，如工作中的辅助技术。 Contact your State or Territory AT Act Program for “information and assistance” to help narrow down a category. Depending upon the cost and complexity of the device in which you are interested, they may recommend you explore a formal evaluation, and/or suggest that you borrow the item from their device lending program. The state AT program may also offer to arrange a demonstration that provides you with “hands-on” experience with AT devices. AT Act Programs provide many free services. Most often, there is no charge for information and assistance or a device demonstration. There is sometimes a nominal fee associated with borrowing a device to help cover shipping costs.

Ask your AT Act Program for a demonstration of comparable products that have similar features but different prices.

If there’s a specific product you heard about, the AT Act Program may be able to introduce you to another device with more (or fewer) features that better fit your needs and pocketbook! Or, check out two or more similar devices from your AT Act Program’s lending library, to try before you buy.

Your AT Act Program may be able to help you find funding sources.

即使你认为 "自掏腰包 "是获得你想要的辅助器具的唯一途径，州立辅助器具计划也可能知道其他可能性--公共计划、社区组织或其他补助金或现金贷款来源。此外，有些州的辅助器具计划还负责管理向符合条件的居民发放电信设备等专用设备的计划。使用 Find Your AT Act Program directory to identify program services (i.e. other state financing) and a contact in your Program. Funding sources, programs, and services vary from state to state.

谨慎使用信用卡。

如果您使用的是信用卡，并且没有 "全额 "付清每月账单，那么根据您的利率，您可能会增加 12% 到 24% 不等的项目成本。全国各地的 "另类融资计划 "可能会为您提供更优惠的条件；请搜索 Find Your Program 目录，查找您所在州的现金贷款计划。

在主流零售商的商店、目录和网站上购物。

Especially when it comes to products that might be useful for people without disabilities, such as ergonomic keyboards or home automation systems, “generic” retailers like Best Buy, Staples, Home Depot, CVS, or Walmart may carry the product you are interested in. While Best Buy’s website recognizes the term “assistive technology,” other sites list products under headings such as “health and wellness”, “disability aids”, and “home health care”. Compare these prices with those of other mainstream retailers and “specialized” resellers.

在 "专业 "经销商之间货比三家。

Some assistive technology companies compile items from a range of manufacturers or vendors. Depending on the size of the company and other factors, prices may vary considerably. A recent search found a variation of more than $100 for some AT devices.

将运费和手续费等额外费用考虑在内。

运费和手续费可能会增加购买价格。考虑附近的 "实体 "零售商是否有售，或是否提供免费送货服务（如亚马逊 "Prime "会员）。

便宜不一定好办事。

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