California Assistive Technology Exchange
CATE
CATE is a state-wide effort to assist Californians in meeting their need for assistive technology and aids for daily living. CATE has 3 different programs. One or more of them could be just what you need.
Visit the CATE website at http://cate.ca.gov/
1. AT Device Loan Program
FREED is one of ten California organizations operating loan centers of various AT items. At no cost, you can check out one or more items for 3 to 12 weeks. FREED's specific collection includes:
For those with visual disabilities:
|
 Large Print Keyboard  Hand-held Magnifying Lens |
For those with mobility or dexterity disabilities:
|
 Portable Ramp  Reacher/Grabber |
For those with hearing disabilities:
|
 Ubiduo 2-way Communication Device  Assistive Listening Devices |
For those with developmental, cognitive or communication disabilities:
|
 Switch Operated School Bus  Switch Operated Race Car |
These assistive aids are available to individuals, families, employers, schools and other organizations. They are intended to provide an assistive device to try out before purchasing, to cover a temporary need, to help when starting new employment or retaining employment, for aiding a student in school, to fill in when one's own device is out of service, or any number of other situations.
There is no cost to borrow any of these items. Along with other loan centers, FREED's items are listed on the CATE website. Every loan center will have a different collection of loan items and some items may be able to be sent outside of a particular loan center's service area.
Visit the CATE website at: http://cate.ca.gov/
To view FREED's complete library of devices available for loan, click on "Device Loan." At the category prompts enter "all" and enter the Grass Valley zip code, 95945, to display our listing.
To request an item to borrow, first create a free account at the CATE website.
If you do not have access to the internet and no one to assist you, please contact Jeff Samco for assistance through the FREED office in Grass Valley.
2. AT Reutilization Program
On the same website you can take advantage of another state-wide service for linking people who want to buy, sell or give away various types of assistive technology items. There is no cost to create your account and browse the listings or place a classified ad. Go to http//.cate.ca.gov/ and click on “Reutilization.”
Again, if you have no access to the internet and no one to assist you, please contact Jeff Samco for assistance through the FREED office in Grass Valley.
3. Guaranteed Low Interest Loan Program for Persons Purchasing AT
The CATE website also gives information about a low-interest loan program to assist people or families needing to buy expensive items like a wheelchair accessible vehicle, electronic aids and more. This Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Guarantee Fund is also available to private employers to purchase durable equipment, adaptive aids and assistive devices for their employees.
At http//.cate.ca.gov/, click on the "Funding" link to learn more about the Low-Interest Guarantee Loan Program.
If you need additional information or assistance with any of these CATE programs please call Jeff Samco at the FREED office in Grass Valley - 530-272-1732 or e-mail jeffs@freed.org.
