What is FAAST, Inc.?
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology
FAAST, or the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, is a program designed to provide assistive technology to Floridians with disabilities and their loved ones. This program offers a range of activities, including device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, and training, to ensure Floridians have access to the latest in assistive technology. Additionally, FAAST provides information and assistance, as well as a financing program available state-wide. With a commitment to accessibility and innovation, FAAST is leading the way in assistive technology in the state of Florida.
Who do we serve? FAAST is here to serve Floridians who have disabilities and their family members, service providers, educators, therapists, employers, health and rehabilitation professionals, assistive technology vendors, procurement officials, and all other interested parties throughout the state of Florida.
The Mission of FAAST
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST), Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by increasing access to assistive technology through empowerment and collaboration. By creating a collaborative environment for individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, government officials, and other community stakeholders, we enhance the community for us all.
What is Assistive Technology (A.T.)?
Assistive Technology helps people with disabilities live, work, learn and play as independently as possible. A.T. is any device, item, gadget, tool, hardware, or software used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of both individuals of all ages who have disabilities and older adults who may find a need for assistance. Assistive technology provides people who have disabilities the option to access education and the workplace, to live within their communities, and enjoy recreational activities.
#FAASTFact: Did you know that the term “assistive technology” applies to everything from post-it notes to motorized mobility devices, as long as it assists the individual in need.
FAAST Values Statement
Above all, Floridians with disabilities shall have the opportunity to pursue:
- Knowledge – Easy and open access to information about equipment, providers, techniques, networks, and other available resources related to assistive technology;
- Choice – Utilizing knowledge to empower oneself without hinderance from disability, regulation, misinformation, or availability of resources; and
- Independence – Utilizing knowledge and choice to improve personal function and advocacy; leading to self-sufficiency, connection to community, and individual goal
achievement.
In pursuit of these paramount values, FAAST abides by these guiding operating principles:
- Empowerment – Promoting the use of information and technology to provide opportunity, choice, and ultimately independence for individual consumers;
- Assistive Technology – Promoting the use of any electronic or mechanical device that allows a person to do things for themselves that might otherwise be difficult or
impossible to do because of their disability; - Compassion – Understanding, listening, and empathizing with the individual needs of every consumer;
- Inclusion – Encouraging all Floridians with a disability to consider assistive services and technology; while providing those services in an equitable manner; and
- Collaboration – Proactively seeking opportunities to partner with other public or private organizations, associations, groups, and/or individuals to improve awareness, choice,
and independence among Floridians with disabilities.
Stay Informed
What Services Does FAAST Offer?
Public Awareness & Training
FAAST provides assistive technology awareness presentations and detailed training on assistive technology devices and services to keep Floridians updated on all available resources.
Information & Assistance
FAAST can answer questions related to assistive technology devices and services.
Device Demonstrations
FAAST provides assistive technology device comparisons to help Floridians make informed decisions. The opportunity to compare devices ensures that the proper devices are chosen for individuals.
Short-Term Device Loans
FAAST has a variety of assistive technology devices that can be borrowed at no cost to the individual. These short-term loans help individuals decide the most appropriate device to purchase and can also be used as short-term accommodations.
Device Reuse & Reutilization
FAAST recycles used assistive technology devices and durable medical equipment to get these items out of closets and into the community where they are needed most.
Financial Loans
FAAST has an alternative financing program that gives individuals who have disabilities the option to purchase assistive technology devices and services through low-interest rate financial loans.
Assistive Technology Services
What Types of Devices Are Available From FAAST?
Vision
Includes items such as magnifiers, braille, speech output devices, and digital talking book readers.
Hearing
Includes items such as hearing aids, amplified phones and CapTel’s, and visual alerting systems.
Speech Communication
Products designed to assist with speaking and face-to-face communication.
Learning, Cognition, and Development
Products that assist with learning and cognition. Include items that provide access to educational and instructional materials for school or other environments.
Mobility, Seating, and Positioning
Products designed to augment or replace the functional limitations of an individual’s mobility.
Daily Living
Enhance the capacity to live independently and assist with instrumental activities of daily living, such as dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, home maintenance, cooking, eating, shopping and managing money.
Environmental Adaptations
Environmental and structural adaptations are built into the environment and remove or reduce barriers and promote access to and within the built home, employment, and community facilities.
Vehicle Modifications and Transportation
Adaptive driving aids, hand controls, wheelchairs and other lifts, modified vans or other motor vehicles used for personal transportation.
Computer Access
Products that enable people with disabilities to access, interact with, and use computers at home, work, or school.
Recreation, Sports, and Leisure
Products that help participation in sport, health, physical education, recreation, leisure, and dance events.
The Impact of FAAST
FAAST Community Reach
$1.6 Million Saved
17,000+ Services Provided to Floridians
90 - 95 % Participant Satisfaction
12,024 Individuals Trained
In 2021, FAAST reached the milestone of funding over $1.45 MILLION in funded loans since the program began in June 2015.
A local client received training and support on a device trial with the NeuroNode. Through the trainings with FAAST, the family increased competence with the system and ultimately decided to go to funding on the device.
Barbara came in to view a device that would help her son with autism read independently. Her son, Lewis, loves reading but has been unable to read independently. Previously he would look at pictures and make up the stories to himself. With the c-pen Lewis was excited to go to the library and pick out a book that he could read by himself. Mom is excited to bring Lewis back to school next week and show his teachers.
Stephen is a fifty-five year old male with Parkinson’s Disease. He struggles with standing on his own and falls are becoming more common in his daily life. While daily tasks are becoming more and more difficult he is determined to maintain as much independence as he can for as long as possible. The FAAST direct loan program was able to lend $16,500 to Stephen for home modifications to allow him easier and safer access to his kitchen and bathroom as well as allow access to his screened in porch so he can relax outdoors and enjoy the nature of his yard. As he uses a wheelchair for most of his mobility due to the falls, the kitchen island was moved, cabinets were lowered, door frames were widened, the shower was modified and threshold ramp was installed for outdoor access.
