July 14, 2022
What is FAAST Inc.?
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology
FAAST is the state of Florida’s assistive technology program. Assistive technology activities provided by FAAST include device loans, device demonstrations, device reutilization, device trainings, information and assistance, and a statewide financing program. FAAST serves 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.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing inclusion for Floridians with disabilities of all ages through collaboration and empowerment. 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.
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 up to date on all the resources available.
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
$1.54 Million Saved
16,000+ Services Provided to Floridians
90 - 99 % Participant Satisfaction
9093 Individuals Trained
In 2020, FAAST reached the milestone of funding over $1 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.
