Dad and daughter representing the public information and assistance that we FAAST.org makes available to all individuals.

Why is Information and Assistance so important?

Information and Assistance

At FAAST, we believe that:

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 one’s self without hindrance 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.
Individual using a braille keyboard representing how FAAST increases the public awareness of available assistive technology

Goals of Information and Assistance

Information and assistance activities are conducted to provide individuals with accurate, timely, and complete responses to their requests for information about assistive technology devices and services and about the AT services offered by FAAST.

#FAASTFact: In 2020, FAAST provided information and assistance services to 2,676 individuals.

How does FAAST provide AT Service?

FAAST puts individuals in contact with other agencies, organizations, or companies (regional demonstration centers) that can provide them with needed information on AT products, devices, services, funding sources, or other related disability topics; or provide intensive assistance to individuals on AT products, devices, services, funding
sources, or other related disability topics.

Assistive technology is anything that helps us perform a tasks depicted in this image by a man using a device to reach something on the top shelf.

Assistance Services:

Evaluation/Assessment

Answers the question, “Which technologies and strategies can I use to improve my functioning during a specific activity?” A formal assistive technology assessment is provided by someone recognized as a provider of assistive technology services by public and private funding agencies.

 

Purchasing/Acquisition

Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for acquiring assistive technology devices.

 

Selection/Design

I am selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices.

 

Coordination

Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs.

 

Device Demonstration/Loan

Demonstrating a variety of AT devices and/or services by personnel familiar with such devices and services and their applications, allowing individuals to make an informed choice.

How Can You Get Services From FAAST? Contact the Regional Demonstration Center that services your county. That’s it… No formal referral is necessary. Anyone may utilize services. Services are provided at no cost.
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