Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Assistive Technology Program

The Assistive Technology Program (ATP) is part of MRC’s Community Services Program.  Our goal is to improve the ability of individuals with significant disabilities to live independently through the use of assistive technology.

What is the Assistive Technology Program?

The Assistive Technology Program was created in 1999 to enable individuals with severe disabilities to access assistive technology devices and training.  Assistive technology (AT) devices and services help to maximize an individual’s control over their environment and achieve self-determined goals.  The ability to use AT to perform such tasks as check or letter writing, money management, shopping, controlling the home environment and communication improvement are anticipated outcomes.  Individuals served under this program are those with independent living goals.  Individuals with vocational or work goals are provided services through the agency’s vocational rehabilitation program.

MRC contracts with three organizations for the provision of AT assessments, purchase and set-up of equipment, training and follow-up.  These organizations (Mass. Easter Seals, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County and CLASS, Inc.) provide services on a regional basis and have on-site AT devices for use in evaluation and training. 

Who is Eligible?

Any individual:

•	Who has a severe physical or mental impairment and whose ability to function independently in the family or community is substantially limited, and
•	For whom the delivery of AT services and training will improve the ability to function, continue functioning or move towards functioning independently in the family and community.

Individuals with vocational goals shall be referred to the local MRC-VR office.  Individuals with disabilities who are eligible to receive services from other EOHHS agencies should be referred to those agencies for AT services.  There are no age restrictions, although school age children with disabilities who are eligible for Chapter 766 services should apply through the local education agency (LEA) for school-related AT equipment needs.

How to Apply

Individuals may apply for AT services and assessments by contacting their regional AT provider who will conduct an intake assessment.  Because of funding limitations and the high demand for services, there may be a waiting list for services.  Should this be the case, individuals are placed on the waiting list on a first come first served basis after determination of financial eligibility and assignment of priority category.

Regional AssistiveTechnology Providers

	Western Mass. Area:				UCP-Berkshire County
							(413) 442-1562

	Central Mass. Area				Mass. Easter Seals
							1-800-922-8290
							(508) 751-6311

	Greater Boston Area				Mass. Easter Seals
							1-800-922-8290
(508) 751-6311

	Southeast/Cape Area:				Mass. Easter Seals
							1-800-922-8290
							(508) 751-6311

	Northeast/No. Shore Area: 			CLASS, Inc.
							(978) 975-8587

	Fall River/New Bedford Area			Project SHARE
							(508)-999-8482

For More Information

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Assistive Technology Program
Phone: (617) 204-3851 (voice) or (617) 204-3815 (TDD) or Fax: (617) 727-1354 
Email: Karen.Langley@mrc.state.ma.us 

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment and public services provided by government agencies.  If consumers or employees of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability, they should contact the Commission’s Civil Rights Officer:  Mary Connelly, Office of Disability & Community Services, 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 348-5945.

Rev:  07/05