Children's Assistive Technology Service (CATS) provides for the re-use of pediatric rehabilitation equipment and devices in Virginia. CATS serves as a no cost resource to children with disabilities who need adaptive equipment and whose families have limited resources. Children with adaptive equipment can . . .
•Play with their friends and siblings
•Participate in meals and bath times
•Explore their world, moving and learning
•Do more for themselves, be more independent
What is Assistive Technology? The term assistive technology (AT) refers to the entire range of rehabilitative and adaptive equipment and devices which allows people with disabilities to perform activities with greater independence, and to succeed at tasks they might otherwise be unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing. Some examples include a walker to help a child walk; a bath seat to help them bathe, an adapted seat for meals and playtime, a standing frame to help them stand, an accessibility switch to help them operate a toy; a communication device to help them be understood. Assistive technology allows a child with disabilities to play with friends and siblings, to have more opportunities for learning, and to be more independent. How to help
CATS will accept a donation of costly adaptive equipment from one child with a disability, who has outgrown equipment, and donate it to another child who needs it. We would like to have a community in which all available adaptive equipment is in use by children with disabilities who need it. We are economical and environmentally friendly! The re-use of adaptive equipment expresses a commitment not only to the belief that these devices enhance the lives of children with disabilities and their families, but, through re-use, there is also commitment to economically and environmentally sound practices.
