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Tech Loan Program Description

Instructions on accessing the Tech Loan Program.

Purpose

The purpose of the Technology Loan Program is to provide loan equipment to students with visual impairments, which will enable them to realize their educational potential. The Technology Loan Program was started with funding from a private foundation (Hobletzelle) grant and federal funds awarded through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The program provides transitional equipment that will enable students to receive necessary instruction. The Educational Service Centers and TSBVI will assist children, teachers, and parents with training to ensure that the student is able to benefit from the loan device(s).

Scope

TSBVI has developed a lending library of technological devices available to all Texas students with visual impairments. Technology will be loaned for the benefit of any student in Texas eligible for services as a student with visual impairments. The function of the program is to provide specialized adaptive equipment and software that will adapt the local school district’s computer systems for access to the visually impaired or will be used exclusively by the student with visual impairments.

Responsibility

The Outreach Director is responsible for the accurate implementation of this procedure. All equipment loans will be made with the understanding in writing that an agency will assume responsibility for damaged or lost equipment. Equipment upgrades will be funded through the loan program. Summer loans will be limited to students who have a school or DARS assuming responsibility for the equipment.

AT Loan Library Procedure

  1. When an application for the equipment loan is made, a plan for local equipment procurement and loan duration will be defined. 
    1. The typical loan should last for 6 to 8 weeks.  
    2. Regardless of the loan term, all loan items must be returned annually (by the last day of the school year) for inventory purposes.
    3. For Active Learning Equipment, the loan period is three months. Loans may be extended at the end of three months if another district has not requested it.
    4. For Active Learning Loans, the AT assessment consists of the Fine and Gross Motor section of the Functional Scheme Assessment or reports from OT and PT that support the student’s use of this equipment. Someone from TSBVI Outreach will contact you to go over this information.
    5. TSBVI Outreach Staff, District Staff, and Education Service Center Staff will coordinate Active Learning Equipment transfer. It is not recommended to send these items through a shipper.
  2. TSBVI Outreach is responsible for loan devices
    1. Procurement, set-up, maintenance, upgrade, and inventory of loan equipment 
  3. Borrowing Agency (ISD, etc.) is responsible for Student devices.
    1. Acquiring the permanent device if deemed appropriate for the student, as referred to in the procurement plan in the application.
    2. Send inquiries for information to TSBVI Outreach.
  4. TSBVI Outreach will coordinate all requests for equipment loans, shipment, technical support, onsite services, and training. 
  5. All equipment loans will be made only after an individualized technology evaluation is submitted based on assessing the student’s abilities, needs, functional vision, and present level of functioning. The evaluation should include an assessment of the student’s short-term and long-term technology needs. Information on the submission of assessments is given during the application process. 
  6. A training plan will be required to include initial training and ongoing support for the student, family, and instructional personnel. 
    1. No training plan will be required in requests for short-term loans for a period while the student’s original equipment is being repaired. 
    2. If TSBVI training is requested, please check that training is needed when prompted during the Tech Loan application.
    3. If training is requested, an additional form will need to be completed – Training Request Form. There may be fees attached to additional training.
  7. After the loan application is completed, a written agreement will be prepared which outlines the items in detail and the responsibilities of the receiving agency for equipment use, repair, and return. The loan agreement will be sent via a secure signature platform like Docusign or AdobeSign. A local agency must sign that they accept responsibility for using the loaned equipment. 
  8. Equipment will be shipped on an “as available” basis. If equipment is unavailable, the requesting agency will be notified, and the request will be placed on a waiting list. TSBVI will periodically provide information concerning estimated delivery. If assistance in preparing the technology evaluation, training plan, or procurement plan is required, then the borrowing agency can contact TSBVI Outreach or the local ESC for assistance.
  9. In the event that the equipment is damaged or an accessory, such as a power cord or outlet block, is lost, TSBVI Outreach should be contacted to coordinate the repair of the equipment.
  10. A letter outlining the procedure for the return of equipment is sent along with the equipment and can be emailed upon request.
  11. At the conclusion of the loan, the local VI professional is responsible for the return of the equipment. The TSBVI Outreach office may be contacted to coordinate the return of equipment.
  12. Please send all returned equipment via  UPS, USPS, or FedEx.
  13. DO NOT SEND as “Free Matter for the Blind.”
    1. If the device or equipment is lost due to being sent “Free Matter for the Blind,” the borrowing agency will be financially responsible for covering the cost of replacing the device.

Please contact Donna Clemens (clemensd@tsbvi.edu) for more information.

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