Northeast Arc Assistive Technology Supports

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides access to assistive technology for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You must already be receiving services from DDS, and have a state referral to receive an assessment via this process. 

What does the process look like? 

A service coordinator submits an assistive technology referral to their area office supervisor. Once approved, the referral is sent to the Northeast Arc. This process may take some time to reach us.

Once we have accepted the referral, we will contact the service coordinator, day program staff, or family to set up an intake meeting. 

Northeast Arc Assistive Technology Clinicians will then conduct an in-home evaluation. After collecting appropriate data, we will create the report and submit it to DDS. After approval is received, we will purchase the recommended devices. These devices may be paid for by DDS.  

Once the devices arrive, we will schedule delivery of the equipment. Our goal is to train all individuals involved in the successful use of assistive technology. This includes the user, staff, parents, and caregivers.  

After initial delivery, if additional training is needed, Northeast Arc will schedule visits until the user and their caregivers feel confident using their devices. This service delivery process can take 3 – 6 months from start to finish. 

Click here for more information on DDS Assistive Technology Referrals. 

If you or a loved one are interested in paying out-of-pocket for an assistive technology evaluation, the Northeast Arc would be more than happy to help. In addition to an assessment, our team can also walk you through the purchasing process and can train you or your loved ones on how to use the recommended devices and/or equipment. 

What does the process look like? 

Our process consists of a 30-minute phone call, an in-person visit to your home, and a personalized report provided at the end of the evaluation. This process can take 1-3 months from start to finish.  

After purchasing an assessment, our team will reach out to schedule a phone call to get a better understanding of focus areas for the evaluation. We will then schedule an in-home visit to explore other areas of assistive technology interventions, before providing a report with recommendations.   

After a report is finalized, items will be purchased by the client. Once items are ordered, we can set up and train you or your loved ones or staff on how to use the devices. The cost can vary based on the number of training hours needed. 

Our goal is to ensure that technology is adopted and not abandoned. That is why we plan to follow up to ensure that the devices recommended are serving your needs. 

For more information regarding the process, cost, or any other questions, feel free to complete a referral form to get started. 

The Assistive Technology Lending Library at the  Center for Linking Lives is a space where visitors can test out and borrow some of the newest smart home and disability-specific applications and devices on the market. 

There are more than 50 items currently available at the library, including: 

• Text-to-speech software for reading accessibility 

• Universally designed independent accessibility and inclusion items 

• Communication devices 

• iPads pre-loaded with apps specifically designed to help individuals with disabilities 

• Kitchen products 

• Smart home speakers and assistants 

The library is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Click here to view our full inventory of products, or to schedule a time to meet with staff. 

Working with Easterseals

The Northeast Arc has established a partnership with Easterseals to facilitate the device acquisition process across the Northeast of Massachusetts. If you’re interested in any devices in any Assistive Technology Regional Center, just email us and we can arrange for it to be picked up at the Liberty Tree Mall!