What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

NEAT ERC - News Feature

What does the the NEAT Center offer?

The NEAT Center is a place to learn about products and equipment that assist people with day-to-day activities they have trouble doing for themselves, either because of a disability or because of the effects of aging. It is also a place to donate or buy adaptive medical equipment.

NEAT has a wide variety of adaptive medical equipment; assistive technology services and educational resources; a fully accessible facility with 12,500 square feet of flexible space that can be rented for a wide variety of events

Learn About the NEAT Center

Examples of adaptive devices we offer

• Aids for daily living
• Communication tools
• Computers, hardware and software
• Hearing Devices
• Low Vision aids
• Memory aids
• Modified toys and clothing
• Modified vehicles
• Power wheelchairs and scooters
• Ramps and remote controls
• Specialized seating devices
• Switches and computer access equipment
• Wheelchairs, walkers and lifts

How do I get started?

www.neatmarketplace.org

To download a PDF of our brochure

Contact us: toll free (866) 526-4492; in Connecticut (860) 243-2869; (860) 286-3113,TTY; (860) 286-3111 (FAX); email: info@neatmarketplace.org

Demonstration Center

An Equipment Restoration Center (ERC)

Gently used durable medical equipment is donated, repaired and sold to consumers at a savings of 50% to 80% of the same item when new. Birth to Three Services, reutilized disability equipment and services to children under the age of three

Learn About Birth to Three

Other NEAT Services

Membership is free to people with disabilities and their families and to people 65 years or older with physical limitations.  Professionals, school districts, nonprofits and corporations can become members and receive such benefits as: free and reduced prices on professional development classes, unlimited use of the Lending Library to borrow equipment; reduced rates to rate the NEAT Center at Oak Hill; product placement within the 12,500 square foot facility; and free admission and display space at expositions.

To learn more, visit: www.neatmarketplace.org; click on Are you a Member? 

Professional Development

Provides assistive technology workshops, seminars, speakers series and ‘build your own NEAT AT workshops’ for educational and healthcare professionals, staff, parents and caregivers; earn Continuing Education Units (CEU’s)
Curriculum; register online>>

Our expanded curriculum offers:

• Universal Design
• No Child Left Behind
• IDEA
• Least Restrictive Environment
• AT Funding and Evaluations
• Autism
• CMT Test Accommodations
• And much, much more

School Based Training and Technical Assistance

NEAT can come to you! Whether you are looking to build your staff or team’s AT knowledge base, create an AT team, or gain more in-depth hands-on training regarding specific devices, we can customize our offerings to meet your needs. For more information, call Amy Rubin Mindell (860) 286-3119 or midella@ciboakhill.org  

Assistive Technology Consultation and Evaluation Services

Provided to best determine how assistive technology may help your child to better succeed in school or an adult with a disability to live more independently; evaluations may be done at the NEAT Center in Hartford or at your school or home. For more information, call Amy Rubin Mindell at (860) 286-3119 or mindella@ciboakhill.org  

Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center (MARC)

Proud to be the only facility of its kind in the state; learn how to access the accessibility features build into the current Microsoft Windows platform. We will demonstrate the many features available and the many applications that can be used with any Windows based program. These features can be used to make the computer easier to use for people regardless of age or ability (difficulties with low vision, wrist/arm discomfort, or hearing loss), these accessibility options and assistive technology products can add to your computer skill and proficiency.

Blind and Low Vision Services

Specializes in serving people who are visually impaired or blind with information on assistive technology services and resources; computer and vocational training for adults who are interested in employment opportunities. For more information, call Steve Famiglietti; manager of Vocational Center for people who are blind or visually impaired at (860) 286-3100 or email at famigliettis@ciboakhill.org 

Relationship & Sexuality Education

Specializes in serving the needs of youth and adults with developmental disabilities, specific syndromes and other physical, social and emotional conditions. Professional development is offered nationwide to assist providers in developing a comprehensive plan to support safe relationships and healthy boundaries for people with intellectual disabilities. For more information, call (860) 242-2274, ext. 3500 or email at info@oakhillcrse.org

Retail Sales

Is the NEAT Center at Oak Hill available for rent?

[Floor plan] Yes, it is an ideal space for meetings, training sessions, seminars, focus groups, beta testing, conferences and other gatherings. There is nearly 12,500 square feet of fully accessible rental space that includes an EXPO hall, Training and Evaluation Rooms, and a Computer Lab. To learn more, call (860) 243-2869 or toll free in CT (866) 526-4492 or email at info@neatmarketplace.org

To download a PDF of our Rental brochure

Locations

Hartford – corners of Holcomb and Coventry Streets (directions)

Phone number: (860) 243-2869 or toll free in CT (866) 526-4492;

Stratford – 88 Ferry Boulevard (directions) Phone number: (203) 378-6977; (203)378-3248; email: neat@drfc.org

Hours of Operation

Hartford – Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM; open first Saturday of each month; excludes most national holidays

Stratford – Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM; each Tuesday, scheduled appointments with Don Hoerman, AT specialist and manager of Equipment Restoration Center

NEAT makes a difference in the lives of people with disabilities

"I love coming here.  I wish I could come every day.  It's fun playing the games and I can see myself getting better."

- Zahne Douglas, NEAT Center at Oak Hill program participant.

For two years, 11-year-old Zahne has suffered from the side effects of her ADHD medication.  Headaches, sleeplessness and lack of appetite became part of her daily life.  Her grandmother, Louise, watched with growing concern, well aware that Zahne was already on asthma medication, she was determined to find an alternative to Zahne's ADHD.  Louise called the company directly and was stunned by the price.  Knowing she couldn't afford to buy the biofeedback program, the company gave her another option that is now turning her granddaughter's life around.  They referred her to Oak Hill and the NEAT Center where Zahne could use the program. 

"It was a blessing to be able to bring Zahne to this place.  I really believe she will benefit.  I am working with the staff here at NEAT to put together a list of instructions for how I can reinforce at home what she is learning at Oak Hill."

- Louise Douglas, Zahne's grandmother