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- Who C.A.T.S. serves
- C.A.T.S. serves children and adolescents with physical and developmental disabilities who need assistive technology to assist with movement, positioning, behavior, or communication. The children we serve typically have neuromuscular and orthopedic disorders that impair function.
- Where does C.A.T.S. operate
- C.A.T.S. is a Virginia nonprofit corporation serving individuals who reside or receive rehabilitative or medical services in Virginia.
- Type of equipment accepted for re-use
- C.A.T.S. accepts donations of gently used assistive technology in primarily pediatric
sizes, including walkers, gait trainers, standing frames, wheel chairs, activity chairs or
other adaptive seating, pediatric therapy equipment, mobile patient lifts, bath and shower
chairs, toilet chairs, positioning wedges, adaptive recreation equipment, accessibility
switches and basic augmentative communication devices. - C.A.T.S. does not accept child safety restraints (car seats), beds, life support devices,
power wheelchairs that are not working, and medical supplies. - C.A.T.S. may refuse to accept equipment.
- C.A.T.S. accepts donations of gently used assistive technology in primarily pediatric
- Referrals
- Equipment must be requested by the child’s legal guardian and must include the name and contract information for the referring physician, therapist, assistive technology professional, or educational team. All equipment requests must be made on-line at the C.A.T.S. website and must include a completed C.A.T.S. request form, a completed and signed C.A.T.S. release form. The release form includes release of liability and also authorizes C.A.T.S. staff to consult with the child’s referring healthcare professional.
- How Equipment is Issued
- C.A.T.S. sends automated responses via email to equipment requests. If the requester does not reply to C.A.T.S. within 5 days, the equipment will be put back into inventory.
- The family, caregiver or designated individual can pick up adaptive equipment from C.A.T.S. Adaptive equipment is defined as equipment that does not need fitting or customization. Examples include: bath chairs, wedges, activity chairs, medical umbrella strollers.
- Rehab equipment may also be picked up from C.A.T.S. by the family, caregiver, or designated individual, but requires fitting, customization or adjustments, by the referring medical professional. Referral to an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) vendor may be necessary. The fitting or customization must be arranged by the responsible party ordering the equipment. Examples of rehab equipment include manual or power wheelchairs with adaptive seating systems, standers and gait trainers/walkers.
- Once a pick-up date has been agreed upon, the requester must comply or notify C.A.T.S. immediately about rescheduling. If the equipment is not picked up or rescheduled, it will be returned to inventory.
- Limitations of Services
- C.A.T.S. does not warrant equipment or provide repair services.
- C.A.T.S. can provide the family with contact information for local vendors that provide repair services.
- A child may receive up to 3 pieces of equipment through C.A.T.S. in a calendar year.
- C.A.T.S. is unable to provide more than one piece of equipment designed for a specific clinical need, or exchange equipment already provided, unless C.A.T.S. establishes a clinical need.
- Requested equipment must serve a child’s immediate needs. C.A.T.S. does not supply devices for future needs.
- Equipment is provided from available inventory. C.A.T.S. does not maintain a “wish list” or “wait list” for equipment.
- C.A.T.S. does not deliver donated equipment to families. The family must arrange for pick-up of equipment.
- Use of Equipment
- All equipment donated by C.A.T.S. is for the purpose of serving an individual’s immediate assistive technology need. Upon receipt, ownership of the equipment transfers to the child and caregiver. However, sale of donated equipment by the caregiver is prohibited by the terms and intent of this agreement.
- Communication Loan Library
- The Communication Loan Library provides augmentative communication and assistive technology devices to a child with disabilities on a 3 month loan. Only one device can be requested at a time. There is no transfer of these items between locations. Devices in Roanoke inventory are only available in the greater Roanoke area. Devices in Hampton Roads inventory are only available in Hampton Roads. Devices in Richmond are only available in Richmond. At the end of the three months, the item must be returned. There will be no extensions or renewals of the loan period.