Environmental Access Loan Bank Information
The Environmental Access Loan Bank was developed to give therapists serving individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD) in New Mexico a way to easily access a variety of items helpful for environmental access evaluation. Often therapists working with individuals do not have easy access to a variety of Assistive Technology options for effective evaluation. The items in the loan bank are for evaluation purposes only and are not to be loaned to individuals for daily use.

CONTENTS
Basic Switch Access Evaluation Kit
This kit contains a variety of low to medium technology switches designed to serve a large array of evaluation needs. These switches range from mechanical plate and lever switches to a tilt switch and a basic movement sensory switch. Also included are a variety of portable items such as toys, fan and call chime that can be accessed by using the switches. Interface components include a single switch latch, timer device and an adapted TV remote module using a wireless interface system. Finally, a gooseneck mounting system and plate switch mounting options are included in the kit to assist the therapist to evaluate various access/mounting needs and options. A variety of educational materials and complete instruction manuals for all items also come with the kit.

High Tech Switch and Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL) Loan Bank
This loan bank includes a variety of higher tech switches for evaluation needs including joystick, vibration, optical switch, sip and puff, and multiple switches. Also available are various EADL or Environmental Control Units options, mounting options, and individual switch activated devices for loan that are not included in the basic kit described above.

Eating Evaluation Loan Bank
The Eating Evaluation Loan Bank includes less common specialized eating utensils or eating support aids to use in client evaluation. Items must be washed thoroughly before return and are sanitized again and placed in individual closed bags before loan.

COST
This service is free of charge. However, the therapists must pay shipping and insurance costs when returning loan bank items. Shipping and insurance costs can be avoided if therapists drop off items at the Loan Bank facility.

LOAN PERIOD
The Basic Switch Access Evaluation kit or other loan bank items must be returned within 30 days. Loan renewal may be requested but will be granted for 2 week periods only, and only if there is no waiting list at the time for use of the kit.

APPLICATION
An application to borrow items and a list of the basic switch access evaluation kit contents and other loan items are available. Loan items will change and our lists are increasing as new devices become available.

For more information or for referrals, contact the Clinical Services Bureau - Therapy Services Team.

Read more about the Clinical Services Bureau (click here).