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Unlocking Human Potential
October 2016

As a part of Florida's MTSS Projects, the AT & UDL Loan Library lends assistive technologies and Universal Design for Learning technologies to support students with disabilities as they participate and progress within the core curriculum. Such technologies are essential in conducting AT assessments, professional development activities, classroom demonstrations, and problem solving activities. Currently, over 300 patrons are registered to use the library. 


A Closer Look: Additional Order Information
New " Student Disability " question.     

Every order in the Loan Library provides an opportunity to collect data quickly and naturally. This data allows us to gain a better understanding about our users and the technology that they borrow. When questions are answered carefully, data-driven decisions can be made to better serve our patrons. Let's take a closer look at what is asked at checkout.

  • Shipping Information- The checkout process begins with your shipping information. You are provided with two choices: 1) select an existing address or 2) use a new school address. Having the flexibility to add a new address is very helpful for those who provide services in multiple schools across their district. 
  • Borrowing Level- A drop down menu allows you to swiftly select  the purpose of your borrowing. Three options are provided: 1) assessment, 2) classroom, or 3) professional development.  
  • Time Requested- You are asked to select the length of time that you are requesting to borrow the technology. Three options are provided: 1) 4 weeks, 2) 6 weeks, or 3) 8 weeks. Keep in mind that one extension is permitted if more time is needed. 
  • Student Disability- This new question provides insight to the range of disability types for which the loan library provides technology. A drop down menu of the 14 disability eligibility categories used in the state of Florida is provided. If you are not checking out technology for a specific student then select the option of None at this time.
  • Facilitator - The loan library definition of a facilitator is a person who will be using the technology with a student or group. If the facilitator will be different from the borrower than you are asked to provide the facilitator's name, email and phone. This is important when we are trying to locate equipment. 
  • Additional Comments -  Although, this is the last question in completing your order request, it is the most important in customizing your order. Such items you may want to include but not limited to: 1) the specific date of your workshop, 2) specific AAC device that will be used on a mounting system borrowed, and 3) other specific details that might be helpful in matching the student's needs with the technology. If you have a question, you can always place it in the Additional Comments section and we will contact you. 

Some Helpful  Tips 
Here are some helpful tips from our Loan Library technicians to save you time and to prevent unnecessary delays to your order. 
  • Think Three. When ordering a mobile device - think - DEVICE- CASE- APPS. You must check out all of these for a complete order. Please do not select an iPad without ordering a case and ordering the Apps you wish to be installed. Free apps can be installed by you when you receive your order (a district or personal iTunes account is needed). 
  • Clear Your Cart. Before you create a new order make sure that you Always clear your cart. Make sure it displays zero items. 
  • Stay Informed. The status of your orders are always available to you through your account in the Loan Library Store. Go to My Account (located next to the shopping cart) and click on Order History. This will display your order status and order history.
  • Find the Component Sheet- Checklists are an easy way to keep us organized. Be sure to check off the items on the Kit Component Sheet that is included in your order. Use this when you receive the order to make sure you received all items and when you are packing up the order to ship back to us. It is amazing how this simple component sheet will remind you to include USB cables and other accessories!
  • Check the Box- Kit Component Sheets are not the only thing you will find in the shipping box when you first receive it. You will also find the return shipping label. This makes it easy for you to pack up the order, attach the return shipping label, and call FedEx.  No need to call the Loan Library and request a return label. It is already included in the box!
  • See Red - Be sure to  click on the Product picture and scroll down and read the entire description of the items you are thinking about borrowing from the Loan Library. Take a close look for the important information in red font. This information provides you with details such as what the product includes and what you will need to order in addition to the product. It only takes an minute to make sure this is exactly the product you want to borrow and if anything else needs to be ordered. 
  • Stay Original-  When at all possible, be sure to keep the packing materials and original box that your order was shipped to you. If it was accidentally thrown out just pick up the phone and we will send you new packing materials and a new box or anything else you may need to ship the order back to us safely.  Honest, we don't mind at all, just give us a call.
  • Notify Me- You will see the Notify Me option in the store when an item is out of stock. When you click Notify Me (you and anyone else who clicked Notify Me) will receive an email when the item is available again for check out.  This eliminates any waitlists. You get notification and if you still want the item you simply create a new order. 
 Contact information for the regional AT-UDL Technology Centers:
 
Region 1 - 850-995-0999 or 1-844-317-7784 (toll free)
Region 2 - 352-419-6556 or 1-844-365-3045 (toll free)
Region 3 - 386-761-9909 or 1-844-848-8936 (toll free)
Region 4 - 813-632-2080 or 1-844-873-2127 (toll free)
Region 5 - 954-925-6195 or 1-844-705-4385 (toll free)


image contains information about the development of this newsletter was a product of the technology and learning connections team who is a part of the multi-tiered system of supports and problem solving response to intervention partnership at the university of south florida in Tampa_ Florida. The project is funded by the Florida Department of Education Bureau of the Exceptional Children Student Services with funding assistance under IDEA Part B
This newsletter was developed by the Technology & Learning Connections Team, a part of the Problem Solving/Response to Intervention Project, and funded by the Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services through federal assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Part B funds. The information included does not reflect any specific endorsement by any parties involved. For further information please contact us at