Assistive & Adaptive Equipment

The Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID), program at Upstate Caring Partners is part of a network of sites in New York State dedicated to providing assistive technology information and referral services, device demonstrations, and device loans for people of all abilities to assist them in living independently.

With more than 3,000 pieces of equipment available, this program is best described as a technology and equipment lending library where you can sign out devices at no cost to use at home, work, school, or in the community.

TRAID at Upstate Caring Partners has a wide variety of assistive technology devices that are available for loan. Borrowing items from TRAID allows for a trial before making a purchase to ensure that the equipment meets an individual’s needs. Items may be borrowed while waiting for funding for a new device or while waiting for a repair. Many items are available for short-term loans (up to two months) to help during recovery from surgery, while other items can be borrowed for an extended period of time (up to six months) on a case-by-case basis.

A few of the most popular items available from TRAID include:

• Adaptive on and off Switches
• Modified on and off Switch Toys
• Adapted Toys and Puzzles
• iPads and Applications
• Canes/Walkers
• Gait Trainers
• Positioning Systems
• Standers
• Wheelchairs
• Daily Living Aids
• Shower/Bath Chairs
• Commodes
• Computer Access Equipment
• Sensory Equipment/Weighted Vests and Blankets
• Augmentative Communication DevicesThese pieces of technology, many of which are highly complex, can be quite expensive. Thus, TRAID can also help with finding potential funding sources for the purchase of this equipment. TRAID also accepts donations of used assistive technology devices, which are added to inventory to be loaned to people in need. Local and state-wide matching service is also provided for items or devices for sale.

We will gladly schedule appointments to review an individual’s needs and offer assistance. We are conveniently located in Utica at 675 Catherine Street. Please call (315) 292-1968 or email traid@upstatecp.org to assure that staff is available and to confirm our hours of operation. 

Below is a list of suggested links that may be helpful for information on assistive technology.

• Get AT Stuff, the state-level equipment exchange program
  

• New York State Assistive Technology Advocacy Project
  

• New York State Office of Children & Family Services Equipment Loan Fund
  

• National Cristina Foundation
  

• ALS of Utica
  

• NY State Department of Health Early Intervention
  

• NY State Department of Health Money Follows the Person and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waivers
  

• Regional Contacts for Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver
  
• Northern Regional Center for Independent Living
• The Justice Center Assistive Technology Program
  
  
• Other Regional TRAID Centers
  

TRAID services are available to people of all abilities living in New York State. The local Upstate Caring Partners TRAID is available to those living in Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Montgomery, and Oneida counties, service providers, employers, and educators, as well as those interested in assistive technology. Services are provided without regard to age, race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Through a federal grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Department of Health Early Intervention Program (EI) and the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program, the TRAID Program provides assistive technology for people with disabilities, fosters the development of state and federal policies and programs to enhance the availability of assistive technology.