FAQ

http://myatprogram.org/home/46 is our website for viewing our current inventory and requesting items for loan.  You will need to create an account to request items and the public is welcome to add their own items for sale or free.

It is South Dakota’s program for linking you to assistive technology devices and services, in situations where your day-to-day functioning is impaired due to a disability, injury, or aging.

Any product, whether commercially manufactured or homemade, that helps you overcome a functional limitation. Devices can be as simple as pencil grips or as sophisticated as cars with driver adaptations. These devices ensure access and full participation in the community, school, workplace and home.

Evaluations/assessments, followed up by any assistance that helps you acquire a device and learn to use it. Assistive technology services could also mean guidance in working through any difficulties with the device that may arise, or referral to other specialty agencies.

The state of South Dakota committed to this program in 1992 and contracts with Black Hills Special Services Cooperative to make it operational across the state. Guided by an advisory council where the majority of members have disabilities and use assistive technology themselves, or are family members of people who use assistive technology, DakotaLink staff prepares a statewide assistive technology plan every three years. Certified assistive technology specialists based in Aberdeen, Brookings, Rapid City and Sioux Falls deliver the programs services. 

The federal Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended in 2004 provides DakotaLink with funds restricted to specific uses. For example, that funding can never be used to buy devices for individuals or to provide a comprehensive assistive technology evaluation. While many services are free, in order to be more comprehensive, DakotaLink is encouraged by the state and federal government to provide additional services that can happen only on a fee-for-service basis.

Yes. There are other agencies and organizations in South Dakota that provide funding to qualifying individuals. The staff at DakotaLInk can provide you information on existing financial resources.

At one of the four DakotaLink demonstration centers located in Aberdeen, Brookings, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls. Obviously DakotaLink doesn’t own every device available, but it has a sampling for demonstration, including new and innovative ones just now available.

Yes. DakotaLink has a device loan program from which devices in stock may be borrowed for up to two weeks to help decide if a device is right for you.

No. DakotaLink services are for anyone with a need. Clients range from school children struggling in the classroom to senior citizens whose functional limitations are part of the natural aging process.

DakotaLink staff can provide you with information and referral to a wide variety of assistive technology vendors and manufacturers who do business in South Dakota as well as nationally.