Florida Assistive Technology Program

Tampa General Hospital offers Assistive Technology services through FAAST, Florida’s Assistive Technology Program. A FAAST representative can assist you with the following services:

  • Device demonstrations to learn about and compare features and benefits of a variety of devices

  • Device loans to trial equipment at home, school, work, and community prior to purchasing

  • Training for individuals, professionals and families related to the availability and use of assistive technology

  • Information and referral to programs and vendors who provide assistive technology devices or services.

What Does the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) Do?

The mission of FAAST is to improve the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by increasing access to assistive technology through empowerment and collaboration.

Who Can Benefit from FAAST Services?

  • Individuals with disabilities of all ages
  • Family members and guardians
  • Representatives of:
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
  • Community Living
  • Technology

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is any device, item, piece of equipment, hardware or software that an individual with a disability could use to perform tasks or activities independently.

FAAST Programs and Services

Regional Demonstration Centers

FAAST provides services through Regional Demonstration Centers (RDCs) around the state of Florida. RDCs provides assistive technology training, device demonstrations, short term device loans, and information and assistance activities.

Statewide Lending Library

Through the state lending library, FAAST allows Floridians to trial assistive technology devices at school, work, home, or community. Items are shipped and returned at no charge to the borrower.

Financial Loans

FAAST has an alternative financing program that gives individuals who have a disability the option to purchase assistive technology devices and services through low-interest rate financial loans.

Regional Reuse Centers

Regional Reuse Centers (RRCs) support assistive technology use through recycling and refurbishment. The RRCs accept equipment donations that they clean, repair, and refurbish to go back into the community at no cost to individuals who need an assistive device.

FAAST Regional Demonstration Center (RDC) Services

Device Demonstrations

Our FAAST RDC provides device demonstrations to help Floridians make informed decisions. Comparing and contrasting functions and features through hands-on exploration helps ensure that an informed decision is made prior to purchase.

Short-Term Device Loans

Our FAAST RDC has a variety of assistive technology devices that can be borrowed at no cost to the individual. These short-term loans offer the opportunity to trial devices in the setting in which they will be used.

Training

Our FAAST RDC provides assistive technology presentations and training to increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies regarding assistive technology.

Information and Assistance

Our FAAST RDC can answer questions related to assistive technology devices and services via phone, email or in person visits to our Center.

What types of devices are available from FAAST?

FAAST has AT devices in a variety of categories including:

  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Communication
  • Reminders and Cueing
  • Physical and Mobility
  • Aids for Daily Living
  • Environmental Control Systems
  • Computer Access
  • Recreation and Leisure

Contact Us

TGH Medical Village
2333 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33603

Call (813) 844-7591 or e-mail us at faastcen@tgh.org to schedule an appointment.

Click here to learn more about Florida’s Assistive Technology Program (FAAST).