Resource Library

RCIL's Assistive Device Library contains a broad range of assistive devices and equipment. The library is open to the general public for trial loans of assistive technology prior to purchase, and also provides a number of computer stations for use in document writing, internet access, and software previews.

The Assistive Device Library opened at the Utica center in 1992 through the Paul H. Pozefsky Memorial Fund. Our unique library loan system provides members the opportunity to borrow and evaluate equipment and devices for up to 30 days. If a device is not available, you can be placed on a waiting list. Staff will gladly assist you on site or over the phone.

Delivery close to your home

The library is also a member of the Mid-York mobile delivery system to libraries in Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison counties. With a Mid-York library card, items can be delivered via this system to a destination closer to your home.

What the library does

Library program activities include outreach and awareness, assisting consumers to evaluate technologies designed to increase their independence, supporting consumers in the acquisition and training of those technologies, advocacy efforts to increase the availability of technology, and strategies for using new and developing technologies.

RCIL's Library is a member of the national Alliance for Technology Access (ATA), a national nonprofit network of 46 centers/agencies and over 80 developers and vendors of assistive technology, several rehabilitation engineering centers, and university and medical-based programs. RCIL's technology library is the only ATA center in New York State. As an ATA site, RCIL works with the Alliance to stay current, promote the development of new technology, support policies that increase access, and consult on the design and delivery of adaptive technology for people with disabilities.

Swing by our Wed night Open Lab

In addition to the following lending library resources, the Utica center's Technology program offers an Open Lab on Wednesdays from 3 - 6 PM for walk-in assistance or to explore the hundreds of software programs available for both Mac and PC. Parents, professionals, and children of all ages can preview software on site at the library. The Technology program's selection covers academic, voice-activated, auditory feedback, switch-activated, and organizational software.

Technology available to lend

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) benefits people with significant communication disabilities through improved relationships, greater self esteem, increased community participation and independence, and enhanced employment opportunities.

Examples of AAC devices available for loan include:

Action Voice
Big Mack
Step by Step
Dynavox
Liberator
Macaw
LightWriter
Speak Easy
Say-It-All
Go Talk

Accessible Toy Lending Library

Access to adapted toys allows children with disabilities a sense of control over their environment. By using a variety of switches that can be pressed, sipped, gripped, or hit, battery-operated toys like a fire truck or a talking doll can become accessible. The Accessible Toy Lending Library offers over 110 toys and switches specially adapted for children with disabilities.

Ask about our toy-adapting workshops!

All of the KidTech creative play programs at RCIL are designed for children of all abilities. The KidTech mailing list is available to alert parents, teachers, kids, and caregivers of upcoming events. Simply contact the Technology Library to be added to the mailing list.

Assistive Listening Device Library

With generous support from the Lions Hearing Conservation Society of District 20-Y2, RCIL offers Assistive Listening Device Loan-Out centers in Amsterdam, Herkimer, and Utica.

The library welcomes donations of used hearing aids for the Lions Hearing Aid Bank. Used hearing aids are collected, refurbished, and distributed to people in need. You may drop off used hearing aids to any of the RCIL centers. Through the Lions Conservation Hearing Aids Assistance Program, the centers can also assist people in need of hearing aids.

The loan-out centers include such devices as the following:

TDD and TTY phones
Alerting systems
Smoke detectors
Vibrating alarm clocks
Amplified phones
Telephone handsets
FM systems
Infrared TV listening
Closed caption decoders for TV
Amplification devices

We also have Assistive Listening Devices in the Amsterdam and Herkimer offices.

Independent Living and Employment Aids

Devices in this category assist people to achieve independent living and employment success. In addition to the items available for loan and evaluation, the Resource Library has knowledgeable staff and a wide range of catalogs available for locating assistive devices for purchase. Devices available for loan include the following:

Phone accessories
Dressing assistance
Kitchen and cooking items
Emergency response systems
Medication organizers and reminders
Memory aids
Voice organizers
Motion alert systems
Recreational aids
Alternative keyboards
Trackballs and other computer hardware

Print and Media Resources

A comprehensive selection of print and video resources spanning a wide range of disability issues and products are available for loan. Books and videos cover a variety of topics, including women with disabilities, parenting issues, Individualized Employment Plans, accessible travel, and caregiver guides.

Library Membership

The Library has two levels of annual membership:

Individual/Family -- $20 per year
Agency/School -- $100 per year (per site)

Membership benefits include the following:

Unlimited access to the computer lab (based on availability)
Orientation to the lab and its software, equipment, and other resources
First purchase of assistive technology at a 10% discount
Individual members receive a free one-hour, 1:1 informal interview/evaluation of personal adapted technology needs
Agency members receive a free one-hour workshop of their choice on assistive technology (AT) or a free 1:1 informal interview/evaluation
Electronic monthly emails regarding AT information
Agency members are offered accessible technology resources and tools to help enhance accessibility for current audiences and reach out to new audiences
With any AT purchase, members receive a $5 discount on 1:1 instructional training/setup (normally $20.00) at the library or $10 off a home visit (normally $65) -- please ask about the specifics for this benefit.

Application forms are available upon request. Contact RCIL for more information.

Additional Library Benefits

RCIL is an authorized Verizon Lifeline agent. This program offers the following benefits:

Reduced rates on home telephone service to eligible customers
Free adapted phone equipment (qualified persons can apply through the library)

Eligibility Requirements for the Verizon LifeLine Program include the following:

You must be eligible for Lifeline services, be a current Verizon LifeLine Service customer, or be the dependent (spouse or child) of an eligible LifeLine applicant
You must have Verizon residential phone service (you must live in the Verizon NY service area)
You or your dependent must be certified as having a disability -- deaf, hard of hearing, a vision, speech, motion, or cognitive impairment, or any combination of these disabilities -- that requires the use of assistive telephone equipment

To qualify for free assistive equipment, you must be on Verizon LifeLine service or be eligible for it -- that is, you must first be eligible for benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You also need to have a certified disability that prevents you from using a regular telephone. The equipment covers the full range from TTYs and volume-amplified telephones to light signalers, loud-tone ringers, and large-number and hands-free telephones.

The following applications are available through the Resource Library:

Welcome to RCIL

Resource Center for Independent Living