The Coalition for Assistive Technology in Oregon (CATO) offers two grant programs open to Oregon residents. One is for families of children with disabilities and the other is for educational programs that serve students with disabilities.
Grants to Families
Grants of assistive technology are awarded to Oregon families of children with disabilities ages two to twenty. Equipment is loaned on a long-term basis to families (e.g, until outgrown or no longer needed). Requested equipment must be needed at home but may also be used at school. The Board of Directors CATO meets periodically to review applications and make equipment awards.
APPLICATION CRITERIA for Grants to Families
CATO applications will be scored based on the following criteria.
- Planned use to enhance functional capabilities of the student.
- Demonstration that device augments abilities and enhances independence.
- Team recommendation
- Prior Evaluation
- Trial Period with the requested equipment
- Technical support available
- Predetermined Goals for the child’s use of the equipment.
- Need
Click here to download a CATO grant application form for a child you know. There are two formats, one is a form to print and complete with a pen CATO Application printable and and one is a form with text boxes that can be completed on the computer CATO Application Fillable.
Grants to Programs
The CATO grants to programs are for creative ideas that will increase or expand access to assistive technology or demonstrate a new way to use AT for their students with disabilities. Examples might include creating or expanding an AT lending library, developing basic AT kits for classrooms, conducting a research project on the effectiveness of a specific AT device or type of AT, or other uses that will benefit infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities. Applications will be accepted from programs in Oregon that serve children with disabilities ages Birth-21 including Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, and school age services.
APPLICATION CRITERIA for Grants to Programs
Applications will be judged on the following criteria:
- Planned use of the AT being requested to meet project goals.
- Apparent knowledge of program staff requesting AT.
- Innovative use.
- Potential to benefit students with disabilities.
- Administrative support for project/request.
- Description of how project effectiveness will be evaluated.
Click here to download an application for programs. There are two formats. One is a form to print and complete with a pen CATO Application Programs printable and and one is a form with text boxes that can be completed on the computer CATO Application Programs fillable.