Minnesota STAR Program
A System of Technology to Achieve Results
A System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) is located within the Minnesota Department of Administration. STAR's mission is to help ALL MINNESOTANS with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. The Minnesota STAR Program is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration in accordance with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (P.L. 108-364).
Survey: Open-ended Loans
The Minnesota STAR Program is exploring the possibility of offering open-ended device loans, which would allow a borrower to keep a device as long as needed. The borrower would be required to return the device once it is no longer needed. Your input on open-ended loans and areas of need is important to STAR, and we hope you will take time to complete a short survey by clicking on the link below.
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/798561/Open-ended-Loans
Simply Said: Understanding Assistive Technology & Assistive Technology Lending Libraries
Through a grant with the MN STAR program PACER created two videos about assistive technology. Inspired by the video style of Common Craft, these Simply Said videos were created to help others better understand assistive technology and assistive technology lending libraries. We hope you find them useful.
Stay Informed: Join STAR's Email List
Discuss and share assistive technology information and receive weekly accessibility tips by subscribing to STAR Point. If you need assistance subscribing, please call 651-201-2640, 651-201-2297or email star.program@state.mn.us.
Free ZAM Communicators Available
The Minnesota STAR program recently received a shipment of ZAM Communicators donated by AstraZeneca, a Delaware-based pharmaceutical company. This device was originally designed to help patients and medical professionals communicate with each other. It has built-in handles and comes with an optional table & wall mount for tabletop use and easy storage. While the ZAM Communicator does not have voice output, it does have a two-sided LCD screen that displays typed messages. The device contains an alphabet keypad on one side and pre-made messages including a pain meter on the reverse side. It is approximately 9 inches wide and 11 inches high. A docking station for charging the ZAM Communicator is included and equipped with an indicator light to let the user know when the device is fully charged.
Because this device may no longer be distributed to hospitals, medical facilities, and healthcare professionals, STAR is able to give this device directly to individuals who can benefit from using it to communicate. This is a limited offer, good only while supplies last. The device may not be sold and STAR requests that the device be returned if no longer needed. The ZAM Communicator is being provided as is; AstraZeneca, the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota STAR Program make no warranty and assume no liability on the device or any of the included components.
If you would like to request a ZAM Communicator or need additional information, please contact STAR at 651-201-2640 or via email at star.program@state.mn.us .
Visit The Campaign for Disability Employment Web site.
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Directory of Funding and Assistive Technology Resources
Looking for resources to help you try or buy assistive technology? Check out the online edition of our Directory of Funding and Assistive Technology Resources.
Minnesota E-Government Accessibility/Usability Compliments and Concerns Line
Having accessibility or usability problems with any Minnesota state government Web site or software? Or have you used a state Web site or software that works especially well for people with disabilities? We want to hear about your experiences. Please visit the new Minnesota E-Government Accessibility/Usability Compliments and Concerns Line.
