About Project START - Mississippi Technology Act
Mississippi Project START (Success Through Assistive Rehabilitative Technology) was established to provide information about assistive technology to consumers and other interested parties so they may make informed decisions about available assistive technology services.
START recognizes that many Mississippians with disabilities are unaware of assistive technology and the specialized devices that help persons with disabilities in their daily activities. START’s mission: Empowering Mississippians with disabilities through education awareness and access to Assistive Technology.
Device Demonstration- Device Training
- Public Awareness
- Device Loan Program
- Device Reutilization Program
- Funding Information on Devices
Project START’s goal is to work to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance. In addition, Project START provides the following:
- Provide training and technical assistance for individuals statewide, including representatives of the state and local educational agencies, other state and local agencies, early intervention programs, adult services programs, hospitals and other health care facilities, institutions of higher education, and businesses.
Conduct public awareness activities relating to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of assistive technology devices and services. Examples of public awareness activities include newsletter, presentations, website, and information and referral.- Coordinate and collaborate with public and private entities that are responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for the provision of assistive technology devices and services to individuals with disabilities, services providers, and others to improve access to assistive technology devices and services.
Device Reutilization
Project START coordinates this service in two ways, through:
- Equipment Exchange programs that allow individuals to offer a device or piece of equipment for sale or donation; and
- Equipment recycling program that receive refurbish, store, and sell or donate used devices.
Device Demonstration
Project START provides consumers with information on different types of funding sources such as Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Private Sources.
Project START is dedicated to providing such help statewide to persons of all ages who have any disabling condition. This may include infant with a developmental disability, spinal cord injury, and adult with multiple sclerosis or a senior citizen with a visual impairment.
Assistive Technology is any item, pieces of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with disabilities.
How Can START Help?
Anyone can learn more about assistive technology through Project START. START can provide information on:
- Why assistive devices is available to meet a specific need
- Which companies manufacture the device
- How to order the device
- What funding resources are available to pay for the device
START also offers information on:
- Evaluation of technology needs
- Referral to assistive technology service providers
- Assistive technology training opportunities for service providers, consumers and other such groups
- Development of assistive technology support groups
- Establishment of assistive technology demonstration centers
- Other activities aimed at increasing the access of people with disabilities to assistive technology devices and services
Online Catalog
Donate Equipment
New Technology
