The Assistive Tech “Library” Most Families Don’t Know About
A little-known New York program is helping families try life-changing devices—FOR FREE—before spending thousands
There’s a program in New York that quietly solves one of the biggest challenges families of children and adults with disabilities face: how to know what actually works before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on it.
It’s called the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities program, or TRAID. And for many families, it can mean the difference between guessing and getting it right.
The TRAID program is a statewide initiative designed to increase access to assistive technology for people with disabilities. Through regional centers across New York, it offers free device loans, hands-on demonstrations, training, and guidance. The goal is simple but powerful. It helps people access tools that support independence at home, in school, at work, and in everyday life.
What makes TRAID stand out is that you don’t have to buy anything to try it.
In many ways, it functions like a library. But instead of books, you can borrow assistive technology. That might include communication devices, mobility supports, sensory tools, visual aids, or computer access equipment. Families can take these items home, use them in real-life situations, and return them when they’re done. There is no cost and no commitment.
That model matters more than people realize. Assistive technology is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one child may not work for another. What seems effective in a clinical setting may fall apart at home. And many of these devices come with a high price tag, making trial and error financially unrealistic for most families.
TRAID creates a middle ground. It allows individuals to try before they invest, to fill gaps while waiting on insurance or approvals, and to access tools they might not otherwise be able to afford. In some cases, it can be the bridge that helps someone function more independently or remain safely in their home.
A Federally Funded Program with a National Reach
What many people don’t realize is that TRAID is not just a local or state initiative. It is part of a federally funded system designed to exist in every state.
The program is supported through grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, along with state partners.
It also falls under the broader Assistive Technology Act, a federal law that ensures every state and territory operates a statewide assistive technology program to help individuals access and use these tools.
That means programs like TRAID are not unique to New York. There are similar “assistive technology libraries” across all 50 states, designed to:
Provide device loans
Offer demonstrations and training
Help individuals make informed decisions before purchasing equipment
In other words, this is not a small pilot program. It is part of a nationwide system built to increase independence and access for people with disabilities.
The Long Island Connection
For families on Long Island, this resource is closer than many realize. The TRAID program is available locally through the Suffolk Independent Living Organization, serving both Suffolk and Nassau counties.
That means access to demonstrations, support, and device loans is not something abstract. It is right here in the community.
Another key benefit is the ability to browse available devices online. Through the statewide assistive technology network, families can search for equipment, explore different categories, and begin to understand what might work for their specific needs. It brings a level of clarity to a process that often feels overwhelming. Instead of starting from scratch, families can see what exists and begin making informed decisions before ever stepping into a center.
Who This Helps Most
This program is especially valuable for those who are just beginning to explore assistive technology, those who cannot afford to purchase equipment outright, or those waiting on funding through insurance, school systems, or OPWDD. It also supports caregivers, educators, and therapists who are trying to find the right tools for the people they serve.
Programs like TRAID don’t always get attention. They are not flashy, and they don’t come with headlines. But they solve real problems. They reduce financial risk, remove guesswork, and provide access in a way that feels practical and immediate.
There are families right now trying to figure out what works through trial and error. There are children using tools that don’t quite fit. There are adults who could be more independent with the right support in place.
And sitting quietly in the background is a program built around a simple idea. Try it first. Then decide.
Learn More & Browse Devices
Suffolk County TRAID Program:
https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Elected-Officials/County-Executive/People-With-Disabilities/Technology-Related-Assistance-Program-TRAID-
Browse Available Devices (Loan Library):
https://myatprogram.org/DeviceLoan/Search