Many augmentative communication systems offer attractive features to help individuals communicate more effectively.  To find a system which meets an individual’s specific needs, a comprehensive assessment of AAC is recommended that is conducted by a speech language pathologist. 

Forbes AAC

Description:  Loan library of low and high tech equipment available to trial for free.  Must fill out a PDF Security Agreement and submit other paperwork such as copy of insurance cards, ROI, client information form. Given a order number to reference.

Loan Period: Unspecified time period, return shipping labels included.

Requests: Submit your request via web portal or email.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

PRC - Saltillo

Description:  PRC-Saltillo’s Trial Device Program allows families and SLPs to request a 4-week trial with their speech-generating devices. This is a free program that uses insurance information or a credit card to secure the device. If pursuing a purchase of the device after the trial, a 4-week extension can be granted as long as all funding paperwork is submitted by the end of the extension. If not pursuing purchase, ship device back to PRC-Saltillo with included return shipping label at the end of the 4 weeks.

Loan Period:  4-week trial, with option to extend, return shipping labels included.

Requests: Fill out online submission form.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

Smartbox Assistive Technology

Description:  High-tech AAC dynamic display device available for free rental in the United Kingdom, Ireland and in the United States.

Loan Period:  2-week, no-fee loan period for high-tech equipment.

Requests: Fill out online submission form.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

Talk to Me Technologies

Description:  Customized loan request devised by sales representative of high and low tech equipment. No fees associated with loan and no commitment to purchase.

Loan Period:  4-week period for individuals no fee, return labels included

    8-week period for evaluation center (SLPs/schools/clinics) no fee, return labels included

Requests:  Electronic form submitted from website link.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

Tobii Dynavox

Description:  Four week funded trial of high and low tech equipment that is paid for by personal insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.  Complimentary loan available for the speech language pathologist for shorter term period if SGD remains in SLP possession and assumes liability during the rental period.

Loan Period: 4-week period, return shipping labels are included.

Requests: Download a PDF form to print, fill out and fax or scan an email copy back to trials@tobiidynavox.com. 

Exchange/Reuse: No information available.

Ablenet Switches and Digitized Speech Devices

Description:  Request a loan for up to 5 different pieces of low tech AAC equipment at a time free of charge.

Loan Period: 2-week period, return shipping labels are included.

Requests: Email customerservice@ablenetinc.com, and instructions for creating a free account to login to fill out a form.

Exchange/Reuse: No information available.

Ablenet QuickTalker Freestyle

Description:  High tech AAC dynamic display device available for free rental.

Loan Period:  2-week period, return shipping labels are included.

Requests:  Email directly with sales representative, fill out paperwork provided by sales representative.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

PACER Center- Simon Technology Center

Description:  Searchable online catalog. Members from Minnesota may request no tech, low, and high tech equipment rental. $50.00 per family/individual annual fee up to 4 pieces of equipment at a time, and $200.00 organizational fee for all members within the organization to utilize up to 8 pieces of equipment at a time. Out-of-state annual membership fees differ.

Loan Period:  Unspecified time period. Mailed or curbside pick-up, drop-off available.

Requests:  Fill out online submission form, email or phone call.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

Team Gleason

Description:  Steve Gleason's foundation, Team Gleason, has provided over $6 million in assistive technology for people living with ALS to help them continue to live purposeful and productive lives.

Loan Period:  Unspecified time period. 

Requests:  Fill out online inquiry.

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

ALS Association

Description:  Minnesotans diagnosed with ALS may request a free device demonstration (low/high tech).

Loan Period:  Unspecified time period.

Requests:  Phone call: 612-672-0484

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

Center for Independent Living Technology Program (CILNM)

Description:  Provides information and referrals for assistive technology and devices for those living in Northern Minnesota.

Loan Period:  Unspecified time period.

Requests:  Email: info@accessnorth.net 

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

St. Cloud State University-Assistive Technology Lending Library (SCSE-ATLL)

Description:  The SCSU ATLL supports Minnesota residents with disabilities who want more information or to try an assistive technology device before buying. They provide education, resources, and hands-on interactions with assistive technology. We aim to make the world more inclusive by addressing and eliminating barriers using assistive technology. They offer demonstrations in person or via Zoom for individuals, classrooms, faculty members, organizations and community members. To schedule a demonstration to learn more about our assistive technology program, use the following link to fill out a form and a staff member will contact you.  To borrow an assistive technology device from one of the 11 AT Lending Libraries in the state, including SCSE, please create an account and request the device at the Minnesota Assistive Technology 4 All website. 

Loan Period:  Unspecified time period.

Requests:  Website: https://mn.at4all.com/  

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

Regional Assistive Technology Center

Description:  Minnesota State University Moorhead inventory of switches, switch toys, GoTalk, and mounts available for trial.

Loan Period:  Short-term and open-ended loans.

Requests:  Contact the Speech, Language & Hearing Clinic.  Email: speechclinic@mnstate.edu 

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

STAR Program

Description:  A (STAR) is federally funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. STAR is located within the Minnesota Department of Administration. Searchable device database. Once you identify the device you are seeking and why you are seeking it, submit an email request for a loan. Device loans are free of charge, but customers are asked to complete a short survey.  Numerous low tech  AAC devices to high tech dedicated systems are available.  An AAC Consideration Kit is available with a guided process for determining if a student can benefit from AAC and if so, what features are needed. 

Loan Period:  Short-term (30 days) and open-ended loans (>30 days) are available.

Requests:  Email: star.program@state.mn.us 

Exchange/Reuse:  Exchange and Reuse programs available. https://mn.gov/admin/star/program-services/reuse/device-exchange.jsp  

South Eastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living

Description:  SEMCIL offices in Rochester and Winona.  Assistive Technology (AT) is a device, tool, piece of equipment or service that assists a person with a disability in maintaining or increasing their independence in performing tasks of daily living. AT can be very simple, for example large font print or a rubber gripper. Or, AT can be very high tech, such as computer access software or environmental controls.  SEMCIL offers information on AT products, services and adaptive equipment to educate consumers, family members and the community. SEMCIL staff help consumers locate AT and make informed choices about what works for them.

Loan Period:  Unspecified loan period.

Requests:  Fill out contact information form for submission.  www.semcil.org/contact/ 

Exchange/Reuse:  No information available.

To suggest a new AAC resource or to report a broken link, please send an email to mnshaaac@gmail.com.