Updated: 8/25/2022
At AzTAP, we are committed to supporting independence with assistive technology (AT) for all Arizonans with disabilities by offering a broad spectrum of AT services that are easily available to all.
We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and update our operational protocols regularly to ensure health and safety of our clients and staff, while providing the most comprehensive and easy to access services we can.
In late March of 2022 AzTAP returned to in-person client services with significant PPE and COVID-19 exposure reduction protocols. In addition to in-person client services we have relaxed our COVID-19 protocols to include the following:
General Protocols for In-Person Office or Facility Visits:
AzTAP is returning to providing in person services for clients who are residents of facilities such as assisted/independent living homes, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing, or other types of rehabilitation facilities. We are not providing in person visits to clients in their private residences. If this is needed, please contact us to schedule a virtual or in office service appointment.
If preferred and requested virtual access for all our services via Zoom, phone or email is still available.
AzTAP is recommending but not requiring that clients and their companions (if applicable) mask when interacting with AzTAP staff during an in office or in-person facility appointment. Surgical style masks will be provided if requested.
If you have scheduled an in-person office or facility appointment with an AzTAP staff member and are not feeling well and/or have tested positive for COVID-19, please contact us to switch your appointment to virtual. We can also reschedule you for an in person visit when you are feeling better, have tested negative for COVID-19 and/or completed the CDC prescribed management protocols.
See the following link for guidance: Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
General Overview of Protocol by Client Services:
Device/Equipment Loans- Pick Up and Drop Off:
FedEx shipping will remain as an option for both the AzTAP and the ADE AT loan programs for equipment that we are able to ship. As is our standard operating practice, if you have chosen to have your device loan shipped, the items will be shipped to your chosen address using a 2-day FedEx shipment process. A pre-paid return label, along with instructions on how to return your loan, will be included in the box along with your borrowed AT device(s).
NOTE: All AzTAP borrowers must sign and return our borrower agreement via Adobe Sign, fax, email, or US Mail prior to picking up or having their equipment shipped.
In-Person Device Loan Pickup:
- If you have chosen an in-person pick-up, your AT Specialist will have advised you by phone or email that your loan equipment is ready to be picked up.
- Once you have been notified your loan is ready you may pick up your requested equipment inside the AzTAP office during regular business hours of 8 AM to 5 PM Monday Through Friday (unless you have made other arrangements).
- Your loan equipment will be placed on or next to the pickup/drop off table in the AzTAP lobby.
NOTE: It is preferred that all questions or discussion about the borrowed equipment be managed virtually via phone, Zoom or email after the pick-up.
In-Person Device Loan Drop-Off:
- You may return your borrowed equipment inside the AzTAP office during regular business hours of 8 AM to 5 PM Monday Through Friday (unless you have made other arrangements).
- Once you enter our office place your loan equipment on or next to the pickup/drop off table in the AzTAP lobby.
- If you need assistance getting the equipment up to our office from your vehicle, please contact your AT Specialist to schedule a return appointment.
NOTE: It is preferred that all follow up questions or discussion about the borrowed equipment be managed virtually via phone, Zoom or email after the drop-off.
When borrowing devices from AzTAP you should be aware that, for everyone’s protection, AzTAP has strict sanitization protocols in place. All loan equipment is thoroughly sanitized prior to being borrowed as well as when returning from being loaned.
Device Demonstrations & Information/Assistance Consultations:
See above general protocols for in-person office or facility visits.
Device demonstrations/consultations will be provided by appointment only.
All devices and equipment used are sanitized prior to and following the demonstration appointment.
Training:
See above general protocols for in-person office or facility visits.
In-office, in-person trainings for community organizations are still on hold until further notice.
Training services are available virtually or onsite at your facility or organization.
Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Public Awareness Events:
AzTAP staff will provide tours of our office for small groups of up to five persons by scheduled appointment.
It is recommended but not required that tour participants wear a mask for the duration of their tour/visit.
Tours for groups of six or more persons will be provided virtually.
Please contact us to discuss your event or to make a tour request.
Technical Assistance:
See above general protocols for in-person office or facility visits.
AzTAP will resume normal operations for Technical Assistance services.
Adaptive Gaming Clinic:
See above general protocols for in-person office or facility visits.
Clinic appointments for demonstration or consultations will be provided by appointment only.
All devices and equipment used are sanitized prior to and following the demonstration appointment.
Please note that other AzTAP services will continue to operate as usual. These include:
Assistive Technology Reuse (ATEX, Refurbit or AT/DME Reuse Coalition Related Services):
AzTAP’s online AT/DME Reuse services and Refurbit programs have not changed and remain fully operational. Our staff members will continue to serve you via phone and email to answer questions about applying for the Refurbit program, our AT Exchange, and Reuse Coalition sites, assist with the posting of ads or the search for equipment as well as with identifying other Reuse resources.
Alternative Financing (Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology – AzLAT):
The Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT) program services have not changed and remain fully operational. Program applications and information are available on our website, or they can be mailed to you. Our staff members are available to answer questions about the program, assist with the completion of applications and take new applications via email, telephone, or other electronic mediums.
If you have specific questions about or need clarification on any of these protocols, please contact us at 602.728.9534 / 1.800.477.9921, via Relay 711 or via email at AskAzTAP@nau.edu.