Children's Assistive Technology Services Equips Children for Access and Opportunity

With grant support of $43,500.00 from the Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) and $500.00 from the Smith Mountain Civitan Club, Children's Assistive Technology Services (C.A.T.S.) was able to initiate a comprehensive digital modernization project designed to enhance access to assistive technology for children with disabilities in Virginia.

The grant funded the design and development of a new website, enhanced inventory system, and online ordering platform. These tools will streamline the process of requesting equipment, enable clinicians to submit referrals, and enhance C.A.T.S.’s data management and reporting capabilities. These changes will improve speed, security, data management, and ease of use for families, clinicians, and staff.

C.A.T.S. operates in a space with unique logistical and human challenges. They serve both highly trained pediatric therapists and families who may be navigating assistive technology for the first time, often in multiple languages.

Their system must also facilitate direct communication between families and clinicians, as well as with the clinical staff, to match equipment to a child’s specific needs. They must provide responsive, professional support to troubleshoot issues promptly, as delays in equipment can result in delays in a child’s development. This project is not only a technical upgrade, it is foundational to providing bilingual access, strengthening clinical collaboration, and delivering high-quality, child-centered equipment support. By transitioning to Shopify and Webflow, C.A.T.S. will have a secure, scalable, and visually professional platform that reflects the quality and care they commit to every family across the state.

The enhanced system supports children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families by reducing access barriers. Families can browse equipment, request items, upload documentation, and track orders in real time—features previously unavailable. This improved accessibility benefits families in rural or underserved communities who face travel distances or delays in obtaining specialized devices.

Ultimately, the technology upgrade enables C.A.T.S. to serve more children efficiently, reinforcing their mission to deliver timely, no-cost assistive technology to every child in Virginia in need. C.A.T.S. is deeply grateful to FCIDD and the Smith Mountain Lake Civitan Club for making this transformative project possible. This investment is strengthening the infrastructure that connects Virginia families with life-changing assistive technology.