The Guam System for Assistive Technology or GSAT is a federally-funded program administered by the University of Guam’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CEDDERS) and authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Established in 1995, GSAT provides assistive technology–related services to the Guam community to help children and adults with disabilities live productive, independent, and quality lives.
GSAT has a mission to increase the community’s access to assistive technology by bringing about awareness of AT devices, services, resources, and vendors. Moreover, GSAT strives to help island residents with the acquisition of AT by providing means and resources to obtain desired AT devices and services.
As a program supported through the Assistive Technology Act, GSAT carries out various state level and leadership activities with 67% of funding supporting state level activities. This includes:
- Akudi Program which provides Alternative financing for Assistive Technology devices and services, home modifications, equipment inventory and supplies for businesses owned by qualified individuals with disabilities
- Guam Recycling & Equipment Exchange Service (GREES) – Device reutilization program
- Lending Library – Device loan program
- Demo Center – Device demonstration program
Thirty-three percent (33%) of funding supports state leadership activities of training and technical assistance, public awareness and outreach, information dissemination and referrals, and coordination and collaboration with public and private disability-related entities.