Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) operates an extensive equipment loan program through which Manitobans who have challenges with their speech and their service providers can assess the everyday usefulness of a communication device by trying it for a free, six-week trial.

What are communications devices?

Communications devices are electronic communication aids that enable people with impaired speech to communicate with others by picture, word, and simulated or recorded voice. Called augmentative and alternative communications (AAC), these devices are designed for people with a wide range of speech impairments and physical disabilities. The devices run in size from a large yo-yo or a small notepad, to a standard computer keyboard. They can include screens or keyboards that are activated by touch, scanning, or even eye blinks.

Such devices enable children and adults with impaired speech to project their wishes and thoughts to others in symbols or language that are widely understood. Most devices can be modified for individual needs and lifestyles, allowing for the creation of specific phrases of useful messages or speech. Using their communications device, people with impaired speech can hold conversations, make requests, draw, and write e-mails. This means that speech-impaired individuals can interact not only with those who are familiar with their particular communications style but also with those who are not. The expansion in everyday communications can enable speech-impaired individuals to reach new levels of independence.

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Who can borrow equipment?

The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) lends communication devices for a ten-week trial to Manitobans of all ages who have challenges with speech. There is no age limit for using the Centre's resources, and a referral is not required. Individuals do not lose support when they reach the age of majority, move to a different setting, or experience a change in diagnosis or disability.

However, experience shows that the equipment trial is most successful when an individual's own speech therapist and service providers are involved in the initial selection of equipment, and throughout the trial period. Thus, OARC prefers to partner with service providers throughout the province, providing them with the knowledge of communications devices they need to improve the communications of those they are helping.


Some of the disabilities of the individuals that OARC serves include:

       Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gherig's Disease)
       Apraxic
       Autism
       Brain injury
       Cerebral Palsy
       Developmental Delay
       Down Syndrome
       Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
       Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
       Multiple Sclerosis
       Muscular Dystrophy
       Rhetts
       Stroke

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Why borrow equipment?

Borrowing a communication device from the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) provides individuals and their service providers with an opportunity to assess the suitability of equipment, at no cost. In most cases, the six-week loan period is long enough to determine whether or not the equipment contributes to a more productive and independent life for someone by improving his or her ability to communicate. A satisfactory equipment trial provides evidence that the particular equipment can improve a person's quality of life. Chances of getting funding for the eventual purchase of equipment improve when prior success with the equipment can be documented.

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How does the equipment loan program work?

In partnership with service providers, the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) lends equipment to Manitobans on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals may borrow any single piece of equipment free for a ten-week loan period.

At the start, OARC's staff helps in selecting the right equipment by matching the person's physical and language abilities to the equipment's mode of operation and vocabulary. When the loan period begins, OARC trains individuals and service providers in the operation and programming of the equipment so that the equipment keeps pace with the ongoing communications' needs of individuals. The equipment may be used at home, in the community, at school or at a place of work. During the loan period, OARC staff is available to help with any problems that might arise. After the ten weeks are up, the equipment is returned to OARC. Subject to equipment availability, the same equipment may now be reserved for another ten-week loan period, or another piece of equipment may be borrowed for another ten-week trial.

Some pieces of equipment are readily available at the OARC, but others demand a waiting time of several months. In the case of popular devices, the waiting time may be up to one year.

If the trial has been satisfactory, individuals may decide to purchase their own equipment. If outside funding for the purchase is needed, OARC can often help in the task by verifying that the equipment chosen suits the individual's communication needs and if requested can provide a quote of the cost of equipment.

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Lending guidelines

       OARC operates on a first-come, first-served basis. - High-demand equipment can require a waiting time from several months to a year.
       OARC is open to the public - Individuals, families, professionals, and service providers may all access the services of the Centre.
       OARC encourages a team approach - Working with existing teams in the community leads to the best use of communications devices.
       OARC finds information - To assist in the best selection and use of devices, information on devices is updated regularly.
       OARC offers training - Individuals and service providers are trained on the use of equipment they borrow. Visit our Education and Training page for more information on programs offered by OARC.

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Where is the equipment depot?

Winnipeg residents can pick up their equipment from the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) office, which is located at:

316 Tache Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2H 2A4

Rural residents can pick up their equipment from the depot, or they can ask for the equipment to be shipped to them C.O.D. by bus or courier.

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What happens after the ten-week loan period?

After the ten-week loan is up, individuals return the equipment to the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC). At this time, individuals may borrow another device of the same or different type, if one is available. Otherwise, their names go on a waiting list for the equipment they want. While some equipment has no waiting time, other pieces have a waiting time of up to a year.

If the trial has demonstrated that the borrowed device has been useful in helping an individual communicate better with others, he or she may decide to purchase his or her own equipment. Often funding agencies are more willing to sponsor the purchase of equipment if individuals can demonstrate that the equipment meets their needs, and that their ability to communicate with others has improved as a result of its use.

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Lending terms

The borrower pays no fee to the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) for the loan of a communications device. However, when a piece of equipment is borrowed, individuals are responsible for the care and safekeeping of the equipment while it is in their possession. Borrowers must agree to return the equipment in clean, good working condition at the end of the loan period. If the equipment breaks down, or if it is lost or stolen while on loan, borrowers pay no repair or replacement costs, provided that they have acted responsibly towards the equipment.


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