June 26, 2025 By CDHD IATP delivers reading and learning fun! The Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) is changing lives for people across Idaho. The project focuses on helping people with disabilities and older persons get the assistive technology (AT) they need to thrive in their daily lives. From consultations to hands-on demonstrations, lending libraries to low interest loans, professional training to distribution programs, this full-service project knows how to get the right device in the right hands to overcome barriers and find success at work, school, home and within our communities. This is certainly the case for two Boise-area girls who needed a little reading support. Their mother, Crystal Reyes, was referred to the Project through their physician at St Lukes. “As parents of children with dyslexia, we've seen firsthand the struggles they face with reading and schoolwork. So, when we discovered the IATP Lending Library, we were hopeful, but we never expected the profound impact they would have on our daughters’ lives,” she said. Jeff Mason, one of IATP’s Assistive Technology Consultants, reviewed AT options with Crystal over the phone and explained our lending libraries, which allow people to borrow devices for free to help them make an informed decision before purchasing. IATP Lending Libraries are available at our IATP Resource Centers located across Idaho. The Reyes family visited our lending library at the Boise office, where Jeff met up with them to demonstrate available devices, including reading pen options and colored transparent overlays. He also reviewed built-in accessibility features on their iPad to support reading. "Jeff welcomed us so warmly. Everyone was incredibly friendly and upfront about all the resources they offer,” Crystal said. “They generously loaned us Rocket Pens for a 30-day trial. This no-pressure opportunity allowed our girls to try them out, and frankly, the results were so immediate and positive that we knew we had to buy them well before the trial was over.” The pens have been a success for the Reyes family, helping their daughters build confidence and independence when it comes to their schoolwork. “This was one of my most memorable AT consultations,” said Jeff. “The whole family of five came in together. The girls were a little unsure at first, but once they saw how the tools could help with reading, they were excited to learn. By the end of the visit, they told me it was the ‘best day ever!’. Even better, the girls are excited, finding the fun in learning and reading. They have taken their reading pens to their local library and shared them with their librarians and raved about their experiences with the Project and our Lending Library! “The Rocket Pens have empowered them to progress academically in ways we honestly didn't think possible before,” said Crystal. “We're so incredibly grateful to the Idaho Assistive Technology Project. Their commitment to supporting families like ours is truly commendable, and their welcoming approach – along with their diverse range of resources – makes them an invaluable asset to our community. They've played a huge part in helping our children unlock their full learning potential.” For more information about IATP services, AT lending libraries or how IATP can help you connect with the right AT, please visit the IATP website or contact them at 1 800 432 8324.