KATS Network

What KATS Network does

KATS Network (Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network) is the designated statewide Assistive Technology Act program for Kentucky, operating as a government-administered program under the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation within the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Education and Labor Cabinet. Headquartered at 1324 Madison Avenue in Covington, KY, the organization provides free and low-cost assistive technology (AT) services to Kentuckians with disabilities across all age groups, along with their families, caregivers, and the state agency personnel and service providers who support them. It is a public-benefit coordinating center rather than a for-profit technology company.

The organization's service portfolio includes the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator (a free device-locator platform built in partnership with AT4ALL that enables borrowing, buying, selling, and donating AT), Project CARAT (which collects, refurbishes, and redistributes used AT and durable medical equipment to underserved individuals), a Lending Library for short-term device loans, and Demonstration Centers where individuals and professionals can try devices before purchase. Financial assistance pathways include the Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund (AATLF) offering 0% interest mini-loans up to $7,000 with terms up to 48 months, the SHARP savings program, and various Equipment Distribution Programs. The RampUp! KY portable ramp loaner program distributes short-term ramp loans (up to 6 months) through 14 distribution sites statewide in partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Centers for Independent Living, and the University of Kentucky. KATS Network does not develop proprietary technology products; it serves as a technical resource hub providing guidance on WCAG 2.1, Section 508, and accessibility best practices for web content, PDFs, Microsoft Office applications, and forms.

KATS Network operates on a non-commercial funding model rather than a revenue-generating model. It is funded by federal Assistive Technology Act appropriations and state funding routed through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, supplemented by grants such as the Reeve Foundation's High Impact AT Grant. Services are primarily free to eligible Kentucky residents, with equipment redistribution (Project CARAT) and portable ramp loans (RampUp! KY) provided at low or no cost. Distribution is direct through the central coordinating center and 14 partner sites, plus phone, email, and web-based intake. Strategic relationships include core partnerships with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Centers for Independent Living, University of Kentucky, and AT4ALL, with secondary educational partnerships supporting the annual AT Workshop.

Name

KATS Network

Legal name

Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network Coordinating Center

Website

https://katsnet.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

KATS Network is Kentucky's designated statewide Assistive Technology Act program, operated under the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide free AT device reuse, lending, demonstrations, 0% interest loans, and accessibility guidance to Kentuckians with disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Assistive Technology Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education (SPED), IEP & Accessibility/Assistive Technology (EDAJAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

AT Funding, Procurement & Compliance Support (IEP/504 Documentation) (EDAKAIAJ), Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF)

Keywords

• Assistive technology services
• Disability support programs
• Adaptive equipment reuse
• Digital accessibility guidance
• Accessibility funding assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Louisville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

KATS Network is Kentucky's designated statewide Assistive Technology Act program, providing free and low-cost assistive technology services to Kentuckians with disabilities. Core offerings include the Kentucky AT Locator platform for connecting people with devices, Project CARAT for equipment reuse and refurbishment, a Lending Library for short-term device loans, Demonstration Centers for hands-on exploration, the AATLF 0% interest loan program (up to $7,000), RampUp! KY portable ramp loans, SHARP savings program, and digital accessibility guidance resources.

Product overview

KATS Network (Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network) is a non-profit organization providing a comprehensive suite of assistive technology services for Kentuckians with disabilities. The organization operates as a platform of interconnected programs including the Kentucky AT Locator (a free device-locator and sharing platform), Project CARAT (AT reuse and refurbishment), a Lending Library for short-term equipment loans, and Demonstration Centers for hands-on AT exploration. Financial assistance is available through the Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund (AATLF) offering 0% interest loans up to $7,000, SHARP savings programs, and various equipment distribution programs. The RampUp! KY program provides portable ramp loans for short-term needs. All services are supported by the Assistive Technology Resource Guide, fact sheets, and Information & Referral services to help individuals navigate funding options and access appropriate technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Project CARAT: Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology program that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes assistive technology and durable medical equipment to underserved individuals with disabilities in Kentucky.
• RampUp! KY
• Kentucky AT Locator

Products and services

• Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator (AT Locator) A free service connecting Kentuckians to assistive technology devices. Users can register for an account to borrow devices, find used devices for free or low-cost, sell used equipment, give away devices, and place want ads. Operated in partnership with AT4ALL.
• Project CARAT Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology program that enables underserved individuals with disabilities throughout Kentucky by collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME).
• Lending Library A network of lending library programs offering individuals the opportunity to borrow assistive technology equipment on a short-term basis. Requests for devices can be made by the individual, a family member, friend, or advocate.
• Demonstration Centers Centers providing a place for people of all ages and abilities, family members, caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, and other professionals to see, learn about, and try out the latest assistive technology.
• Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund (AATLF) Statewide non-profit organization helping Kentuckians with disabilities and older adults get assistive technology by offering financial loans (Mini-Loans up to $7,000 at 0% interest, up to 48-month term) to purchase assistive technology devices and services.
• RampUp! KY Portable ramp loaner program established through a Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation High Impact Assistive Technology Grant, providing short-term loans (up to 6 months) of portable aluminum ramps in various lengths through 14 distribution sites across Kentucky.
• SHARP Program to help individuals pay for assistive technology through a savings program.
• Equipment Distribution Programs Programs that distribute assistive technology at little to no cost to the individual, often supported through government funding and grants with specific eligibility requirements.
• Technical Assistance Expert technical assistance services for assistive technology-related inquiries and support, including digital accessibility guidance for WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 compliance.
• Information & Referral Information and referral services connecting individuals with disabilities to appropriate assistive technology resources and services across Kentucky.
• Assistive Technology Resource Guide A comprehensive guide designed to help Kentuckians with disabilities, family members, caregivers, state agency personnel, and service providers navigate the maze of assistive technology funding sources in Kentucky.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOVR is a key partner in co-hosting the annual Assistive Technology Workshop and serves as the parent agency for KATS Network. The partnership provides administrative oversight and enables coordinated service delivery across Kentucky's disability services system.
• Centers for Independent LivingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Centers for Independent Living across Kentucky enables the RampUp! KY portable ramp loan program to operate through 14 distribution sites statewide, extending service reach to underserved areas.
• University of KentuckycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Kentucky partners with KATS Network and Centers for Independent Living on the RampUp! KY portable ramp loan program, providing academic support and research capabilities.
• Kentucky State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm served as the venue for the 2022 Summer Assistive Technology Workshop, demonstrating ongoing educational partnership.
• Superior Van and MobilityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored lunch at the 2022 Summer Assistive Technology Workshop, demonstrating community partnership and support for assistive technology education events.
• Kentucky Commission on the Deaf & Hard of HearingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferenced as a related program in the AT Resource Guide, providing complementary services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP).
• AT4ALL (Assistive Technology for All)coreTechnology or IntegrationKATS Network partners with AT4ALL to operate the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator, a free statewide service connecting Kentuckians to AT devices through borrowing, buying, selling, and giving away equipment.

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• RESNA: Professional society for AT practitioners, suppliers, and consumers; issues credentials (ATP, SMS) and develops standards. Operates in the same AT ecosystem as KATS but as a membership/credentialing body rather than direct service provider.
• Easterseals: National federation of ~70 affiliates providing disability and AT services across the U.S., including state-level AT programs (e.g., Easterseals Crossroads/INDATA). Operates overlapping services (demos, lending, reuse, accessibility) but as part of a much broader disability services portfolio.
• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: National paralysis/disability nonprofit and current KATS partner/funder via the High Impact Assistive Technology Grant for RampUp! KY. Funds AT programs nationwide and adjacent to KATS's mission, but at a much broader geographic and programmatic scale.
• The Arc: National organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through ~700 state/local chapters, with overlapping AT and disability-resource functions. Broader mission but adjacent service categories to KATS's reach into IDD populations.

Direct peers

• Ability Tools (California): California's state AT Act program administered via the Department of Rehabilitation. Provides device lending, reuse, demonstrations, and funding navigation across a much larger population — most direct parallel to KATS's multi-channel service ecosystem, just scaled.
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN): National free consulting service that provides individualized guidance on workplace accommodations and AT. Mirrors KATS's Information & Referral and Technical Assistance functions and serves individuals with disabilities, employers, and service providers through a similar content-and-consult model.
• AbleData: Federally-funded national database of assistive technology products, fact sheets, and consumer guides hosted by the Administration for Community Living. Performs the same content-publication/reference-aggregator role as KATS's AT Resource Guide and fact sheet library.
• Georgia Tools for Life (GATFL): Georgia's state AT Act program housed at Georgia Tech, providing AT demonstrations, lending library, training, and device reuse. Operates the same federally-mandated AT service portfolio as KATS and serves as a structural comparator for service scope and operational model.
• Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF): Pennsylvania's nonprofit AT alternative financing and resource organization, providing low-interest loans and financial counseling for AT purchases. Directly comparable to KATS's AATLF 0% mini-loan program and Resource Guide navigation services.
• AT3 Center: National training and technical assistance center for all 56 state/territory AT Act programs, funded by ACL. AT3 directly supports state program staff (the same population KATS serves) and provides training/resources analogous to KATS's public awareness and fact-sheet functions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KATSNet
• Xx.com/KATSNetwork

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KATS Network