UCEDD loans IPads to quarantined repats —Keeping them in touch with family and friends

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Some of the eligible passengers on the current repatriated flight will be able to benefit from an Assistive Technology (AT) device to be loaned during quarantine per the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) office at ASCC, who purchased the devices.

Sixteen(16) iPads with keyboards were recently delivered to the Tradewinds Hotel.

The iPads are to encourage social engagement with family and friends, any wellness activities, and tele-health. A total of 23 were purchased however only 16 arrived and UCEDD is still waiting for more.

Those eligible to borrow the iPads during their quarantine stay are individuals with a disability and/or aging. Only 1 device can be loaned per room.  If any iPads remain, other rooms are welcome to use the iPads with priority to individuals with disabilities and aging. 

The UCEDD also provided welcome packets to all the passengers that included hand sanitizer, protein snack, face masks, and information about their office. 

Also available for all passengers to checkout at the quarantine sites are: gameboards, various jigsaw puzzles for all ages, playing cards, and UNO.

 “The iPads are funded by the No Wrong Door initiative under the CARES Act.  We hope to purchase more in time for the 4th repatriation. We are not involved in the planning so it depends on what we hear from many individuals with disabilities,” stated the UCEDD State Director Tafa Tua-Tupuola.

“Our original intention was to distribute into the disability and aging community. However, with us being a COVID-free community, we shifted our priority to respond to the repatriation first. After the repatriation program, we will distribute as originally planned.”

For more information about how to request an AT device you can email [email protected] or message us on Facebook UCEDD American Samoa.