Our Story

In 1997, Oak Hill conducted a study to determine what needs were not being met for people with disabilities in Connecticut. The overwhelming response was access to assistive technology – how to find it, try it out and purchase it at the most cost-effective price. A pilot program was designed in 1999 to determine the feasibility of the program. Over the next three years, over 6,000 people with disabilities, their families and the professionals who work with them let us know we were most definitely meeting a need.

In 2000, a capital campaign was launched to raise 4 million dollars for the renovation of the former Oak Hill swimming pool and recreation building. Thanks to extraordinary support from individuals, foundations, corporations, civic organizations and the State of Connecticut, the campaign was a success.

In 2002, the renovation was complete, the capital campaign was concluded, a grand opening was held and the building was nameed in honor of Lars Guldager, former executive director of Oak Hill.

In 2003, Aetna became the first corporate sponsor.

In 2005, the NEAT Marketplace hosted the first national conference for assistive technology, signed a contract with the Department of Developmental Services' Birth to Three Program, became a Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center, and contracted with the Connecticut Tech Act Project to establish a satellite Equipment Restoration Center located in Fairfield County.

In 2006, the NEAT Marketplace presented at the National Assistive Technology Conference, began offering assistive technology evaluations, collaborated with the State of Connecticut’s Board of Education and Services for the Blind to offer a camp for blind youth, partnered with Georgia Institute of Technology on a national grant and became a member of the national Assistive Technology advisory board.

In 2007, The NEAT Marketplace was renamed the NEAT Center at Oak Hill; was featured on CPTV’s Emmy Award-winning series, Able Lives, focusing on how Connecticut residents live with disabilities; collaborated with the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County and opened the Stratford satellite Equipment Restoration Center; and expanded its services to the state’s Birth to Three Program.

The NEAT Center is a program of Oak Hill, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation