The Assistive Technology Act

Background of the Assistive Technology Act:

The Assistive Technology Act of 2004, which currently funds all of the Assistive Technology Programs in the United States and its Territories, was preceded by the original Technology Act, the Technology - Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988. This Act established the basis that technology is an important tool that can be used to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. Although this Act was coming to a close, ending in 1998, it was extended beyond the original 10-year window because of its success and continued need for it. Congress enacted the Assistive Technology Act (ATA) of 1998 through a bipartisan effort to help state governments address the needs of the disabled through the use of assistive technology. This act affirms the federal role of promoting access to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities. Then on October 25, 2004, President George W. Bush signed into law the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 that reauthorizes the Assistive Technology Act by redefining the primary purpose of the program from establishing assistive technology resource networks in states to directly helping individuals with disabilities that need assistive technology devices.

The Purposes of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004:

- Insures states will receive continuous funding for AT programs through fiscal year 2010.
- Continues state protective and advocacy programs.
- Increases minimum state grant of $410,000 (The ATA of 1998 used a formula to determine state grant awards.)
- A maximum grant to outlying areas was awarded $105,000 and is now increased to $125,000.
- States will be required to use a majority of federal funds to directly help individuals. States will choose between two options for Assistive Technology state grants:
- First option: Allocate 70% of the resources to state level activities (Directly giving individuals AT access and services) and no more that 30 % going towards state leadership activities (Administration).
- Second option: Allocate 60% of the resources to state level activities and no more that 40% going towards state leadership activities. However with this option, the state is required to support two designated state level activities:
-The Alternative Financing Program
-The Device Loan Program

- Creates greater accountability for how states use Assistance Technology grants.
- Includes American Indian Consortium as a recipient of program grants.
- Evaluates the state program and the effectiveness of it on a regular basis.
- Provides funds for an internet site for individuals with disabilities, and the general public, with technical assistance and information on increased access to AT devices, AT services, and other disability related resources.

Findings of Congress:

In the findings section of the ATA of 1998, Congress pointed out that, “Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to live independently, enjoy self-determination and make choices; benefit from education; pursue meaningful careers; and enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of society in the United States…As technology has come to play an increasingly important role in the lives of all persons in the United States, in the conduct of business, in the functioning of government, in the fostering of communication, in the conduct of commerce, and in the provision of education, its impact upon the lives of the more than 50,000,000 individuals with disabilities in the United States has been comparable to its impact upon the remainder of the citizens of the United States. Any development in mainstream technology would have profound implications for individuals with disabilities in the United States.”

Conclusion:

I believe that through the Assistive Technology Act, the development, and utilization of technology devices for the disabled will assist in the betterment of their lives. All individuals have the right to pursue life to its fullest. Through the ATA, the pieces of technology provide for those with disabilities will be used in such a way that it will present a more meaningful and fulfilling future for everyone.