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Restore funding to support State Assistive Technology (AT) programs, as well as other AT Act programs including Protection and Advocacy services, technical assistance, and research.
Assistive Technology
Overview
Assistive technology enables individuals with traumatic brain injury to perform activities of daily living and participate more fully in activities related to home, school, work, and community. Examples of assistive technology include devices to assist with memory, communication, and mobility, among others.
The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 reauthorized the Federal funding provided under the Assistive Technology Act that has helped States establish systems to help individuals with disabilities gain access to assistive technology.
Under this program, States have developed and administered equipment reutilization and loaner programs; expanded Medicaid programs to include coverage for assistive technology devices and have leveraged non-Federal contributions for assistive technology devices and services through low interest loan programs and assessment and evaluation through vocational rehabilitation, special education, and other State programs.
Just three months after Congress passed the reauthorization bill, President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2006 budget proposed to eliminate funding for the programs under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004. However, Congress continued to fund the programs for Fiscal Year 2006.
NASHIA favors reauthorization and continued funding of the Assistive Technology Act.
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