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Assistive Technology Programs

Assistive Technology Programs. Statewide AT Programs Alternative Financing Programs Protection and Advocacy for AT Programs. Rik Opstelten- NATTAP. Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended (2004). History of AT Legislation.

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Assistive Technology Programs

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  1. Assistive Technology Programs Statewide AT Programs Alternative Financing Programs Protection and Advocacy for AT Programs Rik Opstelten- NATTAP

  2. Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended (2004)

  3. History of AT Legislation • 1988- Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (AT Act) • NIDRR held federal oversight • AT Act of 1998- Reauthorization • Systems change activities to promote access to AT • Mandates stakeholder involvement in activity planning • 2004 Reauthorization • Focus on direct service by Statewide AT Programs • RSA assumed federal oversight responsibility

  4. Statewide AT Programs Purpose: Promote Access to and Acquisition of AT • Lead Agency • Recipient of Federal funds • State entity • Implementing Agency • Conducts program activities • 45 are related state agencies • 11 are private non-profits • Advisory Councils • Majority Consumer • Disability organization representatives • Educ., VR, Blind, Independent Living, Workforce Investment

  5. Statewide AT Program • State-Level Activities • State Financing • Systems for purchase, lease, or other acquisition or payment for AT- Not direct payment. • Alternative Financing Systems • Device Reutilization • Exchange, repair, recycling, etc. • Device Loan • Short term borrowing of equipment for AT evaluation • Device Demonstration • Allowing individuals to evaluate AT options

  6. Statewide AT Program • State Leadership Activities • Training • Technical Assistance • Public Awareness • Coordination and Collaboration

  7. Statewide AT Program Requirements • Statewide • Geographic reach • Comprehensive • All disability types and AT needs served

  8. Protection and Advocacy for AT Programs To Promote Protection and Advocacy Efforts on Access to AT • Class Actions • Individual Advocacy • Awareness of Assistive Technology

  9. AFP Financing Programs To Promote the purchase of assistive technology Financing Options • Revolving (direct) Loan • AFP itself lends, and services loans. Loan funds are revolved through the program to other borrowers. • Loan Guarantee • AFP guarantees all or a portion of loans, enabling a traditional lender to make loans it normally would consider too risky. • Interest Buy-Down • AFP uses its funds to reduce the interest rates charged to borrowers. • Non-Guarantee Low-Interest • Agreement between lender and AFP allows borrowers who would qualify for loans on their own a lower interest rate.

  10. AFP Program Structure

  11. AFP Program Requirements • Timely processing of requests • Access to assistance regardless of • Type of disability • Income • Location of residence within state • Type of AT needed • Ability to continue on a permanent basis

  12. Access to Telework Programs • New Freedom Initiative • Purchase of business equipment for home based business and for at-home employment by PWD • RSA holds federal oversight responsibility

  13. Telework Program Structure • Similar to AFPs • Often same entities

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