California’s Assistive Technology Act

1. Kim Cantrell, Director of Programs California Foundation for Independent Living Centers California’s Assistive Technology Act

2. Overview • What is Assistive Technology (AT)? • What is the AT Network? • AT Network Programs and Services

3. What is AT? Any device, gadget, hardware or software used by a person with a disability to do things for themselves that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to do because of their disability.

4. What is AT? “AT is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” --as defined by the Assistive Technology Act of 2004

5. Types of AT • Daily Living Aids Key Holder Dressing Stick with shoe horn Blow Dryer Stand

6. Types of AT • Home modifications Ramp Grab Bars Accessible Sink

7. Types of AT • Reminder / Memory Aids • Auto stove shut off switch • Recorded reminder messages • Automatic medication dispensers • Locator devices (keys, etc.) • Emergency alert devices

8. AT Network • Assistive Technology Act of 2004 Funding • Department of Rehabilitation contracts with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) to implement the program.

9. AT Network • The AT Network exists to connect Californians with disabilities to the assistive technology they need.

10. AT Network Programs & Services • AT Device Loan Libraries • AT Reuse Initiative • Training • Membership • AT Network Website • AT Search Tools • Information & Referral

11. AT Device Lending Libraries • The AT Network has 13 Device Lending Libraries throughout California. • Borrow AT devices to see if they will work for you before you buy. • Check inventories online.

12. AT Device Lending Libraries

13. What is AT Reuse? Re-use is the business of accepting donated AT and Durable Medical Equipment (DME), cleaning it up, sometimes repairing it, and then giving it to people in the community who need it.

14. AT Reuse • Examples of common AT and DME items distributed via reuse: • Wheelchairs • walkers • augmentative communication devices • hospital beds.

15. AT Reuse • AT Reuse Coalition. • AT Network has funded 5 organizations to build their capacity to provide reuse to their communities. • How can you find used AT devices? Two ways: • List of AT Reuse Programs • AT Exchange on the AT Network website

17. Training & Membership • Provide webinar trainings on current AT issues including new AT Products, funding and services. • Announced on our website and through our AT Network listserv. • Join the AT Network to be subscribed to the AT Network listserv.

18. AT Network Website • Resource Rich • Answer AT funding questions • Understand your rights to AT • Learn what AT exists

19. AT Search Tools • AT Services Directory on www.atnet.org • Search for repair, training, funding, sales, rent, etc. • Search local, regional, state, national • Add resources to the directory • Nearly 2,000 resources and growing

20. AT Search Tools • AT Exchange on www.atnet.org • Search inventory of 13 device lending libraries • Find used AT for free or low-cost • Find AT available for long-term loan • Find used AT on sale by individuals or organizations.

22. Information & Referral AT Network www.atnet.org Voice: 800-390-2699 TTY: 800-900-0706 info@atnet.org

23. Questions?

24. Thank you! Kim Cantrell Director of Programs, CFILC kim@cfilc.org (916) 325-1699 ext. 315