The Assistive Technology Act
- Saratessa Palos
- Jan 26, 2023
- 2 min read
The Assistive Technology Act (1998) (2004)
The Assistive Technology Act, otherwise known as the Tech Act, was first passed in 1998, providing state provisions for those with disabilities to receive assistive technology at little to no cost. These assistive technology devices can be life-changing for a child with communication disorders or other disabilities, opening the door for them to convey their needs and regain a level of independence. While the original Act paved the way for technological assistance, the 2004 revision created a more targeted focus on education, greatly benefiting students.
The new revision was directed toward the Secretary of Education for the creation of state grants designed to increase accessibility for disabled persons and their families. These designations would:
Maximize the ability of families with disabled children to obtain assistive technology.
Increase families' access to assistive technology.
Increase each state's minimum grant allotment.
The law mandates the amount of funding each state receives for AT, requiring them to use their grants for:
State-level activities - these include Statewide financing system activities (including loans) that provide increased funding and access to AT services and devices. This funding extends to programs for device loans, reutilization, information, and demonstration.
State leadership activities - these grants include funding for technological assistance and training (at least 5% of the funds must go to transition assistance for those with disabilities,) Public awareness activities, collaborations, and coordination. It's important to note that no more than 40% of the state's grant can go to these services.
To find out more about your state's funding allotment, click here.
The law puts a gap at 10% of the total funds received for the use of indirect costs, which is an excellent way to ensure the money goes to the families of children with disabilities. Fortunately, thanks to systems established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, all state grants have strict funding requirements, which helps reduce instances of mismanaged funds. This oversight ensures families have access to the assistive technology and program services they need.
Programs that fail to use their allotted income generated from their grants are allowed to roll over their surplus funds for an additional two fiscal years. This money must be used to fund activities enhancing assistive technology accessibility awareness among those with disabilities, assisting them and their families with the acquisition, use, and maintenance of assistive technology services and devices.
Another aspect of the Assistive Technology Act is the awarding of competitive contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements for national awareness, training, and assistance for the use of assistive technology services and devices; research and development; renovations, updates, and maintenance to the National Public Internet Site under ATA, and reporting assistance and data collection.
The Assistive Technology Act provides families with children with communication disorders or other disabilities the funding to receive life-changing devices that help them communicate more effectively. Every state's funding allotment is different; click the link below to see what organizations are located within your area and what services are available for your child.
Comments