New Legislation Impacts AT Access
By Mollica, Beth Mineo; AT Messenger , Vol. 13, No. 1, p. 1Publication Date: Winter 2005
Article discusses two pieces of legislation that are expected to have a major impact on access to assistive technology (AT): (1) the AT Act of 2004, and (2) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The AT Act of 2004 supports the continuation of the Delaware AT Initiative, as well as related state AT programs throughout the United States. The act requires states to offer services that ensure direct access to AT, including equipment demonstration and loan programs, device reutilization programs, and alternative financing programs such as low-cost financial loans. The provisions of IDEA include a revised definition of AT and related services, which now excludes medical devices that are surgically implanted. The law also authorizes states to reserve up to 10 percent of their federal money for state-level activities, including the improved use of technology, including universal design principles and the use of AT in classrooms.
Published by:
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (Web Site: http://www.dati.org )
Link to text: http://www.dati.org/newsletter/issues/2004n2/spring2004.pdf
