Congress Passes Bill to Modernize the Assistive Technology Act
Sep 19, 2023The U.S. Congress passed the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) with bipartisan support. The new law took effect in June 2023 and supports individuals with disabilities in learning about and getting access to assistive technology devices and services!
The Assistive Technology Act Program of Colorado began in 1989 when the first Assistive Technology act was authorized. Colorado was one of the first nine states to receive funding and celebrates the new reauthorization. The program helps individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives through the use of assistive technology (AT). The CIDE team collaborates with stakeholders throughout Colorado to provide AT information and assistance to individuals with disabilities, seniors, and their service providers. CIDE assists individuals with disabilities of all ages (including veterans and older adults) to identify and acquire AT to support their independence, safety, and personal goals. The program serves AT-users directly and also their family members, caregivers, educators, therapists, and employers. Anyone with a reason to learn about AT is welcome.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Congress passed the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) with bipartisan support. AT Act programs, last reauthorized by Congress in 2004, operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four territories. The AT Act programs are available for persons with all types of disabilities, all ages, and in all environments (education, employment, community living, and information technology). These programs provide a continuum of services to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology.
At CIDE, the Assistive Technology Act Program of Colorado, provides opportunities to learn about and try out AT. Visitors can compare the functions and features of a range of devices through hands-on exploration. These equipment demonstrations often lead to device loans to help inform future purchase decisions or fulfill a short-term equipment need. CIDE also supports the reutilization of gently used devices to provide free or affordable equipment. CIDE recently launched a new online tool and resource – the AT Exchange. This tool is similar to classified ads for AT, assisting individuals and organizations in obtaining used AT devices or equipment for little or no cost. This allows users to search posted items available within Colorado or to post items they no longer need.
Another new tool, AT Funding Sources, was developed to assist Coloradoans with disabilities in locating needed funding to purchase AT devices and services for their specific needs. This is a searchable online database provided as a free resource to individuals looking for funding to support assistive technology.
CIDE and our Assistive Technology Act Program of Colorado thank all the legislators who contributed to the reauthorization of this important law.