A Resource for Assistive Technology
William T. Darling
Associate Director, Assistive Technology of Ohio

For many people with disabilities, the difference between 'yes' and 'no' rests often between the presence or absence of technology. Assistive technology is for many people with disabilities the bridge that spans the divide between a world of frustration and isolation and a world of inclusion and participation.

The purpose of assistive technology is to allow people with disabilities the opportunity to use their abilities to their fullest extent, and to allow them a chance to work, to learn, and to live independently.

What exactly is assistive technology? Assistive technology (AT) is a term that was coined by the U.S. Congress with the passage in 1988 of a law known as the "Tech Act." AT is defined in the law as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system… that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

AT can range from clamps to help you pull up your sock, to ramps to your front door, to futuristic robots that can bring you your iced tea. Any piece of equipment that makes life easier for people with disabilities will likely fall under the definition of AT.

The Tech Act was passed to help promote assistive technology for people with disabilities. One of the ways they accomplish this is to set up an assistive technology agency in every state and U.S. territory. These agencies are given the charge of promoting and administering programs that make it easier for people with disabilities to acquire the AT they need.

Examples of such programs are AT low-interest loan programs, adaptive toy lending libraries, and computer refurbish and recycle programs.

For many people with disabilities, the technology they need is not covered by insurance. In many cases, health conditions can lead to poor credit ratings, if even one hospital stay is not covered. Low-interest loan programs allow people with disabilities - even those with bad credit - the opportunity to take out loans at low interest rates for the assistive technology they need.

There is an entire industry devoted to making toys and educational software for children with disabilities. For parents, it can be difficult to find a toy their child can "connect" with and enjoy. Additionally, these toys can be expensive, and are often found only in catalogs or on the Internet. An adaptive toy lending library, often operated out of local county libraries, is a place where parents can check out special toys and see if they are right for their child. This gives parents access to more toys and allows them to make more informed decisions on purchases.

Computer refurbish and recycle programs are programs where people can donate computers that are then upgraded and made available to people with disabilities at little or no cost. These computers can be equipped with special software to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

These are examples of only a few types of programs that may be available in your state. The Tech Act agencies can often be a most valuable asset to people with disabilities who have technology needs. These agencies are set up to be a resource and to try and meet the assistive technology needs of people in their state. To find out information about the Tech Act agency in your state, please go to:
http://www.resna.org/taproject/at/statecontacts.html and click on your state or territory. For more information, please call (703) 524-6686.