Assistive Technology Act of 2004

Putting Technology into the Hands of Individuals with Disabilities

UPDATED: October 7, 2004

Millions of Americans with disabilities depend on assistive technology such as wheelchairs, communication tools, and other resources that help accommodate the challenges of living with a disability.  Federal funding provided under the Assistive Technology Act has helped states establish systems to help individuals with disabilities gain access to assistive technology.  Now, by refocusing the Act on direct aid to individuals, these funds will ensure even more individuals with disabilities have access to the technology they need.  This will be accomplished through the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (H.R. 4278), authored by Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA).

Following is a summary of how the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 will renew federal assistive technology aid to states and help put technology into the hands of those who need it:  

• Update the purpose of the Assistive Technology Act to reflect the priority of increasing access to needed devices for individuals with disabilities.  The Assistive Technology state grant program was established in 1988 as a 10-year program to provide seed money to enable states to create systems for improving access to assistive technology devices for individuals with disabilities.  However, this program has extended beyond the original 10-year window.  In the 16 years since the inception of this program, states have established the needed infrastructure to effectively administer assistive technology resources.  It is now time to redefine the primary purpose of this program from establishing systems to directly helping the individuals with disabilities who need assistive technology devices.

• Require states to spend the bulk of state grants on direct services for individuals with disabilities.  Under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, states would be required to use a majority of federal funds to directly help individuals.  States would chose between two options for assistive technology state grants.  States would be required to:

   

  • Use 60 percent of assistive technology state grants on direct aid programs, including: assistive technology reutilization programs, assistive technology demonstration programs, alternative financing programs and device loan programs.  

   

  • Or use 70 percent of assistive technology state grants on direct aid programs but have full discretion on how to allocate funds for at least two, and up to all four of the programs listed above.

• Create greater accountability for how states use assistive technology grants.  The bill requires states to submit an application with detailed descriptions of planned activities and measurable goals relating to education, employment, telecommunication or information technology, and community living.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the program on a continual basis.  The bill includes detailed criteria for the Department’s annual report to Congress to determine the effectiveness of the program.