Advocacy

Independence Through Technology: The Sky is the Limit

The Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology, or PAAT program, helps people with disabilities who have been denied AT devices and services. Necessary tools for living range from ramps, jar lid openers, and eyeglasses to computers, communication boards, automobile hand controls, and other customized equipment.

The Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) empowers PAAT to ensure access to AT devices and services, as well as training and maintenance for those devices.

Other important laws are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA,) the Vocational Rehabilitation Act (funded through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation), Social Security Act (funded through Medicaid and Medicare) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (funded through the Division of Special Education). Private insurers can also fund AT devices and services, including training and maintenance.

For more information on AT, funding options, assistance with applications, or the appeal process for denied access, contact ATRC.