5212.01
May 2000

SACRAMENTO LEGAL OFFICE
100 Howe Avenue, Suite 235 North, Sacramento, CA 95825-8202
Telephone: (916) 488-9950 Fax: (916) 488-9960
Toll Free/TTY/TDD: (800) 776-5746

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The importance of assistive technology in the lives of persons with disabilities has been gaining institutional and social recognition. Assistive technology (AT) is any device or equipment that enables a person with a disability to live more independently, receive better health care, acquire appropriate education, pursue employment opportunities and be a full member of society. Wheelchairs, communication devices, TDD machines and talking computers are some of the more well-known examples of AT.

With the passage of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, as amended (the Tech Act), a new nationwide emphasis was given to access to AT. The Tech Act has required the establishment of a comprehensive project in each state in which the protection and advocacy agency of the state must advance the goals of the act through legal channels.

To this end, Protection & Advocacy Inc. (PAI), has taken on a number of initiatives in California. It has developed Accessing Assistive Technology, a handbook on the rights of persons with disabilities to receive AT. It is also available on computer disk.

PAI also gives legal advice to consumers, their families and advocates; and makes presentations on issues relating to AT. It monitors, analyzes and comments on pending state legislation and regulations.

In addition, PAI has set the following priorities for which it provides technical assistance and may provide legal representation in appropriate cases:
  • Access to communication devices through Medicare
  • Enforce students’ rights to assistive technology in order to be educated in integrated settings
  • Access to assistive technology through early intervention services
  • Increase access to assistive technology through government programs and services e.g., voting machines and information kiosks
  • Assist in filing administrative complaints for denial of assistive technology as a reasonable accommodation in the workplace
  • Assist in employment terminations or demotions when they occur as a result of inaccessible technology in the workplace

Persons with disabilities and those acting on their behalf are encouraged to call Protection & Advocacy, Inc., for consultation on issues concerning access to assistive technology.

If you have questions about accessing assistive technology, please call Protection & Advocacy at 1(800)776-5746.