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New Statewide AT Directors Orientation Modules

Module One: The Assistive Technology Act

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (ATA1998), as amended (P.L. 108-364) supports State efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology (AT) by providing States with financial assistance to implement programs designed to meet the AT needs of individuals with disabilities. State efforts include access and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services through statewide assistive technology programs, alternative financing programs, and protection and advocacy for assistive technology programs.

Objectives:
After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of the AT Act.
• Differentiate between State Level Activities and State Leadership Activities.
• Draw distinctions and parallels between the Statewide AT Programs, Protection and Advocacy for AT Programs, and Alternative Financing Programs.

This module has three parts:

1. Overview of Assistive Technology Act (2014) (ppt)
   PowerPoint explaining the AT Act and Statewide AT Program requirements.
   • Reading: Excerpt from the Annual Report to Congress (FY 2007-2008) on the AT Act (2011) (word)
     An excerpt from the Annual Report to Congress on the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008.
   • Reading: Statute – Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (2004) (pdf) (rtf version)
     Public Law 108-364 amends the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to support programs of grants to States to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.
2. Statewide Program Specifics
   • Quick Sheet For Formula AT Act Grants (2011) (word)
     This sheet summarizes the state level and state leadership activities.
   • Federal Reporting Requirements (2011) (word)
     This document provides a table of Federal reporting requirements and suggested reference documents for State Plans, Financial Expenditures, and Data Progress Reports.
   • Program Planning: Comparability, Flexibility, & the 60 /40 Split (word)
     Advice from Willie Gunther, Illinois AT Program, and Marty Exline, Missouri AT Program on Comparability, Flexibility, and the 60/40 vs. 70/30 Split.
3. Technical Assistance Resources (2011) (word)
   This document provides information about the resources that you can contact for technical assistance.