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November 1998
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November 1998
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It has been an anxious couple of months but with the willing help of both Maryand Senators, several Representatives in the House, many MDTAP Advisory Committee members and friends, and both gubernatorial candidates, The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 has passed both houses of Congress. In September the bill was heard before the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. The Senate passed its version of the bill on October 5th and the House passed an amended version of the bill on October 9th. On Wednesday, October 14th, the Senate agreed to the House amendment by Unanimous Consent.
The amended bill provides for continuity grants for states that have not completed 10 years of funding under the Tech Act and extension grants to states that have completed 10 years of funding. The bill also provides for separate six year grants for Protection and Advocacy activities, and for technical assistance including the establishment of a National Internet site. Title II of the amended bill provides for National Activities, including: a study on barriers to assistive technology by the National Council on Disability, Section 508 training by the Access Board for Federal and State Employees; incentives for small business to assist them in designing, developing, and marketing assistive technology devices or services; activities to promote coordination regarding Technology Transfer, grants for the research and development of universally designed products and the "built environment"; outreach; training of rehabilitation engineers; and activities of the President's Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities to increase the involvement of the private sector in accessible information technology.
Title III of the amended bill provides for grants to states for the establishment and administration or expansion of alternative financing mechanisms for the purchase of assistive technology devices including, low-interest loan funds, interest buy-down programs, revolving loan funds, loan guarantee programs, or public-private partnerships for purchase lease or acquisition of devices. The bill authorizes 36 million for Title I,10 million for activities under Title II and 10 million for Title III.
Thanks to all of you who helped secure continuation of state assistive technology activities.
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