President Bush Signs Assistive Technology Act

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PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Deborah Buck October 26, 2004 dbuck@...President Signs Assistive Technology Act Victory for Millions of People with Disabilities Who Strive for Independence(Washington, DC) President Bush yesterday signed the Assistive TechnologyAct of 2004, which will ensure that individuals with disabilities throughoutthe US and its territories have access to the technology they need to helpthem be independent in school, at home, the workplace and in the community.This legislation represents an important commitment to people withdisabilities from the President and the Congress. Millions of people with disabilities rely on assistive technology to helpthem gain and maintain independence. Every state and US territory has anAssistive Technology Act Program (AT Program) funded under the provisions ofthe Technology-Related Assistance Act of 1988. Legislation supporting theState AT Programs was scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2004. The AT Actof 2004 supports the continuance of State AT Programs and eliminates thesunset provision. By eliminating the sunset provision, the government senta clear signal that it supports a federal investment for people withdisabilities, which will pay off for communities, the economy, businessesand people with disabilities. "The impressive bi-partisan effort of Congress to ensure the continuation ofthese vital programs is heartening for people with disabilities and theprograms that serve them," said Deborah Buck, Executive Director,Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs. "We are so pleased withthe bipartisan bi-cameral leadership of Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA), Rep. Boehner (R-OH), Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), Sen. TomHarkin (D-IA), Sen. Pat (R-KS) and Sen. Kennedy (D-MA). Whenthe Congress puts aside partisanship in order to address the needs of peoplewith disabilities, it is a victory for all Americans."The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) worked forseveral years to educate Congress about the significance of the Act in thelives of people with disabilities. Joined by other national disabilityorganizations, technology companies and business representatives, ATAPshared with Congress the many successes of the programs and the differencethe law can make for people with disabilities. ATAP salutes the Congressand the President for their important work in reauthorizing this law andremoving the sunset provision.-30-The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national,member-based organization comprised of state Assistive Technology Programsfunded under the Assistive Technology Act. http://www.ataporg.org