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Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT)
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) administers the PAAT program. In 1994, P&A became the appointed agency to provide advocacy services under the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1987 (Tech Act). PAAT funds support our advocacy services to people with disabilities who are denied funding for assistive technology devices and services. PAAT itself is not a source of funding for assistive technology.
Click here for a list of P&A's 2008-2009 Priorities.
Because
one of the greatest barriers to obtaining and/or repairing AT devices and
services is lack of awareness of the benefits of AT, PAAT,
in collaboration with issue teams, provides training.
In the past, PAAT has collaborated with the SC Assistive
Technology Project, Department of Disabilities and Special
Needs (DDSN), Council on Aging, Pro-Parents, and other
organizations who work with people with disabilities to
provide training for consumers and service providers.
PAAT's goal is to increase awareness of people with
disabilities of the benefits of assistive technology
in accessing greater independence at home, in the
community, on the job, and at school. Click here for a fact sheet on AT and school. Eligibility You could be eligible for services from the PAAT Program:
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What is Assistive Technology? |
Assistive Technology (AT) devices or services are tools for living that improve the living, working or learning capabilities of individuals with disabilities. These tools can be as simple as a ramp, a jar lid opener, or eyeglasses. More complex devices include customized computers, communication devices, automobile hand controls or other tools to suit an individual's specific needs. Two general types of AT exist:
1. An "assistive technology device" is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that an individual with disabilities uses to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities.
2. An "assistive technology service" is any service that directly helps an individual with disabilities select, acquire or use an AT device. These services include evaluations to determine the need for an AT device; acquisition of AT devices; selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, maintaining, repairing or replacing AT devices; coordinating necessary therapies with AT devices; training individuals with disabilities about the use of an AT device; and training for professionals or others involved in the major life functions of someone using an AT device.
Many individuals with disabilities can benefit from AT. AT devices include the following: power and customized wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, including talking computers, vehicle modifications, including wheelchair lifts and hand controls, computer equipment, including Braille printers, voice output, touch screens and switches that allow computer access through eye blinks or head movements, hearing aids, home modifications, including ramps, lifts and stair glides, work-site modifications, including adapted office equipment and environmental control devices, classroom modifications, including adaptive seating systems, and hundreds of others, including simple items like pencil grips, forks with modified handles and lever door handles.
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Additional Resources for PAAT |
P&A Protection and Advocacy for Individuals in Need of Assistive Technology Brochure (PAAT) ~ Revised 03-05
AT Lemon Law Fact Sheet ~ Revised 03-05
Assistive Technology and Special Education ~ Revised 05-05
The South Carolina Assistive Technology Project