Established in 1997, the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based non-profit organization. We strive to
- Enhance the effectiveness of AT Act Programs on the national, state, and local level
- Promote the national network of AT Act Programs
- Represent the needs and interests of all AT Act Programs
All 50 states, 4 US territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico receive formula grant funding under the Assistive Technology (AT) Act of 2004. These 56 grantees are required to carry out a continuum of specified state level and state leadership activities that promote the ability of people with disabilities to know about, have access to, and ultimately be better able to obtain AT. These activities also deliver a large return on investment for the small federal appropriation for this program.
The Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) legalized state provisions for assistive technology and is the authorization behind every AT Act Program.
21st Century Assistive Technology Act, P.L. 117-263, Division E
Press Release – 21st Century Assistive Technology Act
Bill Summary – 21st Century Assistive Technology Act
Comparison of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
The Oliver family and team members from Easterseals Iowa welcomed Senator Grassley to hear about Dennis Oliver's experience with the Rural Solutions program and to host a town hall.
Dennis Oliver received support from Easterseals when a neuromuscular disease caused him to lose strength in his arms and legs.
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Rural Solutions program is part of the Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa, designed to support farmers and farm families in continuing to live and work independently after acquiring a disability due to injury or illness. Tracy Keninger, the Center's Director, commented, "Dennis is not going to stop. Our job was to help him and the rest of the team find a way to do [continue to farm] safely."
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Senator Grassley listened to remarks from Easterseals Iowa Director,Tracy Keninger, President & CEO Sherri Nielsen, and Chuck Larson, an Easterseals Iowa Rural Rehabilitative Specialist who worked directly with Mr. Oliver.
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Dennis demonstrated the farm equipment adapted to support him as he continues to manage his hay farm operations. The adaptations include a lift added to his tractor and hand controls; the Easterseals team worked with a local welder, Dustin Harskamp of Whitney Fabrication, to help with design and installation.
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
During the program's question and answer portion, several attendees thanked Senator Grassley for supporting Iowans with disabilities. One attendee, Mitch Ramsey, thanked the Senator for supporting programs like Easterseals Iowa Rural Solutions, sharing, "Not only are they getting us back out on the farm and being productive, but they're saving our lives. If we couldn't get out and work and move around, we’d be on the couch and farmers, usually within a year or two after they quit and don’t do anything, they're gone.”
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Grassley agreed with the importance of keeping people working to increase quality of life, stating, "I don’t know where it’s any more important than in farming. It's important not only for the generation of people that are actually producing that particular year but also for the generation that was before and maybe a couple of generations after. I know how important that is." Grassley has long supported the program, which has been replicated in several states throughout the country. Grassley also supported the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, which supports the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology program that works hand in hand with Rural Solutions to support the long-term success of Iowa farmers.
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Easterseals Iowa is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, their families, and communities. Through 19 innovative program lines, Easterseals Iowa is enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating the community for those we serve. Easterseals.com/ia
The Easterseals Iowa Rural Solutions program offers agricultural work site and home modification consultations, peer support, family services, information and referrals, and medical equipment loan services. Since its establishment in 1986, the Rural Solutions team has helped thousands of farmers and farm families continue farming, live in rural communities, and remain active local citizens.
Maintain and enhance a strong, effective, and efficient national network of AT Act Programs. Enable individuals with disabilities, service providers and others to learn about, access, and acquire assistive technology (AT) needed for education, employment, and community living.
ATAP Accomplishes Its Mission by
- Enhancing the effectiveness of AT Act Programs on the national, state, and local level.
- Providing a forum for member states and territories to study, deliberate, and act upon matters affecting the national network of AT Act Programs.
- Providing resources for the formulation and expression of the collective points of view of AT Act Programs on critical issues that impact access to and acquisition of AT.
- Serving as an advisory body to the Administration on Community Living, other federal agencies, organizations, and entities, on issues affecting access to and acquisition of AT.
- Providing a means of communication and joint action with other organizations promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology.
- Supporting and participating in research and demonstration projects that increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology.
- Advocating for the enhancement of the national network of AT Act Programs, the reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act and increasing federal appropriations for the Assistive Technology Act.
Have you heard?
ATAP has partnered with the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) to help people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources. Launched in 2021 to help people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations, DIAL now provides information from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday about a variety of essential services such as assistive technology, transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.
Partners
