Background

• The purpose of this page is to provided interested PSA entrants with background information about the nature of disabilities and assistive technology.
  
  
• Disability
  A person can be born with a disability or acquire a disability through accident or illness. While the impact of a disability is always felt at the individual level, a key characteristic of a limitation in a core area of life functioning. Assistive technology refers to a braod array of products, tools, and services designed to enhance the functional cability of an indivdual with a disability. Despite a number of federal and state laws promoting the provision of assistive technology devices and services, and a national network of organizations devoted to matching the appropriate assistive technology devices to individual needs, there is little evidence to suggest that everyone who could benefit from assistive technology has access. As a result, many individuals are living with limitations that could be overcome in ways that expand their mobility, ability to communicate, access to information and opportunity, and experience greater independence. To learn more, explore: Disability Resources on the Internet (http://www.disabilityresources.org/).
  
  
• Person First Language
  In writing and speaking about disabilities, it is important to understand that a person is more than a disability. This is refered to as person first language. To learn more, visit: The Language Used to Describe Persons with Disabilities (http://www.asha.org/about/publications/journal-abstracts/submissions/person_first.htm)
  
  
• Assistive Technology
  The term assistive technology is defined in federal law as "...products, devices, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." As a result, assistive technology takes on many forms and is used in many different ways by individuals with disabilities. To learn more, explore: Assistive Technology Categories (http://www.rehabtool.com/at.html); Family Guide to Assistive Technology (http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html); The Possibilities of Assistive Technology (http://www.fctd.info/resources/fig/Sec1.htm)
  
  
• Assistive Technology in Action
  Assistive technology empowers individuals. The following resources provide a glimpse of the power and independence that can result when the appropriate tools are located for an individual with special needs. We Can Because We Think We Can (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjfwCpcD3mk). Assistive Technology Boogie (http://www.inclusive.com/AT_boogie/at30.swf)
  
  
• Alliance for Technology Access
  The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations. The ATA is a national network of technology resource centers, organizations, individuals and companies. ATA encourages and facilitates the empowerment of people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities. Through public education, information and referral, capacity building in community organizations, and advocacy/policy efforts, the ATA enables millions of people to live, learn, work, define their futures, and achieve their dreams. To learn more, visit the ATA website (http://www.ataccess.org/).