TheWeekInCongress.com
Week Ending June 18, 2004
HR 4278 Amends Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to support grants to States addressing the technology needs of individuals with disabilities.
BRIEF
The bill extends a grant program, due to expire, that would support State efforts to provide assistive technology to individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology (AT) is just about any machine or technology that would improve the ability of a person with a disability to live a more normal life if their disability makes that difficult.
The bill aims to increase the availability of AT devices and AT services, and funding to acquire the devices, services and training for qualified needy individuals. The goal is to increase the ability of individuals with disabilities of all ages to secure and maintain possession of AT devices that aid in easy transition between settings of daily living (for example, between home and work).”
The bill would increase the capacity of public agencies and private entities to provide and pay for assistive technology devices and assistive technology services on a statewide basis for individuals with disabilities of all ages..
Coordination the States and State agencies, and local agencies, and private entities (such as managed care providers), that are involved or are eligible to be involved in carrying out activities under this Act would be increased.
The bill would facilitate the change of laws, regulations, policies, practices, procedures, and organizational structures, that would facilitate providing AT devices and services; and increase awareness and knowledge of the benefits of AT devices and services among targeted individuals and the general population.
States would gain financial assistance that supports programs designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to obtain AT devices and services.
The States could use the funds to create a low-interest loan fund, an interest buy-down program, a revolving loan fund, a loan guarantee or insurance program, a program operated by a partnership among private entities for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services, or another mechanism approved by the Secretary.
The State would be required to directly, or in collaboration with public or private entities, carry out device loan programs that support the short-term loan of AT devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, public accommodations, or others seeking to meet the needs of targeted individuals.
States would also be allowed to use funds to support AT device reutilization programs and demonstration programs.
Sponsor: Representative Howard P. McKeon (R-CA)
Vote: Passed House by voice vote.
Cost to the taxpayers: CBO calculates that the bill would authorize the appropriation of $26 million in 2005 and such sums as may be necessary for the following five years. Appropriations of authorized amounts would result in additional outlays of $10 million in 2005 and $113 million over the 2005-2009 period.##