washington dc – U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced:he twenty onest Century Assistive Technology Actbipartisan legislation she introduced senator and Maggie Hassan (Democrat-NH), Bob Casey (Democrat-Pennsylvania), Kevin Kramer (Republican-Democrat)was signed into law as part of National Defense Authorization Act.
T.he twenty onest Century Assistive Technology Act intention Expand access to affordable assistive technology for older adults and people with disabilities. Assistive technology helps people with disabilities live more independently and safely, get a job, learn in school, around it their community, Or pursue play and leisure.
“As our population ages, so does the need for care and support.” Senator Collins said“Technological advances are helping to close the ‘care gap’, improve functioning in activities of daily living, help manage multiple chronic diseases, reduce the risk of hazards, and make homes safer for the elderly.” It is working. of Supporting disabled and aging communities, this bill Making assistive technology more accessible to Maine children, adults, and seniors who need access to these life-changing technologies to remain independent. ”
Specifically, for the first time since 2004, the law reauthorizes the state’s assistive technology grant program to improve access to assistive technology for people with disabilities nationwide. The program also makes it clear that it serves all people with disabilities, including veterans and older adults who develop disabilities later in life. intention Increase funding authorized for programs that serve rural communities.
The Maine CITE Program, located at the University of Augusta, Maine, provides AT information, training, and services; manages statewide device demonstration, loan, and reuse programs; and provides technical assistance to organizations and individuals. It is a statewide AT program. Reauthorization of the AT Act will provide the support and capacity building necessary for Maine’s AT program to address identified service gaps. This includes device demonstrations and plans to expand the loan program to rural areas across the state.
Maine CITE monitors a centralized inventory of over 1,000 AT devices available through select partners statewide. Inventory includes devices such as tablets with communication apps, medication management devices, smart home technology, remote door lock devices, visual/magnifiers, adapted keyboards, auditory/personal amplifier devices, and vibrating/alarm clocks.
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