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
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.