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            -                   Assistive Technology: Tools to Improve the Everyday              

# Assistive Technology: Tools to Improve the Everyday

## Program and Policy Areas

                    -  *** COVID-19 *** 
                    -  ACL A to Z: Programs, Networks, & Focus Areas 
                    -  Overview 
                    -  Aging and Disability Networks                        -  Aging and Disability Resource Centers 
                      -  Americans with Disabilities Act National Network 
                      -  Area Agencies on Aging 
                      -  Assistive Technology Network 
                      -  Centers for Independent Living 
                      -  Protection and Advocacy Systems 
                      -  Senior Centers and Supportive Services for Older Adults 
                      -  State Councils on Developmental Disabilities  
                      -  State Units on Aging 
                      -  University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
                    -  Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia 
                    -  Connecting People to Services                        -  Aging and Disability Resource Centers Program/No Wrong Door System 
                      -  Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act 
                      -  State Health Insurance Assistance Program 
                    -  Consumer Choice and Control                        -  Person-Centered Planning 
                      -  Supported Decision Making 
                      -  Transportation Research and Demonstration Program 
                      -  Veteran Directed Care Program 
                    -  Data Projects 
                    -  Empowering Advocacy                        -  The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities                          -  President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities releases 2015 Report to the President 
                    -  Employment 
                    -  For American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians 
                    -  Health & Wellness                        -  Behavioral Health 
                      -  Brain Health 
                      -  Chronic Disease Self-Management 
                      -  Falls Prevention 
                      -  Health Promotion 
                      -  I Can Do It! (ICDI) 
                      -  HIV/AIDS 
                      -  Nutrition 
                      -  Oral Health 
                    -  Opioid Crisis 
                    -  Program Evaluations and Reports 
                    -  Protecting Rights and Preventing Abuse                        -  Elder Abuse Prevention                          -  Draft Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems 
                        -  Elder Abuse Prevention Intervention 
                        -  Late Life Domestic Violence 
                        -  National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) 
                        -  National Center on Elder Abuse (Title II) 
                        -  National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (1998) 
                        -  Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (Title VII-A3) 
                        -  State Grants to Enhance Adult Protective Services 
                        -  The National Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center 
                      -  Elder Justice Coordinating Council 
                      -  Help America Vote Act Programs 
                      -  Legal Assistance 
                      -  Long-Term Care Ombudsman                          -  LTC Ombudsman National and State Data 
                      -  For People with Disabilities 
                      -  Senior Medicare Patrol 
                      -  Supporting Adult Protective Services 
                    -  Research and Development                         -  Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Training (ARRT) Program 
                      -  Disability and Rehabilitation Research Program                          -  Knowledge Translation Program 
                      -  Field-Initiated Projects Program Rehabilitation Research 
                      -  Model Systems Program 
                      -  NIDILRR Annual Report 
                      -  NIDILRR External Evaluation 
                      -  NIDILRR Performance and Evaluation 
                      -  Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Program 
                      -  Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Program 
                      -  Small Business Innovation Research Program 
                      -  Switzer Research Fellowship Program 
                    -  Retirement Planning and Pension Support 
                    -  Support to Caregivers                        -  Lifespan Respite Care Program 
                      -  National Family Caregiver Support Program 
                      -  RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council 
                      -  Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 
                    -  Support for People with Limb Loss, Paralysis and TBI                        -  Limb Loss Resource Center 
                      -  Paralysis Resource Center 
                      -  Traumatic Brain Injury 
                    -  Strengthening the Aging and Disability Networks                        -  Aging and Disability Evidence-Based Programs and Practices 
                      -  Diversity & Cultural Competency 
                      -  Duals Demonstration Ombudsman Program Technical Assistance 
                      -  Improving Business Practices 
                      -  Improving Quality of Services 
                      -  National Resource Centers 
                      -  Projects of National Significance 
                      -  Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Service 
                    -  Success Stories  
                    -  Volunteer Opportunities and Civic Engagement 

Find your local Assistive Technology Act Program.

Some people may not give much thought to how they go about their daily routines. But for many, something like picking up the morning paper can be made possible or easier thanks to assistive technology (AT). AT is any item used to maintain or improve the independence of people with disabilities and older adults.

Whether on occasion or more frequently, people may need the help of AT, and there are many devices that can help with tasks like household chores, guarding against falls, using a computer, moving independently, and much more.

The span of AT is wide, ranging from high tech (like voice-activated computers) to low tech (like pencil grips). A few more examples include:
                  - Hearing aids
                  - Vehicle modifications such as hand controls or wheelchair lifts
                  - Devices that help with bathing and eating
                  - Software and devices for those with hearing and visual challenges
                  - Equipment—such as grab bars—to help with the prevention of falls
                  - Eye glasses and magnification devices to help with vision
                  - Communication devices for individuals with speech disabilities
                  - Wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices

## The right AT for you

At first, finding the right AT tools and solutions can feel overwhelming. The network of State Assistive Technology Act Programs is a good place to start. Your state AT Act program can provide information and support to help you identify and acquire AT that meets your needs.

These programs offer:
                  - Device demonstration and short term loan programs that allow you to try out equipment before purchasing
                  - Reuse programs that provide gently used devices at substantial savings
                  - Financing options such as cash loan programs that can help you get the AT devices you need

## Want to learn more about how to get and use AT?

The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs can help you locate your state AT program, as well as provide information on the right type of AT for your needs, financial assistance, and insurance.

## Need AT resources?

The AT3 Center can connect you to resources, and provide general information on AT and state assistive technology act programs.

## Want the latest in AT news and innovation?

The Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance offers tweets on the latest AT devices and software, as well as information on state AT programs, nationwide activities, and AT program resources.

## Want more information on ACL grants to promote development and use of AT?

ACL's Center for Integrated Programs oversees two initiatives funded by the AT Act of 2004: The State Grant for Assistive Technology Program and the Assistive Technology National Activities Program. 

*Last modified on 11/28/2017*

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