We attribute this to the individuals' limited literacy skills, to the cumbersome on-line systems, and to the difficulties in defining the role of a community consultant. A network of AT professional consultants was also created and members were asked to screen the postings on the group and respond to inquiries. Many professionals were already users of electronic mail and had access to the Internet although some technical assistance was still necessary to help them participate in the electronic discussion. The effort to involve more consumers, professionals, and service providers in the electronic discussion has been ongoing and predates the establishment of the forum. Demonstrations, presentations, newsletter articles, fliers, and word of mouth have all been employed to increase participation.
Technical assistance continues to be available to professionals and consumers.
The ATRC regularly uses electronic networks to solicit donations of used modems and distributes those as necessary. This approach serves three main functions. First, it facilitates the electronic discussion by continually providing new inquiries. Second, it offers a means for tapping into the information and knowledge available in the community while ensuring that the AT Resource Center is not perceived by the community as an information gate keeper. The AT Discussion Forum was established in June 1995.