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Independent Living Assistive Technology

ISSUE:

People with disabilities and elderly people achieve greater employment opportunities and independence with the use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment. In 1990, the National Technology Act provided funding to all 50 states to develop a central resource in each state for the dissemination of assistive technology/adaptive equipment information. In 1992, Wisconsin obtained a $640,000 annual grant to create the WisTech Program, housed in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The grant was subcontracted to each of the eight independent living centers, Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy, and the Agrability program sponsored by the Easter Seals Society of Wisconsin. The federal grant has ended.

The WisTech Program:

• Funded staff to evaluate the needs of individuals and match appropriate equipment and technology.
• Built an inventory of technology/adaptive equipment for individuals to borrow and try out prior to purchasing.
• Funded the Assistive Technology Advocacy Program to identify and remove funding barriers.
• Saves money for other funding sources, such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Medical Assistance, and private insurance, by providing expertise and trial equipment prior to purchase to ensure the appropriateness of the equipment for the individual.
• New state initiatives, such as Pathways to Independence and the Family Care Program, rely upon technology to help individuals be independent and minimize care and support of others.
• Technology and adaptive equipment allow individuals to be employed and less dependent upon paid help or institutional care.
• Farmers with disabilities can continue their chosen career because of the specialized expertise provided by the Agrability program.

POSITION:

The WCDD supports continuing the provision of assistive technology and adaptive equipment for people with developmental and other disabilities through the Independent Living Assistive Technology Program using state funds.

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES:

WCDD supports the following legislative initiatives:

Provide a total of $720,000 in state funds each year of the biennium for the following:

• Provide $480, 000 to give $60,000 to each independent living center to maintain a full time Assistive Technology/Adaptive Equipment Specialist and maintain the Assistive Device/Equipment Loan Closet.
• Provide $120, 000 to the Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy to maintain two positions to provide statewide systemic advocacy on assistive technology issues.
• Provide $60, 000 to the Easter Seals Society of Wisconsin to staff the Agrability Program.
• Provide $60,000 to the Office for Persons with Physical Disabilities, Department of Health and Family Services, to administer the state funding, develop statewide reporting mechanisms, contract performance evaluation, training, and additional resource development.

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14. Independent Living Assistive Technology
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