AT Act Programs

Introduction

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (ATA1998), as amended (P.L. 108-364)  supports State efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology (AT) by providing States with financial assistance to implement programs designed to meet the AT needs of individuals with disabilities. State efforts include access and acquisition of assistive technology devices (ATD) and services (ATS) through statewide assistive technology programs, alternative financing programs and protection and advocacy for assistive technology programs. 

The ATA1998 also provides for national activities that support States' efforts with respect to providing AT-related services to individuals with disabilities of all ages.  These include:

• National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Project (NATTAP)
• National Information System for Assistive Technology (NISAT)
• Assistivetech.net a public, online search engine for ATDs

NATTAP

The National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) is a RESNA Project that provides technical assistance and information to 56 statewide Assistive Technology (AT Act) Programs, 33 Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) and 57 Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Programs.

NATTAP also provides technical assistance to 19 Access to Telework Programs funded under the New Freedom Plan and administered by RSA. The Access to Telework Program provides financial loans to purchase equipment to work remotely or for self-employment.

NATTAP is funded through a cooperative agreement by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education (Grant #H224B050003 - CFDA 84.22B).

AFTAP

The Alternative Financing and Technical Assistance Project (AFTAP) loan programs provide financing to individuals with disabilities for the purchase of AT devices. AFTAP program loans offer financing rate that are more favorable than available through commercial lenders. 

PAAT

The Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) projects provide legal advocacy to individuals with disabilities to help them acquire they AT devices that they need, and are entitled to.