Resources - Consumers

Introduction

All activities related to the provision of assistive technology services (ATS) and all activities related to research, development and commercialization of assistive technology devices (ATD) concerns the health and health related needs of individuals with disabilities (IWD). Many professions and industries owe their vigor and scale to Federal legislation and public funding. It can be reasonably argued that IWD are the most important constituency within the RESNA membership.

ITEM Coalition

ITEM Coalition: Independence Through the Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid - "is devoted to raising awareness and building support for policies that will enhance access to assistive devices, technologies and related services for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. The Coalition is consumer-led and has over seventy member organizations—including a diverse set of disability organizations, aging organizations, other consumer groups, labor organizations, voluntary health associations, and non-profit provider associations."

NCD

National Council on Disability (NCD) - "an independent federal agency, composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the U.S. Senate. The purpose of NCD is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, and that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society."

Among the many activities the NCD carries out, it tracks and interprets Federal legislation and Supreme Court rulings that impact Individuals with Disabilities (IWD).

NCIL

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) - "advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy. NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully."