Assistive Technology Act Programs
Return on Investment
2014 to 2024
The Assistive Technology (AT) Act, reauthorized in 2022, provides formula grant funding to 56 state and territory programs to enhance awareness, expand access, and increase the acquisition of Assistive Technology for people with disabilities and older adults.
The infographic above highlights the 10-year impact (2014–2024) of AT Act Programs, which have served over 6.5 million people!
A High-Impact Federal Investment
- Federal Investment: 311ドル million (2014–2024)
- Total Savings Generated: 732ドル million
- ROI: 128% (2ドル.28 saved for every 1ドル spent!)
Additional Impact
- 291ドル million in leveraged funding from external partners and resources, further expanding access to life-changing Assistive Technology.
These numbers show the tremendous value and impact of AT Act Programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and older adults receive the technology they need to live more independently and fully participate in their communities.
Established in 1997, the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based non-profit organization. We strive to
- Enhance the effectiveness of AT Act Programs on the national, state, and local level
- Promote the national network of AT Act Programs
- Represent the needs and interests of all AT Act Programs
All 50 states, 4 US territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico receive formula grant funding under the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act (AT Act). These 56 grantees are required to carry out a continuum of specified state-level and state-leadership activities that promote the ability of people with disabilities to know about, have access to, and ultimately be better able to obtain AT. These activities also deliver a large return on investment for the small federal appropriation for this program.
The Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) legalized state provisions for assistive technology and is the authorization behind every AT Act Program.
21st Century Assistive Technology Act, P.L. 117-263, Division E
Press Release – 21st Century Assistive Technology Act
Bill Summary – 21st Century Assistive Technology Act
Comparison of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
The Oliver family and team members from Easterseals Iowa welcomed Senator Grassley to hear about Dennis Oliver's experience with the Rural Solutions program and to host a town hall.
Dennis Oliver received support from Easterseals when a neuromuscular disease caused him to lose strength in his arms and legs.
The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Rural Solutions program is part of the Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa, designed to support farmers and farm families in continuing to live and work independently after acquiring a disability due to injury or illness. Tracy Keninger, the Center's Director, commented, "Dennis is not going to stop. Our job was to help him and the rest of the team find a way to do [continue to farm] safely."
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The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Senator Grassley listened to remarks from Easterseals Iowa Director,Tracy Keninger, President & CEO Sherri Nielsen, and Chuck Larson, an Easterseals Iowa Rural Rehabilitative Specialist who worked directly with Mr. Oliver.
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The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Dennis demonstrated the farm equipment adapted to support him as he continues to manage his hay farm operations. The adaptations include a lift added to his tractor and hand controls; the Easterseals team worked with a local welder, Dustin Harskamp of Whitney Fabrication, to help with design and installation.
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The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
During the program's question and answer portion, several attendees thanked Senator Grassley for supporting Iowans with disabilities. One attendee, Mitch Ramsey, thanked the Senator for supporting programs like Easterseals Iowa Rural Solutions, sharing, "Not only are they getting us back out on the farm and being productive, but they're saving our lives. If we couldn't get out and work and move around, we’d be on the couch and farmers, usually within a year or two after they quit and don’t do anything, they're gone."
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The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Grassley agreed with the importance of keeping people working to increase quality of life, stating, "I don’t know where it’s any more important than in farming. It's important not only for the generation of people that are actually producing that particular year but also for the generation that was before and maybe a couple of generations after. I know how important that is." Grassley has long supported the program, which has been replicated in several states throughout the country. Grassley also supported the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, which supports the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology program that works hand in hand with Rural Solutions to support the long-term success of Iowa farmers.
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The Assistive Technology Center at Easterseals Iowa Hosts Senator Chuck Grassley at the Oliver Family Farm, June 21, 2024
Rural Solutions
Easterseals Iowa is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, their families, and communities. Through 19 innovative program lines, Easterseals Iowa is enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating the community for those we serve. Easterseals.com/ia
The Easterseals Iowa Rural Solutions program offers agricultural work site and home modification consultations, peer support, family services, information and referrals, and medical equipment loan services. Since its establishment in 1986, the Rural Solutions team has helped thousands of farmers and farm families continue farming, live in rural communities, and remain active local citizens.
Have you heard?
ATAP has partnered with the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) to help people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources. Launched in 2021 to help people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations, DIAL now provides information from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday about a variety of essential services such as assistive technology, transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.
Device Demonstration
AT Demonstration Activities provide opportunities for people to become familiar with specific types of AT by comparing and contrasting the functions and features of devices through hands on exploration.
Device Loan
AT Device Loan Activities allow individuals to borrow AT for a limited time period to try out and determine if a device will meet their needs before a purchase is made.
Reutilization
AT Reutilization Activities support the reuse of assistive technology that is no longer needed or used by its original owner and is acquired by a new owner at substantial cost savings.
State Financing
State Financing Activities support the purchase/acquisition of AT through financial loans or other initiatives that directly provide AT to consumers at no cost using dollars from non-AT Act sources or save consumers money when purchasing AT.