Vol. 2, No. 6, Nov/Dec 1994	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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The News That We've Been Waiting For...

The DATI began operation under Extension Grant funding on September 1. This is the end result of a year-long process that included public forums, consumer surveys, staff and advisory board planning retreats, hours/days/months of proposal writing, submission of a two-volume (!!) proposal, and a federal site visit.

In the new phase, the basic structure of the project remains the same, and several enhancements will be added over the course of the coming year. We will continue to offer you opportunities for hands-on experience with assistive technology at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) and through the short-term equipment loan program. Training in a number of formats-statewide workshops, the annual conference, and sessions at the ATRCs-will continue to be offered year-round. Lots of new informational materials are being developed and we will broaden the equipment recycling and peer mentor programs.

Many of the new initiatives represent partnerships with other agencies and organizations throughout the state. For example, the Protection & Advocacy Program (P & A) run by the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. will join forces with DATI to help identify and remedy barriers to AT access. Following up on the AT Education Task Force recommendations, we will work closely with the Department of Public Instruction and individual schools and districts in helping them to meet the AT-related needs of their students. Targeted outreach programs will be designed to heighten awareness of AT among older Delawareans as well as the general public.

These are challenging times, however, as we are trying to conduct an expanded program on funding that has not expanded in proportion with our workscope. This means that we will have to make the most of the resources we have and join forces with others whenever feasible. What's your creative suggestion? What could your talents add to the statewide effort? Give me a call with your ideas, and we'll explore how we might make them happen. There are definite benefits to living in a small state....

Beth Mineo, Ph.D. Director, DATI