Vol. 6, No. 2 March/April 1998	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Public Hearing Update

In the last issue of The AT Messenger, we posted a notice about the January 15 public hearing on assistive technology in Washington. That hearing was to be the first of five held throughout the country to gather information about existing needs for AT devices and services, systemic barriers to meeting those needs, and successful approaches that have removed barriers to AT for individuals with disabilities.

At the hearing on conducted on January 15, three Delawareans presented testimony to a distinguished panel representing the major disability-related components of the U.S. Department of Education. Among those on the panel were Judith Heumann, Assistant Secretary; Dr. Katherine Seelman, Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR); Dr. Thomas Hehir, Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP); and Fred Schroeder, Director of the Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA).

Brian Hartman, attorney with Delaware's Protection and Advocacy Program, presented the preliminary findings of a study of the need for AT devices and services among clients of the Delaware Division of Mental Retardation. He noted that the majority of clients evaluated needed devices or services to which they currently do not have access.

Mrs. Joan Bradley, a very accomplished professional who uses an augmentative communication system, testified about the ongoing difficulties she has experienced in attempting to secure funding for her communication device through Medicare. Mrs. Bradley commented: "Assistive Technology such as the Delta Talker can do a world of good, but should not be this hard to find or to fund. There is still a lot that needs to be done so that everyone has access to these services."

Beth Mineo, Director of the DATI, discussed the need for ongoing monitoring and advocacy. She noted: "...ironically, we may find technology-once empowering and liberating-increasingly being the primary instrument of a new kind of discrimination. Unless people with disabilities have equal access to the emerging technologies that are shaping our future jobs, recreational pursuits, and learning opportunities, they will again be on the outside looking in. With the world of technology getting more diverse and complex, individuals and systems will become even more reliant on the DATI and its counterparts."

Representative's from many national disability-related organizations provided testimony about the AT needs of their constituents. The listening panel also heard from parents, researchers, state government officials, and AT users about the ongoing challenges posed by access barriers, changing demographics, and technological advances.

If you were unable to attend, but would like to share your opinions, the U.S. Department of Education welcomes your written comments. You may direct your remarks to NIDRR, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-2705, MES 3420, attention Carol Cohen. Comments may also be sent electronically to carol cohen@ed.gov or faxed to (202) 205-8515.