Volume 12, No. 2, Spring 2004	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Congress Considers Future of State AT Projects

There are indications from Capitol Hill that a bill providing continued federal support for the national AT infrastructure may be introduced in the Senate as early as April. The proposed legislation reflects considerable efforts by Republican and Democratic Senators and their staff, the disability community, and others who are committed to improved AT access.

In late 2003 and early 2004, the Senate Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) held a series of meetings with AT stakeholders to discuss current barriers to AT access/use and the need for continuation of state AT funding. Among those providing testimony were Cynthia Tehan, Vice President of Business Development for Easter Seals of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, and Beth Mineo, Director of the DATI.

Congress now needs to hear from you. A two-prong advocacy effort is directed at 1) extending funding for the state AT projects for another year and 2) passing new legislation that will make state funding more stable and sufficient. See the Breaking News to find out what you can do to help, or call the DATI Central Site for an update.