Volume 13, No. 2, Spring 2005	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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What's Inside . . . Volume 13, No. 2, Spring 2005

Americans with Disabilities Dealt Blow by President’s Budget
Millions of Americans with disabilities were dealt a huge blow in early February with the release of the President's FY 2006 Budget. Among the programs devastated by the budget were the state Assistive Technology Programs, which the President proposed to eliminate completely. This blow is especially ironic because Congress passed, and the President signed, the new Assistive Technology Act of 2004 just a few months ago. The new law mandated that states offer a variety of AT supports, including equipment demonstrations, equipment loans, equipment recycling programs, and alternate financing for AT.

Delaware Offers a Wealth of Outdoor Opportunities
As I sit and write this, it is the beginning of March and it feels like winter will never end. But, each day gets a little longer and warmer and it will soon be nice enough to comfortably get back outdoors. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few accessible options for those readers who need them.

Check Out Our Newest Additions...
Since DATI's Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) opened in 1992, they have made thousands of no-cost AT loans to people in Delaware. One of our biggest challenges is maintaining an up-to-date equipment inventory. We want to make the latest technology available to our customers, but we can only do that when we have the financial resources to support new equipment purchases.

New AT Lemon Law Aids Purchasers of AT
Assistive technology (AT) can mean the difference between independence and isolation, community living and institutional living. AT can be expensive, too. And, in some unfortunate circumstances, it can be defective. Like any consumer, a person with disabilities purchasing AT can get stuck with a "lemon"—a new piece of equipment that just does not work.

The AT Bargain Basement
Welcome one and all to another pulse-pounding edition of the AT Bargain Basement. I am Marvin, your guide on this tour of all technology assistive and costing less than $100. I also try to find you bargains that are available in your local stores. However, you might find that some of the biggest bargains are available online, so I will feature web bargains now too.