Day of Visioning: Increasing Access to Assistive Technology

Question 6: How could existing entities be integrated into partnerships and/or coalitions to create more effective AT services nationally?

Discussants observed that there is a need for integration of partnerships nationally to create more effective AT services. Specific strategies for facilitating such partnerships were also articulated. It was noted that determiners of outcomes should be identified, and outcomes incorporated into all partnerships and/or coalitions. A beginning point would be to start with schools who have not yet met adequate yearly progress (AYP, as described in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) and determine how technology might promote success. It was also observed that there was a need to quickly develop a national plan, or agenda, using the expertise and commitment of the discussants as a catalyst.

Information, training, access to AT, and outcomes research should be initial focii allowing development of a paradigm that facilitates creation of partnerships. It was also noted that those involved in developing a national plan, or agenda, must include representatives of the entire education curricula (i.e., all students, all levels). The importance of educating parents to empower them to request and make decisions about AT was noted as a change agent. To ensure maximal change, it was noted that crossing systems is important (e.g., linking school and rehabilitative services to ensure that AT travels across multiple systems, such as school to vocational rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation to work settings).