PRESS RELEASE:
President Signs Assistive
Technology Act
WASHINGTON, DC (10/25/04) President
Bush yesterday signed the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, which will ensure
that individuals with disabilities throughout the US and its territories have
access to the technology they need to help them be independent in school, at
home, the workplace and in the community. This legislation represents an
important commitment to people with disabilities from the President and the
Congress.
Millions of people with disabilities
rely on assistive technology to help them gain and maintain independence. Every
state and US territory has an Assistive Technology Act Program (AT Program)
funded under the provisions of the Technology-Related Assistance Act of 1988.
Legislation supporting the State AT Programs was scheduled to sunset on
September 30, 2004. The AT Act of 2004 supports the continuance of State AT
Programs and eliminates the sunset provision. By eliminating the sunset
provision, the government sent a clear signal that it supports a federal
investment for people with disabilities, which will pay off for communities,
the economy, businesses and people with disabilities.
"The impressive bi-partisan effort
of Congress to ensure the continuation of these vital programs is heartening
for people with disabilities and the programs that serve them," said Deborah
Buck, Executive Director, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs. "We
are so pleased with the bipartisan bi-cameral leadership of Rep. Buck McKeon
(R-CA), Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), Sen. Judd Gregg
(R-NH), Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Sen. Edward Kennedy
(D-MA). When the Congress puts aside partisanship in order to address the needs
of people with disabilities, it is a victory for all Americans."
The Association of Assistive
Technology Act Programs (ATAP) worked for several years to educate Congress
about the significance of the Act in the lives of people with disabilities.
Joined by other national disability organizations, technology companies and
business representatives, ATAP shared with Congress the many successes of the
programs and the difference the law can make for people with disabilities. ATAP
salutes the Congress and the President for their important work in
reauthorizing this law and removing the sunset provision.
The Association of Assistive
Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based organization
comprised of state Assistive Technology Programs funded under the Assistive
Technology Act. http://www.ataporg.orghttp://www.ataporg.org.
Richard Farruggio Hired as IL NET Regional
Coordinator
ALBANY, NY (10/01/04) - The New York
State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) is proud to announce the hiring
of Richard Farruggio as the IL NET Regional Coordinator for federal Regions I
(CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) and II (NJ, NY, PR, VI). "Ritchie" will be the primary
contact with CIL's and the SILC's in these states and territories. He will
forward timely training and resource information to you as it becomes available
through the IL NET. He started in his new position on October 1st.
"The national project is going to
shift its focus during the next year," stated Farruggio. "I will make contact
with each CIL and SILC at least once during the year to see if you have any
interest in establishing a training plan. We are making this change to respect
you and your time." Ritchie welcomes you to contact him at any time to discuss
technical assistance and training needs. He also encourages you to inform him
of any best practices that your CIL or SILC may have to offer. Ritchie
Farruggio can be reached at (518) 427-1060, extension 14, or via email at
rfarruggio@reg1-2nysilc.org.
|
