About Us

History

In 1988, Public Law 108-3464, The Technology Related Services for Individuals with Disabilities was passed, which made available Federal grants to every US state and territory to establish an AT Act Program. The Connecticut Tech Act Project was established in Connecticut in 1992 with the main purpose of raising awareness of Assistive Technology and a focus on systems changes.

The Connecticut Tech Act Project focused on establishing programs throughout Connecticut that would help individuals with disabilities learn about and have access to Assistive Technology. Some of the programs included the low-interest Assistive Technology Loan Program as well as providing seed money to the New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Marketplace to create an Assistive Technology demonstration and recycling center. Some of the systems changes that took place included the Connecticut’s Assistive Technology Lemon Law.

Public Law 108-3464 went through a series of changes and amendments in 1994, in 1998 when the name was changed to the Assistive Technology Act and it was amended once more in 2004. These changes impacted the requirements for all of the AT Act Programs - we are now required to increase access to and acquisition of Assistive Technology for individuals with disabilities, family members, educators, employers and professionals. We must “improve the provision of Assistive Technology to individuals with disabilities through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance, for individuals with disabilities of all ages.”

State Level Activities

All AT Act Programs are required to establish the following 4 State Level activities:

Assistive Technology Demonstration
Assistive Technology Device Loan Program
Assistive Technology Reutilization Program (also known as recycling)
Alternate Financing Program

The Connecticut Tech Act Project has established these programs through community partners, such as the NEAT Marketplace operates an AT demonstration center, a device loan program and an Equipment Recycling Center. We have also partnered with NEAT and the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County to establish a satellite office for the Equipment Recycling Center and a small demonstration center in the Fairfield county area.

The Connecticut Tech Act Project operates the AT Loan Program to help individuals with disabilities and their family members access low-interest loans to purchase Assistive Technology devices and services.

Leadership Activities

The AT Act also requires that each AT Act Program provide Training and Technical Assistance, outreach and public awareness, around Assistive Technology devices and services. The Assistive Technology Coordinator provides these services upon request. You may find the Connecticut Tech Act Project and fairs and expos, conferences, trainings and other events.

If you would like the Connecticut Tech Act Project to be present at your event or if you would like to find out more about the trainings we offer, please contact us.

Transition

The AT Act has a new emphasis on Transition, which includes students transitioning from high school to post-secondary or work experiences as well as individuals in nursing facilities transitioning back into the community. The Connecticut Tech Act Project has some plans in the works to address the Assistive Technology needs for individuals who are transitioning. Check our website frequently for updates on our programs.

State Plan

You can read the Connecticut Tech Act Project's State Plan by following this link to the Ed.gov website: http://www.ed.gov/programs/atsg/state-plans/2006/

For more information on the Connecticut Tech Act Project programs and activities, feel free to contact us. Your feedback is always welcome!