Kentucky was one of the first states funded under the Tech Act of 1988, which has been replaced by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004, (P.L. 108-364).
What We Do?
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network Services include, but are not limited to:
- Assistive Technology Services for Early Intervention, School, Work, Home, Leisure or Recreation
- Loan Library of Assistive Devices, Adaptive Equipment and Toys
- Funding Information & Referral
- Assessments & Evaluations for Adaptive Equipment
- Consultations on Appropriate Technologies
- Workplace Accessible Technology
- Vocational Assessments
- Environmental Controls
- Device Demonstrations
- Recycled Assistive Technology Devices
- Training and Technical Assistance
- Plus affiliation with the KY Assistive Technology Loan Corp., providing low interest loans for AT devices
How We Do It?
The Regional Assistive Technology Centers (ATRCs) have been a major part of the development of the KATS Network. These regional centers work cooperatively with the Coordinating Center sharing responsibilities for supporting KATS Network initiatives by providing direct services, implementing training opportunities, and other supporting activities at all levels. The ATRCs, as private non-profit organizations with separate consumer advisory councils, have historically reflected the grassroots, consumer-driven nature of the network and maintained the goals and spirit of the Tech Act of 1988 and its successor, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. Some of the AT Act language was adopted in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Each center has been involved in varying degrees with systems change, advocacy, and consumer-directed activities while developing the means for self-sustainment and growth. The centers have been actively involved in capacity building on a local and regional level, devoting significant time to training, advocacy and embedding assistive technology capacities, knowledge, and skills within local and state agencies and services providers.
Why We Do It?
Through advocacy activities and capacity building efforts, the mission of this collaborative system is to make assistive technology (AT) information, devices and services easily obtainable for people of any age and any disability.