Assistive Technology Partners

Partners in Removing Barriers and Improving Access to Assistive Technology   Who we are and What we do

Who we are

The ATAP Lead Agency coordinates the overall activities and funds for the project.
reginaconnoratap [dot] state [dot] ri [dot] us (Office of Rehabilitation Services)
Project Director: Susan Olson
40 Fountain Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-7005 ext. 310 (v)
(401) 421-7016 (TTY)

The %20techaccesstechaccess-ri [dot] org (ATAP Central Resource Center for Assistive Technology) provides information, referral, demonstrations and technical assistance to individuals with questions regarding Assistive Technology.  The Center coordinates a library of informational sources and provides demonstrations of assistive technology. 
TechACCESS of RI
110 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02888
(800) 916-8324 [TECH] (v/TTY) 
(401) 463-0202 (v/TTY)

The ATAP Resource Center for Children and Youth targets the needs of children up to the age of 21.  Through this resource center parents, children and school personnel can “try out” assistive technology and learn about assistive technology through presentations. 
Labittlride [dot] ri [dot] net (Lisa Labitt)
East Bay Educational Collaborative
317 Market Street, Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-2045 (v)
RI Relay (800) 745-6575 (v) or
(800) 745-5555 (TTY)

RI Council on Assistive Technology (RICAT) is the advisory body to the ATAP Project.  RICAT members are predominately AT users who advocate for legislative and other changes in the system to increase the access to AT for individuals with disabilities.  Contact ATAP Lead Agency.

The ATAP Resource Center for Elders and Individuals with Sensory Impairments provides a key linkage to the Independent Living system in RI.  Through this resource elderly can learn about inexpensive assistive technology devices that will assist them in their daily lives. 
oscilride [dot] ri [dot] net (Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL))
59 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889
(401) 738-1013 (v) or (401) 738-1015 (TTY)

The ATAP Funding and Advocacy Resource Center provides people with individual and systems advocacy related to assistive technology issues.  The ATAP Funding Specialist is housed in this Center and works closely with the Project Director and the RICAT in removing barriers to assistive technology. 
RI Disability Law Center
349 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 831-3150 (v) or (401) 831-5335 (TTY)

The edaltongrog [dot] ric [dot] edu (ATAP Evaluation Team) is assessing the effect of assistive technology on the lives of individuals and the impact of ATAP’s activities on increasing access to assistive technology. 
Paul V. Sherlock Center
610 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8072

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What we do - ATAP Accomplisments

ATAP worked with an active consumer council and other key advocacy groups on legislation to protect consumers:

• PASSED:   Comprehensive lemon law that includes hearing aid

• PASSED:   Law requiring that a consumer who uses hearing aids sit on the Hearing Aid Licensing Board

• PASSED:   Legislation that requires purchasers of Hearing Aids can try out the technology for 30 days and receive full refund if not appropriate for their needs.

Information Hotline:  1-800-916-8324 [TECH]   (401) 463-0202 (V/TTY)

Publications:

• Parent’s Guide to Assistive Technology

• Guide to Purchasing Hearing Aids in RI

• Assistive Technology Funding Fact Sheets and Guides

• TechACCESSORY:  a quarterly newsletter

Workshops and Training:

• Self-advocacy and assistive technology for individuals and families

• Information and training for senior citizens on low-tech, low-cost assistive technology to assist in daily living

• Training and awareness sessions for educators and parents on role of assistive technology in education

• Assistive technology equipment demonstrations and referrals to vendors

• Annual Assistive Technology conference

• ATAP is working to increase availability to recycled and used equipment.

• ATAP is working with state agencies to reduce the time it takes to obtain necessary technology.

• ATAP is developing on-going partnerships with cultural organizations and consumer organizations to spread the word about available technology.

In education:

• ATAP is working with transition programs to make technology more accessible to young people moving from high school to adult life.

• ATAP is providing information and resources to schools to ensure that assistive technology is considered in student’s individualized education plan.

• ATAP working with early intervention programs to improve access to technology for children under three years old.

In healthcare:

• ATAP and the Department of Health are collaborating on a training plan for physicians related to assistive technology.

In employment:

• ATAP is working with state agencies to ensure the consideration of assistive technology in all phases of vocational rehabilitation process.

•  ATAP is working to increase employment opportunities by raising awareness of assistive technology among the business community.

In funding:

• ATAP is working to make the approval process for technology timelier for consumers.

• ATAP is collaborating with the Department of Elderly Affairs to help raise awareness of ways senior citizens can obtain funding for assistive technology.

• ATAP convened an Interagency Council comprised of state agency policy makers to coordinate state cooperative agreements and funding agreements related to assistive technology.

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