AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES DEALT BLOW BY PRESIDENT'S BUDGET

Vow to Restore Funding for Critical Program

Deborah Buck
dbuck@nycap.rr.com

Millions of Americans with Disabilities were dealt a huge blow yesterday with the release of the President's FY 2006 Budget. The blow was especially painful because it was just last October when the disability community was celebrating President Bush's signing into law the Assistive Technology Act of 2004.   The purpose of the law is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the technology they need to help them be independent in school, at home, in the workplace and the community. 

Millions of people with disabilities rely on assistive technology to help them gain and maintain independence.  The new budget proposes to eliminate funding for the newly reauthorized Assistive Technology Act of 2004, despite evidence that the programs have shown to benefit communities, the economy, businesses and people with disabilities. 

Last year Congress worked hard to expand critical assistive technology programs, including alternate financing into every state and US territory.   The legislation, passed with unanimous bi-partisan support, sent a clear message that our government supports a federal investment in people with disabilities.  This was a giant step forward in recognizing the contributions of all Americans. 

To those Americans with disabilities and their advocates, this is about much more than a budget and numbers: it's about what we stand for as Americans.  "This issue defines our priorities and values as a nation," said Deborah Buck, Executive Director of the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP).  "It's about the promise of America ­ that all Americans, no matter what their station in life, have the freedom to dream and the opportunity to succeed."

ATAP vowed to work closely with the disability community, advocacy groups, technology companies, public-private sector interests and other stakeholders to educate the Congress about the importance of keeping the promise made last October.  

Note: The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs is a national, member-based organization comprised of state Assistive Technology Programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act.  http://www.ataporg.org