Able Job Seekers Logo Woman in wheelchair filing medical data Two women in an office using sign language to communicate Disabled man working at grocery store
Home Legal Requirements - Learn about the primary nondiscrimination laws that provide protection to people with disabilities in the employment arena Reasonabl Accommodations - what is it and how do I do it
Resources for locating qualified job candidates Hiring Process - Learn the do's and don'ts about getting employed Tax Incentives - what they are and how they can help you Assistive Technology - get information and resources Resource Links to national and state disability-related resources
Access Washington Official State Government Web Site
 
Assistive Technology >>
WATA Ableproject.org
Assistive Technology Funding  

Assistive Technology

Get Information and Resources

According to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Assistive Technology (AT) includes both devices and services. A device is any item or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. Examples include wheelchairs, computers, seating systems, augmentative communication devices, special switches, assisted listening devices, and visual aids. AT services support people with disabilities to help them select, acquire, or use AT devices. Such services also include functional evaluations, training on or demonstration of devices, and purchasing or leasing devices.

Ensuring that employees are given the tools they need to be successful on the job is good business. For employees with disabilities, assistive technology is one of those tools. This is one more step toward closing the employment gap that exists between people with disabilities and those without, and thereby helping to strengthen the nation's workforce and improve the lives of all Americans. More people with disabilities working means more consumers to put money back into the economy and more contributing taxpayers. It also brings opportunities for employers to tap into new sources of creativity, loyal employees, and expanded workforce and consumer diversity.

The Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA)

The Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA) is a consumer advocacy network that includes the University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies and the Assistive Technology Resource Center at Easter Seals. WATA can provide employees with disabilities and employers with consultation, and training related to selection of AT devices, services and funding, technical consultation and training, information and referral, publications, and the development and maintenance of online resources. WATA's statewide information and referral system toll-free number can provide employers and/or employees with disabilities with information about the benefits and limitations of AT. They can help employers Explore options for devices and services to meet specific needs and connect with local resources (when available) for consultation, hands-on device demonstrations, and training. WATA also offers technical consultation and training regarding strategic planning for accessibility of information technology systems, including hardware/software procurement and design of information systems.

To contact WATA's statewide I & R Center call 1-800-214-8731 V/TTY or (509) 328-9350 V/TTY, or e-mail them at ginettep@wa.easterseals.com.

For more information about the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance and the services they offer, click here http://wata.org/index.htm to go to the wata.org website.

Or contact them at 800-841-8345 V/TTY.

Ableproject.org

Ableproject.org is a nonprofit organization of business, financial, technology and computer professionals who either have a disability, or provide care for disabled loved ones. It provides a network where people with disabilities, and those working with them, can research, compare, locate and obtain mobility and assistive products. The Ableproject.org utilizes the power of the worldwide web to:

  • Help people with disabilities learn about the available assistive equipment that include specialty designed computer keyboards, speech software, wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, commode and shower chairs, bathing aids, lifts, and modified vehicles;
  • Find the correct assistive equipment and services;
  • Do comparison shopping at the most affordable price and save money.

The searchable database provides a virtual showroom of mobility and assistive products where people can see the products, learn about product specifications, and then connect to a manufacturer or local dealer within 24 hours.

For more information about what Ableproject.org can do for you, visit the ableproject.org site

Or contact them at:

Phone: (408) 263-8000
Email: info@ableproject.org
productlisting@ableproject.org

 

Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement