Empowerment,advocacy,and self-advocacy for assistive technology 1

Abstract

Shifts from professional-driven, to client-focused, to consumer-responsive, to consumer-driven service delivery have created a new and critical need for people with disabilities with the confidence and ability to make their own assistive technology decisions. On a systemic level, people with disabilities have unprecedented opportunities to influence public policy. Supports provided through several programs as part of the Pennsylvania Title I project under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1994 are helping to create new, informed and effective leaders who can advocate for improved access to assistive devices and services for themselves and others.