Assistive technology: public policy and financing

Abstract

This article analyzes the underlying values of public policy toward people with disabilities and technology and the impact on assistive technology service delivery and financing. While the values of the independent living movement are beginning to make inroads into policy, change in practice is moving more slowly. Likewise, although assistive technology concerns have been incorporated into many pieces of legislation, the service delivery system continues to be inaccessible in many ways. Financing is still one of the major problems in accessing technology. Sources of funding are described as well as a variety of creative approaches to filling the gaps in funding.