ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - PROBLEMS AND POLICY ALTERNATIVES

Assistive technology (AT), defined as any device or product system tha t increases the physical functioning or independence of persons with d isabilities, is transforming the way disabled Americans live and work. Numerous studies show increases in independence, employment, and life satisfaction; yet, the acquisition of AT presents many problems for d isabled persons, such as lack of funds to purchase AT, no centralized information and evaluation system, fraud and abuse by some providers, and denials of needed equipment by third-party payers. The proposed He alth Security Act could provide a potential mechanism to address these problems, but whether AT should be covered under the Act has received little national attention. In this article we document the need and c urrent funding alternatives for AT, and suggests possible short and lo ng-range strategies to make AT more available for individuals with dis abilities. (C) 1994 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicin e and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation