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[Pages S1479-S1480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 530--DESIGNATING MARCH 4, 2020, AS ``NATIONAL
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS DAY''
Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. Cramer) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 530
Whereas assistive technology is any item, piece of
equipment, or product system that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities and older adults;
Whereas the term ``assistive technology service'' means any
service that directly assists an individual with a disability
or an older adult in the selection, acquisition, or use of an
assistive technology device;
Whereas, in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reported that 1 in 4 individuals in the United
States, or almost 61,000,000 individuals, has a disability;
Whereas, in 2017, the Department of Education reported that
there were more than 7,000,000 children with disabilities;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reported that, among adults 65 years of age and older, 2 in 5
have a disability;
Whereas assistive technology allows individuals with
disabilities and older adults to be included in their
communities and in inclusive classrooms and workplaces;
Whereas assistive technology devices and services are
necessities, not luxury items, for millions of individuals
with disabilities and older adults, without which they would
be unable to live in their communities, access education, or
obtain, retain, and advance gainful, competitive, integrated
employment;
Whereas the availability of assistive technology in the
workplace promotes economic self-sufficiency, enhances work
participation, and is critical to the employment of
individuals with disabilities and older adults; and
Whereas State assistive technology programs support a
continuum of services that include--
(1) the exchange, repair, recycling, and other
reutilization of assistive technology devices;
(2) device loan programs that provide short-term loans of
assistive technology devices to individuals, employers,
public agencies, and others;
(3) the demonstration of devices to inform decision making;
and
(4) State financing to help individuals purchase or obtain
assistive technology through a variety of initiatives, such
as financial loan programs, leasing programs, and other
financing alternatives, that give individuals affordable,
flexible options to purchase or
[[Page S1480]]
obtain assistive technology: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates March 4, 2020, as ``National Assistive
Technology Awareness Day''; and
(2) commends--
(A) assistive technology specialists and program
coordinators for their hard work and dedication to serving
individuals with disabilities who are in need of finding the
proper assistive technology to meet their individual needs;
and
(B) professional organizations and researchers dedicated to
facilitating the access and acquisition of assistive
technology for individuals with disabilities and older adults
in need of assistive technology devices.
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