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Tools for Life, the Georgia Assistive Technology Project, promotes the independence and participation of all Georgians with disabilities and their families through increased access to assistive technology (AT) for living, learning, working and playing.

Tools for Life was established in 1991 under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (PL 100-497) and now operates under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (PL 104-394). The law requires states to provide four priority services:

• A program of public awareness to inform citizens about the availability and benefits of assistive technology.
  
  
• Improved coordination among public and private partners that provide assistive technology to address gaps in services.



• Technical assistance and training to increase access to AT.
  
  
• Outreach to support statewide and community-based organizations that provide AT devices and services to citizens with disabilities.
  

The "Tech Act" provided the first legislated definition of assistive technology devices and services. Since the passage of this landmark legislation, these definitions have been used in all subsequent laws passed that included the provision of assistive technology such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), P.L. 99-457 (Early Intervention Act), and IDEA (Amendments to P.L. 94-142, Special Education Act). The definitions included in the "Tech Act" are as follows:

Assistive Technology Device
"...any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

Assistive Technology Service
"...any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device."

Assistive technology services include:

1. Evaluation of the technology needs of the individual including a functional evaluation in the individual's customary environment.
   
2. Purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices for individuals with disabilities.
   
3. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs.
   
4. Assistive technology training and technical assistance with assistive technology for an individual with a disability, or where appropriate, the family of an individual with disabilities.
   
5. Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or otherwise are substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities.

Tools for Life is a service of the Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and is funded by a NIDRR/DOE grant H224A10001-02. The contents of this page do not necessarily reflect the view of NIDRR, US DOE, GDOL, or VR and do not imply endorsement.

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