Date: Friday, December 6, 2013
Category: General
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, a coalition of which RESNA is a leading member, hosted a congressional briefing "on the Hill" this week on assistive technology and independence.
The December 2nd briefing, held at the Rayburn House Office Building, was packed with congressional staffers interested in finding out more about assistive technology and how it is used by people with disabilities for education, community living, employment and recreation. In addition to a panel of experts, the briefing featured hands-on demonstrations of a wide range of assistive technology devices.
RESNA's Board Secretary Jamie Prioli, ATP, participated as a panelist, speaking on assistive technology and employment. She spoke about her own use of assistive technology, and how that made her a productive and effective employee. Prioli is the Program Coordinator for Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT).
Other panelists and speakers included: Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy, American Foundation for the Blind; Audrey Busch, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP); Eric Buehlmann, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy, National Disability Rights Network; Ann Cody, MS, CDSS, Director of Policy and Global Outreach, Blaze Sports America; Linda Jaco, Director of the Oklahoma State Assistive Technology Program and ATAP Chair Steve Rothstein, President of Perkins School for the Blind, joined by teacher Kate Crohan and student Chris Palmieri; Theresa Morgan, Legislative Director of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C.
Congressional staffers also received an update on top legislative priorities for the Consortium:
- HR 942/S948 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013
- Assistive Technology and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Funding for state AT Act program and Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) programs
RESNA's Executive Director Michael Brogioli participated as an event organizer, along with ATAP, Perkins School for the Blind, National Disability Rights Network, National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, American Foundation for the Blind, United Spinal Association, and the ARC of the United States.
"The overwhelming turnout at this event shows that congressional staffers are eager to hear and learn about assistive technology and how these technologies help people with disabilities lead independent, productive lives," said Brogioli. "We look forward to working closely with our CCD partners to continue this outreach to Congress."