TechACCESS of RI

Message from ATAP's Project Director:

One of ATAP's fundamental principles is that of consumer choice in the provision of AT devices and services. In order to ensure consumer choice, ATAP provides a wide range of information about AT, and the opportunity to visit the two AT demonstration centers (TechACCESS and the AT Resource Center at the East Bay Educational Collaborative) for hands-on experience with a variety of types of adaptive equipment.

Regina Connor

Consumer Choice Drives The Rehabilitation Process

Historically, for many people with disabilities, the opportunity to make choices has been limited. In advocating for the passage of civil rights laws, people with disabilities have sought to expand their opportunities to exercise choice and experience self-determination. This respect for choice and self-determination has been incorporated into the Rehabilitation Act, in its provision on "informed choice". Section 2(a)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act states that disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to make choices. The Act further states that it is the policy of the United States that all programs, projects, and activities under the Act shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of self-determination based on informed choice for individuals with disabilities. One of the stronger provisions regarding consumer choice in the Law states that individuals with disabilities must be active participants in their own rehabilitation programs, including making meaningful and informed choices.

The fundamental assumption behind the choice provision in the Rehabilitation Act is that provided sufficient information, resources, and support, individuals with disabilities will be able to make informed decisions which will lead them to realize their goals. The specific goals are as varied, unique and individualized as they are as people; the goals could be vocational, independent living, or to increase function, etc.

The Office of Rehabilitation Services as part of their State Plan has a section that addresses their Policies and Procedures relating to choice which states in part: "ORS provides an atmosphere that is person centered in its approach to decision making and insures that the ORS customers are involved in making meaningful and informed choices about their goals and the rehabilitation services needed to assist them in reaching these goals."

Informed choice has become a decision making process in which an individual analyzes relevant information and selects, with the help of professionals, appropriate services, goods and providers.

If you are one of the more than 50 million people with a disability in the United States, how do you access the assistive technology services and devices that you may need at home or work, in school or in the community and make an informed choice? Many people have turned to the Assistive Technology Projects in their states to help provide them with the information that they need.

For more information, contact the ATAP Central Resource Center at TechACCESS at 1-800-916-TECH or 401-463-0202.