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Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
Core Function: Technical Assistance and Outreach Training
The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program is a consumer advocacy network that includes the University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies (UWCTDS), and the AT Resource Center at the Easter Seal Society in Spokane (EATRC). WATAP also receives guidance from a Consumer Majority Advisory Board. WATAP promotes the use of assistive technology devices (AT) and services for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, employers, teachers, and health care and social service providers in Washington State.
WATAP activities include information and referral (I&R), legal advocacy, policy development and legislation, and electronic information and networking.
- WATAP operates a Statewide I&R System on the benefits and limitations of AT, options for devices and services to meet specific needs, and a database of local resources for consultation, hands-on device demonstrations, and training. WATAP can help identify funding options and offer consultation regarding eligibility criteria and procedures to facilitate accessing AT. Consultation may include providing information on education or rehabilitation service plans and assistance with justification letters for Medicaid or insurance.
- WATAP offers legal advocacy to alleviate the considerable difficulties individuals face when trying to obtain needed AT devices and services through systems such as Medicaid, insurance, special education and vocational rehabilitation.
- Through conducting evaluation with customers, WATAP works to identify barriers that inform strategies to shape policy development and legislation.
Lastly, WATAP provides electronic information and networking resources. The WATAP website (http://watap.org/) provides electronic access to all WATAP publications and resource lists, the ATExchange, an online AT discussion forum, and links to local and national AT resources. WATAP also moderates the Online AT Discussion Forum (wash-at@u.washington.edu) which links consumers of AT and their families, AT vendors and service providers, teachers, and others to exchange ideas, information and strategies, available via the WATAP website or an e-mail distribution list. Additionally, WATAP provides the AT-Exchange (http://watap.org/atexchange/), a marketplace
More Information
WATAP website
Online AT Discussion Forum
AT-Exchange
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