Four tech bills get scrutiny in Olympia

The four technology components of the UW's budget request are being actively considered by the Legislature during the first half of the 1998 supplemental session.

In December, Governor Locke recommended funding for Disabilities Opportunities Internetworking Technology
(DO-IT) program and provided a significant portion of the funds requested for the Advanced Technology Research Initiative (ATRI), the Internet 2 Hub, and the K-20 Network. Senate and House budgets are not yet available, but those attending recent meetings with legislators from key committees indicate that the UW's technology initiatives were well-received in both chambers of the Legislature.

"Our technology requests fit well within the supplemental session funding criteria set by Republican leaders. Legislators we've spoken with recognize that these initiatives will greatly benefit our institution and the state, and the opportunity to fund them won't exist next year," said Kevin Evanto, associate director for Government Relations and Alumni Outreach.

"All of these proposals draw on the particular strengths of the University of Washington," commented Sherry Burkey, director of Government Relations. "Our proposals will enhance the University of Washington's research and teaching missions optimize the state's investment in the K-20 network and strengthen the economic vitality of our region."

Success in these areas not only increases the prestige of the UW, it also provides more opportunities for Washington citizens and industry.

Pointing to the multiple ways in which the University serves the state, Provost Lee Huntsman said, "The state Legislature has emphasized the importance of our meeting enrollment demands. We have been able to accommodate more students at each of our three campuses, but another important component of our role is to develop academic strength in emerging areas. This is essentail in order for the University to provide high-quality education and research for today and tomorrow. The technology measures now being considered by the Legislature offer much-needed help toward meeting this responsibility."

Developing new University programs in technology-related areas requires a critical mass of faculty. ATRI would provide funds to hire and support clusters of faculty who would develop education and research programs. "We want to prepare our students with the best possible education for tomorrow. We believe that the ATRI faculty-cluster model will allow the Univeristy of Washington to move into the next generation of technology-related programs," Huntsman said. "Such programs also have a direct impact on the state economy through research and invention."

The Internet 2 Hub would also promote research activity and benefit local business and industries. By linking the I-2 Hub to the fiber optic connections awarded to the UW through a National Science Foundation grant, the UW would become a test bed site for new Internet technology. This facility would allow university researchers to be directly involved in creating the next generation Internet. Washington state business would profit by having early and direct access to the equipment and expertise that will define the new Internet.

Funds requested for the maintenance and operation of

K-20 network, would allow the UW to bring new opportunities and new ways of communicating to citizens across the state.

K-20 gives the University the electronic infrastructure needed to reach out across the state and be a direct benefit to all kinds of students. The K-20 network would afford UW faculty the opportunity to develop new ways of interacting with colleagues and educating students. Bolstered with Internet 2 technology, the K-20 network would allow educators to look across the entire nation for educational resources.

The DO-IT program benefits promising disabled students and shows how new communications technology can enhance learning while defeating social and logistical barriers. Through equipment loans, positive role models and a supportive Internet community, the DO-IT program seeks to help severely disabled students lead more independent and productive lives.

"We want to make students experts at their own disabilities and help them learn how to express their needs and resolve difficulties," said DO-IT Program Director Sheryl Burgstahler. "Too often accommodations are just delivered to the disabled. We take a partnership approach and ask how can the individual learn to help themselves."

DO-IT has excelled at its mission and has changed the lives and perspectives of program students, their parents, and the teachers who work with them. The DO-IT program has also served as a model for other programs that seek to assist isolated minorities. When asked where these students will turn if funding fails, Burgstahler answered, "No organization in the nation provides this service. We are unique, and if funding fails this service will disappear." ¶

Kelly Keith, Government Relations