Assistive Technology Act
The Assistive Technology Act funds a national network of state AT programs that provide device demonstrations, short-term loans, device reutilization programs, and financing options to help people with disabilities access assistive technology. Every US state and territory has an AT program funded under this act.
What the law requires
The Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) of 1998, updated in 2004, authorizes grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories to support assistive technology programs. Unlike civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination, the AT Act is a funding law — it creates a delivery infrastructure for AT services, not a rights framework.
Every state program funded under the AT Act must provide four core services:
Device demonstrations: People can try AT devices before purchasing them. Demonstrations are free and available to anyone — not just people who qualify for other programs. This is invaluable when deciding between communication devices, alternative keyboards, or screen magnification software.
Device loan programs (short-term): People can borrow AT devices for days or weeks to try in their real environments — at work, school, or home — before committing to a purchase. Short-term loans are particularly useful when trialing high-cost items like power wheelchairs or complex AAC systems.
Device reutilization: Programs collect donated AT equipment, refurbish it, and redistribute it to people who need it at little or no cost. This is a major resource for people who cannot afford new equipment and covers items ranging from wheelchairs and walkers to hearing aids and communication devices.
Financial assistance: Many state AT programs offer low-interest loans or other financing options to help people purchase AT that insurance, Medicaid, or schools will not fund. This fills a critical gap for working-age adults who fall between funding sources.
Who it protects
Anyone with a disability or age-related functional limitation. State AT programs serve people of all ages and all disability types. There are no income requirements for most services, though some financial assistance programs have eligibility criteria.
Who must comply
The AT Act places obligations on states receiving federal AT Act grants to provide the core services listed above and to report outcomes. It does not impose obligations on private companies.
What it does NOT cover (common misunderstandings)
The AT Act does not require anyone to provide AT devices. It funds programs that help people access and afford AT — it does not create an entitlement to receive a specific device. For entitlement to AT devices, look to IDEA (for school-age children), Medicaid (through waiver programs), or workers' compensation.
AT Act programs vary significantly by state in terms of the breadth of devices available for loan or demonstration.
How to enforce your rights
Contact your state AT program directly. The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) and the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) maintain directories of state programs. Most services are first-come, first-served with no appeals process, as the AT Act is a discretionary grant program rather than an entitlement program.
Recent updates
The AT Act was reauthorized in 2004 with the current four core activities framework. There have been ongoing discussions in Congress about expanding funding, particularly for AT financing programs and reutilization networks, as demand significantly exceeds available resources in most states. The AT3 Center (AT Act Technical Assistance and Training) provides national coordination and data collection for the state program network.