HR 9028 — 21st Century Assistive Technology Act

Summary

21st Century Assistive Technology Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2027, modifies the funding allocations for, and makes administrative and other changes to programs that increase access to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities. An assistive technology device includes any item, piece of equipment, or system that is used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (e.g., wheelchairs, hearing aids, or screen readers and computer software), and an assistive technology service is a service that directly assists an individual with a disability with selecting or using such devices, including by evaluating the individual's needs or expanding access to such devices and technology. Specific changes include expanding the scope of certain technical assistance to support grant recipients with data collection and increasing collaboration between agencies that are implementing certain assistive technology grants and state agencies that receive other sources of federal funding for this technology.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html September 29, 2022

From the bill's own amending language, matched to the official United States Code (current through Public Law 119-121).

Also cites: 20 U.S.C. § 1001, 20 U.S.C. § 7801, 29 U.S.C. § 705, 29 U.S.C. § 721, 29 U.S.C. § 794, 29 U.S.C. § 794e, 29 U.S.C. § 796d, 29 U.S.C. § 3102, 29 U.S.C. § 3111, 42 U.S.C. § 3002, 42 U.S.C. § 3025, 42 U.S.C. § 12102 and 5 more

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill reauthorizes the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 and updates its provisions and definitions to enhance support for assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  The purposes of this chapter are to— → The purposes of this Act are—

  The purpose section is rephrased to refer specifically to the Act instead of the chapter.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  to [1] support State efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages, including underrepresented populations, through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance that are designed to— → to support State efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages, including older individuals, through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance that are designed to—

  Updates the language to specifically include older individuals as part of those served.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  that are involved in carrying out activities under this chapter; → that are involved or are eligible to be involved in carrying out activities under this Act;

  Clarifies that both currently involved and eligible entities may participate in activities.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  to 1 provide States and protection and advocacy systems with financial assistance that supports programs designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to obtain assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. → to provide States and protection and advocacy systems with financial assistance that supports programs designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to obtain assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.

  This provision is retained without change in the text, reaffirming support for financial assistance.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

  Introduces a new section for definitions, organizing the Act's terminology.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  the term 'adult service program' means a program that provides services to, or is otherwise substantially involved with the major life functions of, individuals with disabilities.

  Defines 'adult service program' for clarity regarding the types of services integrated into assistive technology.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  the term 'assistive technology' means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service.

  Clarifies the meaning of 'assistive technology' in relation to devices and services.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  the term 'assistive technology service' means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

  Defines 'assistive technology service' to enhance understanding of the support provided.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3001

  the term 'protection and advocacy services' means services authorized under subtitle C of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.) to protect the legal and civil rights of individuals with disabilities.

  Establishes a clear definition for 'protection and advocacy services' linking it to existing legal frameworks.

Action History

1. September 29, 2022

   Introduced in House

2. September 29, 2022

   Introduced in House

3. September 29, 2022

   Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Sponsors

• Mark DeSaulnier · Primary

Subjects