Kentucky was one of the first states funded under the Tech Act of 1988, which has been replaced by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004, (P.L. 108-364). The KATS Network is the Kentucky Assistive Technology program operating within its lead agency, the Office for the Blind, Education Cabinet. It consists of a statewide network of organizations and individuals connecting to enhance the availability of assistive technology devices and services to improve the productivity and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
The KATS Network is “consumer” driven, i.e. it has an Advisory Council that is dominated by consumers. In addition to the Coordinating Center located in the McDowell Center in Louisville, there are four regional AT resource centers and two partner satellite centers that are participating members of the KATS Network serving Kentucky.
Through advocacy activities and capacity building efforts, the mission of this collaborative system is to make assistive technology (AT) information, devices and services easily obtainable for people of any age and/or disability.
The regional assistive technology centers have been a major part of the development of the KATS Network. These regional centers work cooperatively with the Coordinating Center sharing responsibilities for supporting KATS Network initiatives by providing direct services, implementing training opportunities, and other supporting activities at all levels. The AT resource centers, as private non-profit organizations directed by separate consumer boards, have historically reflected the grassroots, consumer-driven nature of the network and maintained the goals and spirit of the Tech Act of 1988 and its successor, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended.
Each center has been involved in varying degrees with systems change, advocacy, and consumer-directed activities while developing the means for self-sustainment and growth. The centers have been actively involved in capacity building on a local and regional level, devoting significant time to training, advocacy and embedding assistive technology capacities, knowledge, and skill within local and state agencies and services providers.
The KATS Network Advisory Council and the Coordinating Center staff help coordinate the implementation of statewide capacity building and advocacy initiatives regarding the availability of assistive technology. These organizations, designed to work toward permanent systems change for the enhancement of access to assistive technology for Kentuckians with disabilities, constitute the KATS Network, providing consumer responsive, comprehensive, statewide programs of technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities of all ages.
In 1994, the KATS Network contracted with the Kentucky Division of Protection & Advocacy to provide services and access to legal representation for individuals with disabilities who have been unduly denied access to assistive technology. P&A has permanently embedded the capacity within its structure to continue assistive technology related services and continues these services with direct funding under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended.
State Plan for Assistive Technology 2009-2011 - Full Text (PDF)
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KATS Network Coordinating Center
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Local: (502) 429-4484
Toll Free: (800) 327-5287
Fax: (502) 429-7114