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“Disability Solutions through Technology”

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Kentucky AT Act Program Summary

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Kentucky was one of the first states funded under the Tech Act of 1988, which has been replaced by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004, (P.L. 108-364).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 Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network is the Kentucky Assistive Technology Act 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. Through advocacy activities and capacity building efforts, the mission of this collaborative system is to make assistive technology information, devices and services easily obtainable for people of any age and any disability.

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 one partner satellite center(s) that are participating members of the KATS Network serving Kentucky. They are:

Assistive Technology Resource Centers

• Bluegrass Technology Center (BTC) - Lexington
• Enabling Technologies (enTECH) at Spalding University - Louisville
• Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Center (WKATC) at Wendell Foster Campus - Owensboro
• Redwood Assistive Technology Center (Redwood) - Ft. Mitchell

Partner Satellite Center(s)

• Carl Perkins Rehabilitation Center - Thelma

Network Services include, but are not limited to

• Assistive Technology Services for Early Intervention, School, Work, Home, Leisure or Recreation
• Loan Library of Assistive Devices, Adaptive Equipment and Toys
• Funding Information & Referral
• Assessments & Evaluations for Adaptive Equipment
• Consultations on Appropriate Technologies
• Workplace Accessible Technology
• Vocational Assessments
• Environmental Controls
• Device Demonstrations
• Recycled Assistive Technology Devices
• Training and Technical Assistance
• Plus affiliation with the KY Assistive Technology Loan Corp., providing low interest loans for AT devices

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.

In 1994, the KATS Network contracted with the Kentucky Division of Protection and Advocacy (P&A) 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.

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.

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

Copyright © 2008-2011 KATS Network
The contents of this website are maintained under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (Grant #H224A110017-11C), Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended
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