New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.

New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities

Advocating and advancing the human, civil and legal rights of persons with disabilities

Managed Care Helpline

Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC)

What is ATAC?

The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) serves as New Jersey's federally funded assistive technology project through a sub-contract with New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Its purpose is to assist individuals in overcoming barriers in the system and making assistive technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities throughout the state.

A detailed description of the state plan is available at ATAC 2005 State Plan.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is a term that describes devices and services created and used to help people with disabilities live more independently and productively.

Some examples of AT devices are: manual and motorized wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, reaching and grabbing aids, ramps, lifts, grab bars and adapted vehicles.

Some examples of AT services are: evaluation to determine the most appropriate devices for an individual, training to use devices, and repair and maintenance of devices.

Assistive technology enables people with disabilities to participate fully in every aspect of life – at school and work, at home, and in the community.

ATAC Services

Anyone with questions regarding assistive technology devices and assistive technology services can contact NJ ATAC at 1-800-DIAL-TEC. ATAC offers the following services:

Information and Referral

information on the types of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services;
where to obtain assistive technology devices and assistive technology services;
the costs of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services;
suggestions about where to obtain assistance in paying for assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. Some examples of funding sources are private insurance, Medicaid, Vocation Rehabilitation, and Special Education; and
the availability of used assistive devices.

Advocacy Services and Legal Representation

When necessary, ATAC can provide advocacy services and legal representation for individuals with disabilities who are denied access to assistive technology devices and/or assistive technology services.

Used Assistive Technology Devices

ATAC supports a used equipment recycling program called BACK IN ACTION. Its mission is to provide an alternative source for assistive technology devices.
BACK IN ACTION acts as a clearinghouse for items that are for sale (usually at a minimal cost) or offered for donation or loan. BACK IN ACTION can be reached by calling 1-800 DIAL TEC.

Presentations

Educational programs are provided to describe the benefits of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, and to suggest strategies for obtaining assistive technology. These educational programs are offered to consumer groups, professional organizations, agencies, employers, and any other group interested.

Useful Links

ABLEDATA
http://www.abledata.com

Assistivetech.net
http://www.assistivetech.net

Back in Action
http://backinaction.njpanda.org

Bobby
http://bobby.watchfire.com/bobby/html/en/index.jsp

Cerebral Palsy of NJ Technology Lending Center
http://www.cpofnj.org/services/tlc.htm

IDEAL Group - free AT applications
http://www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/at.htm

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center-Assistive Devices and Hearing Aids
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/infotogo/index.html#assistive

Lighthouse International
http://www.lighthouse.org/default.htm

National AT Advocacy Project
http://www.nls.org

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
http://www.homemods.org

Neighborhood Legal Services
http://www.nls.org

Northeast ADA & IT Center
http://www.northeastada.org

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html?src=mr

RESNA
http://www.resna.org

TechConnections
http://www.techconnections.org

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