Sponsors (2)
The resolution clarifies that assistive technology is a covered need—potentially improving access and inclusion for millions of students, workers, older adults, and people with disabilities—while creating possible new costs and administrative pressures for states and taxpayers without specifying funding or implementation details.
People with disabilities and older adults gain clearer recognition that assistive technology (AT) is a covered need, which supports improved access to devices and services that enable daily living and independence.
Students with disabilities (over 9.5 million identified children) are more likely to receive policy attention that can support expanded educational supports, accommodations, and inclusive learning.
Workers with disabilities may face increased likelihood of workplace accommodations and supports, promoting employment retention, greater economic self-sufficiency, and participation in the labor force.
Taxpayers and state governments could face higher costs if recognizing AT as a necessity creates expectations or implicit mandates for funding devices or services without specifying payors.
State assistive-technology programs and agencies may experience expanded eligibility and administrative burden because broader definitions increase demand without specifying new funding or implementation guidance.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Records findings and provides definitions recognizing assistive technology and services as essential supports and cites prevalence statistics for disability.
Official title: Designating April 30, 2025, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day".
Introduced April 30, 2025 by Edward John Markey · Last progress April 30, 2025
Sets findings and definitions recognizing assistive technology and related services as essential supports that enable people with disabilities and older adults to participate in education, work, and community life. It cites national prevalence statistics for disability among adults, children, and older adults and defines the terms “assistive technology” and “assistive technology service.”