communicATor

2024 was another year of big impact for CIDE’s Colorado Assistive Technology Act program as it helped individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives through the use of Assistive Technology (AT). The CIDE team works together with stakeholders throughout Colorado to provide AT information and assistance to individuals with disabilities, older adults, and their service providers.

The main priority of the Tech Act program, which began in 1989, has been to increase access to, availability of, and funding for Assistive Technology (AT) – any device, big or small, high or low tech, that helps individuals, and their families perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

In 2024, the Colorado Tech Act program provided over 575 demonstrations to just under 900 individuals as one of our state level activities. These demonstrations provided opportunities for people to learn about and become familiar with specific types of AT by comparing the functions and features of devices through hands-on exploration. Most importantly, it allowed them to determine if the device would be something they would be interested in purchasing for themselves.

Recipients indicated the devices demonstrated would meet their needs 70% of the time, and over 99% of participants were satisfied with the equipment demonstrations in which they participated – quite a strong return on investment. These results underscore the program’s effectiveness in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about the technology that best supports their needs.

In next quarter's newsletter, we will highlight more of the Tech Act’s important work and the impact it has on people with disabilities in Colorado.

Author: Zachary Hersh

Learn more about how the Assistive Technology Program of Colorado benefits Coloradans with disabilities by visiting our website at www.ucdenver.edu/cide/tech-act. For specific inquiries, contact our AT Program Outreach Coordinator, Julia Beems.