AT Network Provides Free Access to Assistive Technology Information and Referral

From: PRNewswire (press release) - 04 Feb 2003

Assistive Technology Provides Tools for Living for Tens of Thousands

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- For many people with
disabilities, assistive technology (AT) can be vital for their independence,
quality of life and effort to become integrated into society. In its third
year, the AT Network continues to help Californians to access information on
AT. Last year, more than 20,000 people utilized AT Network services through
its toll-free number, website and advocates in 29 Independent Living Centers
across California.
One in every five Californians currently lives with some form of a
disability. But the number for whom everyday life presents a daily series of
physical and mental challenges may be far greater. Those challenges span the
gamut from mild difficulty in buttoning a shirt, to trouble hearing voices on
the phone, to the serious hurdles faced by those who cannot breathe, walk or
even move on their own.
The AT Network operates a toll free phone number (1-800-390-2699,
1-800-900-0706 TTY) as well as a website. Both resources provide information
on assistive technology vendors, service providers, funding sources, as well
as local advocates that can help a consumer access assistive technology in
their areas.
"Our goal is to help people with disabilities improve their quality of
life," says Patricia Yeager, Executive Director of the California Foundation
for Independent Living Centers, which operates the AT Network. "Callers talk
to a real person who can steer them to a source that should be able to address
their situation."
AT can be as simple as eyeglasses, hearing aids and knee braces, or as
sophisticated as power wheelchairs and voice-activated computer systems. While
products aren't free, the AT Network provides information and referral that
can lead consumers to many of the vendors can help them find grants or other
financing. Currently, the AT Network consists of more than 1,000 AT vendors,
services providers, manufacturers, and more.

About the AT Network
The AT Network, a project of the California Foundation for Independent
Living Centers, is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to
increasing the use of assistive technology devices and services for people
with disabilities. The AT Networks mission is to help increase independence,
improve productivity and enhance the quality of life for all Californians
through advocacy, information and referral and training. For more information
visit the AT Network at http://www.atnet.org.

News Headlines from:
PR Newswire - United Business Media

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