[AERNet] Fwd: New "Recycle Your AT" Brochure Released

[Frances Mary D'Andrea]

Just in case you all haven't seen this yet!
--FM

Begin forwarded message:

> From: OSERS <EdPublications at EDPubs.org>
> Date: January 4, 2007 1:45:03 PM EST
> To: LITERACY2 at mindspring.com
> Subject: New "Recycle Your AT" Brochure Released
> Reply-To: EducationPublications at EDPubs.org
>
>
> The U.S. Department of Education
> Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
> is pleased to share with you an important message about
> the newly released brochure,
> "Recycle Your AT."
> On Feb. 1, 2001, President Bush announced the New Freedom  
> Initiative-a comprehensive program to promote the full  
> participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society.  
> One of the pillars of the NFI is dedicated to increasing access to  
> assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding  
> educational opportunities and promoting full access to community  
> life for all Americans.
>
> OSERS has an important role in working to achieve these objectives  
> by ensuring that youths with disabilities are prepared with the  
> training and skills they need to take advantage of the  
> postsecondary outcomes of competitive employment, education,  
> independent living and community participation.
>
> Assistive technology gives individuals, particularly those with  
> disabilities, the freedom to explore the possibilities of work,  
> school and home, and helps to ensure that all individuals who want  
> to work can find a job.
>
> For many people with disabilities, assistive technologies are  
> helping to defeat dependence, frustration and isolation: text  
> telephones for those with hearing impairments; computer monitors  
> for those with visual impairments; lighter wheelchairs. These  
> modern technologies make the world more accessible, yet they are  
> often unattainable to the people who need them but cannot afford  
> them. We can help.
>
> The reuse of assistive technology devices is an important and  
> practical way to meet the needs of so many who would otherwise go  
> without or who could benefit from higher-level devices. Reusing AT  
> provides devices to people who need them, saves resources, benefits  
> taxpayers, prevents waste, decreases health risks, helps people  
> maintain their level of care and builds confidence in the system.  
> Recycling and reuse of assistive technology just makes common sense.
>
> It is abundantly clear that access to AT has a tremendous impact on  
> the successful transition of young adults. For many people with  
> disabilities, AT is an essential support to daily living. A person  
> may depend on a wheelchair, walker, special computer keyboard,  
> speech-generating device or other AT device at home, at school or  
> at work. Finding ways to make AT more available is something with  
> which few could argue. Our task is now clear: We must strive to  
> remove barriers for every American with or without a disability.  
> Toward that end, I am pleased to make available the attached  
> accessible brochure, Recycle Your AT.
>
> This brochure provides information about AT reuse programs, as well  
> as resources available to those interested in learning more about  
> these programs across the country.
>
> OSERS looks forward to continued partnerships to achieve America's  
> goal of access and independence for all. We hope that this brochure  
> will prove to be a helpful resource for those who recognize the  
> reuse of AT as one of the most encouraging ways to make AT more  
> available to individuals who need it.
>
>  	Sincerely,
>  	
>  	
> John H. Hager
> Assistant Secretary
> Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
> U.S. Department of Education
>
>
> To view the text version of the brochure, visit:
> http://www.ed.gov/programs/atsg/at-reuse.html
>
> To download a PDF version of the brochure, click:
> http://www.ed.gov/programs/atsg/at-reuse.pdf
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe click here, in the Subject area type "Unsubscribe".
>

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