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State Plan for AT (SPAT)
What is the SPAT?
In 2005 the states began a 3 year grant period of federal funding to create greater access to AT devices and services for people of all ages and abilities. The funds were authorized by the AT Act of 2004. To receive AT Act funding, each state created a “State Plan” in accordance with the requirements of the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education. In Massachusetts, the State Plan is the Commonwealth’s blueprint for growing and developing MassMATCH—the state’s comprehensive program for “maximizing assistive technology in consumers’ hands.”
What activities are called for by the State Plan?
The plan for MassMATCH is ambitious. Between 2005 and 2008, the Commonwealth is working to build and/or improve services available statewide in 4 areas: 1) innovative financing programs—to help more people buy the equipment they need, 2) AT re utilization/loan/demonstration programs—to help more people find affordable equipment or try out equipment, 3) training and technical assistance initiatives—to help human services professionals better integrate AT services and knowledge into their work, and 4) public awareness programs—to help educate communities statewide about available AT services, supports, and technical advancements.
Program highlights:
- AT Regional Centers are now operating in western and eastern Massachusetts; visit them to learn about, try out or borrow a needed AT device.
- GetATStuff.org is now up and running for the New England states; you can shop for used equipment or advertise what you are no longer using.
- Ask the Expert online technical assistance is under development for this Web site, as well as a toll-free hotline for technical consultations.
- Transition Assistance activities are funded to help people with disabilities use AT to transition from school to community and institution to community living.
- Regional AT Expositions are now biannual events providing information and outreach on AT devices and services.
- A new AT Mini-Loan Program is under development to help people affordably buy equipment that costs less than $500 (a complement to the existing MATLP).
- A new AT Listserv is up and running, creating an online Massachusetts community of people with an interest in AT.
Who is implementing the State Plan?
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission is the lead state agency implementing the State Plan in collaboration with 6 additional state agencies. Consumer direction is provided by the AT Advisory Council which is comprised of a majority of individuals who either use AT themselves or are the family members or guardians of people who use AT. Programs and services are provided by a collaboration of contracted providers and state agencies with AT service provision experience.