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Assistive Technology Centers in the Information Age

Dinah F. B. Cohen
Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program
Department of Defense
(703) 681-3976 (Voice/TTY)
dinah.cohen@tma.osd.mil 
WWW: http://www.ha.osd.mil/hpcap2.html 

Ophelia Y. Falls, Director
Accessible Technology Program/TARGET Center
United States Department of Agriculture
(202) 720-2600 (Voice/TTY)
ofalls@udsa.gov 
WWW: http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm 

Derek S. Shields
Senior Analyst, Conwal Incorporated
6858 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 200
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 575-0670 (Voice); (703) 845-1658 (TTY)
derek.shields@tma.osd.mil 
WWW: http://www.conwal.com

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Accessible Technology Program (ATP) and the Department of Defense (DoD) Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) were developed to ensure accessible work environments for people with disabilities. The ATP Technology Accessible Resources Gives Employment Today (TARGET) Center and the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) both serve as the link that brings valuable resources closer to those who require them in various workplaces.

The concept behind the centers is to provide assistive technology (A/T) services to managers, supervisors, and employees throughout the country. These services include how to obtain A/T information and demonstrations regarding the use of the technology that enhances the accessibility of our workplace. The centers range in size depending on the customer base being served, facilities and equipment available, and funding.

This document provides guidance for managers, supervisors, and employees participating in the process to establish a center. These guidelines include the following information:

• Identifying a Customer Base: Determine the number and background of the potential technology center users population.
• Determining Site Requirements: Based on customer base and facilities available, potential center configurations are identified.
• Gaining Management Commitment: Upper management support throughout the development and promotion of the Center is critical to the success of a technology Center.
• Securing Appropriate Funding: Once a customer base, site requirements, and management commitment have been established, appropriate funds are obtained from all participants/users.
• Providing Services to Other Federal Agencies: External agencies can provide an additional source of users and funding for Center development and on-going operations. Developing partnerships with outside sources helps to increase available resources while providing additionally avenues for information dissemination.
• Preparing Center Staff: Center staff may require training in the use of assistive technology and the management of a demonstration Center. Assistance is available through various information sources such as ATP training at the TARGET Center and through CAPTEC.
• Conducting Needs Assessments for Programs and Individuals: Technology Centers provide support to managers, supervisors, and employees regarding accessibility requirements for programs (to ensure equal access to program information and services) as well as identifying specific solutions for individual employees with disabilities.
• Providing Information (Library Services): Through reference libraries or outside partnering agencies, the Center provides information on relevant laws, policy and guidance, various technology, community based organizations, and contractors/vendors that support the creation and maintenance of an accessible environment. This information may be obtained in writing as well as accessed via accessible World Wide Web (WWW) sites.
• Identifying Alternative Solutions to Accessibility Requirements: Centers provide direct customer assistance or provide referrals to external sources, that may identify viable alternatives to meeting defined accessibility requirements for either a program or individual employee.
• Acquiring and Implementing Solutions: Contract vehicles are available to acquire and implement Center solutions, such as, A/T devices and training services.
• Reporting Successes/Requirements: Technology Centers report their successes to supporting management. The Center incorporates successes and requirements in periodic reports to assist the Centers in achieving their goals by increasing management attention to benefits and funding, or other requirements.
• Spreading the Word - Information Dissemination: Successful technology Center operations require awareness throughout the Center's offerings and how they benefit each agency. Information dissemination is the key to increasing awareness and participation. Providing information can be done in a variety of ways including nationwide presentations, developing a large mailing list of interested parties to receive written information, and designing an interactive and accessible WWW site.
• Designing an Accessible World Wide Web (WWW) Site: Through the WWW, individuals can access information via new and faster methods. A/T evaluation Centers provide opportunities for people to visit the Centers on the WWW, including viewing and listening to demonstrations, reviewing product details, and downloading shareware for trial evaluations. The power to access information via the WWW is strengthening the role of A/T evaluation Centers for employers. By creating accessible information environments, the USDA and DoD have harnessed the information age to empower employees with disabilities.

These guidelines have been developed to provide initial direction to those interested in developing a technology Center. It is expected that as more technology Centers are established, these guidelines will be updated to reflect lessons learned and improvements identified. USDA and DoD are committed to enhancing accommodation services through continuous improvements and expansions to technology Centers.

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