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PRINTER'S NO. 4585
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1082
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY HOHENSTEIN, MURT, LONGIETTI, BURNS, GALLOWAY,
HANBIDGE, HOWARD, KINSEY, MADDEN, McNEILL, ROZZI, SCHMITT,
WEBSTER, BURGOS, MENTZER, GREEN AND DRISCOLL,
OCTOBER 22, 2020
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
OCTOBER 22, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of November 2020 as "Assistive Technology
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, An assistive technology device is any item, piece of
equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially,
modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or
improve the functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities or older individuals; and
WHEREAS, An assistive technology service is any service that
directly assists an individual in the selection, acquisition or
use of an assistive technology device; and
WHEREAS, Assistive technology devices and services are tools
that empower individuals to control their lives and their
futures through the ability to work, attend school, play and
live in the community of their choice; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians of all ages with disabilities may
need assistive technology devices and services to live
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independently and productively as well as to participate fully
in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Assistive technology has been proven to improve the
quality of life and capabilities of those living with
disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, blindness,
deafness, mobility impairment, communication disorders and
learning disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Connecting individuals with the assistive technology
that they need can serve as the bridge to reaching academic,
occupational or personal success; and
WHEREAS, Ensuring people of all ages who are currently living
with a disability have access to quality and affordable
assistive technology should remain a priority for this
Commonwealth as such devices can be life-saving tools for
individuals seeking to live dignified and independent lives; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth is a leader in the development and
implementation of assistive technology programs for residents
with disabilities and older residents; and
WHEREAS, Working in conjunction with organizations such as
the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), the
Commonwealth provides valuable information and support,
financial education and financing for the purchase of assistive
technology devices and services; and
WHEREAS, In the most recent decade, PATF has been able to
connect almost 10,000 individuals with disabilities with the
resources that they need; and
WHEREAS, As a result of such partnership, more than $1.4
million in low-interest loans have been granted to individuals
with disabilities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in
efforts to address the unprecedented need for telehealth
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services and home-based assistive technology for those who are
working and learning from home; and
WHEREAS, Greater attention should be paid to the methods in
which the Commonwealth can better support individuals living
with disabilities by making our roadways, workplaces, public
facilities and outdoor spaces more accommodating for individuals
of all ability levels, while maintaining the appropriate funding
necessary to continue to serve our fellow Pennsylvanians;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of November 2020 as "Assistive Technology Awareness Month"
in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the
work that is yet to be done in serving the population of
Pennsylvanians living with a disability.
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