The PAAT Program
The Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Program was created in 1994 when Congress expanded the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) to include funding for P&As to "assist individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates and authorized representatives in accessing technology devices and assistive technology services" through case management, legal representation and self advocacy training.
Originally passed by Congress in 1988, the Tech Act set up a lead agency in each state to coordinate activities to facilitate access to, provision of and funding for assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) administers PAAT. This program may be "sunsetted" by Congress in 2002. However, the P&A will continue to receive limited federal funds to advocate for individuals who need assistive technology devices and services.