-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 6:10 PM
To: ADTECH-PS
Subject: [adtech-ps] Section 508 Subcommittee Meeting



Action Alert:  Continue Funding for the Assistive Technology Act.
http://www.ataporg.org/

House Holds Hearing on Assistive Technology Act on March 21

On March 21, the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce in the U.S. House of
Representatives will hold an oversight hearing on the Assistive
Technology Act. The hearing will be chaired by Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA),
chairman of the subcommittee.

This is the first hearing the House of Representatives has held on this
law in 9 years. It is the result of the tireless efforts of the
disability community last year to save the Assistive Technology Act.
While the program was extended for one year last year, it is still in
great jeopardy.  If there is no amendment to extend the program this
year, 23 states will expire as of September 30, 2002.  Mr. McKeon was
critical in helping to secure the amendment last year. He is holding
this hearing so the Subcommittee can learn more about the program and
consider how to proceed.

Since this law is new to the Subcommittee, many members are unaware of
what assistive technology is and the incredible difference it makes in
the lives of so many people with disabilities. This is a great
opportunity to educate the Subcommittee and to demonstrate what a large
constituency there is for this program!!  It is important that the
Subcommittee understand how vital this law is to the disability
community.

ACTION TO
TAKE....................................................................
....
...

1)   Attend the hearing on March 21.  Check the website
(http://edworkforce.house.gov) or call the Committee (202-225-4527) to
find out the location. (It will likely be in the Rayburn building.)
Bring all your friends!  We must fill the room to overflowing to show
the Member how important this program is.

2) Call, FAX or e-mail your Representative and/or the Members of the
Education and the Workforce Committee.  If you don't have a Member on
the Committee, direct FAXES, e-mails and calls to Rep. Buck McKeon or
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), chair of the Education and the Workforce
Committee.  Thank them for holding the hearing.  Tell them why the
Assistive Technology Act is so important and the difference it makes in
the lives of people with disabilities.  Tell them what would be lost in
your state if the program were to be terminated.  Urge them to act to
save the 23 states that are at risk of being terminated this year.

3) Share this ALERT with your colleagues. E-mail and fax this to all of
your colleagues and urge them to contact their Representatives about the
Assistive Technology Act.

For more information contact Jane West (301-718-0979 or [log in to unmask])
or Ellin Nolan (202-289-3900 or [log in to unmask]) of the Association of
Tech Act Projects.


Leah Vickery
ATACP Trainer
Center on Disabilities
California State University Northridge
(818)677-2578 CSUN office
(765)759-7672 Home office & fax
http://www.csun.edu/cod
[log in to unmask]


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