Under contract with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education, the Assistive Technology Funding and Systems Change Project provides empowering information to individuals with disabilities, family members, and community organizations. Assistive Technology Funding & Systems Change Project 1600 L Street, N.W., Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 776-0406 Fax: (202) 776-0414 Email: ATFSCP@aol.com Web Site: www.assisttech.com/atfsc.html Retrieved from this web site, the following document provides an overview of major resources related to disability systems change. ---------- RESOURCES Assistive Technology Funding and Systems Change Project This project is designed to provide families, individuals with disabilities and other interested persons with information and technical assistance on assistive technology funding issues. It is composed of a consortium of six national organizations and spearheaded by the United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) in Washington, D.C. The number for assistance is (800) 827-0093 (voice) and (800 ) 833-8272 (TDD). Vocational Rehabilitation: Each state has designated an agency to operate the vocational rehabilitation program. If you do not know yours, contact your governor's office, look in the phone directory under state government agencies, or, if all else fails, contact the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in Washington DC at 202- 205-5465. If you are having difficulty in dealing with the vocational rehabilitation system, each state operates a client assistance program (CAP) which works to resolve disputes between the agency and those receiving services. VR personnel should provide you with a reference to the CAP if requested, or the agency's central office should do so. If you are unable to obtain the information contact your state protection and advocacy agency; Special Education: The special education program is administered through your local school district. School officials must evaluate any child suspected of having a disability for eligibility for special education services. Contact the administrative offices of your school district for information on special education services. The phone directory will have most school offices listed with other county offices. If your school district does not respond to your requests, notify the state department of education, preferably its director of special education. Medicaid: Medicaid also operates through designated state agencies. The eligibility determination must again be separated from the determination of exactly what medical services an individual will be provided. To locate your local Medicaid agency, contact the state department of health or the department of social services. You also may ask your governor's office or your state legislator for the name of the Medicaid agency. Independent Living Centers: There are approximately 400 independent living centers around the country. For the name of one nearest you, contact the National Council on Independent Living (703) 525-3406 voice; (703) 524-3407. Most states have a state independent living council (SILC) which can give you a referral. State Tech Act: Each state operates a program under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act who should be able to assist you on problems related to assistive technology. You can locate the program in your state through an independent living center, or by calling your governor's office to determine the agency or organization serving in this capacity. The designation will have been made by the governor. If this fails, the RESNA Technical Assistance Project can provide the name. They may be reached at (703) 524-6686. Protection and Advocacy services: Each state has a protection and advocacy program for persons with disabilities whose purpose is to provide legal services. In addition, each state protection and advocacy system has special funding to address issues related to assistive technology. If you believe you have a legal problem, you may contact their state offices, which should be listed in the phone directory. If not, you can locate the Protection and Advocacy program in your state, call the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS) at (202) 408-9514 voice and (202) 408-9521(TDD). Regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers: These centers (DBTAC's) exist in all ten regions of the country to assist individuals and business with ADA compliance. To locate the center covering your state call (800) 949-4232. Parent Information and Training Centers: If you have difficulty with special education services, parent assistance and advocacy resources exist. To find out about the resources in your area, contact the National Parent Network on Children with Disabilities at (703) 684-6763. Other Advocacy Resources: There may be a number of resources worth consulting. For example an independent living organization who should be able to provide you with the necessary information