News

April 28, 2010 - At the 2010 Annual Conference for AT Act Programs and Telework Programs, Dr. Hartnett challenged the national audience of Assistive Technology practitioners to define their role in building economic empowerment for their customers with disabilities in the 21st century [download Dr. Hartnett's PowerPoint presentation]. Andrew Riggle of the Utah Disability Law Center provided a good overview of the range and costs of AT and the role and importance of matched savings plans (IDAs) for people with disabilities. Thomas Jensen, Program Director, CASA of Oregon described how his organization, a Community Development Corporation since 1988, is providing an array of affordable housing, matched savings and predatory lending market loan funds through their Community Development Financial Institution and how disability has become an important component of this work. Frances Pennell, Executive Director, Washington AT Foundation described their IDA work and telework initiative.