The U.S. Senate unanimously passed S.Res.685 on April 22, 2026, designating April 22 as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day. Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the bipartisan resolution recognizing that assistive technology is essential for millions of Americans with disabilities to access education, healthcare, employment, and community living.

For special needs families, the recognition comes with a practical challenge: knowing these programs exist in the first place. Despite the federal AT Act network providing free device demonstrations, short-term loans, and reutilization programs in all 50 states and U.S. territories, many families never learn about them. High costs and insurance barriers put devices out of reach, but state AT programs offer a starting point most families haven't heard of.

What the Senate Resolution Recognizes

The resolution acknowledges that assistive technology enables independence and participation for people with disabilities and older adults. Devices range from communication boards for nonspeaking children to mobility aids, hearing devices, adaptive switches, and software that makes phones and computers accessible.

According to the Administration for Community Living, AT Act programs have served over 6.5 million people in the past decade. Every state receives formula grant funding to run device demonstration centers, lending libraries, and financing programs. The Senate resolution draws attention to this infrastructure at a time when families need it.

The Real Barrier: Families Don't Know These Programs Exist

AT devices can cost anywhere from $200 for basic communication tools to $8,000 or more for powered mobility equipment. Insurance coverage is inconsistent. Medicaid may cover certain devices as durable medical equipment (DME), but navigating that process requires knowing what's available and how to request it.

The problem isn't just cost. It's awareness. State AT Act programs exist to solve this exact issue by letting families try devices before committing to a purchase, but the programs are underused because families don't know they're there.

What State AT Act Programs Offer

Every state has an AT Act program. These programs provide three core services at no cost:

Device demonstrations: You can schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable professional who'll show you multiple devices side by side, explain how they work, and help you compare features. This lets you see what's available without committing to a purchase.

Device loans: Programs lend devices for a trial period so you can test them at home or school. Loan periods vary by state but typically run from a few weeks to several months. This lets you confirm a device meets your child's needs before buying it.

Reutilization and financing programs: Some states run programs that refurbish donated devices and make them available at reduced cost. Others offer low-interest loans or connect families with alternative financing options.

How to Find Your State's AT Program

The AT3 Center maintains a directory of all state AT Act programs. Select your state to find contact information, hours, and services. Most programs operate device demonstration centers you can visit in person, and many offer remote consultations.

The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) coordinates these efforts nationally and provides additional resources for families navigating the system.

What Medicaid Covers

Medicaid covers assistive technology under several categories, though states don't always use that term. Look for coverage listed as durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics services, or specialized medical equipment.

State Medicaid waivers expand access to AT as part of home and community-based services (HCBS). Waiver programs may cover devices not included in standard Medicaid plans, including environmental accessibility adaptations, adaptive aids, and personal emergency response systems.

Most waivers assign a service coordinator or case manager who can help you navigate coverage and connect with occupational therapists, physical therapists, or speech-language pathologists who assess your child's need for specific devices.

What This Means for Families

National Assistive Technology Awareness Day is recognition, not funding. The Senate resolution doesn't allocate new money or expand existing programs. What it does is create a moment to surface resources families may not know they can access.

If you're trying to figure out whether your child needs a communication device, a mobility aid, or adaptive software, you don't have to start by buying something. State AT programs exist to let you try devices first, compare options, and make an informed decision.

What Families Can Do Now

• Visit the AT3 Center state program directory and contact your state's AT Act program to schedule a device demonstration or request a loan
• Ask your state Medicaid office whether your child qualifies for AT coverage under DME or a waiver program
• If you're working with a therapist (OT, PT, or SLP), ask them to recommend specific devices and document medical necessity for insurance or Medicaid approval
• Check whether your state offers a device reutilization program that provides refurbished AT at reduced cost

The full text of the Senate resolution is available on Senator Markey's website. For state-by-state Medicaid waiver information covering assistive technology, see the AT3 Center's Medicaid waiver resource.