Publications
VATS has a variety of publications and resources related to AT devices and services, special education, family support, disability related topics, and accommodations at home, school, workplace, and in the community. VATS handbooks and journal articles are listed on the VATS website at http://vats.org/publications.htm.
Resource Guide to Assistive Technology Funding was published by VATS and funded by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The guide provides information on public and private resources for financial assistance for obtaining AT devices and services, and outlines strategies to obtain funding. Some of the programs that offer assistance in AT funding include early intervention programs, school districts, vocational rehabilitation services, Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance plans, non-profit disability related associations, and the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority. The guide discusses federal and state legislation that supports AT acquisition, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other topics include choosing an AT product vendor, considerations for an AT evaluation, case management resources, and equipment loan and recycling programs. In addition to the standard print version, the guide is also available in enlarged print, braille, or on audiotape.
Assistive Technology in the Student's Individualized Education Program: A Handbook for Parents and School Personnel http://vats.org/ATHandbook.htm provides information on the rights of students in the use of AT in the educational setting. It was developed and published under the joint leadership of VATS and the Department for Rights of Virginians with Disabilities, in collaboration with parents of students with disabilities, the Virginia Institute for Developmental Disabilities, the Virginia Department of Education, and Chesterfield and Henrico County Public Schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that schools evaluate students with disabilities to identify their AT educational needs when appropriate, and provide the educationally necessary AT devices and services at no cost to parents. The handbook discusses AT special education legislation, development and implementation of an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) that includes AT, and funding for AT devices and services. The handbok is available in standard or enlarged print.