National AT Awareness Day is April 22, 2026

Assistive Technology Act Programs

Return on Investment
2014 to 2024

An infographic comparing federal investment and savings from the Assistive Technology Act. The top section contains a bar chart with two labeled bars. The first bar, labeled 'Investment,' represents $311 million in funding. The second, larger bar labeled 'Savings & Benefits,' represents $732 million. Below the chart, a text box explains that the Assistive Technology Act, reauthorized in 2022, provides grant funding to 56 states and territories to enhance awareness, create access, and increase the acquisition of assistive technology for people with disabilities and older adults.
An infographic titled 'Leveraged Funding Increases Access to Assistive Technology.' It contains a bar chart comparing two funding sources. The first bar, labeled 'Leveraged Funding,' represents $291 million (48%) and is in dark blue. The second, taller bar, labeled 'Federal Investment,' represents $311 million (52%) and is in a darker shade of blue. Below the chart, a text box explains that leveraged funding brings resources from outside partnerships and entities to increase access to assistive technology (AT).
An infographic displaying the return on investment (ROI) and impact of federal funding. The top section features a semi-circular gauge showing a 128% ROI, with text stating, 'SMALL FEDERAL INVESTMENT - LARGE BENEFITS IN RETURN' and 'or $2.28 saved for every $1 spent.' The bottom section highlights the number of people served, with an icon of a crowd and the number 6.5 million people displayed below the text 'People Served.'

The Assistive Technology (AT) Act, reauthorized in 2022, provides formula grant funding to 56 state and territory programs to enhance awareness, expand access, and increase the acquisition of Assistive Technology for people with disabilities and older adults.

The infographic above highlights the 10-year impact (2014–2024) of AT Act Programs, which have served over 6.5 million people!

A High-Impact Federal Investment

  • Federal Investment: $311 million (2014–2024)
  • Total Savings Generated: $732 million
  • ROI: 128% ($2.28 saved for every $1 spent!)

Additional Impact

  • $291 million in leveraged funding from external partners and resources, further expanding access to life-changing Assistive Technology.

These numbers show the tremendous value and impact of AT Act Programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and older adults receive the technology they need to live more independently and fully participate in their communities.

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What is ATAP

Established in 1997, the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based non-profit organization. We strive to

  • Enhance the effectiveness of AT Act Programs on the national, state, and local level
  • Promote the national network of AT Act Programs
  • Represent the needs and interests of all AT Act Programs
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AT Act Return on Investment

All 50 states, 4 US territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico receive formula grant funding under the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act (AT Act). These 56 grantees are required to carry out a continuum of specified state-level and state-leadership activities that promote the ability of people with disabilities to know about, have access to, and ultimately be better able to obtain AT. These activities also deliver a large return on investment for the small federal appropriation for this program.

2024 ATAP ROI Report

AT Act Info

The Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) legalized state provisions for assistive technology and is the authorization behind every AT Act Program.

21st Century Assistive Technology Act, P.L. 117-263, Division E
Press Release – 21st Century Assistive Technology Act
Bill Summary – 21st Century Assistive Technology Act
Comparison of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004

Device Demonstration

AT Demonstration Activities provide opportunities for people to become familiar with specific types of AT by comparing and contrasting the functions and features of devices through hands on exploration.

Device Loan

AT Device Loan Activities allow individuals to borrow AT for a limited time period to try out and determine if a device will meet their needs before a purchase is made.

Reutilization

AT Reutilization Activities support the reuse of assistive technology that is no longer needed or used by its original owner and is acquired by a new owner at substantial cost savings.

State Financing

State Financing Activities support the purchase/acquisition of AT through financial loans or other initiatives that directly provide AT to consumers at no cost using dollars from non-AT Act sources or save consumers money when purchasing AT.

Partners

ACL Administration for Community Living
CATADA Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance
AT3 Center