A resolution designating April 30, 2025, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 192
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2710; text: CR S2718)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T17:38:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 192) aims to recognize the importance of assistive technology—tools and services that help people with disabilities or older adults live more independently—and to raise public awareness about its role in education, employment, and community inclusion. It designates a specific day to highlight these benefits and commend those who provide such support.
Key Provisions
- Definitions and Background:
- Assistive technology is defined as any item, equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of individuals with disabilities or older adults (e.g., devices like wheelchairs, screen readers, or hearing aids).
- Assistive technology services include help with selecting, acquiring, or using these devices.
- Supporting Facts:
- Cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About 1 in 4 U.S. adults (nearly 70 million) have a disability, and 2 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have one.
- Notes from the Department of Education: Over 9.5 million children with disabilities were in school during the 2022-2023 year.
- Emphasizes that assistive technology is essential (not a luxury) for community living, education access, and competitive employment.
- Highlights its role in promoting economic independence and workplace inclusion.
- State Programs: Describes how state assistive technology programs offer services like device reuse/repair, short-term loans, demonstrations, and financing options (e.g., loans or leasing) to make devices affordable.
- Resolution Actions:
- Designates April 30, 2025, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day."
- Commends assistive technology specialists, program coordinators, professional organizations, and researchers for their work in helping individuals access these resources.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic gesture without legal enforcement or new mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of assistive technology, potentially encouraging more people with disabilities or older adults to seek out devices and services, leading to greater inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities.
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly support agencies like the CDC and Department of Education by highlighting their data and programs, but imposes no new requirements or funding. State assistive technology programs might see boosted visibility, possibly aiding advocacy for resources.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic awareness initiative focused on U.S. issues.
- Overall, the effects are primarily educational and promotional, fostering a culture of support for disability rights without altering policies or budgets.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution underscores tools that enhance their independence, education, and employment opportunities.
- Assistive Technology Specialists and Program Coordinators: Recognized for their dedication in matching devices to user needs.
- Professional Organizations and Researchers: Commended for advancing access to assistive technology.
- Families, Educators, and Employers: Indirectly affected through promoted inclusivity in schools and workplaces.
- State and Federal Agencies: Such as state assistive technology programs, the CDC, and Department of Education, which provide data and services referenced in the resolution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution without binding force. It aligns with broader U.S. commitments under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (which promotes accessibility) but does not amend or challenge them.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Markey and Cramer) for disability advocacy, potentially signaling congressional priority on inclusion and aging populations. It could inspire similar recognitions in future sessions or encourage private-sector involvement in assistive tech, but remains symbolic rather than substantive.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2710; text: CR S2718)
- 2025-04-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating April 30, 2025, as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day. — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)