A resolution designating April 22, 2026, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 685
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1902; text: CR S1938)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T17:38:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 685: Designating April 22, 2026, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day"
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to raise awareness about assistive technology—items, equipment, or services that help people with disabilities or older adults improve their daily functioning, independence, and inclusion in communities, schools, and workplaces. It highlights the needs of millions affected by disabilities and praises related professionals.
Key Provisions
- Designates April 22, 2026, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day."
- Commends:
- Assistive technology specialists and program coordinators for helping individuals find suitable devices.
- Professional organizations and researchers for improving access to these technologies.
- Includes background "Whereas" clauses noting:
- Definitions of assistive technology devices (e.g., equipment to boost capabilities) and services (e.g., help in selecting or using them).
- Statistics: ~70 million U.S. adults (1 in 4) have disabilities; >9.5 million children with disabilities in schools; 2 in 5 adults 65+ have disabilities.
- Benefits: Enables community living, education, employment, and economic independence.
- State programs: Offer device reuse/repair, short-term loans, demonstrations, and financing options like loans or leasing.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution, not a law that amends statutes or creates enforceable requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and awareness-focused: Encourages public recognition of assistive technology's role but imposes no mandates, funding, or policy changes.
- On citizens: May increase visibility for people with disabilities (~70 million adults, millions of children) and older adults, potentially aiding advocacy for better access.
- On government agencies: No direct effects; references CDC and Education Department data but requires no action.
- International relations: None.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- People with disabilities and older adults: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness.
- Assistive technology specialists, program coordinators, organizations, and researchers: Recognized and commended.
- State assistive technology programs: Highlighted for services like device loans and financing.
- Employers, schools, and communities: Indirectly noted for inclusion benefits.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are ceremonial expressions of Senate sentiment with no force of law.
- Political: Bipartisan (introduced by Sens. Markey (D) and Cramer (R)); passed by unanimous consent, signaling broad support for disability awareness without controversy.
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
- 2026-04-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1902; text: CR S1938)
- 2026-04-22: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Designating April 22, 2026, as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day. — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (3 pages)