Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)

Description

Who Are We?

The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a growing national and international network of technology resource centers, community-based organizations, agencies, individuals, and companies.

Why We Are Unique

• ATA is an international network connecting families, consumers, organizations, technology developers, educators, and other professionals to build a future that is accessible to everyone.
• We promote a consumer-directed service model, which allows people to obtain direct experience and make their own informed decisions.

• We recognize the changing need for technology over the course of a person's life, and therefore serve people of all ages and all disabilities.
• We provide access to training on products, funding, and services, through our ATA Online Community.

What We Do

ATA supports access to and innovation in technology tools for people with disabilities by:

• Developing a network of AT Centers providing assessment, education, and support for people with disabilities, their families, and disability-related professionals.
• Offering an accessible learning environment, the ATA Online Community (AOC). The AOC is a place for everyone to participate in trainings, forums, and opportunities to dialog with experts.
• Maintaining the ATA Services Directory which connects people to tools and services in communities worldwide.
• Creating educational resources, including the acclaimed booklet: A Guide to Easier Living with Technology
• Advocating for public policies that support greater access to critical technologies.

How We Started

A group of parents and professionals inspired by the possibilities of emerging technology established the first technology resource center in 1983 in Berkeley, California. In 1987, Apple Computer partnered with the group to create assistive technology solutions nationwide and officially formed the Alliance for Technology Access. In 1989, ATA was incorporated as a 501C3 nonprofit organization.