REPORT TITLE:
Assistive technology


DESCRIPTION:
Incorporates assistive technology considerations in all
administrative measures.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                        2163
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                H.B. NO.           
TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2000                                
STATE OF HAWAII                                            
                                                             
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                   A  BILL  FOR  AN  ACT

RELATING TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.



BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 1      SECTION 1.  Assistive technology devices foster human
 
 2 dignity by enabling individuals with disabilities to live
 
 3 independently, make choices, pursue meaningful careers, receive
 
 4 free and appropriate education, and be fully included and
 
 5 integrated into the mainstream of society.  Studies by the
 
 6 National Council on Disability have shown that assistive
 
 7 technology devices reduce the reliance on state and federal aid,
 
 8 prevent health care problems, allow increased employment and
 
 9 earnings, reduce dependence on paid assistants, and enable people
 
10 to avoid entering nursing home facilities.
 
11      The legislature finds that there are approximately two
 
12 hundred twenty-three thousand persons with disabilities in Hawaii
 
13 and that population is increasing.  Yet, there is a significant
 
14 lack of understanding regarding assistive technology devices and
 
15 services on the part of the State and its people, as well as a
 
16 continuing need to integrate assistive technology language and
 
17 issues as appropriate.
 
18      The legislature further finds that Hawaii does not presently
 
19 have, but desperately needs, an adequate supply of assistive
 
20 technology devices to ensure meaningful implementation of any
 

 
Page 2                                                     2163
                                     H.B. NO.           
                                                        
                                                        

 
 1 state policy relating to assistive technology devices.  In order
 
 2 for assistive technology devices to be of value to persons with
 
 3 disabilities, appropriate orientation and training must take
 
 4 place, otherwise the devices may not be used or used improperly
 
 5 due to a lack of understanding of how to make the devices work.
 
 6      The purpose of this Act is to incorporate assistive
 
 7 technology considerations in all administrative measures.
 
 8      SECTION 2.  (a)  The governor and all departments, offices,
 
 9 and other governmental and quasi-governmental entities shall
 
10 incorporate assistive technology considerations and language in
 
11 all administrative measures relating to persons with
 
12 disabilities.
 
13      (b)  The department of business, economic development, and
 
14 tourism, in cooperation with the Assistive Technology Resource
 
15 Centers of Hawaii, shall develop a program, including incentives,
 
16 to encourage out-of-state businesses and vendors that provide
 
17 assistive technology devices in Hawaii to increase their supplies
 
18 to Hawaii as well as to encourage in-state vendors and
 
19 entrepreneurs to invest in assistive technology-related
 
20 businesses in the State.
 
21      SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
 
22 
 
23                           INTRODUCED BY:  _______________________