For four years, Michigan's commitment to handicappers has been demonstrated through TECH 2000, a multifaceted assistive technology project funded by a federal grant. TECH 2000, administered by the Michigan Jobs Commission and Rehabilitation Services, comprises four main components. Its website is located at http://www.mrs.mjc.state.mi.us/acc/tech2000/. Guiding principles for the project include comprehensive, statewide yet community-based, long-range planning and services. The project is also consumer-driven, meaning policies and programs will be driven by consumer needs. One of the first components is a network of community-based assistive technology councils (CATCs).
There are 23 CATCs around the state, made up of four to 15 volunteers who meet regularly to determine the community's needs. "Their main purpose is to change the ways people with disabilities can access technology," says Brett Dreyfus, Communications Specialist at TECH 2000.
Perhaps the most familiar part of TECH 2000 is MATCH, Michigan's Assistive Technology Clearinghouse. This computer bulletin board is an information resource on assistive technology and also serves as a forum for the CATCs to communicate. MATCH is accessible through Telnet applications by selecting host: matchbbs.org .
A third component is public awareness/education through informational brochures, news releases and training workshops. One of the most exciting tools that Dreyfus has created to increase awareness of assistive technologies is a CD-ROM titled "The World of Assistive Technology." "The CD uses audio, video, graphics and text," says Dreyfus.
The various types of assistive technologies are identified and demonstrated in a metaphorical town called AT Town. Users can select buildings in the town and technology will be displayed that relates to that particular building. "For example," said Dreyfus, "a person might choose to go to the general store and learn about some commonly used devices."
Another component of the CD is an interactive theater in which the user selects a particular location, such as home, school or workplace, and then selects an area within that location. The user is then asked questions about which assistive technology would be used to solve a problem or complete a task. "The user clicks on various objects around the room and if the object is the incorrect choice, the user is directed toward the correct choice," said Dreyfus. Correct choices lead the user to a screen which explains why that assistive technology is the correct choice, what it is used for and where it is available.
The CD is "85 percent complete," says Dreyfus. It is expected to be available through CATCs and TECH 2000 by early January.
The fourth main component is advocacy for people with disabilities. "TECH 2000 has contracted with Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services to provide legal services for individuals who feel their rights have been circumvented," says Dreyfus. Students who are interested in the concept of technology or who want to get involved in the struggle to increase accessibility for all individuals in a community should attend their local CATC meeting to take part in needs assessments, database development and other activities.
"TECH 2000 is a good resource for funding sources and case law," says Dreyfus, "and MATCH is a good vehicle for people to share ideas and community concerns." TECH 2000 is dedicated to effecting systemic change, says Dreyfus. "We're making a permanent change in the ways people with disabilities access technology."