Saint Paul – People with disabilities have a new tool to help them find the technology that will them more independently live, work, and fully participate in their communities. "Minnesota's Guide to Assistive Technology" offers resources for people with disabilities, their families, employers, and others trying help them achieve their goals.

Assistive technology refers to technology that can be used by people with disabilities to help them with learning, working, and living. Examples include screen reading software that will read webpages aloud to people with vision loss, or phones with amplified ringers for people with hearing loss.

"We know that access to the right assistive technology can make a huge difference in the quality of life for people with disabilities," said Commissioner Mary Tingerthal. "As chair of the Olmstead Subcabinet I am excited to see that the new Guide to Assistive Technology will make it much easier for people with disabilities and their families to find the technology that is right for them."

Assistive technology helps people with disabilities achieve their individual goals, and are as varied as the individuals using them. People of all ages with disabilities, including older adults with functional needs, increase, maintain, and improve independence at home, school, work, and in their communities using assistive technology. However, these diverse needs and tools can make it difficult to identify or find the correct technology to support people with disabilities.

Minnesota's Guide to Assistive Technology seeks to address both problems by providing a framework for identifying what kind of assistive technology is needed, and a directory of resources that include device loans, financial assistance to purchase a device, evaluations for need, and referrals. Users can also search by county, to find resources close to home.

"Everyone deserves a fair chance at being successful in learning, working, and living in their community," said Kim Moccia, director of the STAR Program, which helps people access assistive technology. "This Guide helps people find what they need, both quickly and easily."

Minnesota's Guide to Assistive Technology is collaborative effort between the Minnesota Department of Administration, Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Employment and  Economic Development to provide a central resource for people with disabilities to find assistive technology, and fulfills a portion of the State's Olmstead Plan.