Action Alert!! Infant Toddler Assistive Technology Funding Cut!! Act Now & Share with others!

As of October 31, 2009, the Department of Public Health is eliminating all of the Infant Toddler Assistive Technology Resource Center contracts. These seven centers have provided assistive technology services to children aged birth to five since 1992. They have played a major role in the early intervention services in this state and the loss of these services to the families of North Carolina is tragic. It will have a direct impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their future development. Without access to assistive technology, many of these children will develop secondary disabilities that will negatively impact their development and future abilities. Without access to assistive technology, we will raise a generation of children who are more disabled than they have to be and who require more costly care. I also understand that the 0-3 Assistive Technology Fund that provided last resort funding for families who do not have the means to purchase the equipment their children need will be eliminated.

Please forward this message and ask families and organizations to contact Dennis Harrington, Deputy Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, 919-707-5050 or dennis.harrington@ncmail.net, with their concerns about the loss of these services.