Senator Hassan Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Assistive Technology for Seniors and People Experiencing Disabilities

WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan helped introduce a bipartisan bill, along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), to expand access to affordable assistive technology for seniors and individuals who experience disabilities. Assistive technology includes items such as hearing aids, wheelchair ramps, or devices to help individuals who are non-verbal to communicate.

“Assistive technology — whether a hearing aid or a wheelchair — can make a world of a difference in enabling individuals with disabilities to navigate their day-to-day lives and fully engage with their communities,” said Senator Hassan. “I have seen this firsthand with my son who experiences disabilities, and I am committed to making assistive technology available to all those who need it. I am glad to work with my colleagues across the aisle on this important issue.”

The 21st Century Assistive Technology Act would update the Assistive Technology Act by clarifying that the program serves all people with disabilities, including veterans and older adults who developed disabilities later in life. This bill would also increase the funding authorized for programs that serve rural areas.

Senator Hassan has been a leader in Congress in working to ensure that individuals who experience disabilities receive the support that they need to be fully included in our society. Senator Hassan successfully secured nearly $3 billion in dedicated federal funding to support students with disabilities in the American Rescue Plan. Former President Trump also signed into law legislation that Senator Hassan introduced to make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter, as well as Senator Hassan’s bipartisan legislation to expand access to government services and information by requiring that all new federal websites are mobile-friendly. Senator Hassan has also cosponsored legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

###