What do we talk about?

Technology plays many important roles in our lives. In some ways, technology is even more important to people with disabilities than to all other Americans. We use it to communicate, get around (wheelchairs), work, and even breathe. And like so many other Americans, we use it to stay in touch with people, to pass time, and escape (games). One of our members says "Through technology, I experience anything everyone else experiences. Without technology, we would be isolated and we couldn't stay alive."

While technology is critically important in many of our lives, many problems exist with it. Our members say that:

• Technology needs to be more readily available and more reliable.
• People with disabilities need more support paying for the technology they need.
• Technology shouldn't be limited only to what a person needs right now. More forethought / planning for the future and for emergencies should go into determining people's needs for technology.
• Repairs to essential technology like power wheelchairs often take too long and cost more than people can afford. And temporary loaners are not usually available.