Huge Win!
I am very pleased to announce that the Oregon Telecommunication Devices Access Program (TDAP) has decided to include speech generating devices in its no charge loan program for people with disabilites. Until now the program was mostly focused on the needs of the Deaf, people who are hard of hearing, and people with upper extremity mobility constraints. When this is implemented in January, people with severe speech impairment will be able to borrow speech generating devices recommended by their speech and language pathologists.
I've been working on this issue for much of this year, and with the enthusiastic support of my Deaf, hard of hearing, mobility impaired and other colleagues on the Advisory Committee, and the support of program staff and finally the Office of the Attorney General of Oregon, it is finally approved!
This is a great step forward. We don't expect a huge number of people to take advantage of this, but for those who need it, the program will make a huge difference in their lives.
I've been working on this issue for much of this year, and with the enthusiastic support of my Deaf, hard of hearing, mobility impaired and other colleagues on the Advisory Committee, and the support of program staff and finally the Office of the Attorney General of Oregon, it is finally approved!
This is a great step forward. We don't expect a huge number of people to take advantage of this, but for those who need it, the program will make a huge difference in their lives.