2/10/23

RE: dLCV Comment on proposed VATS State Plan

Dear Ms. Arbogast,

disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is Virginia’s designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the State Plan for The Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS).  dLCV applauds the mention of distributing the Assistive Technology (AT) equipment in high schools and throughout the community.

That being said, dLCV is concerned that many of the individuals who contact us indicate that do not know about VATS and the valuable services they can provide. While we understand that activities are implemented through the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) offices, many individuals who reach out to dLCV need education about VATS and don’t seem to be receiving it.

dLCV requests that VATS State Plan include more details about how information about assistive technology and VATS resources are communicated and administered in the schools and the community, particularly in rural areas. People need assistive technology and education and the State Plan is an opportunity to create a clear strategy for providing individuals with disabilities the tools they need to be successful.

Finally, if this information exists outside of your State Plan, we request clarity and guidance regarding how you communicate assistive technology opportunities and education and where individuals with disabilities can find this information.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to comment on this important document. Please send any communication regarding our concerns to Robert Gray at Robert.Gray@dlcv.org or 804-662-7188.

Sincerely,

Colleen Miller

Executive Director