State Rehabilitation Agencies, Aging with Disability, and Technology: Policy Issues and Implications

Recent federal and state laws have required state rehabilitation programs and Tech Act programs (TAPs) to improve the access of persons with disabilities to assistive technology (AT) and home modifications (HM). A national survey of all 81 state rehabilitation programs, conducted in 1997 and 1998, examined the extent to which state rehabilitation agencies provided services to middle age (51 years-64 years) and older (65 years and older) clients, agency staff awareness of the aging of the disability population, and agency capacity to provide access to AT/HM for persons with disabilities who are older. Findings indicated that agencies for the blind or visually impaired (BVIs) served significantly more middle age and older persons, were more aware of aging, and provided greater access to AT/HM than did rehabilitation agencies (RAs). In addition, RAs having TAPs within their agency were more aware of aging, provided more staff training on aging, and collected more data on middle age and older clients than did RAs without TAPs. These results point to the need for more counselor training in the areas of technology and aging, areas in which the TAPs and the network of agencies dealing with aging issues can play a major role. To meet the challenges of an aging population, rehabilitation agencies may also need a mandate that makes independent living a valued outcome in and of itself. Finally, agencies need more AT/HM funding so they can address the growing population of middle age and older persons with disabilities.