Governor Proclaims Assistive Technology Awareness Month

Assistive Technology Awareness Month

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, many North Carolinians need assistive technology devices and services to live independently and participate more fully in their lives, families, and communities; and

Whereas, assistive technology refers to any item, piece of equipment, or product used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities or older adults; and

Whereas, assistive technology plays an important role in fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act by enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and increasing access to opportunities for education and competitive employment, alongside their peers without disabilities; and

Whereas, the availability of assistive technology in the workplace promotes economic self-sufficiency, enhances work participation, and is critical to bringing and retaining older adults and people with disabilities in the workforce; and

Whereas, access to and availability of assistive technology in the home promotes aging in place initiatives and helps ensure that North Carolina is ready to meet the needs of its rapidly aging population; and

Whereas, the NCATP in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities; including educating North Carolinians on the purchase and use of assistive technologies, providing no-cost device demonstrations to inform decision-making, facilitating reutilization of assistive technology and short-term device loans, and financing activities to facilitate the purchase of devices through a variety of initiatives; and

Whereas, the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program has provided assistive technology equipment, expert guidance, and support services to North Carolinians for 35 years through a network of offices serving all 100 counties; and

Whereas, in collaboration with inter-agency partners, the NCATP supports the State of North Carolina's Employment First efforts to be a leader in creating an inclusive climate and recruiting workers with disabilities; and

Whereas, the NCATP provided assistance and vital input into All Ages, All Stages, North Carolina’s Multisector Plan for Aging regarding access to technology advances and innovation;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 2025, as “Assistive Technology Awareness Month” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.