Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP)
The Michigan Assistive Technology Program implements the Assistive Technology Act Program for the state of Michigan. All funds from the AT Act are spent in accordance with the Act. The Act makes clear that funds must be used to supplement and not supplant, and be used to maintain a comprehensive statewide AT program serving individuals with disabilities of all ages across all types of disabilities, increasing access to and acquisition of assistive technology through authorized state-level and state-leadership activities. (Section 4 (a))
The Michigan Assistive Technology Program likes to say "We're a program for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities." As most of our staff are people with disabilities who use assistive technology. We always like to keep at the center of our implementation the heart of the Assistive Technology Act.
MATP meets both the letter and the spirit of the Assistive Technology Act, the primary purpose of which is "to support State efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages." We remain committed to the Act's central mission to "maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities across the human lifespan and across the wide array of disabilities... to obtain assistive technology" and to "increase access to assistive technology." As defined in the Act, our programs are designed to be "consumer-responsive," meaning they are consistent with principles of "respect for individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of meaningful careers, based on informed choice, of individuals with disabilities." In everything we do, we center the needs of individuals with disabilities, recognizing that assistive technology devices and services are essential tools that "increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" across education, employment, and community living.
All quotes above are taken directly from the language of the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act which reauthorized and strengthened our mandate to serve individuals with disabilities.
While we never waver from our values, we serve all of Michigan’s community. We are proud that we work with anyone who needs support with assistive technology, including people without disabilities, family members, state entities, legislators, community organizations, friends, businesses, nonprofits, and all others.
MATP Values
- We believe all individuals should have access to the tools that help them to participate in society.
- Assistive Technology plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities to live independently, with dignity and respect.
- We recognize that people with disabilities do not exist in isolation, and we are committed to providing resources, training, and support to families, educators, employers, and community members who are essential partners in creating inclusive environments.
- We thoughtfully implement services that fill critical gaps, meeting people with disabilities where they are—in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities throughout Michigan.
- We value collaborative partnerships that strengthen our collective impact while maintaining our commitment to providing direct, personalized assistive technology services that respond to the unique needs of each individual we serve.
Michigan Assistive Technology Program is a program of Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.
