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About VATS

The Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) is a statewide program authorized and funded by the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, as amended and administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services. VATS was established in 1990 with commitment to increasing awareness, accessibility and acquisition of assistive technology. The program is guided by an Advisory Council composed of individuals with disabilities, family members and representatives from Virginia's disability service agencies.

One of VATS priorities’ is to establish assistive technology recycling programs across the State. VATS will work with local groups to plan and implement AT recycling specific to each community. In 2009, VATS applied for and received a grant from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund Board.  The three-year grant which is administered by VATS, created the Virginia Reuse Network (VRN). The mission of the VRN is to build the statewide reuse program’s capacity to better serve Virginians with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including Veterans, and to implement a state-of-the-art sanitization and processing program for DME through the purchase of innovative DME cleaning systems.  VRN partner programs will work collaboratively with network affiliates and VATS to address the durable medical equipment (DME) needs of persons with disabilities, primarily those who do not have the resources necessary to purchase needed equipment.  Although the VRN will continue to serve qualifying individuals with disabilities, the VRN is interested in improving service delivery and tracking reuse services provided to individuals with SCI and TBI.  WWRC will play a vital role in Year 2 of the grant bringing their significant expertise in service delivery to people with SCI and TBI. 

VATS has three Assistive Technology Regional Sites that provide community contact points throughout Virginia for assistive technology information and resources across designated regions. These Regional Sites provide training, public awareness, and general technical assistance for consumers who can benefit from the use of assistive technology.

Through VATS Information and Referral System, callers can access information on assistive technology products, funding options, and resources that range from therapists to service providers to vendors of assistive technology devices and services. The toll free number, 1-800-435-8490, connects you with a professional who can answer inquiries and guide you to the best resources in your community.
VATS is part of a consortium that provides information and guidance on accessible information technology. VATS staff, working with the Virginia Information Technology Agency, has provided training, technical assistance and policy development/guidance to assure that all Executive Branch agency web sites are fully accessible.

The VATS Advisory Council

Currently, the VATS Advisory Council is composed of seventeen (16) members. All members of the Advisory Council are appointed by the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services.

The majority of the membership of this advisory council is required to be individuals with disabilities who use assistive technology (AT), or their family members or guardians.
Council members live in cities and counties throughout the state and are representative of both rural and urban areas of Virginia. Similarly, the membership reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the State.
In addition, representatives of several state agencies must be included on the council. Representation from mandated public agencies includes the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Workforce Investment Council and the Virginia Council of Independent Living Centers. Other public agencies represented on the Advisory Council include the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Virginia Department for the Aging.

The VATS Advisory Council will meet at least quarterly and, as resources permit, rotate meeting locations around the State. The Council will be led by a Chairperson who will work with VATS staff to develop the agenda and content of the meetings. In addition to the Chair, the Council will elect a Vice Chair, who will be the rising Chairperson, and a Secretary who will review minutes prepared by staff and act as the signatory as needed. The Council will select subcommittees that will act as tasks specific, ad hoc work groups (identification of vendors, collaborative use of funds, state plan development, etc.) and to advise on particular responsibilities, e.g. planning, implementation, and evaluation of activities, plus other issues that may be brought before the Council.

The Council will follow Robert’s Rules of Order in conducting each meeting. At the chairperson’s discretion, council decisions will be made either through consensus or by member vote. It will be the responsibility of VATS staff to make meeting room arrangements, develop materials for information packets for each member, and assure accessibility of meeting sites and materials. Staff of the VATS will update the Advisory Council on program activities, and present any planned initiatives for Council input. The composition of the Council will enable input that is consumer-driven and consumer-responsive.

The VATS Assistive Technology Advisory Council Roster

Please feel free to email any ideas, comments or concerns to any member of the Advisory Council at  VATSCouncil@drs.virginia.gov. Please identify the specific Council member in the Subject heading.  Thank you.

Revised June 2010. Please note VATS offers all information and materials in alternate formats upon request.

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This File Was Last Modified: Tuesday June 08 2010