Maine State Plan for Assistive Technology Summary

Maine CITE logoThe Maine Department of Education’s – Maine CITE Program submits a three-year State Assistive Technology (AT) Plan to the federal DHHS, Administration for Community Living (ACL). The plan describes how the state will meet the requirements of the Assistive Technology Act, as amended in 2004.

Maine’s AT Plan is designed to improve access to and the acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities of all ages through a comprehensive statewide program.

History of Maine CITE Program

In 1989, the Governor appointed the Department of Education (DOE) as the lead agency for the Maine CITE Program. The Office of Special Services within the Department assumed responsibility for overseeing the activities of the Maine CITE Program.

The Maine CITE Program started with the Department of Education, the University of Maine System and Alpha One as the original partners. Partnerships broadened over the years to include private and public entities that provide AT devices and services to Maine people of all ages and disabilities. This partnership is now known as the Assistive Technology Consortia and includes the following organizations:

Maine State AT Advisory Council

The Maine CITE Program also has a State Assistive Technology Advisory Council made up of individuals who represent state agencies, users of AT and family members. Members include:

  • Jessi Wright – Maine CITE
  • Lani Carlson – Maine CITE
  • Melissa Bliss – Maine CITE
  • Deborah Gardner – Consumer
  • Beth Mogan – Consumer
  • Steve Kelley – Consumer
  • Pauline Lamontagne – Consumer
  • Robert (Bob) McPhee – Consumer
  • Matt Roix – Consumer
  • Marc Roix – Consumer
  • Gil Whitmore – Consumer
  • Tom Newman – Alpha One
  • Henry Powell – Alpha One
  • Annette Stevens – Voc Rehab/DBVI
  • Tracy Whitlock – Maine Department of Education
  • Carrie Woodcock – Maine Parent Federation

AT State Plan Goals:

The Maine CITE Program focuses on the goals of improving access to and the acquisition of AT in Education, Employment, Community Living, and Information Technology.

In addition, the Maine CITE Program supports several AT service providers to conduct specific activities as described below.

State Financing Activities

Since 1989, Maine has had a long standing, state-funded, revolving loan program. The Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program, provides affordable cash loans to Maine citizens to buy AT, adaptive equipment that they want and need, as well to make home access modifications. The program also makes finanacial loans to Maine business owners to assure ADA compliance.

Device Reutilization Program

Spurwink ALLTECH operates a refurbishing and reuse program that provides low cost, lightly used refurbished AT device and durable medical equipment to consumers, families, children and seniors in Maine.

Device Loan Programs

Short-term Device Loan programs are provided through Spurwink ALLTECH, the University of Maine Farmington, Pine Tree Society, and Gallant Therapy Services to expand the loan services and device inventories statewide. These “try before you buy” loan programs are essential in offering Mainers the chance to determine the benefit of using AT in their own life. The AT4Maine website lists all devices in the inventory available for loan.

Device Demonstration Program

Spurwink ALLTECH, Pine Tree Society, University of Maine Farmington, and Gallant Therapy Services conduct AT Device Demonstrations to individuals interested in learning about the use and benefit of AT. The AT4Maine website lists all devices in the inventory available for demonstration.

Training and Technical Assistance Activities

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center provides Training events including the use of distance learning technologies. All training events are fully accessible and developed in collaboration with AT Consortia members and others. Training focuses on AT Education, Employment, Community Living and Information Technology & Telecommunications, as well as on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM). All online training webinar are recorded and archived on the Maine CITE Training page.

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center continues to provide Technical Assistance to organizations, policy makers, and state agencies on AT related issues that will impact AT policy, funding, and the provision of AT services in Maine.

Public Awareness

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center engages in a wide variety of Public Awareness activities to disseminate AT information to statewide service providers and networks and to promote AT device and AT service resources.

Website

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center’s websites feature information on AT resources, training events, accessible information technology, service providers, funding options, telecommunications and universal design.

Publications

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center publishes materials such as Guide for Maine Families on Assistive Technology (AT) and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) – PDF (revised June 2020). New materials that describe AT Consortia organizations and their services, AT vendors and AT policies continue to be developed in accessible formats.

Conferences and Exhibits

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center exhibits at statewide conferences to demonstrate AT devices and promote information about AT, funding, resources, and Maine service providers.

Information and Assistance

The Maine CITE Coordinating Center staff responds to inquiries by phone or online about AT and provides Information and Assistance (I & A) services.

Coordination and Collaboration

The Maine CITE Program has a strong tradition of collaboration with state agencies and service providers. The AT Advisory Council members and AT Consortia partners help to broaden the Maine CITE Program’s communication and involvement across Maine to meet the ongoing challenges of assuring that AT is included in changing state policies.

rev:  7/21/22