SB 6862 - DIGEST

     Finds that providing meaningful access to appropriate assistive technology for senior citizens and children and adults with disabilities is a matter of public interest.

     Finds that current public and private funding sources are inadequate, or not suited to meet the assistive technology needs of many sectors of the population, or both, and that it is necessary for the state to establish a program that will facilitate the development of alternative financing arrangements to help individuals with disabilities acquire the assistive technology they need for education, employment, health care, independent living, transportation, and recreation.

     Establishes the Washington assistive technology access fund.

     Provides that the fund shall be administered by the state treasurer.  Programs and activities sponsored through the fund shall be administered by the Washington assistive technology alliance within the division of vocational rehabilitation.  The Washington assistive technology alliance is authorized and directed to solicit matching federal and private sector dollars, to contract with other public and private entities, to establish policies and regulations concerning program eligibility and procedures, and to undertake all other activities necessary to carry out the purposes of this act.

     Requires the director of the division of vocational rehabilitation to appoint an assistive technology access fund committee.