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"Enabling people with disabilities to live independently"

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What's New?
Calendar of Events
Job Openings - NEW POSTING
LATAN Mission
What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
Who Benefits From Assistive Technology (AT)?
LATAN Vision
About LATAN?
Glossary of Commonly Used Assistive Technology Terms
LATAN Accomplishment Snapshot
LATAN Financial and In-Kind Supporters
Who's Who @ LATAN?
AT Act 3-Year Plan for Louisiana
LATAN Strategic Plan
LATAN Annual Report September 1, 2006 - August 31, 2007
IRS Form 990
Standards for Excellence Certification
Especially for Employers
AT and the Aging Workforce

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) Mission
LATAN assists individuals with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through increased access to assistive technology (AT) as part of their daily lives. LATAN serves Louisiana citizens of all ages with all types of disabilities and limitations due to aging who need assistive technology and daily living aids. This includes aids that individuals use to assist them in daily activities, such as canes, wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, keyboard alternatives, and vision aids.

What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is best described as any device, technology, and aids that allow a person with any and all disability to be more independent. AT helps people with disabilities perform the daily activities most other people take for granted. Getting out of bed and going to work or school may only be possible for some people because of the use of AT. Once at work or school, using a computer, reading or communicating with peers are tasks that may also require the use of AT. AT plays a vital role in ensuring that people with disabilities achieve their best and participate fully in the community.

Who Benefits From Assistive Technology?
In Louisiana alone, approximately 26%, or over 1.13 million, of Louisiana's 4.3 million residents are individuals with disabilities or functional limitations, including some 493,660 persons over the age of 64. Most, if not all of these individuals experience some degree of functional limitations and could benefit from some type of assistive technology in the course of their daily lives.

LATAN's Vision
LATAN envisions a future in Louisiana in which individuals who use assistive technology (AT) are independent, satisfied with their lives and have access to their communities. LATAN strives to bring that vision to fruition each day through its consumer-responsive programs and services.

About LATAN?
LATAN is a 501 ( c ) ( 3) statewide non-profit organization that involves individuals with disabilities in planning, implementing and evaluating LATAN's activities. LATAN is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, representing a diversity of perspectives with regard to disability, ethnic and geographic cultures. Board members are recruited statewide to include AT users, family members of AT users and community leaders. Volunteers are involved in LATAN activities through its board, task forces, focus groups and advisory councils. Overall operations of LATAN are managed by President & CEO Julie Nesbit. LATAN conducts annual independent audits of its financial affairs and enjoys a stellar financial record. LATAN is is the recipient of the Louisiana Non Profits Organizations (LANO) Certificates of Excellence for meeting the Louisiana Standards for Excellence in non-profits.

Consumer involvement is the key element to LATAN's ability to know what AT needs and barriers exist in our state. Currently, a majority of LATAN's board of directors and most staff members are individuals with disabilities and/or family members of individuals with disabilities. Likewise our statewide advisory council is composed of a majority of AT users and family members.

LATAN, Louisiana's Assistive Technology Act Program, has been designated by the Governor as the implementing agency for the Assistive Technology Act state grant. This federal grant, LATAN's major funding source, was first received in 1991, and mandates certain required activities for assistive technology access and acquisition for individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities. This grant, which has been renewed each year since 1991, is dependent upon annual Congressional appropriations for any continued funding, and this funding has decreased over the years. The Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) remains the fiscal agent through which Assistive Technology Act grant funds flow to LATAN.

Additional LATAN funding is derived from individual donations, corporate and community foundation giving, grants and state contracts. Since LATAN is an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.