The Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) received the Distinguished Contribution to Assistive Technology Award from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) on June 30, 2002 at the RESNA 25th International Conference on Technology and Disability in Minneapolis, Minn. The award recognizes programs that have made a sustained contribution to the field of assistive technology and a specific segment of the population. CAP was recognized for its impact on improving the employability of people with disabilities in the DoD and throughout the federal government.
The assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs manages CAP, which is the federal government's centrally funded program that provides assistive technology to enable DoD and federal employees with hearing, visual, dexterity, cognitive and communication disabilities equal access to the information environment and opportunities in DoD and throughout the federal government. Established in 1990 to eliminate employment barriers for employees with disabilities, CAP has now provided over 29,000 accommodation solutions to DoD and 47 partner agencies. In fiscal year 2001, CAP provided a total of 4,463 accommodations.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., said, "This award highlights the success of the DoD and federal commitment to increasing the accessibility of the federal information environment. The CAP staff will continue to work closely with the development community to ensure advances will increase the employability of people with disabilities in the federal workplace."
RESNA, a non-profit organization founded in 1979, is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. Their purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology. RESNA's membership ranges from rehabilitation professionals to consumers. All members are dedicated to promoting the exchange of ideas and information for the advancement of assistive technology.
More information about CAP can be found at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/cap/.
