The AT Legal Project helps consumers with their assistive technology needs in two different ways. The first through legislative and policy projects that remove current barriers to assistive technology, and the second through individual legal advocacy.
The Assistive Devices Warranty Act
The Assistive Devices Warranty Act was initiated by the AT Legal Project in collaboration with consumer groups. It was passed by the Iowa State legislature in 1998. The Assistive Devices Warranty Act is an Iowa Law which ensures that any person who purchases or leases a new assistive device has the right to expect the equipment to function normally. This Act (also known as the Lemon Law) protects consumers by providing a one-year warranty.
The Legal Services Corporation of Iowa
published an article on the Assistive Devices Warranty Act in their Legal Briefs, titled Iowa's Assistive Devices "Lemon
Law". This document is an Adobe Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be obtained at:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
The Assistive Device Tax Credit Act
In the spring of 2000, the Iowa Legislature passed a new law called the Assistive Device Tax Credit Act that was part of a large tax package signed by Governor Vilsack. This Act will provide tax incentives to small Iowa businesses to hire persons with disabilities. This program will benefit small businesses that buy, rent, or modify an assistive device or make physical changes to a workplace for employees with disabilities. The tax credit is 50% of the first $5,000 paid for the devices or modifications, with an annual cap of $2,500.
Check with the Iowa Department of Economic Development for more information on the application process and for copies of the form. You can call them at 1-800-245-IOWA or email them at SmartState@ided.state.ia.us.
Consumers are referred for legal advocacy help by IPAT's Funding Services Coordinator. She can help consumers with assistive technology issues, identify advocacy needs, and make a direct referral for legal services when necessary. The AT Legal Project has provided legal advocacy help to consumers dealing with Medicaid, Medicare, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, private insurance, warranty issues, and the Veterans' Administration.
IPAT PUBLICATIONS
CONTACT US
Funding Services Coordinator
Iowa COMPASS
Center for Disabilities and Development
100 Hawkins Drive, Room S295
Iowa City, IA 52242-1011
800-779-2001 (voice toll-free)
877-686-0032 (TTY toll-free)
319-353-8502 (local-voice)
IPAT/Home
Iowa COMPASS
Funding UERS Publications Links
Disclaimer