Article Contents
Technology is found everywhere in our world today and is used by billions of people worldwide for many different activities. Yet, for many people with cognitive disabilities there is still limited access to these tools for everyday living. As a way to address this inequality, The Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities along with a coalition of disability organizations and individuals have written a document titled ” The Rights of People with Cognitive Disabilities to Technology and Information Access”.
This document is a statement of principles, and is commonly referred to as the ” Declaration,” . The Declaration outlines what it means for the estimated 30 million Americans with cognitive disabilities to be meaningfully included in our technologically-driven society. To date, over 1,832 individuals and organizations have endorsed the Declaration. Colorado and Maine have also enacted state legislative initiatives supporting the principles outlined in the Declaration.
The purpose of the Declaration Implementation Grants (DIGS) is to further advance the Declaration through local and statewide implementation grants. Below are the 2016-2017 DIGS recipients. Their proposals demonstrated creative and effective approaches to increase awareness and promote implementation of the principles outlined in the Declaration.
You, Me, and Technology: Spreading the Word
A 12-month educational campaign whereby a team of self-advocates will be trained and supported to educate others including individuals with cognitive disabilities, their support networks, YAI staff, and the community at large. Self-advocates will learn about the Declaration and develop both in-person and online training’s on what the Declaration means to them as well as how its tenets can be actualized.
Materials Created for DIGS
Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Project Description Materials
You, Me, and Technology: Spreading the Word 
TECHNO RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES 
Techno Rights Short Written Version 
(YAI self-advocates shorter version of the Declaration)
Network News – Our Commitment to Technology
Social Media Outreach
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Declaration Champion Button
Digital Media Arts Education Lab
The Lab provides comprehensive technology training to enable people with I/DD to master digital and pre-employment skills. The Arc of the Capital Area in Austin, TX will embed the Declaration and it’s principles of access to technology and information into its curriculum, in order to raise awareness and promote adoption of the Declaration among self-advocates, family members, service providers, and the community at large.
Materials Created for DIGS
Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Poster
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Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Project Description
Social Media Outreach 
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Declaration Informational Kiosk
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Advancing and Promoting the Rights of People with Cognitive Disabilities to Technology and Information Access in Philadelphia
A multi-pronged outreach proposal designed to raise awareness and engagement of the Declaration through’ disability training with the Philadelphia school system, mini -grants, and local and state legislative actions, the Arc of Philadelphia intends to produce measurable results in awareness and demonstrated implementation.
Materials Created for DIGS
Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Project Description
Social Media Outreach
Networking and Education for Declaration Adoption
In addition to the innovative technology initiatives we already have underway, we believe the widespread adoption of the Declaration will require an integrated education plan focused on several key groups – including people with I/DD and their caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, special educators, direct support professionals, government funders, and local legislators.
Materials Created for DIGS
Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Project Description
Using technology and apps for person-centered planning – 12.16.16
Tech for All
Tell Your Story
Employment Gateway – Resumes in Action
A focused outreach proposal, that uses a customized job search program to reach, educate, and secure support from diverse audiences for the Declaration. These audiences include;
self-advocates, family members, support circles, community partners in government programs, local provider agencies, employers and business partners, as well as local Chambers
of Commerce.
Materials Created for DIGS
Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Project Description
Technology in the Heartland: Ensuring Iowans experiencing disability are not left behind
To increase awareness of the Declaration across the state of Iowa in both the self-advocacy and provider communities. It will also help to further address needs identified in our technology needs assessment and seed promising practices in service provider agencies. These activities will set the base for a strong effort to ensure the infusion of technology in the everyday lives of Iowan’s who experience cognitive disability.
Materials Created for DIGS
Oct. 6, 2016 Coleman Conference Project Description
Technology in the Disability Arena Article
Technology Page Website
