Minnesota Agencies

The Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council is established to fulfill the responsibilities required by the Assistive Technology Act, as provided by Public Law 108-364, as amended. Because the existence of this council is required by federal law, this council does not expire.

According to the Council's website, the Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council was created when the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 was amended in 2004. The goal of the council is to ensure consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to STAR for planning, implementing and evaluating activities, including setting measurable goals. The Minnesota STAR Program is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration in accordance with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (P.L. 108-364).

The Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council held its first meeting on March 29, 2005. The council currently meets on a quarterly basis to provide guidance on implementing Minnesota's assistive technology plan.

The Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council was reviewed by the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy (LCPFP) in 2013 as part of their biennial duty required by Minn. Stat. 3.885 Subd. 11. The LCPFP's 2013 Recommendations called for keeping the council.

Appointed by the Governor according to Public Law 108-364.

(i) The advisory council shall be composed of (I) individuals with disabilities that use assistive technology or the family members or guardians of the individuals; (II) a representative of the designated State agency, as defined in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705) and the State agency for individuals who are blind (within the meaning of section 101 of that Act (29 U.S.C. 721)), if such agency is separate; (III) a representative of a State center for independent living described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.); (IV) a representative of the State workforce investment board established under section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2821); (V) a representative of the State educational agency, as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801); and (VI) representatives of other State agencies, public agencies, or private organizations, as determined by the State.

(ii) Majority.-- (I) In general.--A majority, not less than 51 percent, of the members of the advisory council, shall be members appointed under clause (i)(I). (II) Representatives of agencies.--Members appointed under subclauses (II) through (VI) of clause (i) shall not count toward the majority membership requirement established in subclause (I).

(iii) Representation.--The advisory council shall be geographically representative of the State and reflect the diversity of the State with respect to race, ethnicity, types of disabilities across the age span, and users of types of services that an individual with a disability may receive.

Department of Administration