Edward Markey (D-MA)
A resolution designating April 22, 2026, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day".
A Democratic resolution with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1902; text: CR S1938)
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Officially Recorded
- Adopted by the Senate unanimous consent
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This resolution designates April 22, 2026, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day." It recognizes assistive technology as essential tools used to improve the functional capabilities of older adults and people with disabilities. The text highlights the significant number of individuals living with disabilities in the United States. It emphasizes how these technologies allow for community inclusion, education, and employment. Finally, the resolution commends the specialists, coordinators, and organizations working to facilitate access to these devices.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +4
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The resolution focuses on enhancing the functional capabilities, employment, and community inclusion of people with disabilities.
- Scored +3
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The resolution emphasizes that assistive technology helps older adults maintain functional capabilities and community inclusion.
- Scored +3
Would retired people be better off under this?
The resolution recognizes assistive technology as a tool to improve the capabilities of older adults.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Community and Employment Inclusion: Assistive technology helps individuals with disabilities and older adults be included in their communities, classrooms, and workplaces. This can assist people in obtaining, retaining, and advancing in competitive and integrated employment. (Whereas clauses)
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Economic Self-Sufficiency: The availability of these tools in the workplace can promote economic self-sufficiency and enhance work participation. (Whereas clauses)
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Support Through State Programs: State assistive technology programs provide various helpful services, such as device exchange, repair, recycling, and short-term loan programs. (Whereas clauses, Section 1)
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Financial Assistance Options: State financing can help people purchase or obtain technology through affordable and flexible options like leasing or financial loan programs. (Whereas clauses, Section 1)
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Recognition of Professionals: The resolution commends the hard work of assistive technology specialists, program coordinators, and researchers who help people find and acquire necessary devices. (Section 2)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The resolution focuses on enhancing the functional capabilities, employment, and community inclusion of people with disabilities. Would retired people be better off under this? — The resolution recognizes assistive technology as a tool to improve the capabilities of older adults. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The resolution emphasizes that assistive technology helps older adults maintain functional capabilities and community inclusion. Would children be better off under this? — The resolution notes the importance of assistive technology for the millions of children with disabilities in the school system. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The resolution highlights that state financing and loan programs help individuals purchase assistive technology through affordable options.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The resolution highlights how assistive technology promotes community inclusion and access to education and employment for people with disabilities.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The resolution recognizes the importance of assistive technology services in helping individuals select, acquire, and use necessary devices.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The resolution notes that assistive technology is critical to the ability of people with disabilities to obtain and retain competitive employment.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make it easier to use public money at a school other than the local one? — The resolution states that assistive technology helps make classrooms more inclusive for children with disabilities.
- 4/22/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1902; text: CR S1938)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Bill introduced.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota