SECNAV visits DoD's Assistive Technology Center

CHIPS, Jan-March, 2005

The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, visited the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) at the Pentagon Sept. 28, 2004. Ms. Dinah Cohen, CAP Director, and five members of the CAP staff hosted a tour for the Secretary that included an overview of CAP and demonstrations of assistive technology. Focus was placed on the progress that has been made over the past year to integrate assistive technologies into the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI). Today, over 20 items have been certified for use on the NMCI. These technologies are now being used by Navy and Marine Corps employees with disabilities working within the NMCI environment.

Ms. Cohen also spoke with Secretary England about the work CAP has been doing for wounded servicemembers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of the actions for this initiative include:

* Assistive technology for Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) for patients to use during their recovery and rehabilitation process

* Needs assessments for wounded servicemembers (either at the hospital or at CAPTEC)

* Assistive technology to use in the workplace for wounded servicemembers who remain on active duty or transition to a federal government position

CAP started this initiative with a pilot program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Strengthened by early successes and expanding partnerships, program services are now being expanded to support Sailors and Marines with disabilities at Bethesda Naval Hospital and at MTFs throughout the country. Secretary England was pleased to hear about the expansion and offered his support to CAP.

NMCI Director Pledges Commitment to Accessibility

Rear Adm. James B. Godwin, Director of NMCI, visited CAPTEC on Nov. 3, 2004, to learn first hand about assistive technologies for employees with disabilities. The admiral expressed his commitment to the CAP/NMCI partnership and said that he looks forward to implementing new technologies and processes to ensure full access to the information environment for all Navy and Marine Corps personnel with disabilities.