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Bill

SRES 685

A resolution designating April 22, 2026, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day".

119th Congress Introduced by Kevin Cramer and 1 co-sponsor

Designates April 22, 2026 as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day to raise public awareness of how assistive technology supports independence and participation.

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
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Bill Summary · SRES 685

Summary of Bill: SRES 685 (Session 119) — National Assistive Technology Awareness Day

Note: This is a Senate resolution designating a memorial/awareness day, not a bill that creates enforceable law or spending. It expresses recognition and designates a specific day for awareness.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Designation: SRES 685 designates April 22, 2026, as “National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.”
  • Purpose of designation: To recognize the importance of assistive technology in improving the independence, participation, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, aging Americans, and others who benefit from assistive tech.
  • Scope: Intended to raise awareness among the public, policymakers, and service providers about the role and benefits of assistive technology.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal designation of a specific day: Establishes April 22, 2026, as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day in the United States.
  • Observance language: The resolution typically encourages education, outreach, and participation by government agencies, disability organizations, educators, healthcare providers, and the general public to promote awareness of assistive technology.
  • No funding authorization: As a Senate resolution, it does not authorize new spending, create mandates, or impose regulatory requirements.
  • Preamble: The measure may include a preamble acknowledging the importance of assistive technology and the value of accessibility and inclusion.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Individuals with disabilities and aging populations: Benefit from heightened awareness about assistive technology options and services.
  • Employers, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers: Encouraged to promote and support assistive technology adoption and accessibility.
  • Government agencies and nonprofit organizations: Invited to participate in commemorative events, outreach, and educational activities on or around the designated day.
  • General public: Exposure to information about assistive technology and its impact on independence and participation in daily life.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Action history: The resolution was submitted in the Senate and unanimously agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent on April 22, 2026.
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors Kevin Cramer and Ed Markey.
  • Nature of action: A procedural, non-binding designation (a resolution) that does not create enforceable obligations or authorize new programs or funding.

5) Practical Implications

  • Public awareness: Likely to generate events, public statements, and educational materials around April 22, 2026, highlighting assistive technology resources.
  • Policy signaling: Demonstrates concurrent congressional support for accessibility and disability-related technologies, potentially informing future debates or policy priority areas.
  • No fiscal impact: There is no appropriation or mandatory spending tied to this designation.

If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer on what constitutes assistive technology and examples of devices and services commonly included under the umbrella of assistive tech.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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