What is the Protection and Advocacy For Assistive Technology (PAAT) Program?

PAAT is a state and federally funded program operated by Co-Ad, Inc., a non-profit legal services organization.

The PAAT Program provides representation to people who have been denied assistive technology.

An "assistive technology" device is any item that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional abilities of individuals with disabilities.

Who is Eligible for PAAT Program Services?

PAAT services are available to people with disabilities ...

• Who can increase their ability to function with assistive technology.
• Who need help protecting their right to access assistive technology regardless of the funding source.

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What Kind of Services Does PAAT Offer?

We are advocates and lawyers who can work for you. We are not mental health professionals. We are not a government agency. All requests are kept strictly confidential.

Co-Ad provides the following services ...

• Information and Referral: A referral to another agency. Information on your rights.
• Short Term Assistance: Discussions with you to help you resolve the problem. This may include, self-advocacy coaching, explaining the system, or providing legal advice.
• Administrative Remedies: Appealing a decision within an agency or facility without going to court.
• Negotiation/Mediation: Participation in discussions with an agency or facility to resolve your problem.
• Legal Services: Representation by an attorney in a court of law.

What Should I Do?

Contact us and tell us if you (or someone you know) have been prevented from:

• Getting appropriate assistive technology.
• Obtaining services related to the technology.

If you want our help ...

• Call any Co-Ad office. A secretary or an advocate will help you apply for our services over the phone. Each office has a TDD.
• Write to any Co-Ad office. Tell us how we may contact you.
• Visit any Co-Ad office. An advocate will help you fill out an application.

What is Co-Ad?

Co-Ad, Inc. is a nonprofit legal services organization which manages several programs designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Co-Ad, Inc. was founded in 1977. The Governor has named Co-Ad, Inc. to be Idaho's Protection and Advocacy System for people with disabilities.

Due to limited funding, Co-Ad is required every year to choose which services it can provide. We are always interested in information from people with disabilities to help us pick our priorities.

How Can Co-Ad Help?

• By providing information about community services.
• By advising you about your legal rights.
• By providing help with settling disagreements through mediation and negotiation.
• By providing legal representation, including help with appeals and court cases.

PAAT Program services are provided free of charge.

The PAAT Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education