[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book II)]
[July 25, 2000]
[Pages 1460-1461]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Memorandum on Strategy for the Development and Transfer of Assistive 
Technology and Universal Design
July 25, 2000

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Strategy for the Development and Transfer of Assistive 
Technology and Universal Design

    It is my Administration's policy to accelerate the development and 
deployment of assistive technology and technology that promotes 
universal design. Assistive technology maintains or improves the 
functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Universal design is 
the design of products and environments that enables all people to use 
these products, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for 
adaptation or specialized design. Assistive technologies and products 
that incorporate universal design principles can significantly improve 
the quality of life for people with disabilities and increase their 
ability to participate in the workplace.
    Therefore, to improve the quality of life for people with 
disabilities, I direct as follows: (a)

[[Page 1461]]

The Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) shall, within 
120 days from the date of this directive, publish a report identifying 
priority areas for the advancement of assistive technologies and 
universal design capabilities. This report should be prepared in 
cooperation with the disability and the research communities. The report 
should cover technologies needed for improving or increasing:
    Sensory functioning, such as digital technologies to enhance 
            speech intelligibility;
    Mobility enhancement, such as advanced prosthetic devices;
    Manipulation ability;
    Cognitive function;
    Accessibility of information and communications technology, 
            such as text-to-speech and speech recognition systems; and
    Accessibility to, and mobility within the physical 
            environment.
    (b) Following the issuance of this report, each agency that 
participates in the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) 
shall, consistent with current law, develop a strategy for enhancing the 
transfer of technology that can contribute to the needs and requirements 
identified by the ICDR. This strategy must address both intramural and 
extramural research and development. Agencies shall publish their 
strategies 6 months after the issuance of the ICDR report. Agency 
strategies should include, but not be limited to, the development of 
focused solicitations under the SBIR program.
    This memorandum does not create any right or benefit, substantive or 
procedural, enforceable by law, by a party against the United States, 
its officers, its employees, or any other person.

                                                      William J. Clinton