Colorado AT Awareness Week Starts April 20
It's official! And we'll be celebrating all week long.
Apr 12, 2026
We have exciting news: Governor Jared Polis has officially proclaimed April 20–24, 2026 as Colorado Assistive Technology Awareness Week. For the team here at the Center for Innovative Design and Engineering (CIDE), this recognition is one we're proud to be part of. Read the official proclamation (PDF).
The week coincides with National Assistive Technology Awareness Day on April 22 — a day recognized across all 56 state and territory AT programs. The national observance highlights the essential role assistive technology plays in the daily lives of people with disabilities and older adults, and the importance of continued federal support so that everyone who needs AT can access it.
What AT Really Means
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual. But the official definition doesn't quite capture what AT actually is in a person's life.
AT is freedom. It's voice. It's access. It's the difference between sitting on the sidelines and being fully in the game. It looks different for a child in the classroom, a working-age adult on the job, and an older adult aging in place, but across every stage of life, the impact is the same: people getting to live on their own terms.
For millions of Coloradans, AT isn't a luxury or an add-on. It's the tool that makes everything else possible.
Why This Week Matters
The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado has been delivering on that promise for 37 years, providing device loans, demonstrations, expert guidance, and financing support to help people get the technology they need. Colorado AT Awareness Week is our chance to shine a light on that work, and on the real people whose lives it touches every day, from childhood through older adulthood.
At CIDE, we envision a world where people with disabilities, and those aging into disability, can engage fully in life without barriers and without boundaries. We bring together engineers, clinicians, students, designers, consumers, and entrepreneurs to make that vision real.
Join the Conversation: #ATis
For the week of April 20th, we'll be posting stories, resources, and inspiration on our social media channels, and we want to hear from you. What does assistive technology mean in your life? What does it make possible?
Tell us what Assistive Technology is...
Share your answer and use #ATis so we can find and celebrate your story. Follow along and join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
See AT in Action
Want to experience assistive technology in person? Come find us at our booth at RACAS — it's a great opportunity to try devices, talk with our team, and see firsthand what AT can do. Find out more at ucdenver.edu/research-day.
April 20–24, 2026. Colorado AT Awareness Week. What does AT mean to you?