TRICARE
2008-11-22

FALLS CHURCH, Va., November 20, 2008 –

A new Department of Defense (DoD) instruction on assistive technology (AT) will increase availability and awareness of AT to wounded service men and women at no cost to them.

This instruction, signed in August by Dr. David Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness enables the Computer/Electronics Accommodations Program (CAP) to work closely with military treatment facilities to coordinate AT needs assessments. This ensures that eligible wounded service members can receive accommodations for their disabilities and conditions.

CAP is part of TRICARE and was launched in 1990 as a centrally funded, reasonable accommodations program for DoD employees with disabilities. It supports people with cognitive or communication disabilities, who are blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing or have dexterity disabilities.

CAP is committed to ensuring that all clients have the assistive tools early in their recovery and rehabilitation to ensure success for those who continue on active duty, explore different employment options, or continue their education.

For more information about the CAP Wounded Service Member Initiative or to request a presentation, e-mail WSM@tma.osd.mil.

For additional information on CAP, visit www.tricare.mil/cap/

About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System:

TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.2 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide.

For more about the MHS go to www.health.mil.

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