Background information on the TARGET Center

Background

In 1992, The U.S. Department of Agriculture established the Technology Accessible Resources Gives Employment Today (TARGET) Center, to support the USDA with assistive technology and ergonomic solutions. Services assist in providing equal access to electronic and information technology essential in today's work force.

The TARGET Center has eight workstations available for hands-on demonstrations and evaluations of assistive technologies. The workstations are equipped with a variety of hardware and software solutions that provide accessibility to employees who are visually, hearing, speech, mobility or dexterity impaired.

The TARGET Center conducts assessments of assistive technologies and ergonomic solutions to aid employees in their work environment. Consultations are also available to managers and procurement officials on accommodations that are cost effective and will aid employees in the work place.

Recognizing the need for USDA employees working outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area to receive this array of services, the TARGET Center opened its first satellite center in 1995 by creating the Midwest TARGET Center in St. Louis, MO. In September 2000, an additional satellite TARGET Center will open in Riverdale, MD. These regionally located centers serve USDA employees in the surrounding areas and are equipped with an assistive technology demonstration areas.

In the next two years, the TARGET Center plans to open additional Centers.

USDA TARGET Center
1400 Independence Ave.
Room 1006-S
Washington DC 20250-9876
(202) 720-2600 (V / TTY)
(202) 720-2681 (FAX)