Sec. 45.45.690. - Definitions. - Alaska Statutes

In AS 45.45.600 - 45.45.690,

(1) "assistive technology device" means an item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used or designed to be used to increase, maintain, or improve a functional capability of an individual with disabilities; an assistive technology device system that, as a whole, is within the definition of "assistive technology device," is itself an assistive technology device, and in such case the term also applies to each component product of the assistive technology device system that is itself ordinarily an assistive technology device; to the extent that a device otherwise meets the requirements of this paragraph, "assistive technology device" includes

(A) wheelchairs and scooters of any kind, and other aids that enhance the mobility or positioning of an individual, such as motorization, motorized positioning features, and the switches and controls for motorized features;

(B) hearing aids, telephone communication devices for the deaf, and other assistive listening devices;

(C) computer equipment and reading devices with voice output, optical scanners, talking software, braille printers, and other aids and devices that provide access to text;

(D) computer equipment with voice output, artificial larynges, voice amplification devices, and other alternative and augmentative communication devices;

(E) voice recognition computer equipment, software and hardware accommodations, switches, and other forms of alternative access to computers;

(F) environmental control units; and

(G) simple mechanical aids that enhance the functional capabilities of an individual with disabilities;

(2) "assistive technology device system" means the final product resulting from a manufacturer customizing, adapting, reconfiguring, refitting, refurbishing, or composing into a system one or more component products, whether or not new, that may be assistive technology devices or standard products of the same or other manufacturer;

(3) "collateral costs" means the following expenses incurred by a consumer:

(A) medical expenses for the treatment of a physical injury caused by a nonconformity in an assistive technology device or mobility aid;

(B) the cost to rent a substitute assistive technology device or mobility aid during the time repairs are attempted for an assistive technology device or mobility aid that has a nonconformity and during the time preceding receipt of a replacement when repairs have been unsuccessful;

(C) the cost of shipping an assistive technology device or mobility aid that has a nonconformity to a manufacturer, lessor, or authorized dealer for repair or replacement; and

(D) the documented costs of long-distance telephone calls and facsimile transmissions used to contact the manufacturer, lessor, or authorized dealer for the purpose of effecting a repair or replacement of an assistive technology device or mobility aid that has a nonconformity;

(4) "consumer" means

(A) the purchaser of an assistive technology device or mobility aid, if the assistive technology device or mobility aid was purchased from a dealer or manufacturer for purposes other than resale;

(B) a person to whom the assistive technology device or mobility aid is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the assistive technology device or mobility aid;

(C) a person who may enforce the warranty; or

(D) a person who leases an assistive technology device or a mobility aid from a lessor under a written lease;

(5) "dealer" means a person who is in the business of selling assistive technology devices or mobility aids without assembly or modification;

(6) "demonstrator" means an assistive technology device or a mobility aid used primarily for the purpose of demonstration to the public;

(7) "early termination cost" means any expense or obligation that a lessor incurs as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set out in that lease and the return of an assistive technology device or mobility aid to a manufacturer; "early termination cost" includes a penalty for prepayment under a finance arrangement;

(8) "early termination savings" means any expense or obligation that a lessor avoids as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set out in that lease and the return of an assistive technology device or mobility aid to a manufacturer; "early termination savings" includes an interest charge that the lessor would have paid to finance the assistive technology device or mobility aid or, if the lessor does not finance the assistive technology device or mobility aid, the difference between the total amount for which the lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease term remaining after the early termination and the present value of that amount at the date of the early termination;

(9) "lessor" means a person who leases an assistive technology device or mobility aid to a consumer, or who holds the lessor's rights, under a written lease;

(10) "manufacturer" means a person who is in the business of manufacturing, modifying, or assembling assistive technology devices or mobility aids and agents of that person, including an importer, a distributor, factory branch, distributor branch, and any warrantors of the manufacturer's assistive technology devices or mobility aids, but does not include a dealer;

(11) "mobility aid" means equipment or a device, including a demonstrator, designed to assist the mobility of a physically disabled person, that a consumer purchases or accepts transfer of in this state; in this paragraph, "device" includes

(A) a motorized or nonmotorized wheelchair;

(B) a scooter;

(C) an automotive crane;

(D) a van lift; and

(E) special hand controls for a motor vehicle;

(12) "nonconformity" means a condition or defect that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of an assistive technology device or mobility aid or a component of the assistive technology device or mobility aid, but does not include a condition or defect that is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modification or alteration of the assistive technology device or mobility aid or a component of the assistive technology device or mobility aid by a consumer;

(13) "reasonable attempt to repair" means either of the following occurring within the term of an express warranty applicable to a new assistive technology device or mobility aid or within one year after first delivery of the assistive technology device or mobility aid to a consumer, whichever is sooner:

(A) the same nonconformity with the warranty is subject to repair by the manufacturer, lessor, or any of the manufacturer's authorized dealers at least four times and the nonconformity continues;

(B) the assistive technology device or mobility aid is out of service for an aggregate of at least 30 days because of warranty nonconformities.