Paul J. Tobin, 53, board member of Florida’s Assistive Technology Advisory Council (ATAC) from 2018-2023, who resided in Fort Myers, FL, passed away January 18. Paul was an active and outspoken member of the ATAC. His fellow ATAC members quickly acknowledged Paul’s expertise and mission-focused perspective by electing him as an officer for the council, first as Treasurer/Secretary (2018-2020), then Co-Chair (2020-2022), and most recently as Chair (2022-2023).

Paul was the driving force leading the organization through an Executive Director transition in 2020. During this transition, FAAST developed the Strategic Plan 2020, which lead the organization to evaluate its service delivery model to ensure that all Floridians had equitable access to assistive technology services. 

Under Paul’s leadership as chair, the ATAC’s Service Delivery Committee researched best practices from around the country, analyzed more than five years of FAAST service metrics, and put together the model that was implemented by FAAST in 2021 and 2022. This new service delivery model added six new Regional Demonstration Centers and four new reutilization partners, essentially doubling the number of locations where Floridians could access FAAST services.

FAAST remembers Paul as an understanding mentor, visionary leader, and dependable friend. Paul made a permanent impact on FAAST and the individuals who have disabilities that we serve. We will forever be grateful for his service and are proud to be a part of his lasting legacy to improve the quality of life for people who have disabilities everywhere.

Paul Tobin’s obituary can be found here (opens in a new tab on Dignity Memorial’s website).

A tribute to Paul from United Spinal Association can be found here (opens in a new tab on United Spinal’s website).