important and influential legislation history on evolution of assistive technology

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    Assistive Technology Legislation

  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Public Law 93-112; Section 504 - First federal civil rights law to protect the right of individuals with diabilities. Section 504 states: "No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from particiaption in , be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance". (http://www.assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm)

  • The Education for the Handicapped Act (EHA)

    Also known as the Individuals with Diaabilities Act
    Public Law 94-142; 1975
    The EHA, Education for all Handicapped Children Act, guaranteed a free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities, ages 5-21, designed to meet their
    unique educational needs
    P.L. 94-142 has been amended many times, most recently 2004
    www.fctd.info (FCTD Fact Sheets: Assistive Technology Laws)
    http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • EHA Amendments 1986

    Preschool and infant/toddler programs. In 1986 an amendment to the EHA extended the purpose of the EHA to include ages 0-5. http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988

    The "Tech Act" provided federal funds to states to develope training and delivery stystems for AT devices and services.
    This law provided the first definition of AT devices and services. This law provided availability and quality of AT devices and services to all individuals, including children http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • 1990 EHA Ammendments

    Public Law 101-476 define AT devices and services for children with disabilities for inclusion in IEP http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • Americans with Disability Act

    The ADA gives full civil rights to all with disabilities.

    - Section 504 prohibits discrimination, on the basis of disability, in public and private sector employment, public accomodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.
    www.fctd.info (FCTD Fact Sheets: Assistive Technology Laws)
    http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1990 (IDEA)

    Public Law 101-476 built apon the Tech Act and clearly outlined the school district's responsiblity to provide AT to students with disabilities. It also included the Tech Act's AT devices and services.
    http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • 1992 Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act Section 508

    Section 508 clarified the rights of individuals with disabilities to be provided access to electronic and information technology.
    http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • Telecommunications Act of 1996

    Major reform of telecommunications
    It was the first piece of legislation to address Internet access in the United States
    The main goal of the Telecommunications Act was to free up the market in the communications industry - no company could monopolize the industry
    http://www.shoretelsky.com/resources/telecommunications-act-of-1996/

  • 1997 EHA Amendments

    Assured that all disabled students would have access to general curriculum
    AT devices and services be considered on IEP's of disabled students. Use of school-purchased AT in a child's home or other settings
    http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • Assistive Technology Act of 1998

    Public Law 105-394 - Tech Act amendment affirms that technology is a valuable tool that can be used to improve the lives of disabled Americans.
    Extended funding of the 50 states and six territories to delelop permanent, comprehensive, statewide programs of technology-related assistance
    http://assisttech.info/at_info/legislative.htm

  • Perkins Act, 1998

    Provides access to career and technical education for students with disabilities
    Provides for the purchasing of equipment to ensure the latest technology
    Funds provided to both secondary and postsecondary schools
    (lecture notes)

  • No Child Left Behind Act, 2001

    An act to close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind.
    Does not specifically address AT, but the four principles do affect students with disabilities
    -Accountability for results
    -More options for parents
    -Greater local control in use of general funds
    -Best practices based on scientific research
    (lecture notes)

  • IDEA Improvement Act 2004

    Reauthorization of IDEA addressed definition of AT
    Excludes surgically implanted medical devices or the replacement of such devices
    Term universal design for learning eas introduces
    UDL and AT must be considerations addressed in the IEP
    (lecture notes)