Assistive Tech Laws and Legislation

Laws and Legislation Regarding Assistive Technology:

• Tech Act: Technology-Related Assistance of Individuals with Disabilities Act was created in 1988 and revised in 1994. This originally provided funding for more assistive tech resources.

• ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act was created to be a law in 1990. This required all places to be accessible and accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. This sets up further legislation and precedence for assistive technology.

• Assistive Technology Act: Signed into law in 1998, this law gave funding and other support to states working to improve and use assistive technology to help individuals with disabilities.

• Rehabilitation Act- with regard to technology: Originally signed into law in 1973 and amended in 1992 to help employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Technology was specifically stated when the act was amended again in 1998 to "require federal agencies remove barriers to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities." (2013 Assisitvie Technology Resouces Guide, 2013, p. 26)

• IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act was originally penned in 1975 as the Education for all Handicapped Children Act did not originally include technology. In 2004, assistive technology was defined and added to the amended version of IDEA to ensure students with disability's needs were being met in the school setting with additional support services, focused programming, and assistive technology.