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This act prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of disability in the federal sector, or in programs that receive federal aid. This amendment wasn't perfect, as it has since been amended multiple times in the past few decades. However, it was an important stepping stone to starting the conversation of disability rights and how we should view individuals with disabilities. It also allowed some individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work without discrimination. Later on, laws inspired by this one would be passed, such as ones that grant funding for assistive technology.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. US EEOC. (n.d.). https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973

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Education for All Handicapped Children Act of of 1975

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Education for All Handicapped Children Act of of 1975

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This act, now know as the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", declared that all school-aged children with disabilities have a right to a free, public education. This act is extremely important for those with disabilities because it declared that everyone deserves a free education regardless of ability. This allowed people with disabilities the opportunity to earn an education, a right that didn't exist before. By being able to earn an education, this also opens the door for some with disabilities to academically challenge themselves, enter the workforce, and learn life skills they may not have previously had access to. This also paved the way for the implementation of assistive technology, as the government began giving schools a special education budget that could be used to provide necessary assistive technology.

The individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA). Texas Project First. (2022, August 29). https://texasprojectfirst.org/en/idea/#:~:text=That%20law%2C%20called%20the%20Education,%2C%20as%20it’s%20known%2C%20FAPE.

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Technology Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988

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Technology Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988

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This act, sometimes referred to as the Tech Act, provides funding for assistive technology in public schools. This act is monumental in providing funding for special education to be as beneficial as possible for student's academic lives as well as personal lives. This act also solidifies the importance of being able to provide assistive technology, such as mobility devices, communication aids, and hearing aids just to name a few. By giving funding to obtain these devices, individuals with disabilities are finally given a chance to improve their quality of life regardless of their economic status.

Assistive technology act. Center for Parent Information and Resources. (n.d.). https://www.parentcenterhub.org/ata/

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This act builds off of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by protecting the rights of employees and job seekers with disabilities. It also protects those with disabilities in transportation, communications, accommodations, and access to government programs (dol.gov, 2024). This is perhaps one of the most important laws when it comes to accessibility and disability rights. For example, this law required that public transportation be wheelchair accessible. With the guaranteed ability to use public transportation, those with mobility issues are granted the ability to use a service they have a right to. It also says that employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, meaning that those with disabilities are guaranteed a workplace that works for their needs and their body. This can include the addition of assistive technology to the workplace, within reason.

Americans with disabilities act. DOL. (n.d.). https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/ada

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990

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This law, also known as IDEA, mandates that all children with disabilities receive special education and related services that serve their independent needs as well as prepare them for life beyond school. This law granted access to an education for those with disabilities that will teach the skills need for independence and employment. It also guarantees funding for assistive technology and related services based on need.

University of Washington. (2019). What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act? | DO-IT. Washington.edu. https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-individuals-disabilities-education-act

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

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This amendment to IDEA changed the requirements for many aspects of special education. It mandates that reports can be made less frequently and that schools must give a summary of what the student's overall performance upon graduating/aging out of special education. It also mandates that each state must have criteria to diagnose a learning disability in a timely manner. Finally, it also clarifies that special education teachers must be highly qualified. This change to IDEA is important because it ensures the quality of special education as well as clarifying what reports are sent to the parents of special education students. As for assistive technology, ensuring that all special education staff are qualified means they will likely be more familiar with assistive technology and know what AT will benefit the needs of their students best.

Highlights of Key Provisions and Important Changes in the Final Regulations for IDEA 2004 | LD OnLine. (n.d.). Www.ldonline.org. Retrieved June 9, 2024, from https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/special-education/highlights-key-provisions-and-important-changes-final-regulations-idea#:~:text=IDEA%202004%20established%20a%20new

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997

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This amendment emphasizes the importance of a "free, public education" for students with disabilities up to high school. This law provides funding and regulations for all schools. It is important because it guarantees that all students with disabilities have access to a free education from pre-k to high school. As a result of this law guaranteeing funding, it guarantees the right to assistive technology as well.

WebAIM: United States Laws - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 1997. (n.d.). Webaim.org. https://webaim.org/articles/laws/usa/idea#:~:text=The%20Chafee%20Amendment-

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