How might assistive technology transform not only how students with disabilities access the curriculum, but also how they perceive their own abilities and independence in the learning environment? by NATALIE HAISLEY

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:01:57 UTC

This is a civil rights law that requires schools receiving federal funding to provide students with disabilities who do not require specialized instruction with accommodations that include assistive technology. This law set the stage for AT by prohibiting discrimination based on a student's disability in programs that receive federal funds.

Today, students can access various assistive technology (AT) accommodations, such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and embedded spell check. These accommodations ensure equal access to education for all students.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:02:16 UTC

This law is in place to ensure that all individuals with a disability receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Students with disabilities are provided with support services, including assistive technology (AT), in their least restrictive environment (LRE). This law also requires schools to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student to document their related services (Collins and Ludlow, 2018, Vol 3. p 80).

Today, students receive a variety of services tailored to their individual needs. These tools help them learn, thrive, and participate in the general education setting.

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:02:35 UTC

This law was the first to focus solely on access to technology and providing funding and definitions for assistive technology and related services. It provided federal funding to support states with AT training and services

Today, students benefit from the state funding and support that's been put in place for AT devices and services.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:02:50 UTC

This law extended civil rights protections to all public spaces, increasing awareness of accessibility to technology (AT) in both educational and public settings. This law opened doors for adults with disabilities to be employed by public schools.

Today, individuals with disabilities have access to public areas, such as buildings and parks. They also have access to communications and technology that remove any barriers from public or educational spaces.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:03:03 UTC

This law revamped the EHA and included the term 'assistive technology' in the federal special education law, which requires IEP members to consider AT for these students. This act also introduced 'person-first' language and required schools to provide FAPE in public schools. Students must be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with students without a disability.

Students with disabilities now have legal access to assistive technology (AT) through their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This ensures that helpful assistive technology (AT) tools are considered to help them meet their goals and fully participate in the general education setting.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:03:19 UTC

This law set the stage for AT by expanding provisions by requiring schools to provide any AT if it is needed for a student to receive FAPE. This highlighted the importance of inclusion and students' access to the general education curriculum.

Today, students benefit because AT is integrated into the IEP process, which provides clear accountability and ensures that all students have the supports needed to succeed in the LRE.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-12 02:03:34 UTC

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 required Assistive Technology (AT) to be considered in IEP meetings. It also promoted early intervention and emphasized data-driven decision-making to ensure that AT supported academic and functional performance.

Students today benefit from AT as part of a proactive and results-focused approach that supports academic achievement and functional goals.

Citations

nataliehaisley — 2025-06-16 17:20:02 UTC

Disability discrimination. U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/disability-discrimination

Considering-at-in-the-iep-process.pdf - Texas sped support. (n.d.). https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/considering-at-in-the-iep-process.pdf

Assistive technology and IDEA: Regulations. (n.d.-a). https://www.tamcec.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AssistiveTech-and-IDEA-Regs.pdf

Collins, B. C., & Ludlow, B. L. (n.d.-a). Best Practices for Students With Moderate and Severe Disabilities: A Rural Retrospective.