Timeline of Assistive Technology Development in the United States by SHAINA MOORE

Tech Act of 1988

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 21:49:28 UTC

The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act is the first time we see legislation regarding assistive technology.

Assistive Technology Act of 1998-2022

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 21:51:09 UTC

The assistive technology act expands accessibility to people with disabilities. This act has been amended throughout the years and the last time it was updated was in 2022 to include newer technology.

IDEA of 1975

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 21:58:41 UTC

The Individuals with disabilities education act, which passed in 1975, was previously named the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This legislation ensures that all children, regardless of ability, have a right to a free & appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. This legislation also guarantees government funding and individualized education programs.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 22:02:16 UTC

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides all individuals, regardless of age, with assistance in their day-to-day lives. This legislation was revised in 2010 to better clarify the public’s duties to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 22:06:42 UTC

The no child left behind act of 2001 mandated standardized testing, allowed parents to transfer schools if the school they were in was underperforming, required teachers to master their subjects, and required teachers to use research-based instruction. This legislation was proven to be ineffective and unattainable. It has since been replaced with the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 22:08:40 UTC

This legislation leaves student accountability and teacher qualifications up to the state. There are still high expectations, but more assistance is provided to meet these goals.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 22:14:09 UTC

This legislation prevents discrimination based on disabilities and ensures accessibility for those with disabilities. This act was passed to ensure that individuals with disabilities had an equal opportunity to participate in society.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 22:18:21 UTC

This legislation is the first time we see something like the no child left behind act and the every student succeeds act. This legislation provided disadvantaged students with the opportunity to succeed. ESEA provided schools with funding to support these students in low-income districts.

Citations

smoor030 — 2025-09-17 22:41:16 UTC