Summary:
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities. Section 504 specifically mandated that no qualified person with a disability could be excluded from, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program receiving federal funding—including public schools. Though it did not explicitly mention assistive technology, it created the legal framework for equal access to education, which would later include the provision of such technologies.

Benefit to Sady:
Because of this law, schools are legally required to make reasonable accommodations for students like Sady, which includes providing assistive technologies when needed to ensure access to the general education curriculum.

APA Citation:
U.S. Department of Education. (2020). A history of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History

Summary:
This law guaranteed a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to all children with disabilities. It required schools to evaluate students with disabilities and create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to their needs. Though assistive technology was not yet named, this law ensured that educational supports must be provided, setting the stage for future technological interventions.

Benefit to Sady:
Sady benefits from having an IEP that outlines her specific learning needs and the accommodations required, such as speech-to-text software or audiobooks, which fall under assistive technologies.

APA Citation:
Yell, M. L., & Bateman, D. (2019). Special education law (5th ed.). Pearson.

Summary:
Known as the "Tech Act," this was the first federal law to define assistive technology and promote its availability. It provided funding to states to develop statewide systems to improve access to assistive technology for people with disabilities, including children in schools.

Benefit to Sady:
Thanks to this law, Sady has access to tools like screen readers or alternative input devices that enhance her ability to learn and communicate in the classroom.

APA Citation:
Bryant, D. P., Bryant, B. R., & Smith, D. D. (2019). Teaching students with special needs in inclusive classrooms (3rd ed.). Sage.

Summary:
The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in all public areas, including schools. It emphasized accessibility, requiring institutions to remove barriers—physical and technological—that impede full participation.

Benefit to Sady:
Because of the ADA, Sady cannot be excluded from any school activity due to her disability. Her school must ensure accessible classrooms and learning materials, which often include assistive technologies.

APA Citation:
U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). A guide to disability rights laws. https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm

Summary:
This reauthorization of PL 94-142 officially renamed it IDEA and added specific language requiring schools to consider assistive technology when developing a child’s IEP. It expanded the definition of related services to include assistive devices and services.

Benefit to Sady:
Sady’s IEP team must now consider whether she needs assistive technology to benefit from her education, making it easier for her to receive tools like text-to-speech software or communication devices.

APA Citation:
U.S. Department of Education. (2020). IDEA: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. https://sites.ed.gov/idea

Summary:
This update strengthened the requirement that assistive technology must be considered in the IEP process. It also emphasized that students with disabilities should participate in general education classes and state/district testing with appropriate accommodations.

Benefit to Sady:
Sady is now ensured not only access to assistive technology but also the opportunity to be in general education classrooms and take part in standardized testing with supports that level the playing field.

APA Citation:
Turnbull, H. R., Turnbull, A., Wehmeyer, M. L., & Shogren, K. A. (2020). Exceptional lives: Special education in today's schools (9th ed.). Pearson.

🟧 7. IDEA Reauthorization of 2004

Citation: 20 U.S.C. § 1401 (PL 108-446)

Summary:
The 2004 reauthorization further clarified schools’ responsibilities in providing assistive technology and aligned IDEA with No Child Left Behind by focusing on accountability and outcomes. It reinforced the importance of using evidence-based practices, including in the selection and use of assistive technology.

Benefit to Sady:
Sady not only receives assistive technology support but also benefits from data-driven instructional decisions that ensure her learning tools are effective and backed by research.

APA Citation:
Friend, M., & Bursuck, W. D. (2019). Including students with special needs: A practical guide for classroom teachers (8th ed.). Pearson.