The American Disabilities Association (ADA): this law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.
As previously mentioned, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): otherwise known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act guaranteed that eligible children and youth with disabilities would have a free and appropriate public education available to them, and was designed to help meet their educational needs.
The Rehabilitation Act (Section 508): requires that all electronic and information technologies developed and used by any Federal government agency must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, video and audio tapes, electronic books, televised programs, and other such media.
Assistive Technology Act (1998): also known as the “Tech Act” provides funds to states to support three types of programs:
- the establishment of assistive technology (AT) demonstration centers, information centers, equipment loan facilities, referral services, and other consumer-oriented programs;
- protection and advocacy services to help people with disabilities and their families, as they attempt to access the services for which they are eligible;
- Federal/state programs to provide low interest loans and other alternative financing options to help people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology.
Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act Amendments(1998): Schools are required to integrate academic, vocational and technical training, increase the use of technology, provide professional development opportunities to staff, develop and implement evaluations of program quality, expand and modernize quality programs, and link secondary and post-secondary vocational education.
The act regarding the impact of funding for Assistive Technology Devices (Tech Act) has provided tools for students with disabilities access to services that "level the playing field" in terms of learning that up until 1998 were not existent.
According to Assistive Technology Training Online, the "Tech Act" provided federal funds to states to develop training and delivery systems for assistive technology devices and services. It required states and territories to develop statewide, consumer-responsive programs of technology-related services for individuals with disabilities of all ages. This act first defined Assistive Technology Devices and Services and promoted the availability and quality of AT devices and services to all individuals, including children.This amendment affirms that technology is a valuable tool that can be used to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. It extends the funding of the 50 states and six territories to develop permanent, comprehensive, statewide programs of technology-related assistance.
There are many activities that are accessible to provide technology solutions to assist students with disabilities. As mentioned in previous weeks, there are devices such as the Dynovox to help students with communication disabilities as well as communication boards. There is voice activated software for students with visual impairments. Tools such as zoom in and magnification can impact positive learning for these students as well. Technology allows students with Autism a diverse landscape for lessons to help modify their learning to meet their individual needs. Differentiation can be used effectively for all students with or without disabilities when is it used with technology. These laws help fund these technology solutions that are beneficial to all learners, but most importantly give students with disabilities a fair chance at education.
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your summary of all of the laws. There are certainly a lot of things working in the favor of students with disabilities that will help them get the supports they need to succeed.