Assistive Technology and the Law

November 30, 2022

Assistive Technology and the Law

When should assistive technology be considered?

Here is a YouTube video explaining the process when considering assistive technology:

Click to watch the video.

According to the Center for Parent Information and Resources, "Assistive technology increases students' opportunities for education, social interactions, and potential for meaningful employment. It also supports a student’s participation in learning experiences in the least restrictive environment. Assistive technology is a tool to help the student benefit from the general education curriculum and access extracurricular activities in the home, school, and work environments."

The IEP Team must determine whether or not a child with special needs requires assistive technology and to what extent it is needed. The Center for Parent Information and Resources also explains that "A child’s need for assistive technology must be determined on a case-by-case basis and could be special education, related services or supplementary aids and services for children with disabilities who are educated in the least restrictive environment."

What are some laws that govern assistive technology?

Here is a Youtube video explaining how some laws govern assistive technology:

Here is a list of some of the laws that govern Assistive Technology:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act- This law states, "AT devices and services be made available to any child with a disability, if required as a part of the child's special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center)."

The Assistive Technology Act was passed in Congress in 1988 "to increase access to, availability of, and funding for assistive technology for all individuals with disabilities, including very young children (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center)."

Americans with Disability Act (ADA) states, "children with disabilities, even those who are not eligible for special education under IDEA, may have a right to assistive technology under either Title II or Title III of the Americans with Disability Act (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center)."

Every Student Succeeds Acts (ESSA)- This law supports the effective use of assistive and instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Here is a link to the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center website https://ectacenter.org/topics/atech/laws.asp

Links to an external site.

What is the Assistive Technology Act of 1998? How has this act impacted students today?

The Technology-Related Assistance For Individuals with Disabilities Act was reauthorized in Congress in 1998 and 2004. This law emphasizes the importance of technology in the lives of children and persons with disabilities. It ensures that assistive technology is funded for all persons with disabilities, including young children This law allows for funds to be disbursed to each state to fund assistive technology through a project called Assistive Technology Act Project (ATAP). This project "provides services to persons with disabilities for their entire lifespan, as well as to their families or guardians and service providers, agencies or other entities providing education or employment services to individuals with disabilities (LD Resources Foundation).

Here are some additional resources for parents about Assistive Technology and the Law: