History of Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology History

Period: Jan 1, 1973 to Dec 31, 2004

Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Sep 26, 1973

United States Department of Labor This law does not allow discrimination based on disablity for emplyment and education, and guarantees accommodations and a least-restrictive environment (GCU, Lecture 1)

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988

Aug 19, 1988

The "Tech Act" is a piece of legislature that clearly defined, for the first time, assistive technology services and devices.

Americans With Disabilitites Act 1990

Sep 23, 1990

ADA Homepage ADA is a civil rights law that addresses the needs of people with disabilities, and it prohibits discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

Telecommunications Act

Jan 3, 1996

One point of this act, as it relates to assistive technology, is that it required accessibility in schools and libraries for persons with disabilities (GCU, Lecture 1).

IDEA 1997

Jun 4, 1997

IDEA Homepage The reauthorization of IDEA in 1997 "guaranteed students an assessment of need for AT devices or servies, and new wording required that all IEPs specifically consider and address AT needs, specifically defining that schools provid the AT necessary for students to benefit from their educaiton" (GCU, Lecture 1)

IDEA 2004

Dec 3, 2004

IDEA HomepageThis update specifically excludes surgically implanted medical devices as Assistive Technology (GCU, Lecture 1).