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Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
The EAHCA, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is passed. It mandates free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities and introduces the concept of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which include provisions for assistive technology. Signed in to law by President Nixon -
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Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA)
Enacted to ensure that children with disabilities receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This act introduced Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which began to include provisions for assistive technology as a means to support students' unique needs. Today, it is called the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). -
Early Computer-Based Assistive Technologies
The 1980s see the advent of early computer-based technologies designed to assist students with disabilities, including basic word processors and educational software tailored for special education needs. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA expanded the protections of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring broader access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. In education, this meant increased availability and integration of assistive technologies to support students in various learning environments. -
IDEA Amendments- Inclusion of Assistive Technology
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was amended to explicitly include assistive technology in IEPs. According to IDEA, assistive technology is “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities." -
Assistive Technology Act of 1998
This act was established to promote access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. It provided federal funding to states to develop AT programs, increasing the availability and variety of assistive devices and services in educational settings. -
Rise of Mobile Technology and Educational Apps
The early 2000s witnessed the increase of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, along with the development of specialized educational apps. These technologies offered versatile and portable assistive solutions, such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and interactive learning tools tailored for students with disabilities. -
Adoption of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
UDL principles gained widespread acceptance, advocating for flexible learning environments that accommodate diverse learning needs. Assistive technology plays a key role in implementing UDL, ensuring that educational materials and activities are accessible to all students. -
Intergration of Artificial Intelligence in Assistive Technology
AI and machine learning begin to be integrated into assistive technologies, leading to more personalized and adaptive learning experiences for students with disabilities. This marks a significant advancement in how AT can be used to meet individual student needs. -
Expansion of Remote Learning and Assistive Technology Usage
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote learning tools. Assistive technologies became even more critical in ensuring that students with disabilities could access online education, leading to the development of new AT solutions tailored for virtual learning environments. -
Advances in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for Special Education
VR and AR technologies began to be utilized in special education to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. These technologies support various learning objectives, such as social skills training for students with autism and engaging, hands-on learning for students with cognitive disabilities. -
Current Trends and Future Directions
As of 2024, assistive technology continues to evolve with ongoing advancements in AI, machine learning, VR, and AR. Emerging trends include the use of wearable technology for real-time support, enhanced accessibility features in mainstream educational software, and greater emphasis on personalized and inclusive learning environments.