HEATHER KENNEDY ED 505 Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology is any product or piece of equipment that might aid an individual with disabilities. Assistive Technology has been used for some time in schools and has proven itself to help both students and teachers tremendously.

The Law in Regard to Assistive Technology Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act - Section 501 of this act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in Federal employment and requires Federal agencies to establish affirmative action plans for the hiring, placement, and advancement of people with disabilities in Federal employment. Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act - Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded and federally conducted programs or activities in the United States, including employment programs. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act - Section 505 establishes the enforcement procedures for title V of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 505 (a) (1) provides that the procedures and rights set forth in Section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall be available with respect to any complaint under Section 501. Section 505 (a)(2) provides that the remedies, rights and procedures set forth in title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall be available to any person alleging a violation of Section 504. Section 508 is also enforced through the procedures established in Section 505 (a)(2). Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act - In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508 (29 U.S.C. ‘ 794d), agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. The ADA requires that reasonable accommodations be provided in meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of Section 255 of the requires manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services to ensure that such equipment and services are accessible to persons with disabilities, if readily achievable. The Federal Communications Commission's Report and Order Implementing Section 255 was released in September Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 Assistive Technology Act of The Assistive Technology Act establishes a grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide Federal funds to support State programs that address the assistive technology needsof individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology Act of 1998

Hearing Impaired Communication books are useful when individuals who are hearing impaired are communicating with others. There are a variety of communication boards for a variety of reasons of communication. Very useful when a simple word or thought needs to be pointed out!

Seeing Impaired Audiobooks are a great alternative for bookworm individuals who are seeing impaired. These books are available on numerous websites and through local libraries for download for hours of listening enjoyment.

Learning Disabled Picture Schedules are extremely helpful in the classroom for individuals who are learning disabled. Pictures are easy to recognize and easy to follow to learners that may not be the best readers.

Physically Disabled A wheelchair is an assistive device that greatly helps with the mobility of individuals who are physically disabled. Wheelchairs allow a teacher aide to easily move a student from one place to another. Wheelchairs also allow students to have control over their own mobility, allowing them to participate in student activities.

References Assistive Technology: Federal Law and Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2015, from technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html Assistive Technology to Meet K–12 Needs. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2015, from SC Curriculum Access through AT. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2015, from