Assistive Technology Act of 1988

By Nelson Tang

Millions of individuals around the world suffer from disabilities whether it be physical, mental, or both. Over the years, advancements in technology have been made in assisting these people to ease or improve their qualities of life. However, assistive technology was not accessible to all and still isn't, depending on the country. In this country, progress has been made over time beginning with the Technology Act of 1988 followed by a number of other acts. This legislation is crucial as it was really the one that helped in opening the door for more assistive technology accessibility. In this article, it will take a look at what exactly the Technology Act of 1988 did and what it meant. Moreover, it will take a look at how much has changed since then and the current state of assistive technology.

Assistive technology comes in different and numerous forms depending on the needs of an individual. To begin, what is assistive technology? It can best be described as any kind of item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities. Assistive technology can come in both low and high tech form from communication boards made of cardboard to special purpose computers. It can also include hardware such as prosthetics, mounting systems, and positioning devices. Computer hardware and software are examples as well. It may also include inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids. Lastly, it includes electronic devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze, or head trackers.[4]. As one can see, assistive technology helps in a number of different areas from vision to hearing to speech communication to learning, cognition, and development to mobility, seating, and positioning to daily living, etc.[3]. 

Depending on the type of assistive technology that an individual uses, the costs will vary depending on the needs. Some cost as little as nothing, while others can be quite expensive. That is where teams and other professionals come in who are trained in matching the right kinds of assistive technology to particular needs. An added benefit is that they may also help you in saving some money. When it comes to paying for assistive technology, there are different groups who do that ranging from schools to jobs to the government. With schools, they pay for general special education learning materials and technology. With jobs, employers pay for assistive technology to accommodate employees in helping to perform tasks at work more effectively and efficiently. It can also be used towards job training and rehabilitation, which are either funded by the government or private agencies. Government programs and private health insurances also pay for certain assistive technologies.[4].

There has been much legislation passed over the years that have helped those who live with disabilities and need assistive technology. The Assistive Technology Act of 2004, (AT Act) Public Law 108-364 is one of the major pieces of legislation passed.  The most important one is the first one, the Technology Act of 1988, or simply referred to as “The Tech Act”, which was the first official definition of assistive technology and assistive services. The Technology Act of 1988 recognized the importance of and the integral role of technology in assisting people with disabilities of all ages to live, work, and thrive. It also authorized grants to individual states, which funded and established a national network of state programs for AT.

Furthermore, these programs would effectively become permanent as amendments to the act were made in 1994. The AT Act of 2004 built upon and furthered this by working toward full integration and inclusion of  those with disabilities within their own communities and making access a legal requirement. It also required states to provide and to meet the needs of disabled people when it came to the technologies and services[2]. What was the purpose of these acts?  Such reasons include increased access and availability to the technology and services for people of all ages to obtain and maintain. It also increased the capacity of public and private agencies to provide and pay for the technology and services. It also helped in creating and promoting coordination between different levels of government from local, state, and federal. Thus, in turn; more legislation and funding could be made possible. Lastly, it helped in creating more awareness, advocacy, and participation in bringing a better understanding to the subject matter[1].

Assistive technology plays a vital role in helping those who live with disabilities and improving their quality of life. There are numerous kinds of technology and services depending on the needs of  the individuals. There are millions around the world who suffer from disability, which is why it is essential that they have affordable and cost efficient access to technology and services. With more funding comes research and development to help to further provide for and assistance towards these people. Through advocacy and participation, there will be a better understanding that those who have disabilities are just as capable as those who don’t. Stigma and stereotypes must be broken in order to create better unity amongst us all.

References:

“Assistive Technology Act (at Act) - Oklahoma Able Tech.” Oklahoma ABLE Tech - Making Life Accessible to Oklahomans of All Ages and Abilities, 9 Mar. 2023, www.okabletech.org/resources/at-funding-guide/assistive-technology-act-at-act/.

Assistive Technology Act Fact Sheet, rtcil.org/sites/rtcil/files/documents/ATA%20Fact%20Sheet%202.15.2021--Fixed.pdf. 

“Types of At.” Guide to Assistive Technology, 17 Aug. 2022, mn.gov/admin/at/getting-started/understanding-at/types/.

“What Is At?” Assistive Technology Industry Association, www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/.