Assistive Technology Laws

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 to provide protection for people with disabilities against discrimination on the basis of their disabilities. The law is considered comprehensive in its coverage and is divided into five major sections (referred to in the Act as Titles) addressing five individual areas of people's lives.

Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (PL 105-394): The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) was passed in 1988, amended in 1994, and continued as the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. The Act authorizes the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to fund a project in each state that is specifically designed to engage in activities that serve as a catalyst to effect positive systems change which, in turn, will increase access to assistive technology devices and services by people with disabilities in that state. Tools For Life is the AT ACT project in Georgia.

Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (PL 105-332: The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act is a basic federal grant that funds secondary and post-secondary vocational and technical programs. The Act seeks to improve the academic and occupational competence of all segments of vocational students, with emphasis on special populations.

Georgia Assistive Technology Warranty Act of 1993: To provide warranties for devices and equipment that cost $1,000 or more and that assist persons with disabilities to perform specific tasks.

Georgia Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Act of 1993: The Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Act provides for express warranties on motorized wheelchairs.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997 (PL 105-17): The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law designed to ensure that all students receive a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) in the "least restrictive environment" (LRE). Federal funding is provided to states that submit a state plan to the federal government to assist in providing special education classes and supplemental aids and services.

Rehabilitation Act of 1998 (PL 105-220): The purpose of the Rehabilitation Act is to assist States in operating statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable programs of vocational rehabilitation.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Work Incentives for People with Disabilities: Creates a consumer-majority Work Incentives Advisory Panel to advise the President, Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security on work incentives issues concerning individuals with disabilities.

Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Section 508: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, signed into law on August 7, 1998, contains amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The changes to Section 508 in the 1998 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act were designed to strengthen current law to ensure that people with disabilities will have equity in the use of electronic and information technology (E&IT).

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