Karen Winter EDU 620 Michael Hom April 6, 2014

 The Tech Act was first passed by congress and signed by President Clinton in The act has been reauthorized a few times with the current revision in 2010.

 The purpose of this act was to bring awareness to people about the services that could be provided to, “all disabilities, in all environments (early intervention, K-12, post-secondary, vocational rehabilitation, community living, aging services, etc)(Nichcy,2013).

 This act along with many others has given educators the knowledge, skills and tools to help all students get the best out of our education system.

The saying goes it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes regulated assistance to make sure all students with disabilities get a fair education. like the Americans disability act or an IEP One of acts that go along with the tech act is called the, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act like the Tech Act provides help for students with disabilities.

In the text, inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success, it tells us that “The most recent reauthorization of the IDEA (2004) identifies 13 disability categories under which 3– 21-year-old students may be eligible for services (National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities, 2012).

 autism  deaf-blindness  deafness  emotional disturbance  hearing impairment  intellectual disability  multiple disabilities These disability categories are :

 orthopedic impairment  other health impairment  specific learning disability  speech or language impairment  traumatic brain injury  visual impairment (including blindness).

By having these disabilities identified it helps the schools as well as the educators know what to look for when pushing to get the right equipment and services for their students.

 “Because Assistive technology advancements and federal legislation, the United States is moving closer toward the goal of each individual with a disability being given the opportunity, education, and the needed AT to participate actively in school, the workplace, and society”(Dove,2012).

For a student with:  Poor vision: a teacher might use larger font  Motor difficulties: A larger key board.  Non Verbal: download a talking program through the computer.  Physical impairments could be getting a desk on wheels.

 Joy stick  Color coded key board  Tracking balls  Head, eye, breath or voice controlled devices.  Wheel chairs  Movable desks.

 Teachers can become more educated about the needs of the students in their class.  Evaluating students individual needs through assessments.  Making sure all the students needs are being addressed.  Advocating for the students so that they can get their needs met.  Working with parents to make sure needs are met at home.

Students will be able to have the tools they need to grow and develop into functioning adults. “Computer-assistive technologies provide a wide range of modifications that make it possible for many disabled persons to attend school or college (either traditional or online education) and to secure gainful employment.” (Dove, 2012).

 As a teacher it is important to understand that assistive technology should be used in the classroom when needed; but a teacher also needs to make sure that the curriculum they plan is be designed to:

 Achieve the desired outcome.  To give all students the freedom to be creative thinkers.

 That all learning styles are addressed.  To make sure that all students can interact with their peers through group activities.

Technology has become one of the primary engines for economic activity, education, and innovation in the Nation, and throughout the world.( section 508.gov) That is why it is important for educators to use the tools that have been made available through the disability acts so that all students will have the opportunity to get a quality education so they can be successful adults. Thank You

 Assistive Technology Act. (2013, April). Retrieved April 3, 2014, from 0c8280e1a913%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4105&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db  Assistive technology act.( 1998,) retrieved April 3, 2014 from  Dove, M. (2012, June). Advancements in Assistive Technology and AT Laws for the Disabled. Retrieved April 6, 2014, from detail?vid=2&sid=5df1768d-cec4-4d9a c8280e1a913%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4105&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWx pdmU%3d#db=aph&AN= =aph&AN=  Edyburn, D. L. (2013). Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success  Simpson, E. (2013, June 17). Alternative input devices. Retrieved April 5, 2014, from