EDUC 477/698O:

Assistive Technology/Universal Design for the General Classroom Settings

Author: Kim Reddy

1. he Rehabilitation Act Amendments (Section 508) was revised by President Clinton in 1998. This Act “requires access to electronic and information technology provided by the Federal government”. After exploring http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/act.htm, please explain what this Act expects to be developed in the realm of Electronic and Technology Standards.
2. Using http://www.ataporg.org/stateatprojects.asp, which allows access to the AT Programs present throughout many states, describe some of the services available in Maryland through MDTAP (http://www.mdtap.org/)
3. Using http://natri.uky.edu/resources/fundamentals/laws.html#techact , please describe the Tech Act.
4. According to http://www.wati.org/Products/pdf/resource%20guide%20-%20general.pdf what are some of the things assistive technology do for students?
5. http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2002/proceedings/14.htm offers a list of many resources available to identify student disabilities and then further match that disability with appropriate assistive technology. Please describe one of these resources.

Answers

1. Not later than 18 months after August 7, 1998, the heads of many organizations must consult and research the necessary individuals and organizations related to electronic and information technology on order to:
   1. “a definition of electronic and information technology that is consistent with the definition of information technology specified in section 5002(3) of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401(3))”
   2. “the technical and functional performance criteria necessary to implement the requirements set forth in paragraph”
   Additionally, the members of the board will also be responsible for reviewing and amending the stated definition and performance criterion reflecting any new technological advances and/or changes.
2. Information and Referral – Can find manufacturers and dealers along with facts and figures about devices. This service can also help provide copies of articles, research projects and funding projects
   Equipment Demo and Loan – “allow professionals and consumers to try out equipment before deciding on what to purchase, to fill in when adaptive equipment is in the shop for repairs, or when waiting for delivery of ordered equipment.” The loan is for 3 weeks but can be extended in some situations. There is no fee for the loan.
   Protection and Advocacy – links to the Maryland Disability Law Center, which exists “to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the full rights and entitlements accorded them by state and federal law”.
   Loan Closet Directory – A directory of community personnel offering the loan of Assistive Technology for low to no cost.
   Training Calendar – Offers a listing of events and training programs associated with Assistive Technology.
   Home Modification Directory - Describes various programs available, which can help individual persons fund home modifications of Assistive Technology.
3. It is also referred to as Public Law 100-407 and has been put in place “to provide financial assistance to the states to enable them to conduct needs assessments, identify technology resources, provide assistive technology services, and conduct public awareness programs, among others

   It also slightly modified the definition of Assistive Technology to read:” Assistive technology means 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. (Federal Register, August 19, 1991, p. 41272).

4. Answers
   1. Make things easier to turn on
   2. Hold things steady or in place
   3. Help a student get dressed or eat
   4. Help a student learn
   5. Make recreational activities possible
   6. Allow communication or improve communication vii. Help a student see or hear better
   7. Help a student control something
5. MAPS- A collaborative team approach to planning for the daily supports and students will require in the educational. It takes into account that the student is a whole person with unique characteristic and focuses on the strengths and how to use those strengths to build an inclusive program. (Stainback, S. & Stainback, W.,1990)