Federal and VA State Laws Regarding Assistive Technology

In 1991 amendments were made to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), to include the assistive technology device and service be used in education. The amendments stated that any student with a disability be given the access and right to use AT devices, tools, and resources. When an IEP was developed, the team was to take into considerations any assistive technology that the student can benefit from. Since 1975 Assistive Technology has been included as part of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) supports the effective use of assistive and instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.
According to Virginia Law: Code of Virginia, an assistive technology device means any device that a consumer purchases or accepts transfer of in this Commonwealth which is used for a major life activity or any other assistive device that enables a person with a disability to communicate, see, hear, or maneuver. A consumer of an assistive device is a person with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. An assistive technology device is to be included in a student’s IEP if it proves to provide the student with easier learning, mobility, and capabilities.