Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 2.djvu/40

 102 STAT. 1044

PUBLIC LAW 100-407—AUG. 19, 1988

Public Law 100-407 100th Congress An Act Aug. 19, 1988 [S. 2561]

Technology-

To establish a program of grants to States to promote the provision of technologyrelated assistance to individuals with disaJsUities, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.

Related Assistance for

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

Disabilities Act of 1988.

This Act may be cited as the "Technolc^y-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988".

29 USC 2201 note.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

29 USC 2201.

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(g^) FINDINGS.—The Congress makes the following findings: (1) During the past decade, there have been major advances in modern technology. Technology is now a powerful force in the lives of most residents of the United States. (2) For all individuals, technology can provide important tools for making the performance of tasks quicker and easier. (3) For some individuals with disabilities, assistive technology is a necessity that enables them to engage in or perform many tasks. The provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services enables some individuals with disabilities to— (A) have greater control over their own lives; (B) participate in and contribute more fully to activities in their home, school, and work environments, and in their communities; (C) interact to a greater extent with nondisabled individuals; and (D) otherwise benefit from opportunities that are taken for granted by individuals who do not have disabilities. (4) Although the development of assistive technology devices designed to assist individuals with disabilities is still in its early stages, there already exist a substantial number of assistive technology devices, including simple adaptations to existing equipment, that could significantly benefit, in all major life activities, individuals of all ages with disabilities. Such devices, including adaptations, could be used in programs and activities such as early intervention, education, rehabilitation and training, employment, residential living, independent living, recreation, and other aspects of daUy living. (5) The use of assistive technol<^y devices and services by individuals with disabilities can reduce the costs of the disabilities to society, individuals with disabilities, and families of individuals with disabilities by reducing expenditures associated with early intervention, education, rehabilitation, health care, transportation, telecommunication services, and other services required by individuals with disabilities. (6) Many individuals with disabilities do not have access to the assistive technology devices and assistive technolc^y serv-

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