Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/1738

 118 STAT. 1708 PUBLIC LAW 108–364—OCT. 25, 2004 ‘‘(3) Technology is one of the primary engines for economic activity, education, and innovation in the Nation, and through out the world. The commitment of the United States to the development and utilization of technology is one of the main factors underlying the strength and vibrancy of the economy of the United States. ‘‘(4) As technology has come to play an increasingly impor tant role in the lives of all persons in the United States, in the conduct of business, in the functioning of government, in the fostering of communication, in the conduct of commerce, and in the provision of education, its impact upon the lives of individuals with disabilities in the United States has been comparable to its impact upon the remainder of the citizens of the United States. Any development in mainstream tech nology will have profound implications for individuals with disabilities in the United States. ‘‘(5) Substantial progress has been made in the development of assistive technology devices, including adaptations to existing devices that facilitate activities of daily living that significantly benefit individuals with disabilities of all ages. These devices, including adaptations, increase involvement in, and reduce expenditures associated with, programs and activities that facilitate communication, ensure independent functioning, enable early childhood development, support educational achievement, provide and enhance employment options, and enable full participation in community living for individuals with disabilities. Access to such devices can also reduce expendi tures associated with early childhood intervention, education, rehabilitation and training, health care, employment, residen tial living, independent living, recreation opportunities, and other aspects of daily living. ‘‘(6) Over the last 15 years, the Federal Government has invested in the development of comprehensive statewide pro grams of technology related assistance, which have proven effec tive in assisting individuals with disabilities in accessing assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. This partnership between the Federal Government and the States provided an important service to individuals with disabil ities by strengthening the capacity of each State to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages meet their assistive technology needs. ‘‘(7) Despite the success of the Federal State partnership in providing access to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, there is a continued need to provide information about the availability of assistive technology, advances in improving accessibility and functionality of assistive technology, and appropriate methods to secure and utilize assistive technology in order to maximize the independ ence and participation of individuals with disabilities in society. ‘‘(8) The combination of significant recent changes in Fed eral policy (including changes to section 508 of the Rehabilita tion Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), accessibility provisions of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15301 et seq.), and the amendments made to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) and the rapid and unending evolution of technology require a Federal State investment in

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