Health Care Educational Resources Paper

Health Care Educational Resources Paper

Assistive Technology, also known as AT, is a variety of products that make technology, or equipment easier and more accessible for individuals with disabilities (Burke & Weill, 2013). Assistive technology can vary from being software systems, tools, equipment or devices. Laws, policies, and techniques for providing assistance and educational resources vary from state to state. However, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all policies and procedures must meet the requirements of the ADA. Because of the existing Assistive Technologies today and the ADA, individuals with disabilities can maintain and function as productive members of society. In this paper, we will shed light on the effects that the ADA has on human services, as well as the differences in the assistive technologies and educational resources available in the states of California, Florida, and Nevada.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, also known as the ADA, has made a significant impact on the lives of those with disabilities, as well as Human Services organizations. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits any and all discrimination in the work field towards those with disabilities (Burke & Weill, 2013). Not only does the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit any discrimination towards the special needs population, but in businesses of over 15 employees, it is required that accommodations for special needs employees be made, so there are no limitations on this group to perform their duties (Burke & Weill, 2013). The purpose of making accommodations in the workplace for those who have special needs is so that the special needs population is employable leaving employers with no reason not to hire them; moreover, leaving less room for discrimination in the work field. Before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was put in place, the special needs population was targeted, and discriminated against in and out of the workplace making it nearly impossible for them to earn a living. Under the ADA, employers are also required to provide wheelchair ramps and wheelchair user accessible bathrooms for both employers, and customer/clients. Assistive and Adaptive technologies such as hardware and software’s and other office computers, tools, and equipment are required within businesses with over 15 employees to allow function ability for employees with disabilities (Burke & Weill, 2013).

ADA Effects on Human Services

The ADA has had a significant impact on human services organizations. Technology is an essential part of communication between human services professionals and their clients Moreover, making sure assistive technologies and educational resources are available for clients, and even human services workers with disabilities,