| Technology is not only an important engine for economic activities, education and innovation. It can also assist individuals with disabilities in such fields as early intervention, education, rehabilitation training, employment, independent living and leisure activities in order to enjoy their rights to live independently, enjoy self-determination, benefit from education, pursue meaningful careers and enjoy full inclusion and integration in society. After decades of development, assistive technology has played a more and more important role in the fields mentioned above. In recent years, some developed countries and regions have passed related laws to stress the right of individuals with disabilities as to acquisition and use of assistive technology, which improved the practice of assistive technology and the inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities in society.There is a lack of systematic and in-depth research of American AT laws. The existing research focuses more on laws and regulations as financing resources, introduction of specific single law or listing of related laws without thorough analysis. The research as in this dissertation put much emphasis on analysis of American AT laws as a whole in stressing the AT need of individuals with disabilities, development of AT practice and interrelationship among different laws. Based on thorough analysis of American federal AT laws and the current situation of development of AT practice and legislation, the study come up with advices for China to catch up with the leading level in this field.Through the study, it is clear that America has been in a leading position in guaranteeing provision and use of AT for individuals with disabilities through legislation. Through a comprehensive system of laws and legislation, including Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other laws related to AT, the need of individuals with disabilities for AT is met to a maximum extent. The laws mentioned above not only provide financial assistance but also improve AT practice from such aspects of training, research and development, information and referral services, coordination and collaboration among agencies, advocacy, evaluation and amendments of laws, etc. In China, the role AT plays in shortening the gap between living conditions of persons with disabilities and average level of society and improving their fully inclusion in social living has been noticed gradually with the development of activities and programs for disability. But there is still a long way to go for China in improving the availability and access of AT devices and services for persons with disabilities through legislation. There is a call to study and learn from experiences in the field of advanced countries in order to facilitate legislation of our own.This dissertation analyzes major American AT laws from aspects of legislation background, important authorized programs and activities, appropriation, implementation and effect, etc. It also analyzes the improvement of research, provision of devices and services, information services and personnel training with assistance of the laws. The dissertation concludes that American AT laws as a whole system improve AT practice through its comprehensiveness, appropriation mechanisms, strict implementation and care for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Accordingly, the dissertation comes out with suggestions on Chinese legislation regarding AT, including to strengthen policy construction, to improve AT practice from different aspects, to pay more attention to implementation of related laws and regulations and to make timely amendments to existing laws and policies.
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