In the situation of a disabled child living in a rural area, where there was only one school available, and this school had limited funds, there may be problems in addressing all the needs of the child. For instance, if the child was confined to a wheelchair, there may not be full wheelchair access, particularly if the school was in a two-story building with no elevator. The child may need to use assistive technology devices for communication and writing, and the school may not have the finances available to supply these devices. The child may also need to have an Individualized Education Program prepared for him.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the child would be entitled to have reasonable access to all areas of the school (Alliance, 2001). He would also be entitled to have access to assistive technology devices so that he could take part fully in classroom activities and learn alongside normal students. He would also be entitled to have an Individualized Education Program devised for him by a team, which would include the parents if he experienced difficulty in learning. If assistive technologies have been included in an Individualized Education Program, the school system must provide them for use at school and away from it when such devices are needed to maintain the goals set for education and learning under the program.
The Americans with Disabilities Acta (ADA) mandates accessibility and accommodation to state and government services, transportation and communication, among other things (Alliance, 2001). This law could also be applied in this case. The child would be entitled to accessibility to all areas of the school as a state/government service, and would be entitled to communication access. The Assistive Technology Act and the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) would also be applicable in this case. The assistive Technologies Act pr...