Assistive technology policy: a road to independence for individuals with disabilities.
This article identifies and analyzes equity issues in assistive technology policy for adults with disabilities in the United States and makes recommendations for further research and advocacy. The following equity issues are considered: (a) who has access to assistive technology, (b) which technology is available, (c) who decides on the technology, and (d) who controls or determines the allocation of assistive technology. The discussion considers the role of stereotyping and discrimination in policy-making and how these affect equity. There is a need to rethink the concepts of normal and abnormal, and to reformulate policy more on the basis of the values of empowerment, independence, and community integration.
Seelman
K D
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Adminsitration on Developmental Disabilities, Box 1056, Washington Gove, MD 20880, USA.
D000328:Adult; D024803:Biomedical Enhancement; D002961:Civil Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003657:Decision Making; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000941:ethics*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D008484:Medicaid; D006278:Medicare; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011287:Prejudice; D011640:Public Policy; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000191:economics; D012107:Research Design; D040841:Resource Allocation / Q000941:ethics*; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000191:economics* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D012935:Social Justice; D012943:Social Security; D013240:Stereotyping; D014481:United States