Sponsors (2)
The bill strengthens recognition and potential access to assistive technology for students, people with disabilities, and older adults—supporting education and employment—while creating the risk of expanded, potentially unfunded obligations and administrative burdens for states and taxpayers.
Students with disabilities (9.5M+ identified children) gain clearer policy focus that can support expanded educational supports and accommodations in schools.
People with disabilities and older adults gain clearer recognition that assistive technology is a covered need, which supports improved access to devices and services they rely on for daily living and independence.
Workers with disabilities may face fewer barriers to employment as workplaces are more likely to provide accommodations, promoting economic self-sufficiency and labor force participation.
State assistive-technology programs and state governments could face expanded program eligibility and administrative burden because the bill's broad definitions are not paired with specified funding or implementation details.
Taxpayers and state budgets may incur higher costs if recognizing assistive technology as a necessity creates implied funding or service mandates for public programs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Recognizes the importance of assistive technology, cites prevalence data, and defines key assistive-technology terms while noting State program roles.
Recognizes the importance of assistive technology and related services by citing national prevalence data, stating that these tools enable inclusion in communities, education, and employment, and defining key terms. It notes that assistive technology is often a necessity for people with disabilities and older adults and describes the role of State assistive technology programs in providing a continuum of services, including workplace supports.
Introduced April 30, 2025 by Edward John Markey · Last progress April 30, 2025