The Law, Health Policy & Disability Center partners with the Great Plains ADA/IT Project and other organizations to improve access to technology and enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Iowa. Our joint efforts have included educating builders and architects on visitability and accessibility building codes; training employers, rehabilitation specialists, and employment agencies about the value of using technology to hire, retain, and accommodate qualified employees with disabilities; and providing community education on the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Assistive Technology Act.
Our newest mandate is to expand and provide our services to Iowa schools. We are working with the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology to assist Iowa school personnel – from the AEAs to educators – in supporting the technology needs of students with disabilities. Based on our experiences and research we expect that as students gain more exposure to technology in the classroom, their prospects for employment will improve.