And two significant pieces of legislation became law that truly affect and benefit persons with disabilities. In 1988 the Technology-Related Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities became law, and in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. Here we are in the latter part of the nineties, - the conclusion of the twentieth century and the second millenium. We are now in the technology and information age. And the most phenomenal happening of this period in history is the availability of the information found on the internet.
Information creates knowledge which allows empowerment.
Access to the internet reduces the amount of dependency on others. Access to the internet means the ability to socialize without being shunned. Access to the internet means involvement with others even if one can't see, or talk, or hear, or move. Access to the internet means learning at one's own pace. Access to the internet means the ability to make choices, to compare notes, to expand one's horizons, to travel the world without leaving one's home.