Occupational Therapy Legislative History

By audeagrace

  • Soldier's Rehabilitation Act

    This legislation started a program that used job rehabilitation for soldiers who were on active duty but were disabled.

  • Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act

    This legislation allocated funds to help establish vocational rehabilitation services for physically-disabled civilians. Funds were provided to states on a 50-50 matching basis.

  • Medicare

    Medicare is established by Congress. This government program would significantly grow the demand for occupational therapy.

  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    This large piece of legislation impacted the disabled in four major ways. First, severly disabled persons were treated first for services. Second, it establised the Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program. Also, standards by which the impact of services to individuals could be measured were established. Lastly, the legistlation emphasised the need for research.

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

    This legislation established the rights of all children to have a free education. Occupational services were included as a related service in this act.

  • Handicapped Infants and Toddlers Act

    An amendment to the earlier Education of ALL Handicapped Children Act that extended the previsions to toddlers and infants.

  • Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988

    This act assures the availability of assistive technology devices and servies to the disabled. Oftentimes, OT help provide these services.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

    This legislation gives civil rights to everyone with disabilities and covers a large array of services such as transportation, employment, etc.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    This is a renewal and renaming of the Education for All Handicapped Chidren Act. This act established lest restrictive environments for handicapped children in school.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997

    This legistlation further provided educational opportunites for disabled children.

  • Balanced Budget Act of 1997

    This bill was made to reduce Medicare spending and had a major impact on occupational therapy.