Assistive technology in education:policy framework and development
YANG Jian
YANG Yaru
Abstract：Objective To explore the policy frameworks and core content related to the application of assistive technology(AT)in education,both domestically and internationally,and to provide policy support for the implementation of relevant policies and the promotion of AT application in education.
Methods The application of AT in education was an interdisciplinary field,involving inclusive education,rehabilitation,and other areas.AT was a crucial aspect of rehabilitation.This policy analysis systematically analyzed the interna-tional and domestic policy frameworks and content for AT application in education,based on the six building blocks of the health system framework proposed by the World Health Organization,including service delivery system,support system,monitoring system,governance structure,financing,human resources,and technology model.For international policies,the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD)served as the framework,and policy documents issued by major international organizations such as UNESCO,WHO and UNICEF were analyzed.For domestic policies,the Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities served as the basis.In conjunction with the relevant content of the Law on Barrier-Free Environment Construction,a comprehensive analysis of the Regulations on the Education of Persons with Disabilities and the 14th Five Year Plan Special Education Development and Improvement Action Plan was conducted.
Results Guided by the CRPD,relevant international policies proposed guiding principles,technical support and gover-nance structures for AT application in education.They emphasized the role of AT in enhancing educational inclu-sivity and accessibility,stressing the importance of establishing AT service and support systems,monitoring mechanisms,and collaborative governance mechanisms.China's relevant policies,based on the Law on the Pro-tection of Persons with Disabilities and the Law on Barrier-Free Environment Construction,emphasized in the Regulations on the Education of Persons with Disabilities that relevant departments should adopt preferential pol-icies and measures to support the research and production of special instruments,equipment,teaching aids,learn-ing tools,software and other assistive products for the education of persons with disabilities.The 14th Five-Year Plan Special Education Development and Improvement Action Plan provided a detailed action plan for the appli-cation of AT in education,emphasizing the provision of multi-level assistive support in the field of special educa-tion through the construction of special education resource classrooms and digital education resource platforms,thereby ensuring that the individualized needs of students with disabilities could be effectively met in their learn-ing process.
Conclusion The policy framework for AT application is crucial for achieving inclusive education.It is necessary to im-prove the policy framework for AT application in the education environment,establish service and support sys-tems,enhance the application level of digital assistive technologies,promote the development of inclusive educa-tion,and ensure equal educational opportunities for all students,especially those with disabilities.
Keywords：assistive technologyinclusive educationaccessibilitydigital empowerment
Publication Date：2024-11-25
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 1254-1261 )