Assistive Technology
Assistive technology includes devices and software used by those with impairments of one type or another. This section lists sources for assistive technology as well as agencies that help set the standards for evaluation of AT, agencies that are helping to bring AT to a wider audience, and information about AT in general.
Full-Text Articles
Department of Justice Guidelines for Software
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508/report/software.htm
The Department of Justice shares questions for evaluating the accessibility software programs most used by its employees and many businesses.
Web-Based Organizations and Resources
ABLEDATA
http://www.abledata.com/
ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.
Access World
http://www.afb.org/aw/main.asp
Access World is an AFB publication with product comparisons and reviews of assistive technology for people with visual impairments; archives are fully searchable.
Adaptive Technology Consulting Resource Portal
http://www.adaptivetech.net/html/portal.htm
ATC "has assembled a collection of resources to benefit the person, or family member of someone who may be coping with low vision or loss of sight." The focus is on the New England region.
American Foundation for the Blind
http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=4
The Technology Section of the AFB website features descriptions of adaptive equipment, user tips, and advice on making web sites and computer applications accessible to people who are visually impaired.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
http://www.atia.org
ATIA is a not-for-profit membership organization of manufacturers, sellers and providers of assistive technology devices and/or services.
Closing the Gap
http://www.closingthegap.com
This organization focuses on computer technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual international conference and extensive web site resources.
del.icio.us
http://del.icio.us/deafblind
This social bookmarking webpage was compiled by computer specialist Wendy Buckley, of Perkins School for the Blind. The site features links to software companies, hardware vendors, and useful web sites focused on teaching cause and effect, early language, literacy and authoring tools.
Easter Seals Independent Living Program
The Independent Living Program delivers assistive technology services that increase the level of independence for an individual in his or her home. To apply for this grant please contact:
Jeff McAuslin, Easter Seals
484 Main St., 6th Floor
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 1-800-244-2756, ext. 448; Fax: (508) 831-9768
E-mail: jmcauslin@easterselasma.org
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)
http://www.fctd.info/
FCTD offers a wealth of information in English and Spanish on assistive technology. There are fact sheets, newsletters, family information guides, lists of resources and organizations, as well as hundreds of reviews.
Texas School for the Blind
http://www.tsbvi.edu/technology/index.htm
The technology section of the Texas School for the Blind website features an overview of Assistive Technology, forms, guidelines, and protocols for technology assessments, training materials, lesson plans, and other technology-related information.
Information Technology and Accessibility
ALT-VI: Access to Literacy through Technology for Persons with Visual Impairments (2003), Provincial Centre: Special Education Technology
http://setbc.org/setbc/vision/altvi.html
The ALT-VI training module presents an overview of current vision technologies that can provide students, who are visually impaired or blind, with effective and independent means of accessing e-text.
Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI)
http://www.rit.edu/~easi/
EASI is a for-fee service that provides online training in assistive technology specifically for the disabled user. Lessons are taught through wikis, blogs and podcasts.
Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/centers/
Twenty-six Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers across the U.S. are participating in a special program to show what's possible with computers. The centers provide information, free demonstration software, and training in the use of Microsoft accessibility features.
Section508.gov
http://www.section508.gov
Section 508 requires that electronic and information technology used by federal agencies be accessible to people with disabilities. This website gives guidance in understanding and implementing Section 508.
Trace Center
http://trace.wisc.edu/
Founded in the 1970's, the Trace Center works to standardize accessibility features world wide, "in order to create a world that is as accessible and usable as possible for as many people as possible."
W3C World Wide Web Consortium
http://www.w3.org
W3C works to establish standards and criteria for universal internet accessibility that web designers from any part of the globe can use.
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
http://www.w3.org/WAI/
The WAI develops guidelines and support materials to help understand and implement Web accessibility.
Low Vision Resources
Low Vision Gateway
http://www.lowvision.org/
"The Low Vision Gateway to the Internet is your starting point to the world's resources for vision loss, vision-impairment, blindness, low vision aids and low vision rehabilitation services."
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/eyesite/resources/index.asp
NEI offers a list of national and local low vision resources in 24 states.
New York Institute for Special Education Blindness Resource Center
http://www.nyise.org/lowvision.htm
NYISE provides a list of aids for people with blindness and visual impairment, including CCTV manufacturers, electronic reading technology, magnification aids, print-enhancing software, Windows access, and advice for living with low vision.
Users Groups
Blindtech
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/blindtech/
Blindtech is a Yahoo! list for the discussion of any technology as it affects people who are blind.
Blink Nation
http://www.blinknation.com/
Blink Nation is a brand-new, screen-reader-friendly social network specially tailored for users who are blind. For easy navigation it includes lists of links with drop down menus and accompanying Go buttons.
This is a Yahoo! Users Group for the screen reading program JAWS®.
Listening to and Finding Podcasts, Blind Cool Tech
http://www.blindmicemart.com/assets/product_images/movies2.html
Blind Cool Tech is produced by computer users who are blind, and has everything from computers to house cleaning, including how to use software, find interesting websites and download MP3 files for free.
VIBUG
http://www.vibug.org/
VIBUG is the Visually Impaired and Blind User Group, serving blind and visually impaired computer users in Massachusetts. NOTE: Membership costs $20 per year per person.