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Web
Based Resources for Assistive Technology
The following
resources provide a wealth of information on assistive technology
and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities. The
list is divided into two sections. The first section
lists general resources, many of which are supported by advocacy
groups. Section two contains sites that are federally
funded. All of the State Tech Act Projects, with web
sites are listed along with other federally funded programs.
General
Resources
AAC-RERC: http://aac-rerc.com AAC-RERC
is the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication
Enhancement. This is one of a network of RERCs funded
by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR) of the United States Department of Education.
AbilityHub: http://www.abilityhub.com/ AbilityHub
is an assistive technology related web site for people with
a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe
even impossible. AbilityHub is a starting point for finding
information concerning assistive technology and will direct
you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available
for accessing computers.
Able
Generation: http://www.epvatech.org/index.php designs
and manufactures therapeutic furniture for children with
special needs.
AbleData: http://www.abledata.com AbleData
is a federally funded project whose primary mission is to provide
information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment
available from domestic and international sources to consumers,
organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United
States.
AC
Access: http://www.acaccess.com/ was
established to meet the needs of individuals who have accessibility
problems.
Access
Ingenuity: http://www.accessingenuity.com/ Universal
Access specialists, including solutions for all disabilities.
Great resource material.
Accessible
Website Design Resources: http://www.library.uwsp.edu/aschmetz/accessible/pub_resources.htm,
connects to a Government Services Administration (GSA) site
with links to several organizations with "how-to's" on
designing websites for accessibility for people with disabilities,
including a link to "Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design."
AccessStore.com: http://www.accessstore.com This
site contains many excellent products to help people with disabilities.
ACOLUG: http://disabilities.temple.edu/acolug ACOLUG
is a LISTSERV created to exchange ideas, information and experiences
on augmentative communication by people from all over the world. By
using e-mail, people who use augmentative communication and
their friends and families discuss issues related to augmentative
communication, such as equipment, funding, learning techniques
and supports. Anyone can join and there is no cost.
Adaptive
Technology: http://www.rehabtool.com Adaptive
Technology helps people with communication, access or learning
disabilities regain independence and productivity with assistive
and adaptive computer technology. AT develops augmentative
and alternative communication software as well as cognitive
rehabilitation tools adapted to the special needs of people
with physical disabilities. AT offers multilingual text-to-speech
and voice recognition software, screen readers, ergonomic
on-screen keyboards with word prediction capability.
AdaptZ.com: http://www.adaptz.com/index.html A
meta site with much news and other information about disabilities. Chat,
bulletin boards, employment information and many other resources
are included here.
Alabama
Client Assistance Program: http://www.icdri.org/legal/AlabamaCAP.htm The
State of Alabama Client Assistance Program (SACAP) helps
people who have questions about vocational rehabilitation
services. This includes getting answers if you are having
problems related to your rehabilitation program as well as
getting assistance in resolving those problems.
Alexander
Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: http://www.agbell.org/ Established
to empower people who are deaf or hard of hearing to function
independently.
Alliance
For Technology Access (ATA): http://www.ataccess.org/ ATA
is a network of community-based resource centers dedicated
to providing information and support services to children
and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of
standard, assistive, and information technologies. Centers
can be found all across the country.
ALS
Links: http://www.alslinks.com/ Internet
Portal for the ALS Community. This site also provides
access to ALS Digest.
Apraxia-Kids: http://www.apraxia-kids.org The
Apraxia-Kids Internet Resources provides comprehensive information
regarding Childhood Apraxia of Speech. The site, which
is appropriate for both families and professionals, includes:
expert articles on diagnosis, treatment, AAC, related disabilities,
an email discussion list, a monthly newsletter, message boards,
and resource listings. Additionally, there is a research
section with the latest news on apraxia research.
Arkansas
Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN): http://www.arkansas-ican.org/txt/index2.htm The
ICAN Project is committed to the idea that persons with disabilities
can reach their full potential, participate and be productive
members of their communities if they have the "tools" or
assistive technology available. ICAN is a program of Arkansas
Rehabilitation Services.
ASHA: http://www.asha.org ASHA
is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. ASHA
is the professional organization of speech-language pathologists
(SLPs) and audiologists. SLPs are the primary service
providers for people who rely on AAC and are generally the
best resource on an AAC team for addressing language issues. ASHA
has a Special Interest Division, SID-12, that addresses
AAC.
Assistive
Dining Device: http://mealtimepartners.com/ Information
about a device that allows severely disabled people, who
are unable to feed themselves, to eat independently.
Assistive
Technology Funding and Systems Change Project (ATFSCP): http://www.ucpa.org/html/innovative/atfsc/index.html Provides
training, technical assistance, and information on assistive
technology funding and systems change issues nationwide in
the USA. The goal of the project is to provide advocates
with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve access
to assistive technology devices and services for individuals
with disabilities.
Assistive
Technology Industry Association (ATIA): http://www.atia.org/members.html ATIA
is a not-for-profit membership organization of manufacturers
or distributors selling technology-based assistive devices
for people with disabilities or providing services associated
with or required by people with disabilitities. An
annual conference is held in Orlando, Florida, in January.
Assistive
Technology Strategies, Tools, Accomodations, and Resources
(ATSTAR): http://www.atstar.org Collaborative
effort between AISD and the following 6 agencies: The Austin
Community College, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin
Harvard School, Sylvan Learning Center, Far South Community
Schools, and Region XIII Education Service Center.
Assistive
Technology Training Online (ATTO): http://atto.buffalo.edu/ Provides
internet-based training in both general and specific areas
of adapted computer use. We focus on AT applications that
address the needs of students with disabilities in elementary
classrooms.
Association
for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE): http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/FTB/aaate.htm#resources The
goal of AAATE is to stimulate the advancement of assistive
technology for the benefit of persons with disabilities,
including the elderly. With membership from countries
throughout Europe, AAATE focuses on creating awareness of
assistive technology, promoting research and development
of assistive technologies, contributing to knowledge exchange
within the field of assistive technology, and promoting information
and development of assistive technologies, contributing to
knowledge exchange within the field of assistive technology,
and promoting information dissemination.
AT
Outcomes: http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/atoutcomes/ The
AT Outcomes listserv and this website are dedicated to the
development, evaluation and application of valid, reliable
and sensitive outcome measure tools.
ATIA: http://www.atia.org ATIA
is the Assistive Technology Industry Association. ATIA
organizes an annual conference on assistive technology.
ATOMS: http://www.uwm.edu/CHS/atoms/ The
ATOMS project explores, pilots, and tests assistive technology
(AT) outcome measurement ideas in order to recommend the next
generation outcome system for AT.
Augmentative
and Alternative Communication Centers: http://aac.unl.edu (AAC)
strategies assist people with severe communication disabilities
to participate more fully in their social roles including
interpersonal interaction, learning, education, community
activities, employment, volunteerism, care management, and
so on. This AAC website is designed to provide access to
a wide range of information and resources related to the
AAC effort. It is maintained by the Barkley AAC Center and
the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation
at the University of Nebraska.
Augmentative
Communication, Inc.: Augmentative Communication
News and Alternatively Speaking provide the latest information
on hot topics in the field, discussion of vital issues for
AAC stakeholders and news from the AAC community.
Australian
Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA): http://e-bility.com/arata ARATA
is an association whose purpose is to serve as a forum for
information sharing and liason among people who are involved
with assistive technology. The focus of ARATA is on
providing opportunities for sharing ideas to ensure the advancement
of rehabilitation and assistive technology in Australia through
activities as diverse as conferences, special interest groups,
a Web site, listserv, membership directory, and a quarterly
newsletter.
Braille
Research & Literacy, Inc. (BRllnc.): http://www.wyfiwyg.com/ Improves
the lives of blind people via innovative computer technology
and training. We offer computer products and services to
individuals and organizations that assist the disabled. We
also write tutorials and keyboard guides to assist disabled
people who are new to the personal computer.
Breaking New Ground: http://abe.www.ecn.purdue.edu/ABE/Extension/BNG/resources.html This
site is internationally recognized as the main source for information
and resources on rehabilitation technology for persons working
in agriculture.
California
AT Network: http://www.atnet.org/ California's
AT Network is dedicated to expanding the accessibility of
tools, resources and technology that will help increase independence,
improve personal productivity and enhance the quality of
life for all Californians.
CAMA: The
Communication Aid Manufacturers Association (CAMA) is a not-for-profit
organization of the world’s leading manufacturers of
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) software and
hardware products. CAMA conducts more than 30, 1-day
workshops throughout the United States each year.
The
Center for the Partially Sighted: http://www.low-vision.org/index.html Helps
visually impaired people of all ages enhance remaining sight
in order to function independently.
The
Center for Universal Design: http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/ The
Center for Universal Design is a national research, information,
and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops,
and promotes accessible and universal design in buildings
and related products. We make every effort to provide information
in a variety of ways to ensure access to all.
Challenge
Alaska: http://www.challenge.ak.org/ A
non-profit organization that provides sports and therapeutic
recreation opportunities for those with disabilities. Challenge
Alaska believes that everyone, regardless of physical ability,
should have an equal chance at recreational opportunities.
The
CK Trust Fund: http://www.thecktrustfund.co.uk/ Provides
information and helps for goods are for sale, chatroom, pen
pals and lots more.
C.H.E.R.A.B.: The
Communication Help, Education, Research, Apraxia Base Foundation
websites are for anyone who cares for a child that has delayed
speech, a speech disorder, or is a late talker, etc., as well
as for those who care for a child that has received a diagnosis
of “apraxia”.
Childhood
Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA): The
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association is a non-profit organization
whose mission is to strengthen the support systems in the
lives of children with apraxia so that each child is afforded
their best opportunity to develop speech.
Closing
the Gap: Computers are tools that can provide solutions
to many problems facing people with disabilities today. Closing
The Gap, Inc. is an organization that focuses on computer
technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly
newspaper, annual international conference and extensive
web site.
Communication
Aid Manufacturers Association (CAMA): http://www.aacproducts.org CAMA
is a not-for-profit organization of the manufacturers of
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) software
and hardware products. CAMA conducts 1-day workshops on AAC
throughout the United States.
Consortium
for Assistive Technology Outcomes Research (CATOR): CATOR
conducts research dedicated to improving measurement science
for assistive technology (AT), reducing barriers to the use
of AT outcome measures, and understanding the processes for
AT adoption and abandonment.
Cornucopia
of Disability Information (CODI): http://codi.buffalo.edu/ A
wealth of information relating to disabilities including
topics such as: aging; statistics; computing; Centers for
Independent Living; and universal design.
CSUN
Conference: http://www.csun.edu/cod/center This
conference is a major international exhibit and scientific
program covering a broad spectrum of assistive technology
applications for sensory impairment, AAC, and computer access. The
conference is held in March in Los Angeles. The Center
on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge,
sponsors the conference. The Web site contains other
links and information regarding assistive technology applications.
Dining
Designs: http://members.aol.com/diningbibs/ Dining
Vests (bibs) are delightfully fashionable and practical. They
are easy to wipe/rinse off, have crumb catchers and Velcro
attachments that make them easy to put on and take off.
disABILITY
Resources on the Internet: http://www.makoa.org/ Provides
information and links to a variety of programs involved with
AT for individuals with disabilities.
Do-It
Internet Resources: http://www.washington.edu/doit/ Resources
are listed in many categories including general resources,
education, technology, legal, social, and political issues.
Family
Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD): http://www.fctd.info The
Center offers organizations and programs that work with families
of children and youth with disabilities. The Center offers
a range of information and services on the subject of assistive
technology (AT). Whether you’re an organization,
a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you’ll
find information that supports you in your efforts to bring
the highest quality education to children with disabilities.
The
Infinitec Assistive Technology Coalitions: Facilitated
and managed by United Cerebral Palsy of Chicago, permits
members to share, collaborate, problem solve and create valuable
and necessary assistive
technology resources to increase access to a quality education for all learners.
Innovative
Products: http://www.cforat.org/ Dedicated
to manufacturing mobility devices that assist children with
severe physical disabilities so they may interact on the
same level as their able-bodied peers.
International
Center for Disability Resources on the Internet: http://www.icdri.org/ The
Center will collect and present best practices in areas related
to disability and accessibility issues.
International
Seating Symposium: http://www.rst.pitt.edu/iss/ISS2001HnT.html This
annual conference features presentations covering evaluation,
provision, research, and quality assurance issues in seating
and mobility for persons with disabilities. Scientific
and clinical papers, in-depth workshops, panel sessions,
and an extensive exhibit hall are featured. Attendees
include assistive technology practitioners, assistive technology
suppliers, educators, manufacturers, consumers, physicians,
rehabilitation engineers, and vocational rehabilitation counselors.
ISAAC: ISAAC
is the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative
Communication. Membership is open to anyone interested
in AAC. ISAAC activities include a biennial conference
and sponsorship of AAC Journal. Many ISAAC national chapters
address more local interests.
Job
Accommodation Network (JAN): http://www.jan.wvu.edu/ A
service of the U.S. Department of Labor's President's Committee
on Employment of People with Disabilities, JAN provides information
about job accommodation and the employability of people with
functional limitations.
Learning
Disabilities OnLine: http://www.ldonline.org/ Interactive
guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and
children.
MDA: The Muscular Dystrophy Association is
THE source for news and information about neuromuscular diseases,
MDA research and services for adults and children with neuromuscular
diseases and their families.
Missouri
Technology Center for Special Education: http://techctr.educ.umkc.edu/welcomepage Provides
information, training and technical assistance to Missouri's
educators interested in effectively integrating computer
technology into their curriculum. New advances in computer
technology can improve the educational opportunities for
students with special needs. Housed in the School of Education
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Center is
funded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education, Division of Special Education.
National
Center for Accessible Media (NCAM): http://ncam.wgbh.org/ The
CPB/WGBH is a research and development facility
dedicated to the issues of media and information technology
for people with disabilities in their homes, schools, workplaces,
and communities.
National
Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD): http://www.ncaonline.org/index.htm The
National Center on Accessibility is a dynamic and innovative
leader in the movement to include people with disabilities
in recreation, parks, and tourism. The NCA provides technical
assistance to organizations of all sizes who are designing
and retrofitting their leisure areas and programs for accessibility.
The NCA conducts, promotes, and facilitates research on issues
essential to accessibility. This research shapes instruction
for the nationally renowned NCA education programs conducted
at the Center and throughout the United States.
National
Center to Improve Practice (NCIP) http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/Default.htm Focuses
on special education and technology, assistive technology,
augmentative & alternate communication.
National
Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCHRTM): http://www.nchrtm.okstate.edu Promotes
the exchange of information and enhance the outcome of the
public rehabilitation program by collecting, archiving, and
disseminating the rehabilitation training materials developed
by Rehabilitation Service Administration Grantees. For
over 40 years, the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation
Training Materials has been providing educational materials
to the rehabilitation community.
National
Information Center for Children and Youth (NICCY): http://nichcy.org/index.html The
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
is a clearinghouse of information on children with disabilities.
National
Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC): http://www.naric.com/ A
library and information center on disability and rehabilitation.
More than 50,000 disability-related publications are held
and abstracted by NARIC in their REHABDATA database, searchable
online.
New
England Assistive Technology Marketplace: http://www.neatmarketplace.org/index.html This
is the place to come for equipment that makes life more accessible.
At NEAT, you can try it, buy it, or donate it. Membership
is free for individuals who have disabilities and for their
family members. People over the age of 65 who have limitations
resulting from aging are also eligible for membership. As
members, all are entitled to use of the Information & Resource
Library and Computer Lab by appointment at no charge.
PEC: The
Pittsburgh Employment Conference for Augmented Communicators
is the largest gathering in the world of people who rely on
AAC. Topics of interest to employment-age individuals
are addressed at the annual conference.
Quality
Indicators of Assistive Technology: http://www.qiat.org Provides
information to improve use of AT within education.
QIAT: A
nationwide collegial endeavor dedicated to the Development
and Implementation of Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology
Services in School Settings.
RehabCentral.com: http://www.rehabcentral.com/index.cfm RehabCentral.com
includes a variety of resources on rehabilitation products
and assistive devices, as well as applications notes written
by clinicians.
RESNA: http://www.resna.org/ The
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society
of North America, an interdisciplinary association with a purpose
to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve
their goals through the use of technology. We promote research,
development, education, advocacy and the provision of technology.
Speak
Up: Speak Up is about ending the silences that prevent
people who use alternative ways to communicate from protecting
themselves from sexual abuse. It is about giving people
with complex communication needs the information, education
and means to communicate about healthy sexuality and sexual
abuse.
Special
Needs Opportunity Windows (SNOW): http://snow.utoronto.ca The
SNOW Project at the University of Toronto is a provider of
online resources and professional development opportunities
for educators and parents of students with special needs. SNOW’s
tools and information, online workshops, curriculum materials,
discussion forums, and other resources are available to assist
assistive technology professionals in using new technologies.
TechConnections: http://www.techconnections.net/ A
resource providing quick reference guides for work-related
accommodations, such as Voice Input Systems, accessible calculators,
mouse alternatives, one-handed keyboards, etc.
Technical
Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers (The Alliance):http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/alliance.cfm Provides
technical assistance for establishing, developing, and coordinating
Parent Training and Information Projects under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act.
Technology
Integration: http://www.lburkhart.com This
site offers resources on internet and computer use for elementary
and middle school students, as well as those with special
needs.
Telework
and people with disabilities – UK: http://www.eto.org.uk/twork/dis93a.htm A
discussion on the conclusions and recommendations of a study
of telework and people with disabilities.
Tools
for Life: http://www.toolsforlife.cc/ Tools
for Life is a wellness company working with fitness
and nutrition programs for individuals with rehabilitative
needs.
Trace Center: http://www.trace.wisc.edu/ To
prevent the barriers and capitalize on the opportunities presented by current
and emerging information and telecommunication technologies, in order to create
a world that is as accessible and usable as possible for as many people as
possible.
USSAAC: USSAAC
(United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
is the United States chapter of ISAAC.
Warm
Springs Resource Center for People with Disabilities:http://www.warmsprings.org/RCenter/recntera.htm Promotes
and facilitates quality of life for people with disabilities. It
coordinates or provides social, educational, vocational & recreational
services for people with disabilities.
We
Media: http://www.wemedia.com/ We
Media provides increased access to information, products
and services to people with disabilities, their families
and friends. It develops a variety of media properties encompassing
print, interactive, broadcast, and wireless communications.
Web
Accessibility Initiative (WAI): http://www.w3.org/WAI/WAI In
coordination with organizations around the world, WAI pursues
accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work:
technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and
research and development.
West
Virginia Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (WVRRTC): http://www.icdi.wvu.edu/homepage.htm Information
resources on vocational rehabilitation, including links to
the Job Accommodation Network and Project Enable.
Wheel
Me On: http://www.wheelmeon.com/ Page
links include materials for wheelchair users to assist in
everyday living and travel.
WheelchairNet: http://www.wheelchairnet.org/index2.html A
resource for those interested in wheelchairs: consumers, clinicians,
researchers, funders. It contains resources for lifestyle,
wheelchair technology and research developments, discussions,
products, industry product standards, funding, services, etc.
World
Institute on Disability: http://www.wid.org/ WID
is a nonprofit research, public policy and advocacy center
dedicated to promoting independence and societal inclusion
of people with disabilities. WID brings a diverse disability
perspective to the policy arena.
Federally
Funded Assistive Technology Projects
Funded
by the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
Act of 1998. The following programs assists individuals with
disabilities obtain appropriate assistive technology and assistive
technology services.
ABLEDATA: http://www.abledata.com ABLEDATA
is a federally funded project whose primary mission is to provide
information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment
available from domestic and international sources to consumers,
organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United
States.
Alabama Statewide
Technology Access and Response Project: http://www.rehab.state.al.us/star/
Arizona Technology Access Program (AZTAP): http://www.nau.edu/~ihd/aztap/
Assistive Technologies Of Alaska: http://www.corecom.net/ATA/
Colorado
Assistive Technology Project: http://www.uchsc.edu/atp/
Connecticut Assistive Technology Project: http://www.ucc.uconn.edu/~techact/
Delaware
Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI): http://www.dati.lv/en/
Florida Alliance For Assistive Service And Technology: http://www.faast.org/
Georgia Tools
For Life: http://www.gatfl.org/
Guam System For Assistive Technology (GSAT): http://www.uog.edu/cedders/gsat.html
Hawaii Assistive
Technology Training And Services (Hatts): http://www.hatts.org/
Idaho Assistive
Technology Project: http://www.educ.uidaho.edu/idatech/index.asp
lllinois Assistive Technology Project: http://www.iltech.org/
Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT): http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech/ Kentucky
Assistive
Technology
Services Network: http://www.katsnet.org/
Louisiana
Assistive Technology Access Network (LA TAN): http://www.latan.org/
Maine Consumer Information and Technology Training Exchange (CITE): http://www.mecite.doe.k12.me.us/
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP): http://www.mdtap.org/
Massachusetts Assistive
Technology Partnership (MATP): http://www.matp.org/index.html
Michigan Tech 2000: http://www.discoalition.org/
Missouri Assistive Technology Project: http://www.dolir.state.mo.us/matp/
Nebraska
Assistive Technology Partnership: http://www.nde.state.ne.us/ATP/
New Jersey Technology Assistive Resource Program: http://www.njpanda.org/
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program: http://www.nmtap.com/
North Carolina Assistive Technology Project: http://www.ncatp.org/ncatpcontacts.html
North Dakota
Interagency Program for Assistive Technology: http://www.ndipat.org/
Ohio Train: http://www.train.state.oh.us/
Oklahoma ABLE Tech: http://www.okstate.edu/wellness/at-home.htm
Pennsylvania's
Initiative on Assistive Technology: http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/
Rhode Island
Assistive Technology Access Partnership: http://www.ors.state.ri.us/assistiv.htm
Vermont Assistive
Technology Project: http://www.dad.state.vt.us/atp/
Virginia Assistive Technology Project: http://www.vats.org
Other
Federally Funded Programs
The following
are other federally funded programs providing general information
about assistive technology and assistive technology services.
Access
Board: http://www.access-board.gov/ An
independent federal agency. Contains information on Section
508 of the Rehabilitation Act, requiring that electronic
and information technology developed, procured, maintained,
or used by the federal government be accessible to people
with disabilities.
Access
Board Market Monitoring Report: http://www.access-board.gov/MMR/ The
Market Monitoring Report is the Access Board's snapshot of
the state of the art of telecommunications access -- what
are the current barriers faced by people with disabilities,
and what products and features are available to overcome
those access barriers.
Assistive Technology Educational Network (ATEN): http://www.aten.ocps.k12.fl.us/ Assists
in the enhancement of student outcomes through the provision of information,
training, and technical support in the area of assistive technology. ATEN provides
services to students with disabilities (ages 3-21), family members, teachers,
and other professionals throughout Florida's public school system. ATEN's professional
staff includes educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
Association
of Tech Act Projects: http://www.ataporg.org/ Provides
links to 56 Assistive Technology Act Projects funded through
Federal grants under the Technology-Related Assistance for
Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1998. The programs provide
information, referrals and many other services to children
and adults with disabilities.
Center
for Information Technology Accommodation (CITA): http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/cita/index.htm Services
and activities include: facilitate an interagency network
of accessibility specialists. It supports activities of the
Council on Accessible Technology and the Federal World Wide
Web Consortium. It provides technical consultations
and demonstrations on assistive technology devices used for
visual, auditory, mobility impairments and repetitive strain
injuries. It is a resource for current ergonomic literature
for accessible office furniture and computer workstation
accessories such as keyboards, Braille readers, pointing
devices, screen readers and speech recognition.
New
England Assistive Technology Marketplace: http://www.neatmarketplace.org/index.html Membership
is free for individuals who have disabilities and family
members. People over the age of 65 who have limitations resulting
from aging are also eligible for membership. As members,
all are entitled to use of the Information & Resource
Library and Computer Lab by appointment at no charge.
National
Center to Improve Practice (NCIP): http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/ Located
at Education Development Center, Inc., funded by the U.S.
Department of Education, OSEP to promote use of technology
to enhance educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR): http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR Part
of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), is the major
U.S. funder of assistive technology research, (development
of new devices, clinical studies of application, and outcome
measures). The Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers (RERCs) conduct research and development in specific
areas of assistive technology application. The RRTCs
conduct research and related activities to maximize the full
inclusion, social integration, employment, and independent
living of individuals with disabilities.
The
Consortium for Children and Youth with Disabilities and
Special Health Care Needs
The Consortium
for Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special
Health Care Needs brings together researchers, clinicians,
policy analysts, and families of persons with disabilities
from The
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development,
the Heller School at Brandeis University, the Institute for
Child Health Policy at the University of Florida, and Family
Voices,
a national organization of families and friends of children
with special health care needs. Funding for the Consortium
as a Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center (NRRTC) is through a five-year
grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR), US Department of Education, Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
The mission
of the Consortium is to improve rehabilitation outcomes for
children and youth with disabilities and/or special
health
care needs through focused and applied research, targeted
training for professionals and others involved in care, and
active dissemination
of our work. All our activities are fueled by a conviction
to make a positive difference in the lives of children with
special
health care needs, their families, and the legions of service
providers who support them.
Our work
focuses on five critical areas: how children and their families
access needed rehabilitation
services; how
managed
care practices affect the quality and quantity of services
received;
the special problems experienced as children become adolescents
and transition into the adult health care system; the promise
of assistive technology to increase personal independence
and autonomy; and the power of telerehabilitation practices
to
bring state of the art care to all segments of our society.
Linking our
different organizations and the projects we pursue is a shared
understanding that children with special
health
care needs require and deserve a range of services and
supports that
are best delivered within their families and local communities.
We also recognize that as children with special needs
mature, their needs change and our service systems must be
responsive.
http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/consortium/
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