Webliography
The following website not only defines assistive technology, but gives an overview of products that are available for people with disabilities. There are links to personal emergency response systems, accessible computer input, and durable medical equipment. Learning difficulties, visual impairment, deafness and hearing loss are discussed as well as hardware and software used to assist persons with those disabilities.
References are described and linked.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology
The following video from youtube gives a visual presentation of assistive technologies. It is very informative in that provides an easily understood guide to both low tech and high tech tools/products that can be used for all ages. Various disabilities are explored as products are described. Websites that are given during the video are displayed on the screen.
Video: alegraATA
The following website is The Family Guide to Assistive Technology. It was prepared by Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids in cooperation with
The Federation for Children with Special Needs. The site defines and describes assistive technologies, provides case studies for use in clarification and decision-making, discusses IEPs and technology. It provides help in asking for assistive technology including sample letters. This may serve as an advocacy website and a “how to: guide for families.
The following webpage is an assistive technology checklist that can be used as a needs assessment and support for disabled individuals. It is intended to provide examples of existing assistive technologies that are available. The checklist is a handy way of assessing specific needs of disabled persons and can be used as a tool on an individual basis.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/atexmpl.asp
The following is an award winning website which is designed for parents, professionals, advocates, and self-advocates “to promote inclusion communities where all people belong”. There are discussion forums, groups and blogs in an effort to to form a networking community, It is a site whose purpose is to provide information and resources about disabilities, rights, inclusion education, information, and opportunities for disabled individuals. Volunteers in this nonprofit organization are dedicated to support and improve the quality of life for all people with disabilities.
In this website you will find resources for technical support, assistive technology lending library services, training opportunities, and technology products and demonstrations as well as information and assistance, with referrals outreach, and public awareness. “The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a growing national and international network of technology resource centers, community-based organizations, agencies, individuals, and companies. Resource Center annual membership dues are based on a sliding scale from $500 to $2000 per year based on the Center’s operating budget.”
This website offers online workshops which support assistive technology, a library which supports literacy development in students with a variety of disabilities, links to other organizations and companies that specialize in assistive technology and resources to help those with visual impairments, hearing impairments, and many other types of physical, developmental and learning disabilities. This site also includes video profiles and guided tours of preschool facilities. It is a website which is informative, interactive, and easy to navigate through.
This website is one that provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment. It is sponsored by The Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research which is part of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Although they do not produce, distribute or sell products on their website, they do provide contact information on products and product reviews. The lists of products, companies, literature, publications, and other resources are quite exhaustive. It is an all inclusive website for both low tech and high tech assistive technologies.
The following website is “for early childhood service providers and families of young children. This web site offers demonstrations of and information about the effective practices of inclusive educational programs for children from birth through age eight.” There are case studies, methods and activities, as well as video presentations, checklists, downloadable materials, and links to other sites. The purpose of the website is to share experiences, visions, and strategies for initiating and implementing inclusive programs for young children with disabilities.
http://www.circleofinclusion.org/
This website addresses “the accessibility of tools, resources and technology that will help increase independence, improve personal productivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Californians.” It is funded by the California Department of Rehabilitation. There are links to advocacy, assistive technology and equipment, services and resources, training opportunities, and funding for personal assistive technologies. The reading room offers links to early intervention and multiple success stories.
