Assistive Technology Programs
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Ability Hub
AbilityHub.com's purpose is to help users find information on adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers. Ability Hub's founder is Dan Gilman, a certified ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) with RESNA. -
Access Board
An independent federal agency that provides the standards for Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended requiring that electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government be accessible to people with disabilities. The Board also provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as well as other accessibility guidelines. -
AgrAbility Project
The AgrAbility Project was created to assist people with disabilities employed in agriculture. The project links the Cooperative Extension Service at a land-grant university with a private nonprofit disability service organization to provide practical education and assistance that promotes independence in agricultural production and rural living. The AgrAbility Project assists people involved in production agriculture who work both on small and large operations. -
Alliance for Technology Access
Provides location information for the Alliance for Technology Access regional centers. The Alliance assists individuals with disabilities access technology, mainly through computer resources. -
Association of Tech Act Projects (ATAP)
ATAP's mission is to collaborate with persons with disabilities and others at the national level to increase the availability and utilization of assistive technology devices and services for all individuals with disabilities in the United States and territories. -
Breaking New Ground Resource Center
Provides information and resources on assistive technology for agricultural workers and agricultural worksites. In 1990, the Outreach Center of Breaking New Ground became a part of the USDA AgrAbility program. -
Center for Assistive Technology (CAT)
CAT, housed within the School of Health-Related Professions at the University at Buffalo, conducts research, education, and service to increase knowledge about assistive devices for persons with disabilities. The Center works in four related areas: (1) research and development of assistive devices for education, employment, leisure, and daily living; (2) education for students, professionals, and consumers; (3) assistive device service provision; and (4) dissemination of information about Assistive Technology. -
Closing the Gap
Closing the Gap's role is to provide information on microcomputer materials and practices that can enrich the lives of persons with special needs. -
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
CCD is a working coalition of more than 100 national consumer, advocacy, provider, and professional organizations working together with and on behalf of the 54 million children and adults with disabilities and their families living in the United States. The CCD has several task forces on various disability issues, such as Employment and Training, Developmental Disabilities, Health, Social Security, Long-Term Services and Supports, Telecommunications and Technology, and Rights, etc. -
Cornucopia of Disability Information (CODI)
A wealth of information relating to disabilities including topics such as: aging; statistics; computing; Centers for Independent Living; and universal design. This site is based at the State University of New York/Buffalo. -
CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)
NCAM is a research and development facility, based at the Center for Public Broadcasting/WGBH-Boston, dedicated to the issues of media and information technology for people with disabilities in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. NCAM's mission is to expand access to present and future media for people with disabilities; to explore how existing access technologies may benefit other populations; to represent its constituents in industry, policy and legislative circles; and to provide access to educational and media technologies for special needs students. -
National Cristina Foundation (NCF)
NCF is a charitable organization that directs donations of used and surplus computer technology to non profits and public agencies throughout the United States. It provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically disadvantaged persons the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives. -
DisAbilityDirect.gov
This is a unique interagency web effort, which will provide educational and life-long learning opportunities and will utilize geospatial locator technology to allow people to identify and access services relating to the President's New Freedom Initiative in their own communities. -
disABILITY Resources on the Internet
This site was created and is maintained by Jim Lubin, a person with quadriplegia. -
Do-It Internet Resources
Resources are listed in many categories including general resources, education, technology, legal, social, and political issues. -
EPVA Assistive Technology
The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) launched a website for assistive technology in 2002. Available at this site are product reviews on wheelchairs and cushions and a tech guide on driving aids, transfer devices, and exercise equipment. -
Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI)
EASI is part of the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Group, an affiliate of the American Association of Higher Education. EASI's mission is to promote the same access to information and resources for people with disabilities as everyone else. -
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Contains the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and links to FCC's Disabilities Rights Office that contains press releases and reports that affect telecommunications and technology issues for people with disabilities. -
International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet
The Center will collect and present best practices in areas related to disability and accessibility issues. The Center will collect disability-related Internet resources, including resources that may be helpful to the disability community. -
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
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. Publishes quarterly reports on number of cases handled by state, types of businesses and organizations requesting information, and ADA-related concerns, among many other outcome data statistics. -
National Assistive Technology Research Institute (NATRI)
NATRI, based at the University of Kentucky's Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department, conducts AT research, translates theory and research into AT practice, and provides resources for improving the delivery of AT services. -
National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP)
NCIPnet focuses on special education and technology, assistive technology, augmentative and alternate communication. -
National Clearing House of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCHRTM)
Download AT-related documents from this site. Sample titles include: Assistive Technology: Practical Intervention Strategies; ADA: Train the Trainer Program; and Reasonable Accommodations in the Work place. -
National Court Reporters' Association (NCRA) on CART Translation
CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) is "the instantaneous translation of the spoken word into English text using a stenotype machine, notebook computer and realtime software and displaying the text on a laptop computer, monitor or screen." CART is most often used as a communication service for people with hearing loss, but might also be used as a notetaking service. This NCRA site on CART includes articles, guidelines for CART provision, and information on recent legal decisions involving CART. It also includes an online, nationwide directory of CART service providers. -
One-Hand Typing
Information on free downloads, how-to manuals, therapists, and more. -
Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities to obtain employment and live more independently through the provision of such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services, job training and other individualized services. -
RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
A professional society for individuals and organizations interested in technology and disability. RESNA contributes to the public welfare through scientific, literary, professional and educational activities by supporting the development, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge and practice pertaining to rehabilitation and assistive technology so that all citizens can achieve the highest quality of life. -
Trace Research & Development Center
The Trace Center conducts research aimed at improving technology that can benefit individuals with disabilities by making it more accessible in four main areas: communication; control; computer access; and next generation communication information and transaction systems. -
WheelchairNet
WheelchairNet is a continuously developing resource for a broad community of people who are interested in wheelchairs: consumers, clinicians, manufacturers, researchers, funders. It contains resources for lifestyle, wheelchair technology and research developments, discussions, products, industry product standards, funding, services, etc. -
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
The W3C, an international industry consortium, was founded in October 1994 to lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing common protocols that promote its evolution and ensure its operability. The W3C also includes the World Accessibility Initiative that provides guidelines on website accessibility. -
Untangling the Web: Where Do I Go for Disability Information?
Lists websites in many categories, including general information resources, disability legislation, employment resources, and more. A resource compiled by former research professor, Steven Fullmer, at the International Center for Disability Information at the University of West Virginia.
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International Sites
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Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE)
AAATE's mission is "to stimulate the advancement of assistive technology for the benefit of persons with disabilities including the elderly people." AAATE goals are to create the awareness of assistive technology; to promote Research & Development of assistive technology; to contribute to knowledge exchange within the field of assistive technology, e.g., by arranging conferences; and to promote information dissemination. -
International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet
The Center will collect and present best practices in areas related to disability and accessibility issues. The Center will collect disability-related Internet resources, including resources that may be helpful to the disability community. -
Rehabilitation Engineering Society of Japan (RESJA)
The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of JAPAN (RESJA) was established in March 1986. RESJA is an organization concerned with application of science and technology in the rehabilitation process. The membership includes rehabilitation professionals (engineers, medical staffs, teachers for handicapped children, etc.), providers (makers and dealers), and consumers. RESJA promotes mutual understanding among these groups so that they comprehend and serve the actual needs of the people with disabilities who will benefit from the application of rehabilitation engineering. RESJA has a membership of almost 1000 and is growing.
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Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE)