The
following are comprehensive, cross-disability, and/or multiple
product web sites that offer a wealth of information about assistive
technology (AT).
Developed
by AT practitioner Dan Gilman "for people with a disability
who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible,"
AbilityHub "will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative
methods available for accessing computers." This attractive
site is one of the best-organized guides to computer-related
AT products on the web that we've seen. It is arranged by topic
(e.g., augmentative communication, keyboard alternatives) and
subdivided by type of equipment. There's also an excellent list
of frequently asked questions. Concerned about the site's objectivity,
we contacted Mr. Gilman in February 2001 and were assured that
his web design and hosting company did not receive any compensation
from the listed product sites; the limited number of ads and
sponsor notices were discrete.
Looking
for an assistive technology product? Whether it's a simple, low-tech
device or a sophisticated computerized product, you'll probably
find it in ABLEDATA's searchable database of approximately 25,000
assistive devices. You'll also find some invaluable fact sheets,
consumer guides, and related material on this web site.
ATIA is
a membership association for companies and others in the industry.
Its hyperlink member list is a useful way to find the websites
of specific vendors.
Created
by Georgia Tech's Center for Rehabilitation Technology, this
website features an AT database that visitors can search by function/activity,
keyword, product type, and vendor. Although the homepage indicates
an anticipated completion date of November 1002, we have used
it successfully to locate AT products.
The Center
is a technical demonstration and resource center assisting Federal
agencies to achieve successful investments in IT architecture
and public service applications. The web site includes information
about CITA Pilots and Partnerships,assistive resources for hard
of hearing persons, "Make Your Web Page Accessible."
accommodating desktop users, public and nonprofit resources,
a vendor listing for telecommunication and input/output devices.
a handbook, list of ergonomic vendors, and more.
This site
features articles from Closing the Gap, a popular monthly
newspaper about assistive technology, and a huge searchable database
of hardware and software for people with special needs. Product
descriptions, prices and contact information are included.
An affiliate
of the American Association for Higher Education, EASI's mission
is to serve as a resource to the education community by providing
information and guidance in the area of access-to-information
technologies by individuals with disabilities. This web site
is packed with information, articles, documents and links, geared
particularly to higher educators, librarians, etc. EASI also
offers fee-based online technology courses.
A very good
series of fact sheets from ICAN (Increasing Capabilities Access
Network) on such diverse topics as: Assistive Technology in the
College Classroom, Selecting, Buying, and Maintaining Adaptive
Equipment, Kitchen Aids, AT for Public Facilities for People
who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired, and more.
"The
Family Center was formed by United Cerebral Palsy Associations
and partner organizations to provide assistance to programs and
organizations to respond to the technology needs of parents and
families of children and youth with disabilities." Its web
site includes basic information about assistive technology, a
materials database, model programs, links, and more.
Microsoft's
web site includes a wealth of information about assistive technology,
with a particular focus (of course) on this computer giant's
role. Check out the "Products and Aids" section for
a wealth of information about accessibility features and options
included in Microsoft products, and how to adjust them to meet
your personal preferences.
RESNA is
an interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation
and assistive technologies. Though geared primarily for members
and professionals, this site includes conferences, links, and
related information. The RESNA
Technical Assistance (TA) Project provides information and
consultation to assistive technology programs in states and territories
funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998; links to state
Tech Act projects are provided.
A concise
overview of software accessibility for software developers, plus
information about web access. (See Disability Resources' section
on World Wide Web Accessibility for more
information about this topic.)
Based at
the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Engineering,
The Trace Center currently focuses on universal design in information
technologies and telecommunications. Its website provides a wide
array of information, resources, and links relating to universal
design of new technologies, including its own innovative work
on accessible kiosks and ATMs.
Sponsored
by the UCP Center for Rehabilitation Technology, this website
provides an excellent overview of AT resources, including lists
of state assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation projects,
resources by disability, and a monthly newsletter. We especially
liked the "Quick Reference Series," which provide good
overviews of topics such as computer workstations, one-handed
keyboards, and mouse alternatives.