Assistive
technology can benefit even the littlest folks with disabilities.
These sites focus on the use of assistive technology for children
and students. Be sure to check the Assistive
Technology Section Index for related topics, such as freeware
and funding.
Prepared
by the Frostig Center in Pasadena, California, which is devoted
to children with learning disabilities, this easy-to-read booklet
discusses the types of assistive technology currently available,
and helps parents decide which ones are appropriate for their
child. Technologies covered include those for written language,
reading, listening, organization and memory, and math. On the
Schwab Foundation web site.
DREAMMS
is a nonprofit organizaton "committed to increasing the
use of computers, high quality instructional technology, and
assistive technologies for students with special needs in schools,
homes and the workplace." Its web site includes articles
and links relating to assistive technology and children, funding,
state assistive technology products, and more.
This section
of the EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) web site
includes resources and links relating to Department of Education
support for adaptive technology, K-12 science, engineering and
math resources, adaptive technology hardware and software solutions,
links for kids, parent resources, resources for teachers, and
online workshops.
Geared for
educators, this section of the SELDS web site discusses different
types of assistive technology (augmentative communication, adaptive
computing, assistive technology for students with learning disabilities)
and provides information about school's legal responsibilities,
the funding process, finding resources, and more.
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
(ERIC EC)
Information
about a United Cerebral Palsy project that "assist[s] organizations
and programs who serve families of children with disabilities
by providing information and support on accessing and using assistive
technology."
From the
World Institute on Disability, this online resource book is aimed
at helping teachers use the Internet as a tool to educate all
students in their classrooms, including students with disabilities,
auditory and visual learners, students from rural areas, and
those who do not speak English as their first language. Covers
computer specifications, success stories, resources for finding,
assistive technology, education technology, funding, and web
resources.
Many good
articles about the use of technology for people with learning
disabilities. Included are general information, technology reviews,
classroom applications, and making the right decisions when integrating
technology.
A model
demonstration project at the University at Buffalo Center for
Assistive Technology, the Let's Play Project looks to provide
families of children with disabilities with ways to play through
the use of assistive technology. This excellent web site features
informative, illustrated sections on the role of play, families,
assistive technology, success stories, and resources. The web
site includes fact sheets on toy characteristics, adapting toys,
favorite electronic and non-electronic toys, and toy catalogs
for children with special needs. There is also an excellent resource
guide with links to web sites, vendors, and more. Also listed
under Toys for Kids with Disabilities.
NCIP "promotes
the effective use of technology to enhance educational outcomes
for students with sensory, cognitive, physical and social/emotional
disabilities." Its excellent web site includes facilitated
discussions about technology use for students with disabilities,
online workshops, exemplary early childhood classrooms, a section
on voice recognition, an extensive library of resources about
technology and special education, videos of students using assistive
and instructional technologies, and more.
This Canadian-based
web site offers interactive and educational learning opportunities
about special education and technology in the classroom, including
online courses, discussion forums, links, and more.
An information
packet that was sent by the Secretary of Education to state and
local education agencies to inform them of their obligations
to consider the technology needs of disabled students when purchasing
hardware, software, and other technological devices. The packet
includes information about the technical aspects of access, legal
obligations concerning technology and individuals with disabilities,
and a list of resources for further information and assistance.
It can be downloaded in WordPerfect 6.1, WordPerfect 5.1, Adobe
Acrobat, and ACSII text.
Linda J.
Burkhart provides practical information on using the Internet
in elementary and middle schools, and "Simplified Technology
for Children with Disabilities in the Areas of Assistive Technology
and Augmentative Communication."