Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Resources include information on how to identify, remediate, or accommodate students with special needs utilizing a wide range of assistive technology devices and tools.

 

Related Resources

21st Century Information Fluency Project

This resource provides technology-related lesson plans, implementation tips, listings for free professional development opportunities and annotated links for other useful resources. 

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

A Parent’s Guide to Assistive Technology

This guide contains an overview of assistive technology, a summary of how AT can address the needs of students with learning disabilities, suggestions for finding the right technology fit, a worksheet for selecting AT tools and tips for evaluating assistive technology products.

Access eLearning

A free, online ten-module tutorial that offers information, instructional techniques, and practice labs on how to make the most common needs in distance education accessible for individuals with disabilities, and enhance the usability of online materials for all students.

Georgia Tech Research on Accessible Distance Education Project

1 Comment

Accessibility Resources

This is an extensive list of resources linking to information on making computers and software more accessible to persons with disabilities.

Human-Computer Interaction

Accessify

Accessify is dedicated to furthering the cause of web accessibility by offering free tools and other useful resources. The website includes web accessibility news, accessibility tools and wizards, an archive of features, and links to useful accessibility resources.

Ian Lloyd

Adaptive Computer Technologies

This online workshop introduces participants to a wide range of adaptive technologies. It includes original material contributed by the staff of the Adaptive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) at the University of Toronto. The course format incorporates sample case studies, a review of web-based resources and the opportunity to design a program based on a hypothetical student with special needs.

Special Needs Opportunity Windows

All Students Being Equal

This article presents an overview of available technologies for special education needs.  The article organizes software recommendations around several categories: literacy support, communication aids, mobility tools, vision support, and auditory assistance.  Access to Techlearning.com requires free registration.

Techlearning

Alternate Formats and Learning Materials

People with print disabilities may find the references in this resource helpful as they attempt to locate sources of digital content. This resource highlights accessible options for obtaining both digital electronic text and digital audio. Some resources focus specifically on serving individuals with print reading disabilities while others offer content more widely.

CAST

Arcademic Skill Builders

Arcademic Skill Builders is a nonprofit web site that features online educational games offering a new approach to learning basic math, language arts, vocabulary, and thinking skills. Inspired by arcade games and the intense engagement they foster between the game and player, the site's programs stem from experience, systematic observations, and research in understanding student learning in school and social situations.

ASL Browser

The ASL Browser was developed by the Michigan State University Communication Technology Lab. Online mini-videos create a free ASL glossary; a CD-ROM version is available for $19.95.

ASL Clip and Create

ASL Clip and Create is available on 4 CD-ROMs, offering nearly 5,000 signs for $49.95.

ASL Pro

ASLPro.com offers free online dictionaries, including an alphabetized dictionary as well as a conversational dictionary with categorical common phrases.

ASL Video Dictionary and Inflection Guide

The ASL Video Dictionary and Inflection Guide was developed by the Rochester Institute for Technology and presents signs in sentences or phrases, allowing the user to understand how signs change with meaning and inflection. The CD-ROM can be ordered for $50.00; there are demonstration video clips available on the Web site.

Assistive Technology 101

This resource includes information for parents and teachers on the basics of assistive technology (AT) and how to choose AT devices. 

Family Center on Technology and Disability

Assistive Technology for Children with Autism

This article provides strategies and examples for determining the best visual representation system for students with autism. Includes suggestions for low, mid and high tech tools.

Assistive Technology for Children with Learning Disabilities (PDF)

This is a guide to assistive technology (AT) and includes information on using and selecting AT. It also discusses various types of AT, including math, reading, and learning technologies.

Schwab Foundation for Learning

Assistive Technology Ideas for Writing, Reading, Math, Studying, and Organizing

This document provides strategies and modifications for using assistive technology. Low-tech and high-tech ideas are given for writing, reading, math, studying, and organizing.

Parents, Let's Unite for Kids (PLUK)

Assistive Technology in K-12 Schools

This resource provides tips on how to integrate assistive technology into the classroom.  Information includes success stories, case studies, quizzes, and lesson ideas. 

Alliance for Technology Access

Assistive Technology in K-12 Schools

This resource provides a range of information on assistive technology, assessment and selection of tools, examples of best practice and classroom success stories, and a list of built-in access features for various operating systems.

Assistive Technology to Meet K-12 Student Needs

This table introduces the most common assistive technology devices to regular classroom teachers so that they can ensure that all students in the classroom have an equal and inclusive opportunity to participate in and benefit from the learning process.

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory

1 2 3 4