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

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

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.

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 Implementation Model: CETT TEAM

The CASE Collaborative CETT Team provides guidance in the selection and use of appropriate Assistive Technology to support students with learning challenges access the curriculum and meet individual education goals. A model of ongoing consults, a lending library, and training workshops support classroom success.

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.

ConnSENSE Bulletin

This website provides a variety of resources, articles, legal updates and conference information centered on educational and assistive technology issues.

Creating NIMAS Files

This resource contains detailed, step-by-step instructions on creating accessible materials for students with disabilities.

CAST

Disabled Teens to Access IT Career Training Online

Thanks to a grant from the NEC Foundation of America, the Computing Technology Industry Association is launching a national, online training program to improve technology-related career opportunities for high-school students with disabilities. Teens with disabilities will be able to get specialized training and certifications online, tailored to their specific level of ability. They will also have access to mentoring and assistance with finding a job.

Ed-Tech Online

This website that compiles all of the funding sources for educational technology provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Rather than search the multiple websites of various organizations, a visit to Ed-Tech Online will lead you to grant program summaries, strategic objectives, appropriations, contact names and telephone numbers, as well as direct links to the government agencies offering specific grants.

Bridge Multimedia

GenYES 2.0

GenYES is a student-centered research-based solution for school-wide technology integration. Students work with teachers to design technology-infused lessons and provide tech support. The resulting collaboration provides the students with project-based learning and the teachers with on-site, sustainable professional development. GenYES includes innovative online tools that support student and teacher collaboration and a student-run help desk.

Information Technology Making a Difference in Children's Lives: An Issue Brief for Leaders for Children

This Issue Brief urges groups working on children's issues to include technology planks in their platforms and policy agendas. In addition to working for equitable access to digital tools for underserved children, the report encourages leaders of children to lobby for changes in public programs serving children to make them more effective, efficient and accessible by incorporating information and communications technology.

Interactive Map of Preparedness Resources

This tool provides an accessible, interactive directory of federal, regional, state, and local disability-related emergency management resources. The map contains information on regional branches of FEMA and ADA&IT Technical Assistance Centers, Governor's websites and state disability resource agencies, a directory of ILCs and SILCs by state, state Citizen Corps and American Red Cross Chapters, as well as links to State and local Emergency Management Agencies.

I've Got a Palm in My Pocket (PDF)

This article discusses the advantages of using palm pilots to increase student achievement in an inclusive classroom. The assistive technologies embedded in handheld computers offer benefits to students both inside and outside the classroom. 

Council for Exceptional Children

Maryland Assistive Technology Network

The Maryland Assistive Technology Network (MATN) provides assistive technology specialists information on the most up-to-date AT policies, practices, and devices. CTE offers professional development opportunities to MATN members through its semi-annual institutes with nationally acclaimed leaders in assistive technology, regional meetings, and the MATN Online Web site.

Maryland Online IEP

The Maryland Online IEP is a tool developed by Maryland State Department of Education Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services in Partnership with Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education with funding from IDEA Part B, the U.S. Department of Education. The tool produces and maintains one complete record of IEP information for each child. The result is a high level of data integrity and accuracy from which educators and the families they serve can make effective decisions.

Math Matrix

The math matrix is intended to serve as a resource that matches technology tools with supporting literature on promising practices for the instruction of math for students with disabilities. Search for products and evidence among the six purposes of technology that support reading for students with special needs.

CITEd

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