Sunday, December 14, 2008
Final Presentation
This is my presentation of what I have learned in class. The URL is http://www.slideshare.net/gilster1969/final-presenation-presentation/
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Traumatic Brain Injury Presentation
The URL to my Traumatic Brain Injury presentation is:
http://www.slideshare.net/gilster1969/very-low-incidence-disabilitiestbi-presentation
http://www.slideshare.net/gilster1969/very-low-incidence-disabilitiestbi-presentation
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Demonstration #1 Summary
Assistive Technology Tool Demonstration #1 for Physically Impaired Persons
NO SPILL ICE TRAY- Ice tray fills like a bottle to prevent spilling water.
INNER LIP PLATE-Perfect for those individuals with limited muscle control, or use of only one hand
BUILT UP ANGLED UTENCILS- Great for person with limited upper extremity movement, 30° angle comfortable. http://slideshare.net/gilster1969/assistive-tech-tools-presentation By Gilbert I. Acosta
NO SPILL ICE TRAY- Ice tray fills like a bottle to prevent spilling water.
INNER LIP PLATE-Perfect for those individuals with limited muscle control, or use of only one hand
BUILT UP ANGLED UTENCILS- Great for person with limited upper extremity movement, 30° angle comfortable. http://slideshare.net/gilster1969/assistive-tech-tools-presentation By Gilbert I. Acosta
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Assistive Technology Research Websites
1. A FACT SHEET: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND IDEA ‘97
http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/2007/03/11/a-fact-sheet-assistive-technology-and-idea-97
This article talks about what the IEP team should consider in the way of Assistive Technology for children in the wake of the 1997 amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The article first defines what Assistive Technology devices are and what they are to be used for. The article then details who or what other person can be present at the IEP meetings. I found this article very informative in regards to the IEP process for children who need Assistive Technology incorporated into their IEP.
2. Assistive Technology: A Parents Perspective
http://parentpals.com/gossamer/pages/Detailed/617.html
This article is a personal account of a parent and their cerebral palsy child who was never given the opportunity to fully experience the concept of the “tooth fairy” as their other children were. This was due in part to the parents not being fully aware of the capabilities of their child comprehension of the surroundings around him. It was not apparent the child understood until he was asked about the “tooth fairy” in relation to his other siblings, which he indicated the “tooth fairy” never visited him but did his other siblings. The communicative Assistive Technology which allowed this is a system the family is considering in this article to purchase or keep the less expensive story board. This was a very heart wrenching story as all families must come to terms with the financial realities of life and its limitations. It illustrates how more expensive is not always better.
3. Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities http://parentpals.com/gossamer/pages/Detailed/910.html
This article talks about how Assistive Technology has really taken off into the classroom and become a indispensible tool for teachers to monitor, develop, and provide instructions while the student is now able to better engage and participate in school activities in the classroom. The article outlines seven areas of instruction where Assistive Technology can help students with mild disabilities. In the areas of organization, note taking, writing assistance, productivity, access to reference materials, cognitive assistance and materials modification Assistive Technology can be applies. I found this article very informative especially in the area of cognitive assistance such as CD based talking books for instruction to motivate students.
4. ATOMS Project Technical Report: Methods to Identify Assistive Technology Device Use
http://www.r2d2.uwm.edu/atoms/archive/technicalreports/fieldscans/tr-fs-methodsidentifyuse.html
This report is a summary of issues and methods used to identify the quantity and quality of assistive technology devices used by an individual. It also measures the impact of assistive technology devices on individuals and knowing which devices are being used and how they are to be used. The methods to ascertain this information is also detailed in the report. The methods are recall, recognition, A priori, and direct observation. The report then looks at all methods and lists it findings. This was a very interesting report and would be worth reading by students.
5. Technology: Becoming and Informed Consumer
http://old.nichcy.org/pubs/outprint/nd13txt.htm
This article is about knowing the history of how far we have come as a society in regards to the development of technology up to the development of Assistive technology for use in the classroom. Once technology developed the computer there were many applications but none more important than the Assistive Technology in the way of communication applications. This article looks at all the possibilities for use of this hard and software for the Assistive Technology environment. I highly recommend this article as it gives a good perspective on the Assistive Technology evolution.
6. NCD Report: What are the AT implications?
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/assistive_technology/33540
This article is about the current compliance with IDEA. This article is saying that the current results of this report on compliance are extremely discouraging. The main issues of contention according to this article is that for Assistive Technology services to be provided a parent would have to demand it through formal complaints, due process hearings, and litigation. This article then goes on to tell you how to fight the system. I feel this is a must read for all parents and students alike.
7. Assistive Technology for kids with Learning Disabilities-An Overview
http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/2286
This article is about using technology to enhance learning as an effective approach to many Learning Disabilities. This article will tell parents how Assistive Technology can play a role in their children’s education. The article goes into what Assistive Technology is and how it can improve the skills of your child. There are links for Assistive Technology tools that can help students and links for other technology tools for learning. This is a very good website for other tools based on the number of links available.
8. Help for Young Learners: How to choose AT?
http://www.ldonline.org/article/8088
This article is about enriching the environment of children with disabilities and promoting their social and cognitive participation and growth through the use of Assistive Technology. This article goes into a six step framework for deciding which kind of Assistive Technology is needed to accomplish this enriched environment. This article also links to other new resources and research site for information of Assistive Technology.
9. Assistive Technology and the IEP…It’s the Law
http://www.linc.org/newsat.html
This article talks about the Federal Special Education law that includes technology devices and Assistive Technology as an appropriate education for students with disabilities. The article goes into the changes in the way of the IEP’s development, discipline, and parent involvement. It goes into the purpose of Assistive Technology for the student where the goal is full participation in the classroom. This is a very informative article to read.
10. Assistive Devices help Challenged Kids get the Most from Learning http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml
This article talks about what Assistive Technology is anyway, how they might be used and the numbers of AT devices that are designed for students and teachers. The article talks about what specific technologies are used in school systems and in the classroom. The article also explores the possibility of a down side to Assistive Technology and what they are. This article also lists many links to other websites that may have other related articles to this article. I found this article to very interesting and useful.
http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/2007/03/11/a-fact-sheet-assistive-technology-and-idea-97
This article talks about what the IEP team should consider in the way of Assistive Technology for children in the wake of the 1997 amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The article first defines what Assistive Technology devices are and what they are to be used for. The article then details who or what other person can be present at the IEP meetings. I found this article very informative in regards to the IEP process for children who need Assistive Technology incorporated into their IEP.
2. Assistive Technology: A Parents Perspective
http://parentpals.com/gossamer/pages/Detailed/617.html
This article is a personal account of a parent and their cerebral palsy child who was never given the opportunity to fully experience the concept of the “tooth fairy” as their other children were. This was due in part to the parents not being fully aware of the capabilities of their child comprehension of the surroundings around him. It was not apparent the child understood until he was asked about the “tooth fairy” in relation to his other siblings, which he indicated the “tooth fairy” never visited him but did his other siblings. The communicative Assistive Technology which allowed this is a system the family is considering in this article to purchase or keep the less expensive story board. This was a very heart wrenching story as all families must come to terms with the financial realities of life and its limitations. It illustrates how more expensive is not always better.
3. Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities http://parentpals.com/gossamer/pages/Detailed/910.html
This article talks about how Assistive Technology has really taken off into the classroom and become a indispensible tool for teachers to monitor, develop, and provide instructions while the student is now able to better engage and participate in school activities in the classroom. The article outlines seven areas of instruction where Assistive Technology can help students with mild disabilities. In the areas of organization, note taking, writing assistance, productivity, access to reference materials, cognitive assistance and materials modification Assistive Technology can be applies. I found this article very informative especially in the area of cognitive assistance such as CD based talking books for instruction to motivate students.
4. ATOMS Project Technical Report: Methods to Identify Assistive Technology Device Use
http://www.r2d2.uwm.edu/atoms/archive/technicalreports/fieldscans/tr-fs-methodsidentifyuse.html
This report is a summary of issues and methods used to identify the quantity and quality of assistive technology devices used by an individual. It also measures the impact of assistive technology devices on individuals and knowing which devices are being used and how they are to be used. The methods to ascertain this information is also detailed in the report. The methods are recall, recognition, A priori, and direct observation. The report then looks at all methods and lists it findings. This was a very interesting report and would be worth reading by students.
5. Technology: Becoming and Informed Consumer
http://old.nichcy.org/pubs/outprint/nd13txt.htm
This article is about knowing the history of how far we have come as a society in regards to the development of technology up to the development of Assistive technology for use in the classroom. Once technology developed the computer there were many applications but none more important than the Assistive Technology in the way of communication applications. This article looks at all the possibilities for use of this hard and software for the Assistive Technology environment. I highly recommend this article as it gives a good perspective on the Assistive Technology evolution.
6. NCD Report: What are the AT implications?
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/assistive_technology/33540
This article is about the current compliance with IDEA. This article is saying that the current results of this report on compliance are extremely discouraging. The main issues of contention according to this article is that for Assistive Technology services to be provided a parent would have to demand it through formal complaints, due process hearings, and litigation. This article then goes on to tell you how to fight the system. I feel this is a must read for all parents and students alike.
7. Assistive Technology for kids with Learning Disabilities-An Overview
http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/2286
This article is about using technology to enhance learning as an effective approach to many Learning Disabilities. This article will tell parents how Assistive Technology can play a role in their children’s education. The article goes into what Assistive Technology is and how it can improve the skills of your child. There are links for Assistive Technology tools that can help students and links for other technology tools for learning. This is a very good website for other tools based on the number of links available.
8. Help for Young Learners: How to choose AT?
http://www.ldonline.org/article/8088
This article is about enriching the environment of children with disabilities and promoting their social and cognitive participation and growth through the use of Assistive Technology. This article goes into a six step framework for deciding which kind of Assistive Technology is needed to accomplish this enriched environment. This article also links to other new resources and research site for information of Assistive Technology.
9. Assistive Technology and the IEP…It’s the Law
http://www.linc.org/newsat.html
This article talks about the Federal Special Education law that includes technology devices and Assistive Technology as an appropriate education for students with disabilities. The article goes into the changes in the way of the IEP’s development, discipline, and parent involvement. It goes into the purpose of Assistive Technology for the student where the goal is full participation in the classroom. This is a very informative article to read.
10. Assistive Devices help Challenged Kids get the Most from Learning http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml
This article talks about what Assistive Technology is anyway, how they might be used and the numbers of AT devices that are designed for students and teachers. The article talks about what specific technologies are used in school systems and in the classroom. The article also explores the possibility of a down side to Assistive Technology and what they are. This article also lists many links to other websites that may have other related articles to this article. I found this article to very interesting and useful.
Assistive Technology Organization Websites
1. Organizations
http://opendoorworld.com /organizations.shtml
This website is a listing by alphabetical listing of many other websites in relation to Assistive Technology organizations. There are all kinds of websites that can be accessed in relation to AT devices. Although this website is very basic in its design, it has a wealth of links to other very informative and productive sources of information. I found this website to be very useful in finding other good websites on AT devices.
2. ABLEDATA
http://www.abledata.com/
This web site gives information on sources of Assistive Technology devices and Rehabilitation equipment that is from companies around the world or in the United States, although they do not sell any equipment. They give objective information about Assistive Technology devices so that you as the consumer can better make informed decisions about you future purchase of an AT device. From Aids for daily living to wheeled mobility aids, this website is a must for the wealth of information and sources.
3. Office of Education and Rehabilitative Services http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/index.html?src=mr
This website provides and supports parents with information on special education, rehabilitation and research relating to infants, toddlers, children and adults with disabilities. For example, at this website you can pick from the rehabilitation category and look into the tab on RSA and you will see various links to websites on subjects such as publication and products. I found this website to be informative on a number of categories but not the best.
4. Per Scholas
http://www.perscholas.org/
This website by a nonprofit organization brings lower end computers to low income people and tries to get it to them at a low price. The idea is to at least get a child a computer no matter how old so they can do research, homework, and get computer literacy in the home. These computers are donated by corporation such as the Federal Reserve, Lufthansa Airlines, and JPMorgan who get tax benefits and then get refurbished for resale at a much reduced cost to disabled persons. This is a good website for a source of cheap computers for disabled children who needs assistive technology computer for their home.
5. Guidelines for Assistive Technology
http://www.birth23.org/Publications/assistivetech.pdf
This organization has put together a booklet which covers Assistive Technology in relation to the law, related terminology, evaluation, IEP, IFSP, AT in the school, funding and parent rights. It is a rather lengthy document filled with very good information such as on what is allowed and required on an IEP in regards to Assistive Technology for the child. There is a very good section on parent rights and their ability to participate in the IEP process for their child and decisions on Assistive Technology for their child. I think this is a document that is very informative and will be one of the sources of information I will refer to again and again.
6. Family Guide to Assistive Technology
http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html
This website believes that if Assistive Technology is redefining what is possible for people who have physical and cognitive disabilities. This website helps parents learn more about Assistive Technology, give them ideas about where to look for money to pay for Assistive Technology devices and how to apply for funding to purchase Assistive Technology for their children. The funding part of the website is very informative in that it tell you what kind of programs are out there to assist you in financing a piece of AT. I feel that this website is full very valuable information for the parent who wants AT for their child but cannot afford it.
7. Virginia Assistive Technology System
http://www.vats.org/aboutat.htm
This website is interested in increasing awareness, accessibility and acquisition of Assistive Technology. Because of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, this website is funded and authorized to carry out these goals by the Virginia Assistive Technology System state wide program. At this site you will find excellent tabs linking you to equipment exchange, equipment recycling and other vendors of Assistive Technology devices. At the equipment exchange tab, you will find listing of used equipment that is for sale or for exchange by people who no longer have a need for the equipment. I think this is a good source of leads for equipment at a reduced cost.
8. Resource Center for Independent Living
http://www.rcil.com/index.html
This website is a Civil Rights organization that helps people with disabilities by offering a wide range of independent and advocacy services. In the way of Assistive Technology, this website offers access, resources, training, computer access, and technical assistance to people with disabilities. The website try’s to incorporate Assistive Technology into everyday life and keep current on the latest in Assistive Technology. You are able to purchase Assistive Technology Devices through this website which has partnerships with a wide range of vendors who can be of immense help.
9. Assistive Technology Exchange Center
http://www.atec-oc.org/aboutus_vendors.asp
This website is a resource for any type of Assistive Technology device used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities to individuals at home, school, or work. They are the largest comprehensive provider of the latest Assistive Technology. This website maintains a close relationship with vendors of assistive Technology to ensure they have the latest in Assistive Technology available to you. The list of vendors is very impressive and is a good source for AT devices.
10. Family Caregiver Alliance
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1412
This website is about using Assistive Technology to make the daily activities such as daily living, dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and toileting a little easier. They have a variety of fact sheets describing how different types of Assistive Technologies can be helpful to you in these areas. The interesting thing about these fact sheets is that they are in various languages such as Spanish and Chinese. There are also links to other sites which deal with Assistive Technology legally and in other aspects. I like this website because it is very informative and thorough.
http://opendoorworld.com /organizations.shtml
This website is a listing by alphabetical listing of many other websites in relation to Assistive Technology organizations. There are all kinds of websites that can be accessed in relation to AT devices. Although this website is very basic in its design, it has a wealth of links to other very informative and productive sources of information. I found this website to be very useful in finding other good websites on AT devices.
2. ABLEDATA
http://www.abledata.com/
This web site gives information on sources of Assistive Technology devices and Rehabilitation equipment that is from companies around the world or in the United States, although they do not sell any equipment. They give objective information about Assistive Technology devices so that you as the consumer can better make informed decisions about you future purchase of an AT device. From Aids for daily living to wheeled mobility aids, this website is a must for the wealth of information and sources.
3. Office of Education and Rehabilitative Services http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/index.html?src=mr
This website provides and supports parents with information on special education, rehabilitation and research relating to infants, toddlers, children and adults with disabilities. For example, at this website you can pick from the rehabilitation category and look into the tab on RSA and you will see various links to websites on subjects such as publication and products. I found this website to be informative on a number of categories but not the best.
4. Per Scholas
http://www.perscholas.org/
This website by a nonprofit organization brings lower end computers to low income people and tries to get it to them at a low price. The idea is to at least get a child a computer no matter how old so they can do research, homework, and get computer literacy in the home. These computers are donated by corporation such as the Federal Reserve, Lufthansa Airlines, and JPMorgan who get tax benefits and then get refurbished for resale at a much reduced cost to disabled persons. This is a good website for a source of cheap computers for disabled children who needs assistive technology computer for their home.
5. Guidelines for Assistive Technology
http://www.birth23.org/Publications/assistivetech.pdf
This organization has put together a booklet which covers Assistive Technology in relation to the law, related terminology, evaluation, IEP, IFSP, AT in the school, funding and parent rights. It is a rather lengthy document filled with very good information such as on what is allowed and required on an IEP in regards to Assistive Technology for the child. There is a very good section on parent rights and their ability to participate in the IEP process for their child and decisions on Assistive Technology for their child. I think this is a document that is very informative and will be one of the sources of information I will refer to again and again.
6. Family Guide to Assistive Technology
http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html
This website believes that if Assistive Technology is redefining what is possible for people who have physical and cognitive disabilities. This website helps parents learn more about Assistive Technology, give them ideas about where to look for money to pay for Assistive Technology devices and how to apply for funding to purchase Assistive Technology for their children. The funding part of the website is very informative in that it tell you what kind of programs are out there to assist you in financing a piece of AT. I feel that this website is full very valuable information for the parent who wants AT for their child but cannot afford it.
7. Virginia Assistive Technology System
http://www.vats.org/aboutat.htm
This website is interested in increasing awareness, accessibility and acquisition of Assistive Technology. Because of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, this website is funded and authorized to carry out these goals by the Virginia Assistive Technology System state wide program. At this site you will find excellent tabs linking you to equipment exchange, equipment recycling and other vendors of Assistive Technology devices. At the equipment exchange tab, you will find listing of used equipment that is for sale or for exchange by people who no longer have a need for the equipment. I think this is a good source of leads for equipment at a reduced cost.
8. Resource Center for Independent Living
http://www.rcil.com/index.html
This website is a Civil Rights organization that helps people with disabilities by offering a wide range of independent and advocacy services. In the way of Assistive Technology, this website offers access, resources, training, computer access, and technical assistance to people with disabilities. The website try’s to incorporate Assistive Technology into everyday life and keep current on the latest in Assistive Technology. You are able to purchase Assistive Technology Devices through this website which has partnerships with a wide range of vendors who can be of immense help.
9. Assistive Technology Exchange Center
http://www.atec-oc.org/aboutus_vendors.asp
This website is a resource for any type of Assistive Technology device used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities to individuals at home, school, or work. They are the largest comprehensive provider of the latest Assistive Technology. This website maintains a close relationship with vendors of assistive Technology to ensure they have the latest in Assistive Technology available to you. The list of vendors is very impressive and is a good source for AT devices.
10. Family Caregiver Alliance
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1412
This website is about using Assistive Technology to make the daily activities such as daily living, dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and toileting a little easier. They have a variety of fact sheets describing how different types of Assistive Technologies can be helpful to you in these areas. The interesting thing about these fact sheets is that they are in various languages such as Spanish and Chinese. There are also links to other sites which deal with Assistive Technology legally and in other aspects. I like this website because it is very informative and thorough.
Assistive Technology Device Websites
1. Iowa Compass
http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech/ATDevice.htm
This website covers the categories of assistive technology and has a comprehensive list of products in each category. The categories are alphabetical from Ambulation which lists products such as canes, crutches, walkers and their accessories to Working Animals for blind/low vision, hearing impaired, and physically disabled. The variety of devices in each category is such that it would be of great assistance to anyone researching products for their students. I found this website very helpful in understanding the variety of choices of assistive devices in each category.
2. RJ Cooper and Associates Software and Hardware for Persons with Special Needs http://www.rjcooper.com/
This website makes software and hardware as it relates to everyday technology such as IPods, MP3 players, game players such as Xbox and more complex items like adaptive vehicles. The game controllers which have been adapted for persons with special needs are Xbox, Game cube, and PS3. There is an adaptive vehicle called the Cooper car which is for the most seriously challenged and works with four switches. I found this to be a very unique website in that it takes everyday technology and adapts it for use by special needs persons.
3. Section 508
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=87
This website covers the law in relation to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act to end barriers in information technology. There is a tab which show cases assistive technology devices for hearing, blind, low vision, musculoskeletal, deaf, and any combination of disability. This website has pictures of products such as assistive listening devices, Braille devices, portable closed circuit TV, and ergonomic chairs. I think it is excellent source for specific computer related assistive technology products that can be used by disabled persons.
4. World-class Assistive Technology
http://www.rehabtool.com/at.html
This website covers news, events, forums, and lists many categories of Assistive Technology devices. There are communication aids, computer access aids, daily living aids and many other categories. I especially like the products offered in the daily living aids category such as the toilet and bathing aids to be of interest. The devices at this website improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities for an increase in the standard of living. I really like this website because it is set up with color coded tabs for the categories of their assistive technology devices.
5. National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership http://69.89.27.238/~resnaorg/taproject/activities/reutilization.html
This website has links to various Assistive Technology programs in 56 state and territory programs, device loan programs, training, public awareness and device reutilization. The Device reutilization tab is interesting in that it supports the reuse of Assistive Technology devices through exchanges, refurbishing and recycling of AT devices. I would highly recommend this website as a source of low cost AT devices.
6. Learning, Sight and Sound made easier
http://www.lssproducts.com/category/assistive_technology
This website is one which caters to the visually impaired and hard of hearing through products designed to satisfy their needs. There is AT software, Braille AT, low vision keyboards, reading machines and screen enlargers. I found the clock and watch products to be very useful in that they are large number for better viewing for the visually impaired person. The low vision telephones are well designed for the person with low vision impairments. I feel that this website is very specialized but worth a visit as it satisfies an important daily need for some.
Wheel Chair Disabilities
7. Products and Services
http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_ProdServ/Products/OtherATprod.html
This website is about links to other websites related to assistive technology devices. People who are interested in products and manufactures will be helped by the information at this website. For example, there is a link to sites which provide computer access for physically disabled persons by providing compact keyboards.
8. Ability Hub
http://www.abilityhub.com/general/about.htm
This website is dedicated to helping in finding information about adaptive equipment that is out there to access computers. The website can help disabled individuals who need Assistive Technology in accessing computers. There are also listings for websites of organizations from A to W which offer various Assistive Technology services available to persons with disabilities. There is an area of the website that links to wheelchairs and seating devices for disabled persons who need a variety of accessories for their wheelchairs. I did not find this to be the best site but it is worth looking at for sources of wheelchairs.
9. Institute on Disabilities
http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/piat/index.htm
This website believes that Assistive Technology strives to enhance the lives of disabled people by access to and acquisition of Assistive Technology. This allows a choice, control and independence for disabled people at home, work, and school. This website also provides for searching of information, programs, training, news, and publications on Assistive Technology. I found that the publication tab to be of the most use. You can get brochures, literature, manuals, and reports on Assistive Technology as it relates to disabilities. This kind of information is very useful to the research person.
10. Assistive Technology Resources and Links
http://www.aea10.k12.ia.us/divlearn/Assist/atresource.html - AT%20Vendor%20Websites
This website is set up with tabs that include Assistive Technology resources, AT vendor website links, online resources, news, and software. The Assistive Technology Resources tab takes you to various links such as Learning Disabilities on-line which feature LFD topics. The AT vendor is of much use in that it lists a good selection of vendors such as Nuance which is the leading supplier of speech recognition software. I recommend this website to persons who are interested in the latest software in voice recognition.
http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech/ATDevice.htm
This website covers the categories of assistive technology and has a comprehensive list of products in each category. The categories are alphabetical from Ambulation which lists products such as canes, crutches, walkers and their accessories to Working Animals for blind/low vision, hearing impaired, and physically disabled. The variety of devices in each category is such that it would be of great assistance to anyone researching products for their students. I found this website very helpful in understanding the variety of choices of assistive devices in each category.
2. RJ Cooper and Associates Software and Hardware for Persons with Special Needs http://www.rjcooper.com/
This website makes software and hardware as it relates to everyday technology such as IPods, MP3 players, game players such as Xbox and more complex items like adaptive vehicles. The game controllers which have been adapted for persons with special needs are Xbox, Game cube, and PS3. There is an adaptive vehicle called the Cooper car which is for the most seriously challenged and works with four switches. I found this to be a very unique website in that it takes everyday technology and adapts it for use by special needs persons.
3. Section 508
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=87
This website covers the law in relation to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act to end barriers in information technology. There is a tab which show cases assistive technology devices for hearing, blind, low vision, musculoskeletal, deaf, and any combination of disability. This website has pictures of products such as assistive listening devices, Braille devices, portable closed circuit TV, and ergonomic chairs. I think it is excellent source for specific computer related assistive technology products that can be used by disabled persons.
4. World-class Assistive Technology
http://www.rehabtool.com/at.html
This website covers news, events, forums, and lists many categories of Assistive Technology devices. There are communication aids, computer access aids, daily living aids and many other categories. I especially like the products offered in the daily living aids category such as the toilet and bathing aids to be of interest. The devices at this website improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities for an increase in the standard of living. I really like this website because it is set up with color coded tabs for the categories of their assistive technology devices.
5. National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership http://69.89.27.238/~resnaorg/taproject/activities/reutilization.html
This website has links to various Assistive Technology programs in 56 state and territory programs, device loan programs, training, public awareness and device reutilization. The Device reutilization tab is interesting in that it supports the reuse of Assistive Technology devices through exchanges, refurbishing and recycling of AT devices. I would highly recommend this website as a source of low cost AT devices.
6. Learning, Sight and Sound made easier
http://www.lssproducts.com/category/assistive_technology
This website is one which caters to the visually impaired and hard of hearing through products designed to satisfy their needs. There is AT software, Braille AT, low vision keyboards, reading machines and screen enlargers. I found the clock and watch products to be very useful in that they are large number for better viewing for the visually impaired person. The low vision telephones are well designed for the person with low vision impairments. I feel that this website is very specialized but worth a visit as it satisfies an important daily need for some.
Wheel Chair Disabilities
7. Products and Services
http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_ProdServ/Products/OtherATprod.html
This website is about links to other websites related to assistive technology devices. People who are interested in products and manufactures will be helped by the information at this website. For example, there is a link to sites which provide computer access for physically disabled persons by providing compact keyboards.
8. Ability Hub
http://www.abilityhub.com/general/about.htm
This website is dedicated to helping in finding information about adaptive equipment that is out there to access computers. The website can help disabled individuals who need Assistive Technology in accessing computers. There are also listings for websites of organizations from A to W which offer various Assistive Technology services available to persons with disabilities. There is an area of the website that links to wheelchairs and seating devices for disabled persons who need a variety of accessories for their wheelchairs. I did not find this to be the best site but it is worth looking at for sources of wheelchairs.
9. Institute on Disabilities
http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/piat/index.htm
This website believes that Assistive Technology strives to enhance the lives of disabled people by access to and acquisition of Assistive Technology. This allows a choice, control and independence for disabled people at home, work, and school. This website also provides for searching of information, programs, training, news, and publications on Assistive Technology. I found that the publication tab to be of the most use. You can get brochures, literature, manuals, and reports on Assistive Technology as it relates to disabilities. This kind of information is very useful to the research person.
10. Assistive Technology Resources and Links
http://www.aea10.k12.ia.us/divlearn/Assist/atresource.html - AT%20Vendor%20Websites
This website is set up with tabs that include Assistive Technology resources, AT vendor website links, online resources, news, and software. The Assistive Technology Resources tab takes you to various links such as Learning Disabilities on-line which feature LFD topics. The AT vendor is of much use in that it lists a good selection of vendors such as Nuance which is the leading supplier of speech recognition software. I recommend this website to persons who are interested in the latest software in voice recognition.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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