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.