This is a collection of useful links to websites related to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
I. Assistive Technology Device Websites
1. Assistive Technology Tools, Tips and Tricks*
Roy, James
Technical Resource Centre
http://www.nsnet.org/atc/
This website deserves its place as number one in my list because of its content. This website contains a long list of the most common assistive technology tools, categorized into many uses, such as Processing and Understanding, Writing and Spelling, and so on. What I found most admirable about the site, aside from it being well-organized, is its detailed description of each assistive technology tool. About every tool or product described comes with a comprehensive overview and external links specifically for that tool or product. This is extremely useful for anyone who wants to become knowledgeable of the common assistive technology devices in our modern society. There aren’t any images, and the layout is plain, so that might be something the owner could improve in the future. However, I absolutely love the recommendations attached to each category, because it makes others aware of various existing products for individual needs.
2. VoiceOver
Apple, Inc.
2008
http://www.apple.com/
This little space in the Apple Accessibility section explains everything one needs to find out about VoiceOver, a text analyzer found in the Leopard, the newest Mac operating system. This webpage provides an in-depth look at the program, so its features are explained in detail. What characterizes VoiceOver as an advanced technology of its kind is its ability to read not just sentences at a time, but paragraphs as a whole. The VoiceOver command sounds good at any speed, and is compatible with braille displays too. Its settings are portable via USB drive. This website does a superb job at promoting the product. Of course, because of VoiceOver’s fresh features, Apple once again scores points for its creativity, quality products and advancement in technology.
3. Jitterbug Phones
Samsung, Inc.
2009
http://www.jitterbug.com/
The Jitterbug Phone, by Samsung, is considered an assistive technology tool because of the features that set it apart from a “regular” phone. Although the phone appears to be normal from the outside, the differences show once it is flipped. The phone has a large, easy to read keypad, simple menus, and background noise reduction technology. At first thought it may seem like the Jitterbug is only for the elderly or the stubborn anti-technology folk, but the Jitterbug serves as an assistive technology tool for many populations, like people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, mild (and possibly moderate) mental retardation, and physical disabilities. The website explains its features more than briefly, but not in full detail.
4. Read the Words
Educational Utilities
2008
Once this website loads onto your computer, you will instantly see a sample of the tool it’s promoting: Read the Words. This free, online service is geared towards individuals who are in need of translation from text to speech. Using TTS (text-to-speech technology-- yes, a pretty straightforward term) the tool allows the user to convert almost any written material on the computer into words or sentences that you can hear. The tool is even fluent in Spanish and French. Unlike VoiceOver by Apple, the speed of the reading cannot be adjusted. It isn’t difficult to imagine how many types of people with disabilities this could be of use to. What makes the website even more helpful is that it’s offered free after the registration process. The website is neat, tabbed and comprehensive.
5. Ok-Writer
Syndicomm
2007
http://www.syndicomm.com/mac/
The main target of this product is children, but to anyone familiar with special needs, the blind and visually impaired come to mind. This website generally introduces the reader to Ok-Writer, a word processor for kids that have incorporate color, sound effects and simplicity into the basic functions of such a tool. What makes this a useful assistive technology tool is the “Speak as you Type” function, its ability to sound out the words the user types. After the software is introduced on the page, the two options pop up below: Download or CD. The website says that the product is free, but a $10 shareware license fee is mandatory. This website is very brief, but it is the place to visit for anyone interested in downloading the software.
II. Assistive Technology Organizations
6. The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
This is easy-to-navigate website showcases the successes, supporters, and growth of the ATA. The ATA is an organization commits itself to the increase of technology made available for people with disabilities. The side panel contains the organization’s mission, services, centers, supporters, and information on joining the association. News, initiatives, and frequently asked questions about the organization are found there as well. Based on the appearance of the site, I am assuming that this is a large network that is well-supported by sponsors. Most interesting (and inspiring) in the site is the collection of testimonies of individuals who benefitted from assistive technology tools in their lives. The testimonies are in video format, accessible to anyone who is interested. The members area clearly is just members only (because I’ve tried and failed). I assume it is where alliance members interact with each other through the site.
7. The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)*
The purpose of this project is to give support to organizations that work with families of children with disabilities. More importantly, FCTD aims to provide assistive and instructional technology resources to those families of children with disabilities. The website offers a few things, such as newsletters, membership to their Listserv, fact sheets, and links to others sites that might be equally helpful. Here you can also find an online book entitled “Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology” that readers can print. The book contains the steps families can take to gain a better chance in obtaining whatever technology is needed. The source tips parents on how to acquire funding and what technology is appropriate for their child. The same online book is available in Spanish, and I personally feel that this shows consideration for minority groups in the mainland.
8. Kids Together
http://www.kidstogether.org/
Kids Together is a nonprofit organization that seeks to inform children, first and foremost, but also adults about assistive technology, inclusion, and the rights of individuals with disabilities. Although the website claims to be an organization for kids, the layout is in no way kid-friendly or seems appealing to children. The colors are dull and minimal and the readability level is high. However, the history section explains how Kids Together was established and eventually became what it is today. Because the organization emerged out of an annual children’s festival, we can now comprehend why the organization is entitled Kids Together. Further, the site displays information about the categories of assistive technology and computers for people with disabilities.
9. LD Online
http://www.ldonline.org/
This organization focuses primarily on helping students with learning disabilities, but one of its components is assistive technology. With the aid of assistive technology, the organization believes that they can reach the lives of those with LD more effectively. The organization is a strong supporter of assistive technology tools as they believe technology breaks down barriers and gives opportunities to individuals with learning disabilities. The questions and answers section explores the best and most commonly used technologies for students with LD. Advice on how to select the proper assistive technology, as well as increasing inclusion opportunities with newly acquired assistive technology are also discussed. Finally, there is a neat multimedia section that offers streaming videos about LD awareness.
10. Partnerships in Assistive Technology
PAT is a relatively new organization based in North Carolina. Its primary service to the state is what the organization refers to as the Exchange Post. The Exchange Post is a web-based system in which buyers and sellers of assistive technology tools can communicate and sell or buy. People seeking assistive technology tools will benefit here just as well as people opting to sell their used assistive technology tools. The organization holds expos as well, which means they schedule dates where speakers, advocates and of course vendors come together and make the event successful. This organization is currently in effect only in the state of North Carolina, but maybe it will aim to expand nationwide in the future.
III. Assistive Technology Articles
11. Assistive Technology: Issues and Trends
Scherer, Marcia J.
ERIC
Aug. 22, 1999
This article, published nearly a decade ago, discusses the relationship between the caretaker or caregiver of the person with a disability and the assistive technology tools they use. Though the article is somewhat dated, the topic is indeed very interesting because it studies the roles and responsibilities the caregiver has over the assistive technology tool and sees how the caregiver’s competency or confidence with the tool can affect the general use of that tool. It then follows with the idea that older caregivers are not as knowledgeable with usage (which means that their lack of understanding impedes the full potential of the tool). The article is in .pdf format and is a raw scan of the paper. Although the article is not quite recent, the ideas are still applicable to modern times.
12. From Illegible to Understandable: How Word Prediction and Speech Synthesis Can Help
MacArthur, Charles A.
LD Online
July/Aug 1998
http://www.ldonline.org/
The article tells of how assistive technology came to save the day in the life of Thomas, a nine-year-old third grader with a learning disability. Thomas’s teacher used a word processor that included speech synthesis and limited word prediction capabilities as part of a research study. The articles goes on by listing some statistics which suggest that the assistive technology tools are highly effective on students with learning disabilities. To prevent any bias, however, the article followed on critical issues, which then stated that some flaws in the tool exist. For example, word prediction programs with larger dictionaries are ineffective and do not necessarily improve students’ writing skills. Teachers are also advised in the article to consider simpler alternatives before deciding to use word prediction and speech synthesis. This article is useful for comparing and contrasting with technology choices today.
13. Assistive Technology: Making the Impossible Possible
Starkman, Neal
The Journal
January 2007
http://www.thejournal.com/
This article explores the elements of a few success stories of assistive technology in the lives of several children. The devices discussed were: a color coded keyboard that is arranged in alphabetical order, an book that reads out to the user, and the Victor Reader Vibe, an mp3 audio book. The article not only describes the functions of the assistive technology tools; the emotional aspect is explored in the article as well. The young users experienced a feeling of confidence, happiness and increased overall self-worth. “I can do anything any kid can do” is the motto here. The target audience is the general public, not necessarily people who are familiar with special education, so the terminology is clearly introduced. It's quite an easy read.
14. CSUN
Smith, Ryann E.
Ability Magazine
June 05 2003
http://www.abilitymagazine.
This article summarizes an important event in the promotion and advancement of assistive technology. This 18th Annual Conference held in Los Angeles was called “Technology for Persons with Disabilities”. Apparently, the conference is a very large event, led by one of the leading inventors of modern times, Ray Kurzweil. Even big names like Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, UNIX and IBM were present. There were a total of 150 companies that took part in the event and each presented a wide array of assistive technology products and services. This article is an interesting read because it describes an event that is very effective in creating public awareness in the advancement of assistive technology and the future it faces. I found it interesting how these big names and companies are supportive of special needs and are taking measures to help improve the lives of these people.
15. Including Assistive Technology in the Standard Curriculum
Warger, Cynthia
ERIC Clearninghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
October 1998
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/
This is another somewhat dated article that can help its readers understand a little bit more about the evolution of assistive technology. Because it was published in 1998, the requirement to include assistive tech tools in IEPs were fairly recent. It explains how the new requirement caused a massive amount of work for school districts nationwide in order to implement it. The article discusses how assistive technology tools hold the potential to enhance subject areas such as Literacy, Science, Math, and even Technology. The article closes with promising views about the power of assistive technology, and how the help of Federal laws will create a brighter future for the assistance of individuals with disabilities.
1 comments:
Hi:
I was intrigued by your description of the first technology device, but the link does NOT lead to the correct web page.
-j-
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