The Family Center on Technology and Disability
Assistive Technology Works
Abbreviate! Version 1.99
As a writer faced with hundreds of pages a week and few free hours to craft those pages, personal written shorthand and abbreviations are tools for my essential drafts and fleeting ideas. Microsoft Office abbreviation expansion is undesirable because it hijacks valuable CPU memory. Like many Microsoft elements (i.e. spell check, grammar, or readability stats) the expansion can also lock up a user's system. The Abbreviate! utility software runs in ...
Published: 2005 , Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Virtual World Teaches Real-World Skills
This article describes how virtual technology has the potential to teach social skills to people with neurological disorders, including autism and Asperger’s disease. The virtual world, an island called Brigadoon, is a 3D virtual environment created by gaming technology from Second Life. Users create their own avatars, build digital houses and seek out friends in this virtual community. They are free to create an interactive life through technology that they ...
Published: 2005 by Tom Loftus , Reviewed: July 18, 2005
ModuMath
This approach to the learning of mathematics and algebra was developed by professional teachers to reach those students who find it difficult to grasp the subject matter. It is a multimedia experience with 51 Basic Math and 32 Algebra digital video lessons. Lesson topics are listed on the website. The method provides timely feedback and review while adjusting to the pace of the learner. Originally developed in the 1970‘s, this ...
Published: 2005 by Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation, Inc , Reviewed: November 29, 2005
Ability Online Support Network
The Ability Online Support Network was first developed in 1991 as a local bulletin board, but has since grown to include members worldwide. It is a free Internet community where children and young people with disabilities, and their families, can exchange messages and participate in online activities in a safe environment. Registration is free although it takes a few days to receive the personal code needed to sign on. The ...
Published: 2005 by Elizabeth O'Neil , Reviewed: March 03, 2006
Universal Design and IT: Ensuring That Information Technology is Accessible to ...
This PowerPoint presentation discusses and demonstrates assistive technology that people with various disabilities use to access Web content. The authors reviews Web accessibility guidelines, propose design solutions, and discuss evaluating your Web site for accessibility. Paired with the presentation is a list of relevant resources.
Published: 2005 by William Miller and Kathy Gips , Reviewed: December 09, 2008
Multimodal Presentation as a Solution to Access a Structured Document
Although somewhat complex, this article shows how, by way of a multimodal presentation, the blind can efficiently and effectively access and read World Wide Web documents. It describes software that is currently available to help assist visually impaired persons access the web and some of the problems that may be experienced with these methods. It further describes a presentation model called SMART and why this is more successful. There is ...
Published: 2004 by Truillet, P., Oriola, B., and Vigouroux, N. , Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Assistive Technology and Rural Life
This brochure addresses the unique set of challenges faced by members of rural communities when accessing, selecting, funding, and maintaining assistive technology devices and services. A variety of assistive technology solutions that might help a person with a disability work and live more independently in a rural setting, such as hydraulic and computerized control systems, are briefly described. The brochure also provides a list of assistive technology services and resources ...
Published: 2004 by Oklahoma ABLE Tech , Reviewed: March 09, 2009
AAC Strategies for Young Children with Vision Impairments and Multiple ...
This short article explains to the reader that AAC strategies for young children with visual impairments must take into consideration the special challenges of learning without vision. The article provides information to assist the reader to select books and software for the child with a visual impairment. Additionally, the article states that children with a visual impairment must have a cue to signal transition from one activity to the next. ...
Published: 2004 by Goldware, M. and Silver, M. , Reviewed: March 09, 2009
Access and Productivity Tools Website
The Synapse Adaptive resource site contains information and links to speech recognition, compliance, resources, and vision products. Many products utilized in education for students who need AT (Assistive Technology) and/or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) are included (for example IntelliTools,/IntelliKeys, Co:Writer, Write OutLoud, and Naturally Speaking). A catalog is available with free demo downloads plus ergonomic information.
Published: 2004 , Reviewed: November 21, 2008
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers Website
This site links individuals to an array of websites to assist those with communication disabilities and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). There is also an update on the Medicare notice covering AAC. Areas covered include education, literacy, vendors, academic resources, early intervention, and other AAC links. There is a connection to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association for service providers and users of AAC.
Published: 2004 , Reviewed: December 04, 2008
Free and Cheap Solutions for Those with a Visual Impairment
This short article describes simple ways that a Windows user with a visual impairment can configure his/her operating system for improved access. It gives step by step instructions on how to use Windows‘ features to enhance the screen.
Published: 2004 by Ability Net , Reviewed: December 08, 2008
AT for Blind Students
This material is intended to provide information to anyone needing to learn about assistive technology for vision impaired students. It presents detailed information on different low and high tech products that can be used for everything from reading and math to computer access. Each product is described and has a link for more information. Well-written, comprehensive, and not overwhelming.
Published: 2004 by Katie Beaver and Gail Vaughan , Reviewed: December 04, 2008
Case Story: Reading Challenges in Social Studies
CAST offers teachers in-depth, topic-based resources in the Teaching Every Student Case Story. This particular example deals with reading difficulties for students learning Social Studies. Like many CAST resources, the selling point of Case Stories is the emphasis on Universally Designed Learning (UDL). Educators will enjoy the progression from problem to solution and the model lesson plan that allows teachers to compare traditional teaching methods with UDL methods. For further ...
Published: 2004 , Reviewed: August 09, 2005
Preparing for College: An Online Tutorial
This PDF brochure/website which is located on the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) website has an amazing number of resources that can be used by teachers, parents and students with disabilities who are preparing for postsecondary education. There are numerous website links that one can explore related to making a successful transition to college. All the videos that are available online have captioning and audio description. There are interest ...
Published: 2004 by Sheryl Burgstahler , Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Club NDSS
Club NDSS is a wonderful resource for teens and adults who have Down Syndrome or other developmental disabilities. The NDSS website offers easily understandable information on important issues such as relationships, safety, advocacy, self-determination, school, volunteering, money, employment and more. Club NDSS also provides a tutorial for using the web. The three online lessons teach new users how to use web links, how to use pull down menus and how ...
Published: 2004 by National Down Syndrome Society , Reviewed: December 05, 2008
Are Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) Accessible?
PDA’s are becoming increasingly popular in education settings. Although PDA’s are used by some individuals with disabilities, such as those who have learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities and communication difficulties, these devices are not accessible to all users. This fact sheet lists other devices and software that are available that can increase access to PDA types of devices. There is also a link to a database which reviews pros and cons ...
Published: 2004 by National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education , Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Freedom Machines Discussion Guide
This discussion guide was created to accompany the film, "Freedom Machines", aired on PBS‘s POV in September 2004. Freedom Machines examines the role of technology and its presence in society, especially as a tool for people with disabilities. While the film was meant to raise awareness of many issues, the guide is meant to generate discussion and action in remediating some of the imbalances in society related to technology tools, ...
Published: 2004 by Dr. Faith Rogow , Reviewed: April 06, 2005
Notetaking Guide - Technology Supports for Struggling Readers
The Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) and the Texas Education Agency created "Technology Supports for Struggling Readers" as a part of the Assistive Technology in Texas Schools Series. The 35-page publication is billed as a "professional development module" but it would be wiser to say that the 35 pages are a charted resource list, rather than a lesson/exercise/response-based training module. Using links and descriptions, the charts start with Phonological Awareness ...
Published: 2004 by Texas Assistive Technology Network , Reviewed: December 30, 2008
A Review of Technology-Based Approaches for Reading Instruction: Tools for ...
This paper describes the development of the Reading Matrix - a searchable database that presents evidence and products for the use of technologies that support the instruction of reading for students with reading disabilities. It explores the relationship between reading skills development and computer based technology approaches. A multi-vocal synthesis approach was used to investigate this area, which is characterized as having “an abundance of diverse documents and a scarcity ...
Published: 2004 by Silver-Pacuilla, H., Ruedel, K. & Mistrett, S. , Reviewed: December 13, 2007
I Can Soar Video
This well-produced video kit includes a documentary-style video and supplemental materials great for building awareness of assistive technology. The video was developed with families, practitioners, school administrators, and state administrators in mind. Viewers learn about real life challenges, benefits of assistive technology, and strategies for integrating assistive technology into daily routines in the home, school, and community. A resource guide and accessible multi-platform CD are included. While organizational and individual ...
Published: 2004 by National Center for Technology Innovation , Reviewed: December 09, 2008