Assistive Technology Works!

Knowing where to begin and how to proceed can be daunting, however.  We're here to help.  The Family Center on Technology and Disability provides a wide range of resources on instructional and assistive technologies, from introductory fact sheets through CEU's for practitioners and educators.  Try setting aside 30 minutes a day to review an FCTD resource.  Before you know it, you'll know a lot more about both established and emerging technologies that can improve the lives of the children and youth with whom you work and live.  Of course, we're here for your just-in-time information needs as well.  We hope you'll visit our site often!

Technology Voices

AI as AT: Artificial Intelligence Technology with Crossover Potential Little girl using laptop

Artificial intelligence (AI) - the ability of a machine to imitate purposeful human behavior - has long captured our imagination. Since the 1970’s, computer scientists have made significant progress in applying AI research to a broad range of challenges. Some, such as the University of Delaware’s Kathleen McCoy, have merged their passion for computer science with other academic disciplines to expand the communi­cation capabilities of individuals with disabilities. In this edition of FCTD’s Technology Voices, Dr. McCoy discusses natural language generation, rehabilitation engineering, augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology. http://www.fctd.info/newsletters

Assistive Technology (AT) Resources

Explore our AT Resources database for information on assistive and instructional technology.   This week our featured resource is iPad as Interactive Whiteboard: Parts1-4.  This reource is a video series which features a review of the software needed to create an interactive whiteboard with the iPad. In this portion of the series Dr. Tim Tyson demonstrates the use of Ink2Go and Air Display for whiteboard tasks. Dr. Tyson also updates the original series to include keyboard options with Mac Keyboard Viewer or Mobile Mouse, audio recording with QuickTime and audio input options from Bluetooth headsets or USB microphones.

 

Join the FCTD Network!

MembersLet people throughout the U.S. know who you are and what you do. By joining the FCTD network, you'll make it easier for colleagues and consumers to find you through our searchable organization database.  You'll also automatically receive our monthly newsletter by email.  It's simple to do and, of course, it's free! Join the FCTD Network.

Sign up for our listserv.

E-mail graphicReceive our free monthly newsletter and announcements (infrequent...no email overload from us.)   To register for our listserv, click here.

Assistive Technology Solutions Fact sheet

Our new AT fact sheet provides visual examples of a range of AT products to help parents who are beginning their search for assistive technology.This fact sheet includes basic questions to be considered when trying to identify assistive technology devices that will best suit your child and illustrated examples of some of the AT options available.  Each AT example has an icon indicating whether it is high-tech, mid-tech or low-tech. Product vendors are also listed. Please note that vendors listed may not be the sole supplier for a particular product. View a pdf of the AT Solutions fact sheet.

Early Childhood and AT

Our new Powerpoint presentation provides images of AT devices designed for young children and identifies the issues that  should be considered when selecting AT for them. Functional areas include: communication, mobility, and learning. This resource briefly discusses IDEA issues and the need to identify AT in IFSP and IEP plans. We invite you to use the resource with families, caregivers, educators, advocates, and disability professionals.   

2011 AT Resources CD-Rom

To order individual or bulk copies of our Assistive Technology Resources CD-ROM, please visit http://www.fctd.info/show/order_form.

FCTD Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology & Transition Planning

This 50-page guide offers families information and resources to effectively prepare for and participate in periods of transition in their children’s lives. In family-friendly language the guide discusses transition plans and the role of AT in them, offers checklists and suggestions. and provides a range of resources aimed at helping students make successful transitions to higher education, employment and independent living. The guide can be accessed online in both Spanish and English at http://www.fctd.info/show/fig_summary 

Assistive Technology Success Stories

Our archive of success stories features young people whose personal success and growth have been aided by their use of assistive technology. Read about them in our AT Success Stories.

Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)
FHI 360 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW 7th Floor Washington, DC 20009-5721
phone: (202) 884-8068 fax: (202) 884-8441 email: fctd@fhi360.org
Copyright 2012