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Special Education

Additional Resources on Assistive Technology and Accessibility

AbleData
ABLEDATA is a federally funded project designed to provide information on assistive technology. Its database includes thousands of products, from low-tech to high-tech devices.

Accommodation Strategies by DO-IT: Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
The DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through technology and education. It promotes awareness and accessibility—in both the classroom and the workplace—to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities and make our communities more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
CAST is a research and development organization that is recognized for its innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Its Web site includes a section, Teaching Every Student , designed to support educators in using UDL principles.

Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities
The Center works with teachers, parents, and industry leaders to research and disseminate high-quality reports about engagement, effectiveness, and accessibility of online education for students with disabilities. Partners in this initiative include the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), and the National Association of State Special Education Directors.

Described and Captioned Media Program
The DCMP media library has over 4,000 free-loan described and captioned media titles. If a class has at least one deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind student, the teacher can set up a free membership and access the materials. Members can watch media online or order a DVD copy to be shipped to the school.

Easter Seals Massachusetts
In addition to its many other services, Easter Seals-Boston is an assistive technology demonstration and loan center, allowing educators, families, and individuals to try out various devices or to temporarily replace a device that is being repaired. These services are offered through the MassMATCH assistive technology act program.

The Family Center on Technology and Disability
This website offers basic information about assistive technology, monthly newsletters, success stories, information about disability organizations, reviews of technology resources, and more. Some resources are available in Spanish.

National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials
This site focuses on how schools can serve students who are unable to read or use standard print materials. There are articles and research about effective practices, technical information about NIMAS and related technologies, tutorials, webinars, online forums, and more.

National Center on Universal Design for Learning
Founded by CAST, this national center provides information about the principles universal design, research evidence, implementation guidelines, examples, news, resources, tools, and more. The site also includes videos.

Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT)
QIAT is a national, grassroots group that provides input into the ongoing process of developing, disseminating and implementing a set of quality indicators for assistive technology services. These indicators offer guidelines for districts wishing to improve their services.

United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County
In addition to its many other services, UCP-Berkshire is an assistive technology demonstration and loan center, allowing educators, families, and individuals to try out various devices or to temporarily replace a device that is being repaired. These services are offered through the MassMATCH assistive technology act program.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI)
School districts across the country use the WATI materials to help guide them through the process of considering, assessing, implementing, and supporting the use of assistive technology. The publications offer suggested tools and strategies for students with various types of disabilities, as well as for various curriculum areas. The website also includes checklists to assist educators in gathering information about the student, the student's environment, and tasks the student needs to complete.

Last Updated: July 23, 2019

 
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