Assistive Technology Information Links
The following is a compilation of resources about assistive technology, including product databases, training courses, research and development centers, and AT-related organizations that individual Trace Center staff have found particularly useful.
Assistive Technology Product Databases
- ABLEDATA is a database of information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available in the United States. Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, it contains more than 29,000 product listings and covers everything from white canes and adaptive clothing to low vision reading systems and voice output programs.
- Assistivetech.net is an online information resource created by Georgia Tech's Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access, under funding by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. It provides information on assistive technologies and related resources.
Assistive Technology Training
- EASI offers online and onsite-training courses about accessible information technology, focusing on making software, hardware and online information available to people with various disabilities.
- California State University-Northridge (CSUN) Center on Disabilities AT Training Program provides a series of advanced, one and two-day training workshops to offer in-depth training on specific areas of AT; an Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program; and customized training courses.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) has a two-day fundamentals course in assistive technology that is designed for newcomers as well as experienced professionals looking to expand their perspective of AT.
- University at Buffalo has a free Assistive Technology Training Online Project which provides internet-based training in both general and specific areas of adapted computer use. The focus is on AT applications that address the needs of students with disabilities, particularly in elementary classrooms.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers on Assistive Technology
The RERCs are funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The following conduct research and development on assistive technologies related to E&IT.
- RERC on Communication Enhancement
Duke University - RERC on Hearing Enhancement
Gallaudet University - RERC on Technology for Successful Aging
University of Florida - Smith-Kettlewell RERC for Sensory Aids
Assistive Technology Organizations / Conferences
- The Alliance For Technology Access (ATA) is a network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers and Vendors, Affiliates, and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies.
- Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). Annual conference held in January, in Florida.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). Publications, training and certification program, and other information available on the Web site. Annual conference held in June.
- Closing the Gap (CTG). Newspaper, Resource Directory, and Forums. Annual conference held in October in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- California State University-Northridge (CSUN) Center on Disabilities. Annual conference on "Technology and Persons with Disabilities" held in March in Los Angeles, California.