Chapter 1: Accessibility and Assistive Technology
Section 2: Assistive Technology Information Sources
Abilities Expo
2601 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 200
Santa Monica,
CA
90405
310-450-8831 x130 Voice
Exposition of adaptive products for living with a disability. Several shows annually in various parts of the country.
AbleData
8630 Fenton St., Ste. 930
Silver Spring,
MD
20910
800-227-0216 Toll Free
301-608-8912 TTY
301-608-8958 Fax
abledata@macrointernational.com
www.abledata.com
ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, they can help you locate the companies that do.
ABLEDATA Online Information Centers provide a collection of information on the Internet pertaining to assistive technology and other resources. Information is included on products, websites, conferences, manufacturers, publications and organizations.
Adobe
Provides downloadable accessibility tools that convert PDF documents to HTML or Text for use with screen readers. Also provides information on Adobe efforts to make its product more accessible
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) TECH
1000 Fifth Avenue, Suite 350
Huntington,
WV
25701
304-523-8651 Voice
646-478-9260 Fax
AFB TECH addresses two of the most critical issues facing the ten million Americans who are blind or visually impaired through their Technology/Product Evaluation and CareerConnect.
Technology/Product Evaluation: AFB TECH develops information through analysis, evaluation and laboratory product testing, on a broad range of everyday and emerging devices. Evaluations are published in AFB's AccessWorld: Technology and People with Visual Impairments as well as important related journals.
CareerConnect®: AFB TECH operates a web site and database of currently employed blind or visually impaired individuals, who offer mentorship and support to blind or visually impaired people entering the workplace or pursuing an educational goal. Information for parents, teachers, counselors, and employers is also provided, so they can better assist visually impaired people as they form and actualize their career plans.
Assistive Technology Equipment Loan Program (ATEL) Mary K. Chapman Center For Communicative Disorders
University of Tulsa
2820 E. 5th St.
Tulsa,
OK
74104
918-631-2913 Voice
918-631-3668 Fax
ronda-marfechuk@utulsa.edu
www.cas.utulsa.edu/commdis/home.shtml
The Assistive Technology Equipment Loan Program (ATEL) offers a variety of assistive technology devices for a short-term loan to Oklahomans with disabilities, so that a trial can be experienced before a purchase is considered. Equipment is available through the ATEL program for short-term loans, demonstration, evaluation for appropriate device, or for self-familiarization of device usage. Requests for equipment loans may be made by a person with a disability, family members, advocates or service providers. Follow this link to learn more about the program, http://oec.okstate.edu/loan/partners.php#3.
Assistive Technology Industry Association
401 N. Michigan Ave., MC: 2200-1
Chicago,
IL
60611-4267
877-687-2842 Toll Free
312-321-5172 Voice
312-673-6659 Fax
Boulevard
Online directory of information on assistive technology, adaptive clothing, accessible housing, accessible vehicles, accessible exercise equipment, adaptive devices for daily living, wheelchairs and accessories, health aids and more. Online shopping.
Closing the Gap
P.O. Box 68
Henderson,
MN
56044
507-248-3294 Voice
507-248-3810 Fax
info@closingthegap.com
www.closingthegap.com
Major annual conference and exhibition on computer assisted technology for people with disabilities. Website carries conference information, registration form and technology news.
CSUN Center on Disabilities
California State University at Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St., BH 110
Northridge,
CA
91330--8340
818-677-2578 Voice/TTY
818-677-4929 Fax
codss@csun.edu
www.csun.edu/cod/
Sponsors major annual conference and exhibition on technology and people with disabilities. Vendor and product information as well as conference proceedings available online.
Disability Resources, Inc.
Dept. IN
Four Glatter Ln.
Centereach,
NY
11720-1032
631-585-0290 Voice/Fax
info@disabilityresources.org
www.disabilityresources.org
Assistive Technology Index: an online disability resource guide with an extensive section on assistive technology. Topics include:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication;
- Assistive Tech for Children;
- Blindness and Low Vision Technology;
- Daily Living Aids (Low Tech Devices);
- AT for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing;
- Accessible Web Design;
- Funding Assistive Technology;
- Speech Input;
- Vendors and Vendor Lists;
- Switches; and
- Used Equipment.
Direct link to AT Guide: www.disabilityresources.org/AT.html.
Hearing Helpers
Integris OKC INTEGRIS Third Age Life office
5300 N. Independence, Ste. 210
Oklahoma City,
OK
73112
405-951-8383 Voice
www.okc-hearingloss.org/hearing_helpers.htm
Assistive technology demonstration and short term Loan program - the purpose of the demonstration room is to offer individual or group exploration of one or more assistive technology devices to assist in decision making about device(s) purchases or utilization. Individuals can test assistive listening devices to assist in determining which products are the most successful for use and to "try before they buy." The room is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The demonstration room is staffed by volunteers, many of whom are hearing impaired and can understand the unique hearing patterns of different listeners. Direct link for their policies and procedures, http://oec.okstate.edu/loan/partners.php#4..
IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center
IBM Corporation
1 New Orchard Rd.
Armonk,
NY
10504-1722
800-426-4968 Toll Free
800-426-3383 Toll Free TTY
800-722-9226 Fax
Information on IBM product accessibility features.
Just Plain Folks
419 N Maple St., Ste. C
Pryor,
OK
74361
918-824-1552 Fax
admin@jpfolks2.com
www.jpfolks2.com
Non-Profit Business is designed to help terminal patients, cancer patients, disabled patients, Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) that are in need of a computer and the accessories that go with it. They offer free computers but require a doctors note verifying the disability or illness.
LD Online
WETA Public Television
2775 S. Quincy St.
Arlington,
VA
22206
703-998-2060 Fax
Tech Guide: Hardware and software products for people with learning disabilities. Covers assistive technology for listening, note-taking, writing, math, reading, studying and organizing. Direct link: www.ldonline.org/indepth/technology/techguide.html.
Microsoft Accessibility
Information on Microsoft product accessibility features that are currently on your PC and software.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
200 East Well Street
at Jernigan Place
Baltimore,
MD
21230
410-659-9314 Voice
410-685-5653 Fax
The NFB's products and technology programs provide tools of independence for the blind and serve as models of consumer leadership in designing and implementing innovative services. Blind consumer leaders from throughout the United States take the lead in setting priorities and in promoting the use of new devices which hold promise. Much of the work, such as evaluation of technology at the International Braille and Technology Center and other programs of the Jernigan Institute, is carried out in conjunction with engineers and developers who work as partners with the Federation. Direct link: www.nfb.org/nfb/Products_and_Technology.asp?SnID=106785907.
NewView Oklahoma
501 N. Douglas Ave.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73106
405-232-4644 Voice
405-236-5438 Fax
swright@newviewoklahoma.org
www.newviewoklahoma.org
Assistive technology demonstration and loan project - the purpose of the NewView Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center is to offer individual or group exploration of one or more assistive technology devices to help facilitate informed decision making regarding device utilization and/or purchase. Additionally, the demonstration and evaluation process will help an individual determine which tools are most appropriate, and to determine necessary training. Direct link to their policies and procedures, http://oec.okstate.edu/loan/partners.php#5.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University
Seretean Wellness Center
1514 W. Hall of Fame Rd.
Stillwater,
OK
74078-2026
800-257-1705 Toll Free V/TTY
405-744-9355 Voice/TTY
Programs and services include:
- Assistive technology information and referral;
- Advocacy;
- Training;
- Equipment Exchange (adaptive equipment for resale);
- Assistive tech demonstrations;
- Electronic discussion list;
- Publications including Oklahoma Funding for AT; and
- Information on AT solutions for many needs.
Oklahoma Assistive Technology (AT) Device Short Term Loan Program: ABLE Tech and its partners will provide specialized equipment to Oklahomans with disabilities or those that have a dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of residence within the state and/or appropriate targeted individuals and entities statewide. Consumers have the opportunity to borrow AT devices they would not have otherwise been able to access because no such program exists for specialized equipment. This program will provide Oklahomans with disabilities assistive technology for the purpose of allowing consumers and agencies to "try before they buy," assessment, meeting interim needs when devices go in for repair and for personnel development activities.
Information and Referral: The ABLE Tech INFO-line helps people find the assistive technology they need and keep up with new developments in the field. The ABLE Tech INFO-line provides free information and referral services on assistive technology for people of all ages with disabilities. Family members, service providers, and others who work in fields related to disabilities or to assistive technology may use this service. ABLE Tech INFO-line's resources include a statewide computer database, national resources, in-house collection of catalogs and product literature. The number is 888-885-5588.
Direct link to Short Term Loan Program: http://oec.okstate.edu/home.php .
Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center
1600 N. Phillips Ave.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73104
800-700-6282 Toll Free
405-271-3625 Voice
405-271-1705 TDD
405-271-1707 Fax
osdereg@ouhsc.edu
www.theoatc.org
Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center (OATC) offers a variety of services for children, adolescents and adults with disabilities who may benefit from assistive technology to maintain, enhance, or improve their functional capabilities at home, school and/or work. They also provide information and referral sources, AT consultations and assessments, technical support and training and AT short-term equipment loans. Assistive technology services may be provided in the home, community, work, school and/or clinic environment, depending upon the funding source.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
State Office
3535 N.W. 58th St., Ste. 500
Oklahoma City,
OK
73112-4824
800-845-8476 Toll Free V/TTY
405-951-3400 Voice/TTY
Counselors and technology specialists provide assistive technology evaluations, devices and services to agency clients based on individual needs related to achievement of employment goals. They also help employers locate appropriate adaptive equipment for employees with disabilities. Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation or Visual Services counselor for information. See DRS Offices Statewide, Rehabilitation section for contact information.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Visual Services, Rehabilitation Technology Lab for Blindness and Low Vision
Shepherd Mall
2401 N.W. 23rd. St., Ste. 91
Oklahoma City,
OK
73107-2412
800-523-0288 Toll Free
405-522-3333 Voice
ahilliard@okdrs.gov
www.okdrs.gov/seekers/seekers-at-lab.htm
- Individual assistive technology evaluations;
- Recommendations for assistive technology to meet individual needs;
- Demonstration of adaptive computer technology;
- Employer consultation on technology for employment situations; and
- Information on assistive tech options for blindness and low vision.
Direct link: www.okrehab.org/services_vsservices.html.
Oklahoma School for the Blind
3300 Gibson St.
Muskogee,
OK
74403
877-229-7136 Toll Free
918-781-8200 Voice
lhawkins@okdrs.gov
www.okrehab.org/students/OSB.htm
OSB is a residential and day school for children and youth with visual impairments. The School also serves as a statewide resource for the education of blind and visually impaired children in the public schools. Programs and services include:
- Academic instruction through 12th grade;
- Instruction in specialized adaptive skills such as braille, orientation and mobility, use of assistive technology and low vision aids, and independent living skills;
- Vocational training and work-study opportunities;
- College preparation;
- Social, cultural and recreational activities including sports teams, music, band competitions, and a variety of student organizations;
- Outreach services providing technical assistance to help teachers and parents develop appropriate individualized education programs for visually impaired children in public schools;
- Related services such as student assessment, counseling, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, audiological services, health care and parent education and counseling; and
- Library and Media Center with educational materials in alternate formats including Braille, large print and recordings. Assistive devices to try out or borrow include talking appliances, magnifiers, closed-circuit TVs for print enlargement, electronic Braille notetakers and much more.
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
1700 N. Moore St., Ste. 1540
Arlington,
VA
22209-1903
703-524-6686 Voice
703-524-6639 TTY
RESNA Technical Assistance Project provides technical assistance to state assistive tech projects authorized and funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Advises projects regarding advocacy, program management, universal design issues, state procurement actions and funding of assistive technology.
Credentialing Program provides assistive technology practitioner certificate for service providers primarily involved in analysis of a consumer's needs and training in use of a particular device.
The assistive technology supplier certificate is for service providers involved in the sale and service of commercially available devices.
Sooner Ambucs
P.O. Box 118
Norman,
OK
73070
405-360-1521 Voice
Adri-Anne@cox.net
www.soonerambucs.org
Ambucs Share-4-Life Komputers (ASK): the program takes donations of used computers and gives them to individuals with disabilities. Software is installed on the computers but adaptive software and hardware is not provided. Direct Link: www.soonerambucs.org/default.asp?page_id=27372.
Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access (TSHA)
8740 E. 11th St., Ste. A
Tulsa,
OK
74112-7957
888-311-3523 Toll Free
918-832-8742 Voice
918-834-4329 Fax
administrator@tsha.cc
www.tsha.cc
Short term loan and demonstration program - Direct link to view TSHA's policy and procedures: http://oec.okstate.edu/loan/docs/TSHAPolicesProcedures.pdf.
Trace Research and Development Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
2107 Engineering Centers Bldg.
1550 Engineering Dr.
Madison,
WI
53706
608-262-6966 Voice
608-263-5408 TTY
608-262-8848 Fax
info@trace.wisc.edu
trace.wisc.edu
The Center works on ways to make standard information technologies and communications systems more accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. Operates Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers on Information Technology Access and on Telecommunications Access. Provides information on Web accessibility. See web page, Designing More Usable Web Sites: http://trace.wisc.edu/world/web/.
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
MIT/CSAIL, Building 32-G530
32 Vassar St.
Cambridge,
MA
02139
617-253-2613 Voice
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) works with organizations around the world to develop strategies, guidelines and resources to help make the web accessible to people with disabilities. Web content accessibility guidelines: how to make web site content accessible to people with disabilities. Direct link: www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag.php.
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