Assistive and Accessible Technology

See Hear Communication Matters LogoRemote communication options for Deaf/Hard of Hearing professionals or students

 

 

Access strategies for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in remote meetings

 

freedom-scientific-logoUntil 6/30/2020, JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion are free of charge

 

 

Vistas Education LogoNational Homework Hotline for Blind/Visually Impaired Students

The National Homework Hotline for Blind/Visually Impaired Students (NHH-BVI) is a free service for K-12 and college students in the United States who are experiencing school closures due to COVID-19.  NHH-BVI responders are experienced TVIs, tutors, blind mentors, STEM professionals,  and college students eager to assist blind/visually impaired students access and complete their school work.

 

 

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research CenterAccessibility tips for a better Zoom meeting

 

 

 

FRCD LogoAssistive Technology Act  

The technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies.

 

 

 

Pacer LogoThe National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) & PACER Center AIM Resources for Families! Basics for Families, The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) & PACER Center have published two booklets for families explaining accessible instructional materials and how they may benefit students with disabilities.  A “Basics” booklet (also available in Spanish) and technical guide are available to download at  cost, and print copies are also available.  Learn more at  https://www.pacer.org/stc/pubs/STC-23.pdf.  

 

Illinois Assistive Technology ProgramThe Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is a not-for-profit agency that promotes the availability of assistive technology services and programs for people with disabilities.  IATP’s device loan program is FREE and easy to use. Devices are loaned to Illinois residents for 5 weeks and loan extensions are sometimes possible. For more information contact: (217) 522-7985 voice; (217) 522-9966 TTY. Illinois Assistive Technology Program. The Assistive Technology Unit http://www.iltech.org/

 

UIC Assistive Technology Unit  The Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) is the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) for the State of Illinois currently authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act). IDHD is part of a national network of 67 UCEDDs – at least one in every US state and territory. UCEDDS are dedicated to promoting the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society. http://www.ahs.uic.edu/dhd/

able data banner

AbleData is a free resource for objective information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment from both domestic and international sources.  AbleData provides information on more than 38,000 products, 5,000 manufacturers and distributors, 3,000 organizations, and 9,000 research abstracts. Please call (800) 227-0216 voice; (301) 608-8912 TTY  for more information. https://abledata.acl.gov/

 

abilityHubLogoAbility Hub Assistive Technology Solutions Guide to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers. Learn more at https://sinneavefoundation.org/sinneave_work_item/the-ability-hub/

 

Learning Disability Online logoFamily Information Guide to Assistive Technology & Transition Planning This 50 page guide is aimed at providing families with the information they need to effectively prepare for and participate in periods of transition in their children’s lives.  http://www.ldonline.org/article/Assistive_Technology_101

 

US Department of Education Office of Civil RightsDepartment of Education Issues Guidance on Rights of Students to Enjoy the Benefits of Technology. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance through Dear Colleague Letters to elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education along with a “Frequently Asked Questions” document on the legal obligation to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of technology. This guidance provides information to schools about their responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201105-ese.html

variety chidren's Charity logo

Variety the Children’s Charity is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well being of children. Through a network of 54 chapters in 14 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with disabilities. Through hard work, thoughtful stewardship and single-minded focus on the needs of the young, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families, our communities and the world…one need at a time.  Please call: (312) 822-0660. http://www.varietyofillinois.org