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Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) is any device that helps a person with a disability complete an everyday task. Assistive technology includes many specialized devices like typing telephones for people who are deaf and motorized wheelchairs for people who cannot walk. Federal law states that school districts must consider assistive technology for any child in special education. To find out more about assistive technology, read our article Assistive Technology: How Technology Can Help Your Child Be More Active and visit the Web sites below.
- The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
ATA is a national network of community-based resource centers, developers, and affiliates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and to increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. - Illinois State Board of Education Assistive Technology Resource Manual
Developed to help schools meet the assistive technology needs of students with disabilities, this Web site also provides resources on assistive technology laws, funding, and evaluation. - Infinitec.org: Infinite Potential Through Assistive Technology
This non-profit corporation was formed in conjunction with the United Cerebral Palsy Association to help people with disabilities and their families access life-enhancing technology. - LD In Depth: Technology Information
On the official Web site of The National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities, the section on technology information explores new developments in technology, and offers practical insights into the promise and realities of making technology work for people with learning disabilities. - Neighborhood Legal Services
Find information from the U.S. Department of Education at the Web site for the National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project, a project that supports the advocacy efforts of attorneys, advocates, service agencies, persons with disabilities and their families as they seek funding for AT services and devices. - PLUK: Family Guide to Assistive Technology
Created by Parents, Let's Unite for Kids (PLUK), this site provides parents with information about assistive technology, including examples of software and technology, answers to questions about funding, and recommendations for making assistive technology part of a child's education. - State Tech Act Sites
This lists U.S. state and territory Tech Act Projects, established by the U.S. Department of Education to provide people with disabilities and their families with information about the availability of assistive technology products and services. - Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
Visit this Web site of a statewide project that makes assistive technology devices and services more available to children with disabilities.
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Augmentative Communication
- Closing the Gap: Communication Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation
This site provides practical up-to-date information on assistive technology products, procedures, and best practices. Visit the FAQs, online forums, or subscribe to their newsletter for more information on AAC. - The United States Society for Alternative and Augmentative Communication
This national association is dedicated to improving the services, supports and products used by children and adults in need of AAC. It includes information on AAC intervention, devices, funding for AAC, and related resources. - University of Nebraska Barkley AAC Center
This University's center on AAC has tutorials for AAC devices, information on new technology, and links to vendors and other resources. - School Programs That Use AAC Supports:
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Autism
- Refrigerator Mothers
The companion site to the program presented in 2002 by P.O.V., public television's award-winning showcase for independent non-fiction films. Refrigerator Mothers traces the history of widespread and discredited theories placing blame for autism on mothers. The Web site offers advice from the five mothers profiled in the show, as well as current autism resources. - Autism-PDD Resources Network
This site includes brief summaries on many methods of treatment, including sensory integration, behavioral approaches, and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It also includes helpful information on parents' rights. - Autism Society of America
This national organization is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The site includes information on autism, resources for families, news updates and links to their 200 regional chapters. - Families for Early Autism Treatment
This non-profit organization provides education, advocacy, and support for the autism community. The site includes research updates, handbooks, and links to regional chapters. - TASH: Equity, Quality and Social Justice for People with Disabilities
Web site of an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals. Includes resources on education, health, and public policy as well as links to regional chapters.
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Challenging Behavior and Positive Behavior Support
- Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports
Established by the U.S. Department of Education, this center offers information for schools, families, and communities on positive behavioral interventions and support. - SPAN: Statewide Parent Advocacy Network - Positive Behavior Supports Fact Sheet
This step-by-step guide assists in identifying the underlying causes of challenging behavior in a child and provides recommendations for responding.
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Educational Rights
- Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically under served individuals with exceptionalities, and provides resources for professionals, parents, and caregivers. - Exceptional Parent Magazine
The Web site of this national magazine offers multiple online resources and articles for parents and families of children with special needs. - Family & Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE)
The FAPE project is a partnership that aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities. It links families, advocates, and self-advocates to communicate the new focus of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The project is one of four projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education to reach parents and policymakers and represents the needs of 6 million children with disabilities. - National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
In addition to offering online resources for parents, families, and caregivers, this site connects visitors to local resources. - Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
Part of the U.S. Department of Education, OSEP is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. Find out more about current legislation, grants, and parent-training and information centers.
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Inclusive Education
- Circle of Inclusion
This site for early childhood service providers and families of young children offers demonstrations of and information about the effective practices of inclusive educational programs for children from birth through age eight. - Early Childhood Research Institute on Inclusion
This site, based on the research findings of a U.S. Department of Education grant, offers information about inclusion, research results and online resources. - Inclusive Education
Part of the University of Northern Iowa, this web site is designed for educators and parents to help provide answers about how inclusive education can be accomplished. Resources for making accommodations are included as well as links to other web sites and resource lists for learning more about inclusive education.
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Information on Learning Disabilities
- LD OnLine
- Teaching LD (a division of Division of Learning Disabilities of the Council of Exceptional Children)
- Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities
- National Association for the Education of African- American Children with Learning Disabilities
- Schwab Learning
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Networks, Supports and Advocacy Groups
Building social supports and networking with other individuals and families is important for both children with disabilities and their families. Visit these online communities to connect with other families and find additional resources.
For Children and Parents
- Family Village
This global community integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities for persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. - Kids Together
This community site provides helpful information and resources that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities as well as communities.
For Parents
- Beach Center on Families and Disability
The Beach Center is a federally funded research and training center that offers training, technical assistance, and information on issues for families with children with disabilities. - Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically under served individuals with exceptionalities, and provides resources for professionals, parents, and caregivers. - National Parent Information Network
Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, this national network has current news, online resources, and numerous networking opportunities for parents and educators. - Parents Helping Parents
Parents Helping Parents is a family resource center serving parents of children with special needs. - Parent to Parent Network of Pennsylvania
This network and the accompanying Web site was created by families for families of children and adults with special needs. They connect families in similar situations with one another so that they may share experiences, offer practical information and/or support. - Peak Parent Center
The Web site of this Colorado-based organization helps parents of children with disabilities reach out and assist other parents and professionals. Their goal is to ensure that children, youth, and adults, with disabilities lead rich, active lives and participate as full members of their schools and communities. - TASH: The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps
TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm.
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