Assistive Technology Resources
Assistive Technology Resources
Assistive Technology enables people with disabilities to effectively utilize technology and information resources. AC4 is partnered with the Alliance for Technology Access (www.ataccess.org) to help our member sites effectively provide technology resources to people with disabilities. The following information is provided by the Alliance for Technology Access.
- Are you working with adults who are reading at or below the 7th grade level? According to recent reports, 60 to 80% of them have a learning disability that is most likely undiagnosed.
- At nearly twenty percent, people with disabilities are this country's largest minority. This figure includes people with hearing loss, vision problems, arthritis, diabetes, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, speech impairments, mental retardation and cognitive disabilities. There is a great deal of variability of abilities. Impairments that affect the ability to hear, see, speak, walk, learn or manipulate things can be mild to severe and affect people’s lives in very different ways.
- The barriers facing people with disabilities and functional limitations are pervasive and not always obvious. Society’s attitudes are the greatest barriers to inclusion. We can all work together to eliminate the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from having full access to the programs, services and technology tools that enable them to participate in their communities and in the digital revolution.
- Access does not have to be complicated, expensive or accomplished all at once. You can start with what is feasible and affordable. There is a great deal that you can do right now to increase your ability to serve people with disabilities, with some of the tools you already have. Did you know you can enlarge everything on a computer screen using Windows. Did you know you can make computers talk for people having trouble with reading or learning English?
Access exists along a continuum and is a process that requires a sustained effort. Increasing accessibility can become a part of your culture and core values. You can start by doing the following:
- Check out the key resources below.
- Assign someone to take responsibility for access.
- Make a plan.
- Conduct outreach to people with disabilities.
Accessibility Resources
The Alliance for Technology Access ( www.ATAccess.org ) is a network of community-based technology resource centers and vendors focused on access for people with disabilities and functional limitations. ATA is a partner in our Connections for Tomorrow Project with AC4. They have developed the following resources:
- “Starting Points: An Introduction to Creating Access for People with Disabilities” www.ATAccess.org/resources/acaw/startingpoints.html
- “Guide to Low-Cost, No-Cost Accessibility Tools” http://www.ataccess.org/resources/lowcostnocost.html
- “Access Aware: Extending your reach to People with Disabilities” www.ATAccess.org/resources/acaw
- Accessibility resources on the America Connects Consortium web site: www.americaconnects.net/resources
People with disabilities represent an important sector of our community. We know you want to include them. ATA can help! Check out the ATA web site and give us a call at (800) 455-7970.
