This resource guide explains the differences between shareware and public domain computer software programs. Over 90 sources that make these programs available are listed, including organization name, address, telephone number, general costs, and computer types. Several sources that specialize in special education software or adaptive software are…

Projects of the Foundation for Technology Access are described, such as the Alliance for Technology Access and the Computer Classroom Integration Demonstration. The resource section lists, by state, over 150 resource centers of the Alliance for Technology Access, RESNA, and the Council for Exceptional Children. (JDD)

This brochure presents an overview of adaptive computing technology and how it can help people with disabilities participate more fully in society. It defines key terms (such as "disability" and "access barriers") and briefly summarizes provisions of major laws: the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Technology-Related Assistance Act,…

This article describes assistive technologies for persons with learning disabilities, including word processing, spell checking, proofreading programs, outlining/"brainstorming" programs, abbreviation expanders, speech recognition, speech synthesis/screen review, optical character recognition systems, personal data managers, free-form databases,…

This article describes potential use of new technological products and services by blind/visually impaired people. Items discussed include computer input devices, public telephones, automatic teller machines, airline and rail arrival/departure displays, ticketing machines, information retrieval systems, order-entry terminals, optical character…

This article describes (1) IBM's National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities, a clearinghouse of information about adaptive devices, software, and support groups helping disabled persons use IBM computers; (2) special IBM products, including the Screen Reader, SpeechViewer, and PhoneCommunicator; and (3) an IBM-sponsored program whereby…

This article discusses technology available in Sweden for visually impaired and deaf-blind people. It describes systems for stop announcements on buses and trams, queuing systems in shops and banks, text telephones, synthetic speech or braille displays of newspapers and other information sources, and home computers. Ideas for the future are also…

This article traces the development of reading methods for blind/visually impaired persons, including paper braille, recordings, radio reading services, computerized telephone services, personal computers, books on compact disks, and scanning systems. Technological trends that may decrease accessibility to text materials are also noted, such as…

Increasingly, very young children with disabilities are using microcomputers, powered mobility, myoelectric prostheses, and augmentative communication devices. This article examines research, clinical experience, and issues in the field of advanced technology applied to disabled children, aged birth to three, and suggests future applications of…

This discussion of funding for assistive technology devices for children with disabilities addresses how to locate community funding sources, set priorities, increase peoples' awareness of technological applications, and encourage parental involvement. An annotated bibliography lists seven items on funding, and a chart shows an example of an…

A microcomputer can be used in many different ways to assist people with disabilities. A computer's usefulness for a given individual is determined by the computer applications that are needed and by the specific problems the disability presents. In general, there are currently three ways that people with disabilities can use a microcomputer: (1)…

These proceedings provide 30 papers from a conference to highlight a frontier area in serving the disabled--microcomputers--which blends two disciplines, vocational rehabilitation and special education. Keynote addresses are "High Tech/High Touch: Making Good on the Promise" (Fenderson); "Curbcuts and Computers: Providing Access to Computers and…

This paper describes programs and resources that focus on access of postsecondary students with disabilities to computers and other forms of technology. Increased access to technological devices and services is provided to students with disabilities under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act). Section…

This conference paper describes the cooperative learning structure; presents the elements of cooperative learning; discusses how to plan, implement, and evaluate using the cooperative learning structure; introduces assistive technology services for students with disabilities; and examines how devices and services can be used to facilitate active…

This guide presents low tech solutions that have worked for some people with disabilities or their parents. Twenty-one ideas are offered to give children with physical disabilities more opportunities for play and art. Examples include recycling stuffed animals into puppets, punching a hole in top of playing cards to accommodate a mouth stick, and…