Assistive Techology

Bancroft is committed to helping families gain knowledge and access important resources to help their family member be successful. The information and resources provided here was collected by Bancroft professional staff to help family members learn more about specific topics. Bancroft professionals are also available to answer specific questions or help you access support, when needed, for your family. Please be advised that the information provided is for educational purposes only and that Bancroft does not endorse any of the products or services listed.

Please select from the following:

  1. Assistive Technology Resources in New Jersey
  2. International and National Organizations
  3. Conferences and Training
  4. Publications
  5. Web Resources
  6. Vendors
  7. Vocational

Assistive Technology Resources in New Jersey

Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of Disability Rights New Jersey
The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) serves as New Jersey's federally funded assistive technology project through a sub-contract with New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Its purpose is to assist individuals in overcoming barriers in the system and making assistive technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities throughout the state.

Tom Caine Associates
A leading provider of K - 12 assistive computer technology products and services.

Center for Assistive Tech and Inclusive Ed Studies (CATIES)
CATIES is a research and service initiative of The College of New Jersey's School of Education. It is dedicated to improving the educational experiences of children with disabilities by linking faculty and staff expertise with the needs of New Jersey 's educational community.

Cerebral Palsy of NJ Technology Lending Center
The Assistive Technology Center is a program of the Assistive Technology Services department of Advancing Opportunities, formerly Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey, a leader in the disability services field for over 50 years. Funding for the Assistive Technology Center comes from Disability Rights New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Disability.gov
This website is new and intended for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, employers, veterans and others. This site lists assistive technology resources within the State of New Jersey.

International and National Organizations

Numerous organizations exist and conference are held that advance the concept of Assistive Technology. They provide a resource for professionals, provide product information and various other aspects of assistive technology information.

Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services
The QIAT Consortium is a grassroots group made up of hundreds of individuals throughout the United States who provide input regarding the quality indicators for assistive technology services. Their well respected and active listserv, developed by the University of Kentucky, is a great resource for individuals interested in Assistive Technology.

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
The mission of this interdisciplinary organization is to improve the potential of people with disabilities and help them achieve their goals through the use of technology. RESNA serves that purpose by promoting research, development, education, advocacy and provision of technology; and by supporting people engaged in these activities.

Alliance for Technology Access
This growing national and international organization consists of a network of technology resource centers, community-based organizations, agencies, individuals and vendors committed to increasing the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities. The strong belief of empowering people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities is encouraged and facilitated by this organization.

California State University, Northridge Center on Disabilities
The Center on Disabilities at this state university is committed to the vision of an inclusive society for persons of all abilities. Assistive technology training programs are designed to expand the knowledge base of professionals and introduce new comers to the disability field. These programs help participants understand the full impact of all forms of assistive technology and their potential areas of application.

Technology and Media (TAM)
The Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children addresses the need, availability and effective use of technology for individuals with special needs and/or who are gifted.

CAST
This nonprofit research and development organization works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning. Founded in 1984 as the Center for Applies Special Technology, CAST has earned international recognition for its innovative contributions to educational products, classroom practices and policies.

Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE)
The mission of this association is to stimulate the advancement of assistive technology for the benefit of people with disabilities, including elderly people. The interdisciplinary pan-European group is devoted to all aspects of assistive technology including use, research, development, manufacture, supply, provision and policy.

International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)
This international society for AAC works to improve the life of every person with speech difficulties. They publish a quarterly journal called Augmentative and Alternative Communication. ISAAC conferences are held in even-numbered years.

National Information System for Assistive Technology
Established by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, this service provides information about the activities of the 56 State Assistive Technology Programs, funded under the AT Act of 1998, and information on the 33 Title III Alternative Financing Programs.

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. It is the major funder of assistive technology research that includes development of new devices, clinical studies of application and outcome measures.

Special Needs Opportunity Windows (SNOW) SNOW project, located at the Univeristy of Toronto, is a provider of on-line resources and professional development for educators and parents of special needs children. Multiple resources including information, on-line workshops, curriculum materials, discussion forums are available to assist assistive technology professionals.

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Coordinatiing with organizations around the world, WAI works to develop strategies, guidelines and resources to help make the Web accessible for people with disabilities.

American Speech-Language Association
The annual conference of ASHA includes information about technology for people with disabilities.

Conferences and Training

CSUN Conference
The CSUN conference, running for 24 years, has provided an inclusive setting for researchers, practitioners, exhibitors, end users, speakers and other participants to share knowledge and best practices in the field of assistive technology. In 2008, the conference drew more than 4,500 people to Los Angeles, including 360 international participants. Known as a forum that showcases cutting edge technology and practical solutions that can be utilized to remove the barriers that prevent the full participation of persons with disabilities in educational, workplace and social settings, the conference is the largest of its kind in the world.

Closing the Gap
This organization focuses on assistive technology for people with special needs. Information is disseminated through its bimonthly magazine, annual international conference and extensive website.

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
This membership organization is a not-for-profit consisting of manufacturers, sellers and providers of assistive technology devices and services. The annual conference is held in Orlando, Florida in January.

Research Institute for Assistive and Training Technology (RIATT)
This organization provides assistive technology instruction to professionals through on-line education or on-site instruction. Graduate degrees, undergraduate credit, CEU's and specialist certificates can be earned.

Publications

Assistive Technology Journal (RESNA)
This journal meets the concerns of all practitioners involved in the application of assistive and rehabilitation technologies and the delivery of related services. It seeks to foster communication among researchers, developers, clinicians, educators, consumers and others working in all aspects of the assistive technology arena.

Closing the Gap Annual Resource Directory
The annual Resource Directory from Closing the Gap is a guide to the selection of the latest computer-related products available for people with special needs.

Journal of Special Education Technology
This journal presents current information and opinions about issues, research, policy and practice related to the use of technology in the field of special education.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC is the official journal of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). It is published quarterly with original articles with direct application to the communication needs of persons with severe speech and/or communication impairments for whom augmentative and alternative communication techniques and systems may be of assistance.

Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities
by Diane P. Bryant and Brian R. Bryant

This new book provides a lifespan and multidisciplinary approach to a discussion of the use of current technology in the fields of special education, rehabilitation, speech-language pathology, and other disciplines. Chapters include information about assistive technology that promotes knowledge and skills, and activities are dispersed throughout the book to keep readers engaged and to make concrete the practical applications and opportunities that good technology provides for persons with disabilities, those in the field of special education, and/or technology training.

Web Resources

Abledata
This web resource provides information on assistive technology from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The database has 7000 items and can be searched by key word or phrase. Search results include product descriptions, manufacturers' contact information and handy key words for comparison shopping. More the 32,000 products are listed.

Texas Assistive Technology Network
The site provides excellent training modules about the federal laws relating to assistive technology. The site includes PDF files, PowerPoint presentations and other materials that are helpful both to learn from and to use to teach others about AT law.

Assistive Technology Training Online Project
Excellent overview of AT in its AT Basics section

Georgia Project for Assistive Technology
This site contains an AT consideration checklist, a resource guide, assessment protocols and core equipment inventories.

Oregon Technology Access Program
Free downloads include an AT consideration guide and extended assessment information.

Vendors

Ablenet
Items sold range from communication products, switches, environmental controls, computer access, leisure and learning, literacy, mounting products, their technology, and TASH products.

Adaptativation
Products include switches, communication aids, environmental control units, software, mounting devices, books and kits.

Neo-Direct, Inc
Items sold include portable keyboards including the Neo and the Dana. Renaissance software products are sold at this site.

Assistive Technology, Inc
Tobii augmentative communication device, STAGES, portable word processors, and mounting systems.

Vocational

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The Job Accommodation Network is a service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. It represents the most comprehensive resource for job accommodations available.