Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is a broad term that describes items, systems and services that support the needs of people with disabilities. Assistive technology is also known as adaptive technology or special needs technology.

Definitions
In the United States, federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) includes definitions for assistive technology device and assistive technology service:

Assistive Technology Device

Assistive Technology Service

Implementation
Although these American definitions apply to the educational implementation of assistive technology (AT), AT could be used in other circumstances and by individuals or professionals outside the education system:
 * Vocational rehabilitation
 * Health care providers
 * Mobility / transportation
 * Recreation / sport
 * Libraries / museums
 * Accessibility / universal design
 * Communication applications
 * Performance / instructional venues

Professional Certification
Some colleges, universities and associations offer assistive technology courses, programs or credentials:
 * The University of Illinois at Chicago flexible 12-credit Assistive Technology Certificate Program (UIC ATCP) can be completed entirely online. The UIC Assistive Technology Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Education.(www.uicatu.org)


 * The Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) is offered through California State University, Northridge (CSUN ATACP)


 * The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) offers three different certification programs: Assistive Technology Practitioner; Assistive Technology Supplier; and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist. RESNA 'sister organizations' include: The Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe; The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of Japan; Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association

Conferences

 * Calendar of Events in Disability, Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology

Online Training, Videos and Tutorials

 * Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams (Edutopia video)
 * The Sound of Learning: Albano Berberi (Edutopia video)
 * Assistive Technology Tools: Keys to Learning for the Visually Impaired (Edutopia video)
 * Assistive Technology: Lukas Bratcher (Edutopia video)
 * Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO) Project. (University at Buffalo)
 * AssistiveWare - Videos on Computer Accessibility
 * AT/AAC enABLES (University of Washington videos)
 * Curb Cuts: Assistive Technology on TV
 * I Can Soar Video
 * The Learning Centre (SET-BC)
 * YouTube Assistive Technology videos
 * Episode #8-Assistive Technology. TechTrek Video
 * AT Video Tips (Valdosta State University)

Assistive Technology Databases

 * ABLEDATA
 * AgrAbility Project
 * Apple Accessibility
 * Assist Ireland
 * assistivetech.net
 * ATA Assistive Technology Hub
 * Industry Canada assistive technology databases
 * Linux Accessibility Resource Site
 * Microsoft Accessibility
 * Open Source Assistive Technology Software (OATS)
 * TechDis Technology Database
 * United Spinal Association (USA TechGuide)

Interested persons

 * Noura 17:58, 14 May 2008 (UTC)NouraRaslan
 * Paulmartin42 09:52, 17 May 2008 (UTC)
 * you ?