Many families, schools and providers have wondered what Assistive Technology is and how a person can benefit from this resource. Assistive technology is the use of equipment to help a person increase independence. The equipment is combined with the person's abilities to enable specific tasks to be done. This can include accessibility, activities of daily living, augmentative communication, computer access, environmental control, seating, mobility, or worksite modifications [1]. Assistive technology can be low-tech (keeping a heaving office door open with a door stop so people who use wheelchairs can enter independently, or using a built-up spoon to eat) or high-tech (adaptable computer devices, such as touch screens and electronic pointing devices; or visual enhancements, such as talking dictionaries and large print word processor). The most important feature of assistive technology is that the person is involved in the design, and it works for them!


Maryland Resources

Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program (ATGLP)
The Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan program helps Maryland residents with disabilities and their families qualify for low-interest loans to buy equipment that will help them live, work, and learn more independently.


Center for Technology in Education
The Johns Hopkins University/Maryland State Department of Education Center for Technology in Education provides information, workshops, and useful information for families concerning assistive technology in Maryland.

E-Maryland
The State of Maryland's general technology site provides the latest information on technology in Maryland.

Family Center on Technology and Disability
The Center serves organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive technology (AT). Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.

Learning Independence Through Computers, Inc. (LINC)
LINC provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Maryland to explore adaptive technology, computer systems, software and the Internet. LINC provides assistive technology training for the community and individuals with disabilities, as well as supports a variety of assistive technology programs throughout the state of Maryland including a summer art program and a home-based program.

Maryland Assistive Technology Co-op
Maryland Assistive Technology Co-op serves schools and organizations in Maryland with assistive technology loans, purchases, services and training. Families can receive the same discounts now available to schools and participate in training events at reduced rates. Check the web site for details on these and other services and workshops.

The Maryland Relay System
The Maryland relay system provides access to phone communication for those who are deaf or hearing impaired as well as assistive communication equipment.

The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP)
The Maryland Technology Assistance Program provides information on available products, devices, services and other resources to individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.

Volunteers for Medical Engineering
Volunteers for Medical Engineering uses volunteers to design and/or loan custom made equipment for individuals with disabilities. Volunteers routinely recycle, modify and re-configure devices to fit an individual's communication, employment, or recreational needs.


National Resources

AbilityHub
Assistive Technology for people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible. This web site will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers.

ABLEDATA
ABLEDATA provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.

Adaptive Computer Products
A very comprehensive site with numerous categories: guides to adaptive technologies, transparent hardware interfaces, computer access software, input devices/switches, augmentative communication devices, speech recognition/voice controlled systems, products for the blind/visually impaired, possible funding sources/low cost, assistive technology programs, books to buy, and more!

The Alliance for Technology Access
"The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers and Vendors, Affiliates, and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies." ATA members can be found all across the country and can be access through the website.

Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO)
Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO) offers free, online training in assistive technology solutions to help students with disabilities. The site consists of "virtual workshops" targeted to teachers, parents, and assistive technology service providers who serve elementary-level students and consists of tools and strategies to help give students with disabilities access to the general curriculum.

Center for IT Accommodations (CITA)
Office of Government wide Policy, U.S. General Services Administration
A website offering Federal employees and the public the ability to access resources for understanding and implementing Section 508 which requires that Federal agencies' electronic and information technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Crestwood Company
The Crestwood Company offers a catalog of communication aids for children and adults.

Family Guide to Assistive Technology
Special technology needs. The Guide.

Mayer-Johnson
This website offers a wide array of information and communication products. Check out there new "sharing" section and exchange ideas with others!

Rehabilitative Engineering and Assistive Technology of North America (RESNA)
Lists technology assistance projects nationwide.


 Publications

Alternative Computer Access: A Guide to Selection
by Denis K Anson, MS OTR
This book is intended as a guide in the process of evaluating a client with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities for computer access. Chapters describe computer access features or solutions; include comprehensive information on a range of equipment and product features; discuss the evolution of various access solutions; provide some fabrication guidelines; and, address how the features affect performance. This book represents an excellent clinical training tool and can be used as a resource for experienced clinicians.
1997/280 pages/softcover/$30.00

Assistive Technology Solutions
By Sherry L. Purcell (2002)
A practical and innovative guide that focuses on K-3 curriculum standards and provides assistive technology solutions and sample IEP goals. Presents a thorough review of current technologies and how they can help students attain academic success. Available through Attainment Company.

Family Guide to Assistive Technology
A Family Guide to Assistive Technology is intended to help parents learn more about assistive technology and how it can help their children. This Guide will help you understand the processes for acquiring assistive technology and provide you with the tools to advocate for your child's special technology needs.The Guide includes tips for geting started, ideas about how and where to look for funding, and contact information for software and equipment. (143 pages. 1997. $10.00)

See What We Say: Situational Vocabulary for Adults Who Use Agumentative and Alternative Communication
By Barbara Collier (2000)
This guide helps AAC users select vocabulary for ACC communication displays and devices select words and phrases from an extensive catalog that focus including sensitive subjects such as advocacy, friendship, sexuality, employment and legal issues. These more personalized vocabulary options provide AAC users with the tools they need to better direct their own services and enjoy a more independent lifestyle.

Understanding the Technology When Selecting Wheelchairs
by John Thacker, PhD, Stephen Sprigle, PhD, and Belinda Morris, OTR
1993/110 pages/softcover/$10.00