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UTICA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Foundation Center Cooperating Collection, Utica NY INTERNET RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS (Return to Topic Directory) |
Disability-Related Resources
NEWS & VIEWS FEATURE - With nearly a majority of folks now online, and millions more added every year, are today's web sites and internet resources available and accessible to persons with disabilities? Literally, a world of information is just a few buttons and clicks away... except for persons with physical challenges or other special needs. Web standards have been developed and recommended for use in page design, but only a small percentage of sites are even somewhat accessble. This CNET Special Report provides guidance and information for web developers to use in making their site more usable for persons with disablities.
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 is a federally funded project whose primary mission is to provide information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. We are sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), which is part of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) of the U.S. Department of Education. The ABLEDATA database contains information on more than 25,000 assistive technology products (18,000 of which are currently available), from white canes to voice output programs. The database contains detailed descriptions of each product including price and company information. The database also contains information on non-commercial prototypes, customized and one-of-a-kind products, and do-it-yourself designs. To select devices most appropriate to your needs, they suggest combining ABLEDATA information with professional advice, product evaluations, and hands-on product trials. Best Bet.
Accessible Web Building Guidelines - Find design tools, tips, and guidelines for making a website accessible.
>From TechSoup.
Accessible Society - The Center for An Accessible Society is a project of Exploding Myths, Inc. a media enterprise company. Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, The Center for An Accessible Society is designed to focus public attention on disability and independent living issues by disseminating information developed through NIDRR-funded research to promote independent living.
ADA Technical Assistance Program - The ADA Technical Assistance Program has been in existence since 1992, shortly after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since its inception, the Program has consisted of a diverse array of projects to further the understanding and implementation of the Act. The program has created a vast infrastructure of resources, including numerous ADA publications and videos, materials targeted to specific audiences, training packages and an unparalleled knowledge of the ADA. The heart of the ADA Technical Assistance Program is the network of Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) that have provided public awareness, technical assistance, training, materials and referrals since the Program's commencement. These Centers are located throughout the country and can be reached toll-free at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY). They have formed collaborative partnerships with others within their regional borders and beyond to further promote the understanding and knowledge of the ADA.
AllAbilities - A subject index of links of disability resources. The top level of categories on the site is very Yahooesque -- it includes Arts & Entertainment, News & Media, and Shopping.
Alliance for Technology Access - The mission of the Alliance for Technology Access is to connect children and adults with disabilities to technology tools. Included is a resource library with links, FAQ's, discussion groups and special resources for members.
Assistive Technology Assistance Providers - Companies and organizations that offer assistive technology products, support, and information. From TechSoup.
CAST Founded in 1984 as the Center for Applied Special Technology, CAST is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to expand educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the development and innovative uses of technology. CAST emphasis is in research, product development, and work in educational settings. In this regard, they developed the Universal Design for Learning. Our work now focuses the development of learning models, approaches, and tools that are usable by a wide range of learners.
Closing the Gap - An organization that focuses on computer technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual international conference and extensive web site. Published six times a year, the Closing The Gap newspaper highlights hardware and software products appropriate for people with special needs, and explains how this technology is being implemented in education, rehabilitation, and vocational settings around the world. The February/March issue of the newspaper, the annual Resource Directory, is a guide to the selection of the latest computer-related products available for people with special needs. Closing The Gap's annual international conference, Computer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation, is held each fall in Minneapolis, MN, exploring the many ways that technology is being used to enhance the lives of people with special needs.
Disability Information Network – Mission is to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. Link button takes you everywhere you want to go on disability issues, sources and resources. Best Bet.
DisabilityResources.Org - Disability Resources is a nonprofit organization that monitors, reviews, and reports on these resources every day. They disseminate information about them to libraries, disability organizations, health and social service professionals, consumers and family members, through publications and services. Included are online resources including The DRM WebWatcher, an online subject guide to the best disability resources on the 'Net, and The DRM Regional Resources Directory, a guide to state and local agencies and organizations. Best Bet.
The DRM WebWatcher - Subject Guide to disability resources on the web, established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently. They disseminate information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos, databases, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information. This is shared through a newsletter, publications and this web site.
Disability Resources on the Web - Web list by the Pioneer Library System in NYS.
Disability Studies for Teachers - This website contains lesson plans and materials designed to help teachers integrate disability studies into social studies, history, literature, and related subjects in grades 6-12. The plans and materials also can be adapted for use in postsecondary education.For further information about the project, please contact the Center Human Policy, School of Education, Syracuse University at info@disabilitystudiesforteachers.org.
EASI - Equal Access to Software and Information. EASI's mission is to serve as a resource by providing information and guidance in the area of access-to-information technologies by individuals with disabilities. They stay informed about developments and advancements within the adaptive computer technology field and spread that information to colleges, universities, K-12 schools, libraries and into the workplace.
Webcasts - EASI produces weekly webcasts and broadcasts them on the Internet interviewing people with interesting information to share about adaptive technology and information technology. These are archived and accessible anytime using RealPlayer.
E-bility - Web site that aims to provide a central resource for disability related information, services and products.Here you will find an active community of people - individuals, organisations, support groups, professional associations, service providers, and equipment suppliers - linked together via the Internet. Explore e-bility to find out about: customised seating, therapy, rehabilitation equipment, assistive technology, outdoor adventure for people with disabilities, augmentative communication, special needs travel and tourism, accessible venues, disability sector funding, conference planning and lots more.
Eric Clearinghouse on Disability and Gifted Education - ERIC is the acronym for the Educational Resources Information Center. The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERIC EC) is part of the National Library of Education (NLE), Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), U.S. Department of Education. ERIC EC is operated by The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). ERIC EC provides information on the education of individuals with disabilities as well as those who are gifted. Our inclusion of information is not an endorsement of viewpoints, reports, products, or services. Best Bet.
Family Center on Technology and Disability - The purpose of the Family Center is to assist organizations and programs who serve families of children with disabilities by providing information and support on accessing and using assistive technology. The Family Center was formed to: establish a network of national, state, and local disability-related organizations who will share and disseminate information about assistive technology;
collect and evaluate information about assistive technology and disseminate this information to organizations; Develop an on-line, searchable database of information on assistive technology; develop a catalog of technology resources that organizations can use as a resource, and disseminate to their members; develop and maintain this Family Center Web Site which includes a database of materials, informational resources, model programs that provide technology information, and contact information on the members of our network of organizations; and gather information on what types of assistive technology exist, and on what types of information organizations need. Best Bet.
halftheplanet.org - The Disability Resource - HalfthePlanet Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the application of technology to promote the values of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—independent living, social inclusion, equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, and empowerment. HalfthePlanet is a program of HalfthePlanet Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supporting the application of technology to promote the values of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with design and development assistance from Marathon Ventures, a sales, marketing and technology consulting company committed to providing both nonprofit organizations and small businesses with integrated, cost-effective Internet design and accessibility solutions.
The Home Wheelchair Ramp Project - How to Build Wheelchair Ramps for Homes is a manual of design and construction for modular wheelchair ramps. This manual includes information about ramps and long-tread low-riser steps to improve safe home accessibility.
iCan - A place where people affected by disabilities can take advantage of the community building power of the Internet. A one-stop resource for information, guidance, conversation and companionship. Sections include: home, automotive, self-discovery and relationships, employment, travel, sports, independence, legislation and more. They assist individuals network and build their own support organization online.
INFINITEC: Infinate Potential Through Assistive Technology Knowbility.Org - Knowbility promotes barrier free Information Technology - creating greater access to I.T. opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Their web site is being developed as an authoritative, up-to-date source of information that affects the ability of people with disabilities to access all the opportunities that the web has to offer. Their services focus on the three main categories of awareness, education and employment. Knowbility is a national nonprofit organization - just one year old - formed by high tech and other community leaders. Knowbility serves as the nonprofit conduit to the IT industry, helping businesses learn the benefits of including people with disabilities in educational and workforce development initiatives.Best Bet.
Martin Luther Home - Links - Annotated links to sites that support the efforts of the developmental disability community.
Microsoft Accessibility - Learn about accessibility features in Microsoft products, subscribe to their free monthly newsletter to keep up-to-date on accessible technology and resources, and find free step-by-step guides to help you customize computers for individuals with disabilities.
National Institute of Mental Health – Conducts and supports research on mental illness and mental health, including studies of the brain, behavior and mental health services.
NICHCY: National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities - Twenty pages of national resources linking to information, regulators, agencies, and associations having topical interests or missions related to people with disabilities. Best Bet.
Opening the Doors to Service - Response to questions concerning legal responsibilities, reasonable accommodations/program accessibility, disability funds, member compensation, and recruitment as they relate to including people with disabilities in national service.
RESNA - RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. Their purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology. Promote research, development, education, advocacy, and the provision of technology and by supporting the people engaged in these activities. RESNA was founded in 1979 as a not-for-profit professional organization.
Special Education Publications - Compiled by New York State VEDSID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Best Bet.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Mission is to improve the quality and availability of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services to reduce illness, death, disability and cost to society from substance abuse and mental illness.
USGA - Resource Center for Individuals with Disabilities, site of the United States Golf Association. Created to make golf more accessible for the growing population of individuals with disabilities.The Resource Center does this by gathering, and making available, vital information to potential or current golfers with disabilities and other interested members of the golf and medical communities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Internet Sites - Compiled by New York State VEDSID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Best Bet.
Vocational Rehabilitation Publications - Compiled by New York State VEDSID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Best Bet.
VSA Arts - Affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, VSA arts is an International organization that creates learning opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities. The organization offers arts-based programs in creative writing, dance, drama, music and the visual arts implemented primarily through our affiliate network. Very Special Arts changed its name to VSA arts. Now standing for Vision, Strength, and Artistic Expression.
WeMedia - A comprehensive online resource for people with disabilities, their families and friends. It provides the disability community with targeted information and resources in the areas of news, sports, technology, advocacy, shopping, employment, education, finance, real estate, among others.
SPECIAL LISTING:
United Cerebral Palsy, Greater Utica Area - Employment opportunities with leading upstate New York health and human services provider. Jobs include professional, direct-care and support positions.
Is the Web Truly Accessible to the Disabled?
[More articles in the News & Views Index]
http://www.abilityhub.com/
http://www.abledata.com
http://www.techsoup.org/resources/index.cfm?action=resource.view_summary&resourcelist_id=92
http://www.accessiblesociety.org/
http://www.adata.org
http://www.allabilities.com/
http://www.ataaccess.org
http://www.techsoup.org/resources/index.cfm?action=resource.view_summary&resourcelist_id=93
http://www.cast.org
Bobby - Bobby is a Web-based tool that analyzes Web pages for their accessibility to people with disabilities. CAST offers Bobby as a free public service in order to further its mission to expand opportunities for people with disabilities through the innovative uses of computer technology. To use Bobby, enter the URL of the page that you want Bobby to examine and click Submit. Bobby will display a report indicating any accessibility and browser compatibility errors found on the page. This dialog will only test one page at a time. If you wish to test an entire site as a batch, use the downloadable version of Bobby. Once all the pages of your site receive a Bobby Approved rating, you are entitled to display a Bobby Approved icon. Best Bet.
http://www.cast.org/bobby"
http://www.closingthegap.com/
http://www.disability.state.mn.us
http://www.disabilityresources.org/
http://www.disabilityresources.org/DRMwww.html
http://www.pls-net.org/disability.html
http://www.disabilitystudiesforteachers.org/
Certificate in Accessible Information Technolgoy - Offered by the University of Southern Maine, a complete online program of training on adaptive technology and how institutions can provide barrier-free computer and information technology systems for persons with disabilities.
http://easi.cc/workshop.htm
http://www.rit.edu/%7Eeasi/webcast/weekarch.htm
http://www.e-bility.com/index.php
http://ericec.org/
http://www.fctd.info/
http://www.halftheplanet.org/
http://www.wheelchairramp.org/
http://www.icanonline.net
http://www.infinitec.org/
http://www.knowbility.org/index.jsp
http://www.mlhs.com/links/index.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/genresc/gr2.htm
http://www.nationalservice.org/resources/cross/opendoor.pdf
http://www.resna.org
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/home.html
http://www.samhsa.gov
http://www.resourcecenter.usga.org/
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/all/links.htm
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/home.html
http://www.vsarts.org/index.html
http://www.wemedia.com/
Jobs in the Mohawk Valley region of New York State
http://www.ucp-utica.org/career.html
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