Assistive Technology:

Selected Web Sites


What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology can be devices or services. An Assistive Technology device is "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AT service is directly assisting an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." ("Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988," Public Law 100-407, August 9, 1988.)

University of Delaware Library Assistive Technology

The University of Delaware Library offers a variety of assistive technology services for users with disabilities. There are sensory enhancers such as electronic scanners, closed caption TV and tape recorders for the blind. There are computer adaptations such as large monitors with speech output and recognition capabilities. There is a Coordinator of Users with Disabilities to assist in the operation of equipment in the Assistive Technology Center. See the University of Delaware Library "Services for Users with Disabilities" fact sheet.

Selected Web Sites for Assistive Technology

Abledata
Abledata is a searchable database of information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available in the U.S.

Alliance for Technology
This page is a network of community-based resource centers dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies.

American Sign Language Browser
An online American Sign Language browser where you can look up video of thousands of ASL signs.

Blindness Resource Center
This blindness resource center is created by the New York Institute for Special Education. This listing includes University disability programs, vendor sites, and eye conditions.

Database of Internet Resources
This provides access to deaf and hard of hearing internet resources.

Disability Museum Online
The Disability History Museum's mission is to promote understanding about the historical experience of people with disabilities. The searchable archives contain historic images, documents, and other artifacts. The online library is added to daily.

DisabilityInfo.gov
DisabilityInfo.gov provides access to disability-related information and programs available across the government on numerous subjects, including civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology, transportation and independent living.

Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI)
EASI is an affiliate of the American Association for Higher Education, dedicated to disseminating up-to-date information about access to computing and information technology for persons with disabilities. EASI supports three major public electronic discussion lists.
Special notes: Currently, EASI is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant to disseminate information on access for disabled persons to science, engineering and math.

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Online Catalog
RFB & D is a national non-profit organization that serves peope who cannot read standard print because of a visual, perceptual or other physical disability.
Special Notes: The RFB & D online catalog provides access to the world's largest collection of academic and professional books on audio tape and computer disk. Materials listed in this catalog are only available to registered members of RFB & D.

Local Selected Web Sites for Assistive Technology

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
A statewide network of resources to help Delawareans with disabilities. DATI's goal is to help people with disabilities identify appropriate assistive technology.

The Division for the Visually Impaired (Delaware Health and Social Services)
Description of the Division's services for blind and visually impaired.


This page is maintained by Jonathan Jeffery, Reference Department.

Version: 06/2008
Last modified: 06/30/08