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Librarians' Internet Index - Websites You Can Trust

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Assistive Devices

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 Websites presented in alphabetical order

Accessibility in Distance Education (ADE) view detail comment email this

This site "focuses on helping [university] faculty develop accessible online learning materials for people with disabilities." It features an overview of accessibility and sections on legal issues, understanding disabilities, accessible Web design, and best practices. Includes a glossary. From the Center for Accessibility in Distance Education (CADE) at the University of Maryland University College.
http://www.umuc.edu/ade/
Topics: College and University Education, Computers, Computers, Disabilities, Education, Internet

Last updated Apr 21, 2004


Alliance for Technology Access view detail comment email this

This is an excellent starting point for information on accessible technology. Their annotated list of Vendors is the most complete and up-to-date I've seen. Their pages on Access to the WWW are great for sorting out what adaptive devices and software aid in access for which disabilities. Also includes great advice on accessible Web page design and links to other technology and disability sites.
http://www.ataccess.org/
Topics: Computers, Disabilities, Internet, Web Design and Management

Last updated Apr 21, 2004


Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Information and Technical Assistance view detail comment email this

Includes news, the text of the ADA, answers to commonly asked questions, publications and fact sheets for businesses, checklists, links to related resources, and more. Also available in Spanish. From the U.S. Department of Justice.
http://www.ada.gov/
Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Disabilities, Social Issues

Last updated May 15, 2005


Assistive Media (AM) view detail comment email this

This site, intended for the "world-wide disability community," provides free audio files of readings of short literary works. Selections are "from reputable mainstream periodicals ( The New Yorker , Harper's , Wired , Scientific American , Atlantic Monthly , Civilization , Smithsonian ,...and more) and independent writers; providing an eclectic mixture of interesting and educational material." Files vary in length with most being under an hour of listening time, and may be listened to online or downloaded for personal use.
http://www.assistivemedia.org/
Topics: Computers, Disabilities, Internet, Literature & Books, Music

Last updated Sep 18, 2002


The Blind Readers Page view detail comment email this

"This site is a guide to sources of information in alternative formats (braille, recorded cassettes, large print, e-texts, web audio) accessible by people with print disabilities--those with visual and physical handicaps as well as dyslexia. It is also a guide to information about blindness, visual handicaps and other physical handicaps, with a special collection of Wisconsin resources." Includes thousands of annotated links on topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), guide dogs, library service, employment, and computer use.
http://blindreaders.info
Topics: Computers, Disabilities, Literature & Books, Mental Conditions

Last updated Apr 21, 2004


Blindness Resource Center view detail comment email this

This annotated directory includes links to websites containing information on access, braille, deaf-blindness, eye conditions, low vision, organizations, research, and more. From the New York Institute for Special Education.
http://www.nyise.org/blind.htm
Topics: Computers, Computers, Disabilities

Last updated May 29, 2005


Boston Marathon view detail comment email this

Official site of "the world's oldest annual marathon [that] ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events." Includes history, course records, and winners, as well as information on how to qualify and register, the timing system, the course, persons with disabilities, sponsors, travel and accommodations, and more. The race is run the third Monday of April. From the Boston Athletic Association.
http://www.bostonmarathon.org/
Topics: Disabilities, Sports, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment

Last updated Apr 7, 2005


The Boulevard view detail comment email this

This site is a commercial clearinghouse for products and services in the disability and healthcare market. The directory provides company and service listings and covers adaptive clothing, transportation, personal medical equipment, independent living devices, mobility aids, and much more. Selected sites ("Noted Sites") are annotated. Searchable and browsable.
http://www.blvd.com/
Topics: Disabilities

Last updated Sep 13, 2005


Candy Harrington: Have Disabilities, Will Travel view detail comment email this

The basics of barrier-free travel is the theme of this site tailored for people with disabilities, including users of wheelchairs, canes, and sticks, and those with limited walking abilities. It covers planning and research tips for obtaining barrier-free access for air, ground, and ship traveling and includes resources with contact information to domestic and European cities, hotels, and attractions.
http://candyharrington.com/clips/dallasNews.php
Topics: Disabilities, Outdoor Recreation, Travel

Last updated Dec 1, 2004


Disability Resources Monthly (DRM) Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet view detail comment email this

This nonprofit organization's website provides extensive information about resources for independent living. Includes a selected, annotated guide to disability resources on the Web, and information for librarians about email discussion lists, professional associations, assistive technology, and much more.
http://www.disabilityresources.org/
Topics: Disabilities

Last updated Jul 6, 2005


DO-IT Program: Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology view detail comment email this

The University of Washington's "DO-IT" program promotes "the use of electronic and information technology to maximize the independence, productivity and participation of people with disabilities." Links to assistance for those pursuing college or careers. Resources for educators, librarians, and parents, including free and/or reproducible publications, videos, etc. Searchable.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/
Topics: Computers, Disabilities, Internet

Last updated Apr 21, 2004


Freedom Machines view detail comment email this

Companion to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) P.O.V. program that "takes a new look at disability through the lens of assistive technology." Features a discussion of accessibility and the Internet, a photo gallery on the principles of universal design, and brief descriptions of assistive technologies such as optical character recognition, voice recognition, and closed-circuit television. Includes a lesson plan and discussion guide.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/freedommachines/
Topics: Computers, Computers, Disabilities, K-12 Education, Lesson Plans

Last updated Sep 17, 2009


History of the White Cane Safety Day view detail comment email this

In honor of White Cane Safety Day (October 15) this site describes the evolution of the white cane "as a tool for the blind as well as a symbol." It traces the development of the white cane back to 1921, the use of the white cane as an identifier in the 1930s, and how the white cane became a mobility device after World War II. From the American Council of the Blind.
http://www.acb.org/pedestrian/whitecane.html
Topics: Disabilities

Last updated Jul 7, 2009


The Home Wheelchair Ramp Project view detail comment email this

"'How to Build Wheelchair Ramps for Homes' is a manual of design and construction for modular wheelchair ramps," available at this site along with articles, safety tips, and funding ideas for building ramps and long-tread, low-riser steps. Includes links to related sites. From the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, St. Paul, Minnesota.
http://www.wheelchairramp.org/
Topics: Architecture, Disabilities, Home & Housing

Last updated Apr 6, 2004


Homemade Halloween Costumes view detail comment email this

This site offers ideas for easy and inexpensive costumes, including some for wheelchair users. Browse by major category, such as "Costumes Made from Boxes" and "Do it in tights and leotards or Sweats." Includes a recipe for homemade make-up.
http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm
Topics: Disabilities, History, Holiday Foods, Beverages, and Recipes, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually

Last updated Oct 14, 2004


Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco: Web Links view detail comment email this

Large collection of links about independent living for people with disabilities. Topics include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), assistive technology, advocacy groups, the arts, travel, aging, government agencies, and sexuality. There is some San Francisco Bay Area focus, but most links are for any user.
http://www.ilrcsf.org/Links/links.html
Topics: Disabilities, Senior Health

Last updated Jul 6, 2005


Information Technology and Disabilities view detail comment email this

This quarterly refereed journal is intended for educators, librarians, academic computing staff, job accommodations/human relations professionals, and others interested in new technology and its effective use by people with disabilities. From EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information).
http://www.rit.edu/~easi/itd.htm
Topics: Computers, Computers, Disabilities, Internet

Last updated Apr 21, 2004


Keyboard Shortcuts view detail comment email this

Keystroke shortcuts for most of Microsoft's most popular programs: Access, Excel, Outlook, Word, Windows, and Internet Explorer; other tips and tricks; and Windows keyboard guides. Includes accessibility resources such as "alternative keyboard layouts [that] can be used by those who type with one hand or one finger."
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/keyboard.aspx
Topics: Computers, Computers, Disabilities, Internet

Last updated Oct 21, 2009


Move.com: Rental Search view detail comment email this

Database of apartments for rent in the United States. Select the state and geographical area, then specify the size, price range, and amenities, such as laundry facilities, wheelchair accessibility, and pet-friendliness. Some listings have photos. Includes a rent calculator, advice on finding a roommate, legal advice, city profiles and crime statistics, packing tips, and more.
http://www.move.com/apartments/main.aspx
Topics: Disabilities, Housing, Photograph Collections: Regional

Last updated Dec 1, 2007


Movies: The Making of 'Murderball' view detail comment email this

This radio program discusses the documentary film "Murderball," which "looks at the rough-and-tumble world of quad rugby -- otherwise known as 'murderball,'" a sport that is played by wheelchair users. Includes audio of the program, clips from the film, and links to related sites about the movie and about quad rugby. From National Public Radio (NPR).
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4715570
Topics: Disabilities, Film: Genres & Themes, Sports

Last updated Jun 28, 2005


NAVH: National Association for Visually Handicapped view detail comment email this

The mission of this nonprofit organization is to assist "people with low vision," stressing "the importance of using eyesight despite a visual impairment." The site includes information on NAVH programs for youth and adults, including the large print loan library; an interactive quiz; excerpts of articles (psychological effects of low vision, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma); related links; and a searchable catalog of magnifiers, lamps, writing aids, and personal items available for sale.
http://navh.org
Topics: Disabilities

Last updated Apr 8, 2005


Paralysis Resource Center view detail comment email this

The mission of this website is "to provide a comprehensive, national source of information for people living with paralysis and their caregivers to promote health, foster involvement in the community, and improve quality of life." It includes information and links on research, active living, rehabilitation, tools and technology, travel, and understanding state, federal, and other assistance programs. From the Christopher " Dana Reeve Foundation.
http://www.christopherreeve.org/
Topics: Disabilities, Diseases & Conditions, Senior Health

Last updated Mar 11, 2009


Patient Advocacy Resources: A Guide for Patients and Their Families view detail comment email this

"Created to assist consumers in becoming advocates for their own health." Includes books and an annotated list of websites on topics such as medical records, rights and privacy, informed consent, disabilities, and end of life decisions. "Quick Guides" give practical tips on how to talk to your doctor, when to seek a second opinion, and other concerns. Guide covers Connecticut as well as national resources. From the University of Connecticut Health Center,
http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/advocacy.html
Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Disabilities, Health, Librarianship

Last updated Jul 26, 2005


Quad Rugby Central view detail comment email this

"Quad [quadriplegic] rugby, or wheelchair rugby as it is also called, is a sport with roots going back to wheelchair basketball and ice hockey. ... The sport was originally called murderball due to the aggressive nature of the game." The site has information on the game's history, rules, a documentary film on the sport, players, and teams, as well as a newsletter and many links to sites about wheelchair sports and supplies.
http://www.quadrugby.com/
Topics: Disabilities, Sports

Last updated Jun 28, 2005


SCI PILOT: Spinal Cord Injury Peer Information Library on Technology view detail comment email this

"An information resource describing the assistive technology experiences of individuals with quadriplegia from their own perspective." Assistive devices discussed include wheelchairs, voice recognition software, and adapted vehicles; contributors describe what works for them and what doesn't, and reflect on quadriplegia. The site is fully searchable, and there is a list of links to other resources.
http://www.scipilot.com/
Topics: Disabilities

Last updated Aug 31, 2002


World Association of Persons with Disabilities (WAPD) view detail comment email this

This organization bills itself as "the beacon of knowledge and refuge for the world's largest minority," offering "Information, motivation, assistance and activism for the physically and mentally [dis]Abled people of the world." Here it provides chat rooms, a message board, an archive of its newsletters, and membership information. Resources contains links to organizations, devices for assisted living, tips on clothing, downloadable free floor plans for homes, and more.
http://www.wapd.org/
Topics: Disabilities, Long-term Care

Last updated Jun 10, 2005




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