508 applies only to websites of the federal government and requires certain provisions to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access them. 508 also offers guidance for software companies and web developers but the standards cannot be enforced. Several states have adopted the 508 standards as state law. New York is moving in this direction this fall as well.

This is the Department of Justice's webpage about the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA applies to more than just education so there is a lot of information there. It may be interesting to explore some of the ADA publications to learn more about how the law applies in different environments.

This site presents 10 steps to universally designing online courses. There are also links to other sites (such as WebAIM) to get more information on a particular way that technology can be made more accessible for students with disabilities. This is a good quick overview of the "basics" of accessible technology, especially for students with sensory impairments (hearing and vision).

WebAIM has many resources available for those interested in web accessibility. This screen reader simulation will provide insight into what it might be like to experience a website through the use of a screen reader. Screen readers are software programs that narrate the text of the desktop and any applications used for those who have visual impairments.

DO-IT is a federally funded grant program from the University of Washington that provides many resources for faculty and staff working with students with disabilities. This particular page takes you to the page on their site with information and resources regarding technology for individuals with disabilities.

The Center for Universal Design in North Carolina have done some of the seminal work in the field. They have developed seven principles of universal design, as well as included some guidelines for their use in the design of instruction. When clicking on the link, you may be asked to answer a few questions regarding where you live so the center may gather statistics regarding where their audience is.

Universal design for learning is a concept that is quite popular within the disability field right now because it emphasizes usability for all. Many feel that this leads to universal accessibility for students with disabilities. CAST is one of the leader's in the field, helping educators to apply the principles to their teaching.

This is the article I mentioned in the discussion