AT Spring 2013- Distance

Monthly articles about assistive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired.

This website if for Tobii ATI which is an international assistive technology company that provides communication programs/applications for consumers with disabilities. The programs they produce are meant to provide a speaking device that tracks eye movement when it looks at a certain phrase on a screen. This mission is apparent with the tagline "Independence with an Eye" which is right next to the company logo in the middle of the homepage. The website it set up to provide information about all of the Tobii products and is meant to group their information into various links or tabs that a consumer would have to click through. However the website is very structured and neat it could provide too much information for a consumer. Tobii organizes the website to have a consumer move simultaneously through the tabs near the top to get a better understanding of their products and how it could assist a person with a disability. The Products tab is the clearest on the website since it group every product into a nice group and explains it's function. This is the section that could be the most appealing to a consumer because it shows the product logo, name, and functionality. This tab is best suited to show the consumer the basics of the product they are researching. As a whole the website is very expansive and fitting of an international company. If a consumer is hoping that a Tobii product can help them with an assistive technology need this website would provide lots of information but might not address specific, personal questions. It is a well designed website that provides a wealth of information that could be helpful to some consumers and overwhelming to others.

This site gives information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment. You are able to view products available by disability or impairment, i.e. deaf or difficulty walking. There is also a resource tab in which you can find information on conferences, companies who make the assistive technology, information centers, and several other links. From this site you will be able to see able data's library of publications, AT Literature as well as news you can use. You are able to set up an account in which you are able to keep all information necessary in one location.

Disability Rights Wisconsin is an advocacy and protection group for individuals with disabilities (http://www.disabilityrightswi.org). The aims of the group are outlined clearly on the "About Us" page. In addition to providing these services, it also aims to provide access to services through advocacy and legal expertise. It achieves these goals by providing information that is easily accessed on the website such as resources and a direct link to access services from Disability Rights Wisconsin. The information available through the website is relevant and provides answers to common questions by outlining priority issues that DRW staff can assist with, program list, who to contact and how to contact them, and types of issues that the agency is not able to help with. The information on the website appears to all come from credible sources such as from laws, government, and overlooked by staff and board members. There are links provided to additional resources on the "Links" page for further reading and information. The website is maintained and updated on a regular basis, and new information is posted on the home page. Overall, the website does appear to meet quality standards in accordance to the Discern instrument, as well as the Hoss-Hanson article.

Overall, based on both the DISCERN tool and the Hoss & Hanson document, the website appears to be a good source of information for the intended purpose, which is to provide information to Minnesotans about identifying and obtaining assistive technology. There are certainly ways that the site could be improved (updating more often, identifying additional credentials, etc.) but it is a good source of general information for assistive technology in Minnesota.

The Disability.gov website is the federal government web portal whose purpose is to provide comprehensive information on disability programs and services nationwide in order to connect people of all abilities to the resources they need to fully participate in their communities. It achieves this purpose by providing over 14,000 links to federal, state, and local government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The Disability.gov website is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) which reviews web content and links voluntarily. I found Disability.gov to be a valuable website full of reliable and unbiased information in the areas of benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, employment, health, housing, technology, and transportation for individuals with disabilities, their families, Veterans, caregivers, employers, educators, and others. The Disability.gov website scored a strong "5" on the Discern Instrument and also performed well on the Hoss and Hansen (2008) website review.

A website that provides additional information regarding Universal Design for Learning. Links for UDL, Access, Representation, Expression, and Engagement, as well as iOS and Android.

Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program (MN Dept. of Human Services) provides telephone technology to qualifying individiuals with disabilities in MInnesota.

The CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) organization is devoted to expanding learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I found the CAST website to be a high-quality, valuable resource for educators and gave it a score of 5 on the DISCERN Instrument. The CAST Website defines UDL extensively and provides links to resources detailing how educators can implement UDL for their students. The website also provides a multitude of resources in their Research & Development, Learning Tools, Professional Devepment, and Library sections. I will refer back to the CAST website often to learn more about UDL and access tools for students.

The Joy Zabala SETT Framework website provides information and materials related to the SETT Framework and links to other web-based resources regarding assistive technology. I applied the DISCERN Instrument to Zabala's website and came up with a score of 4. I feel that the SETT Framework that Joy Zabala has developed is an excellent structure within which to consider assistive technology. It puts the focus on the Student, Environment, and Tasks before considering which Tools may be appropriate. It also relies on shared collaboration between professionals.

The GPAT website supports the local school systems in Georgia; however, their website is a valuable tool for those in need of AT assistance for education.

The QIAT website is a great tool that is used to guide you through the AT process. Put yourself on the QIAT List ~ this is a great way to communicate and collaborate with other professionals in your area.

I used the Discern handbook in order to rate this website. When I added up my scores and divide by 15, I came up with a score of slightly higher than '3' (out of 5), which through subjective measures and perusing of the website is probably where I would have placed it. I was initially very excited when I found this website because I thought it would be a great tool. It is why I initially chose it. However, upon careful examination and thorough investigation, I find that while it does have some great links, tools, and information, it remains incomplete. Using this website as a small starting point for AT in education would be a good thing; however, you would also need to look further for a well put together website and one that would score higher on the Discern checklist.

The ATIA website is a large collection of AT related sources for the assistive technology industry. It includes: conferences, webinars, research, resources, and more.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative website has AT resources for students in Wisconsin, including an AT library and finding used AT equipment.

Paper written for quadriplegics, devices for people who are newly disabled