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Nearly 40 percent of Americans without high-speed internet have disabilities, according to the first-ever federal working paper on internet accessibility. People with disabilities largely cite the same reasons for limited access to high-speed internet as their non-disabled peers, according to the paper issued this month by the Federal Communications Commission. Cost is a top concern followed by limited computer literacy and a lack of interest in internet content. But the white paper does point out that these barriers can be exacerbated for those with disabilities. For example, assistive technology devices some people need in order to access the internet can make new technology cost prohibitive.

Click here to register for this event What: Early childhood is often when a child and the family first receive a diagnosis while in the hospital or outpatient setting. This course will explore the basics for introducing assistive technology devices to the family while in the hospital setting/outpatient setting. Learner Outcomes: Participants will identify criteria to determine when to introduce assistive technology to the child Participants will become familiar with the basic features of assistive technology assessment Participants will receive an overview assistive technology devices appropriate for a new diagnosis involving motor, sensory and cognitive issues. When: Webinar begins at 10:00am Mountain time. Session sign in begins at 15 minutes prior. This session requires you to call in to access the audio. If applying for Individual Continuing Education Units (one hour of instruction) registered attendance and successful completion of this educational program is required and must be applied for with the payment of $16 being made directly to RESNA. Submission application will be provided.   Certificate of Attendance will be available upon completion.

The Board is undertaking an update of its standards for electronic and information technology in the Federal sector covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.  As part of this effort, it is also updating guidelines for telecommunications products subject to Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.  On March 17, the Board released for public comment a draft of the updated standards and guidelines.  The draft features a new structure and format that integrates the 508 standards and 255 guidelines into a single document referred to as the “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines.”  Requirements have been reorganized according to functionality instead of product type since many devices now feature an array of capabilities and applications.  The released draft includes proposed revisions to various performance criteria and technical specifications that are designed to improve accessibility, add clarity to facilitate compliance, address market trends, and promote harmonization with other guidelines and standards.

At the CSUN International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference this week, Google announced that it has added a number of accessibility features to Chrome, Chrome OS, Gmail and Google Drive that should make using Google suites of web apps a bit easier to use for blind and low-vision users. In addition, Google also launched a new sign language interpreter app and keyboard shortcuts for Hangouts for the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as those who can’t or don’t want to use a mouse while using Hangouts.

As the demographics shift to reflect an aging population, innovation abounds in the area of developing new assistive technologies to make life tasks easier for an individual with disabilities or for a family caregiver. How can you find out about existing or new technologies? One answer is finding information on the Internet, and a recent online survey of caregivers provides some insight into this question.

What:This presentation addresses the components of a successful Assistive Technology (AT) evaluation, who needs to be involved, models for effectiveness and how to make sure that the evaluation results support successful implementation. Webinar attendees will learn the difference between consideration and evaluation, how to leverage IEP team or 504 team participation in the evaluation process and how to translate data collection and findings from the AT evaluation into successful implementation within a plan based on the environments and tasks the individual is likely to encounter.  This webinar will examine questions parents and advocates should ask to guide and inform participants in the evaluation process. We will explore the legal obligations of schools to provide assistive technology evaluations and examine the factors that often go awry as well as suggestions for moving the process forward in the best and most effective manner possible. Time is provided for questions from participants.Registration: Cost: $50Your purchase includes one web access and one toll-free phone line for live 90-minute event, materials and unlimited access to Webinar archive. Gather a group in one location so many can participate for one low price!Click here for secure online purchasing!When:Wednesday, February 8, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:30 PM MT Contact:The Advocacy InstitutePhone: 540-364-0051Email: info@advocacyinstitute.org

Click here to register for this event What: This webinar will present a general introduction and overview of Broadband—both as a public policy agenda and as a quality of life issue for people with disabilities. The training will take a look at the unique ways in which Broadband is redefining health care, education, employment, citizenship, and community participation for people with disabilities. When: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 11:00 AM –  12:00 PM MST Presenter: Martin Sweeney -- As a parent, activist and current AT professional, Martin Sweeney has over 25 years of experience in the field of assistive technology. As a training specialist, Sweeney is part of the Center for Accessible Technology team promoting Broadband awareness, access and adoption throughout California.

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: This session is a thorough examination of the current technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to access electronic information. Most of these individuals can use their computers effectively by using screen magnification software. Those with very low or no vision can use screen reading software. Braille literate folks use Braille translation software, Braille displays, Braille embossers, and Braille graphics products. We will trace the recent evolution of this technology and the implications for today’s young students, college students, working adults, and seniors. When: Wednesday, September 22, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: William J. Bielawski III, Life Enhancement / Job Coach, The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: This session is a thorough examination of the current technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to access electronic information. Most of these individuals can use their computers effectively by using screen magnification software. Those with very low or no vision can use screen reading software. Braille literate folks use Braille translation software, Braille displays, Braille embossers, and Braille graphics products. We will trace the recent evolution of this technology and the implications for today’s young students, college students, working adults, and seniors. When: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: William J. Bielawski III, Life Enhancement / Job Coach, The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

When the iPad debuted two years ago, there was lots of talk about whether people beyond the iPhone and Mac faithful would use such a thing.

But it became very clear to a particular group of people - advocates for those with autism spectrum disorders - that the device could be a new tool for communication and education in that community, something perhaps even Apple didn't foresee. Some autism-related apps aid conversation between parents and children, while others help with learning words or social skills.