Kansas Resources

• Assistive Technology for Kansans Project - statewide project coordinated by the Kansas University Center on Disabilities at Parsons. The project is guided by an Executive Advisory Board composed of individuals with disabilities, family members and representatives from Kansas agencies. The project has five regional Assistive Technology Access Sites across the state.

• Assistive Technology Services in Shawnee Mission School District - Shawnee Mission School District, in a suburb of Kansas City, has long been a leader in the provision of assistive technology services. In the early 1990s, the district's special education director applied for and received a three-year grant to start an assistive technology program. The grant was called TEACH (Technology for the Education of All Children with Handicaps).

• Audio-Reader Network of Kansas - The Kansas Audio-Reader Network is a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired, and print disabled individuals in Kansas and western Missouri. Services are offered free of charge to anyone in our listening area who is unable to read normal printed material.

• Capper Foundation - The mission of The Capper Foundation is to enhance the independence of people with physical disabilities, primarily children. Capper enhances independence by providing the following services: physical, occupational and speech-language therapy; therapeutic recreation services, early intervention services, assistive technology and professional and family training.

• Assistive Technology Educating Children with Handicaps - The Assistive Technology Department provides on-site assessment and consultation services to students, staff, and parents within the NKESC districts. It also offers a loan program of various assistive technology devices for check out to districts and families for equipment trial before a local district makes a purchase.

• The Kansas Library Network Talking Books Service - Vision loss, blindness, physical impairments, and reading disabilities do not have to stop you, or a loved one, from enjoying their favorite books and magazines. Kansas Talking Book Service offers a variety of free programs to eligible Kansas citizens.

• Occupational Center of Central Kansas, Inc. (OCCK) - OCCK is a not-for-profit Kansas corporation dedicated to helping people with physical or mental disabilities remove barriers to employment, independent living, and full participation in their communities. 

• Technology Resource Solutions for People - Develop and implement customer directed services utilizing technology to enhance opportunities for persons of all ages with any disability to gain independence and pursue opportunities as they choose.

• Topeka & Shawnee County Library Talking Books - Talking Books is a service of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Northeast Kansas Library System & the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

• Western Kansas Talking Books - Western Kansas Talking Books is a division of the Kansas State Library Talking Book Program in Emporia, Kansas, and the Northwest Kansas Library System .

Other Resources

• 10 Tips for Software Selection for Math Instruction - Students have trouble understanding mathematical concepts, recalling and carrying out mathematical procedures, and solving a range of mathematical problems. Importantly, researchers have identified a range of effective mathematics interventions for students with disabilities. Computer-aided instruction has been shown to be an effective tool for mathematics instruction.

• ABLEDATA - provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, we can help you locate the companies that do.

• AAC Intervention.com - Augmentative/Alternative Communication Intervention Products & Presentations.

• AbilityHub - assistive technology for people with a disability who find operating difficult, maybe even impossible.

• Achievable Concepts - Adapted recreation and sporting equipment for people with disabilities and the aged.

• Acorn Superglide Stair Lift - ACORN Stairlifts have manufactured and installed tens of thousands of safe, reliable and easy to use stair lifts over the years.

• Alliance for Technology Access -ATA 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. Centers can be found all across the country." Links to 60 vendors of adaptive equipment, FAQ, web accessible design, success stories, related WWW sites.

• Angel Speaks Communication Products -  Mission is to explore, research and develop alternative inexpensive ways for the non-verbal and partially non-verbal community to communicate in the verbal world.

• Assistive Technology & Augmentative & Alternative Communication enABLE individuals with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life - Demonstrating how Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) enABLE individuals with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life.

• Assistive Technology Educational Network (ATEN) - to assist in the enhancement of student outcomes through the provision of information, training, and technical support in the area of assistive technology.

• Axistive Assistive Technology News Portal - offers free news, articles, product reviews and all product and vendor information of assistive technology devices.

• AT Technical Assistance Project - The Technical Assistance Project is funded to provide assistance to the AT Act Grantees to assist them reduce barriers and increase access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for consumers with disabilities of all ages. This project also provides technical assistance in the areas related to universal design, state procurement actions, and funding of AT.

• Attainment Company - An Absolute MUST SEE for inexpensive talking augmentive communication devices!!

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young Kids (YAACK) - Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young Kids (YAACK) is a website that covers issues related to AAC and young children. Its purpose is to provide information and guidance to families, teachers, speech/language pathologists and anyone else who is involved with a child with special communication needs

• AbilityHub Assistive Technology Solutions - Assistive Technology for people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible. This web site will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers

• The Alliance for Technology Access - The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers, Vendors and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies.

• Amcar Van Conversions - Amcar Motors exclusive design makes RampCar the best choice for wheelchair and scooter accessible vehicle conversions.

• Assistive Technology: A Handout for Teachers - Children with disabilities in schools present diverse problems for educators in the assessment of assistive technology needs, in the selection of specific interventions that are tailored to meet the individual needs and in writing IEP goals to reflect appropriate educational use of assistive or adaptive technology.

• Assistive Technology Advocacy Project - Thank you for visiting the National Assistive Technology Funding Link. which supports the advocacy efforts of attorneys, advocates, service agencies, persons with disabilities and their families as they seek funding for AT services and devices.

• Assistive Technology for the Personal Computer - According to the online disability community Ican.com, 13.6 million Americans have difficulty using their hands. Nearly ten million adults have difficulty seeing words and letters. For the aging population and for people with disabilities, assistive technology (AT) is a license for independence.

• Assistive Technology Guide for IEP Teams - This student's IEP Team considers the assistive technology needs of this student in accordance with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Consideration of this student's possible need for assistive technology is directly related to the implementation of this student's IEP which is directly related to the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Assistive Technology In The IEP - The purpose of this booklet is to provide guidance to special educators, related service providers, and parents as they develop Individual Education Programs (IEP) for students using assistive technology. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Assistive Technology, Like “Curb Cuts” in Cyberspace - Technology can create almost unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities to participate more fully in every aspect of life. It can be harnessed to reduce, even eliminate barriers for people with disabilities, at school, on the job, and in the community. However, lack of full access to these powerful tools severely curtails people’s ability to achieve their potential.

• Assistive Technology for Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities - An increasing number of students with learning disabilities are attending postsecondary institutions. To meet the educational demands of these students, support service providers will likely rely on assistive technology. This article lists types of assistive technology appropriate for use with persons with learning disabilities at the postsecondary level and discusses ways in which assistive technology enhances learning.

• Assistive Technology - Meeting the Needs of Adults with Learning Disabilities - Assistive technology, sometimes referred to as adaptive or access technology, includes a whole realm of high and low technology devices designed to increase the independence of individuals with learning disabilities by enabling them to compensate for deficits, enhance self-confidence, and participate more fully in all settings - work, school, home, and leisure.

• Assistive Technology Training Online - The Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO) provides information on AT applications that help students with disabilities learn in elementary classrooms.

• AT Training - AlphaSmart, Inspiration - lessons, resources, trainings

• Augmentative Communication - Mayer-Johnson is a mail order company focusing on augmentative communication.

• Back-to-School Alarm Clocks for Hearing Loss - People with visual or auditory impairments need adapted alarm clocks—those that either speak the correct time, use ultra-loud volume, vibrate, or flash strobe lights, because a typical buzzer just won't cut it.

• Calculators May Be Assistive Technology Devices - For a student with a learning disability in a regular education class, a calculator could fit the definition of an assistive technology device under Part B because it is "an item, piece of equipment, or product system which can be used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities" of the student.

• Captioned Media Program - The mission of the Captioned Media Program (CMP) is to provide all persons who are deaf or hard of hearing awareness of and equal access to communication and learning through the use of captioned educational media and supportive collateral materials.

• Car Seats for Children With Special Needs — Transporting Older Children - Some children still need the support of a child restraint even after they have outgrown a standard car safety seat. This might include children with cerebral palsy; decreased head, neck and trunk control; skeletal disorders; and various nerve and muscle disorders. There are forward-facing medical seats that fit children who weigh up to 105 pounds. These seats come with extra pads and devices to help position the child in the seat. Work with an occupational or physical therapist to position your child in these types of seats. These child restraints also come with an extra strap called a tether. The tether, along with the vehicle seat belt, must be used to install the restraint correctly.

• Center for Applied Special Technology CAST - Founded in 1984, CAST is an educational, not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, including those with disabilities. The following sections explain CAST's mission and goals, accomplishments, staff, board, and describe opportunities for Web visitors to support CAST's work.

• The Center For Technology in Education - improves the quality of life of children and youth with special needs through teaching, research, and leadership in the use of technology.

• CLIPCASE Communication Board Idea - All augmentative communication system users need an array of communication options.  These can range from simple gestures to a non-electronic communication board to a sophisticated electronic device.  This clipboard case is designed to hold papers and other items inside.  It has a clip on one end to keep the contents from spilling out.  The retail price is approximately $7.95 plus tax.

• Closing The Gap Resource Directory - Closing The Gap highlights hardware and software products appropriate for people with special needs, and explains how this technology is being implemented in education, rehabilitation, and vocational settings around the world. The in-depth articles, product reviews, and extensive product guide offer a variety of resources that help solve your technology implementation problems today.

• Computer Constitutes the Best Educational Program, But is it Required for an Appropriate Program?  - All children with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education. Schools that will oppose specific educational programs or services on the basis of "appropriateness" almost always are attempting to save money, protect the school's control over the design of programs, or both

• Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet) - a nonprofit of over one thousand community technology centers

• Consumer's Guide on Funding Assistive Technology - Consumers and families are often confronted with a seemingly impenetrable maze of eligibility requirements, potential funding sources, restrictions, paperwork, rules and regulations, and denials and refusals. This Informed Consumer Guide attempts to provide sources of information to help negotiate that maze.

• Digital Divide Network - The Digital Divide Network is the Internet's largest community for activists, policymakers and concerned citizens working to bridge the digital divide. At DDN, you can build your own online community, publish a blog, share documents and discussions with colleagues, announce news and events and submit articles.

• Do To Learn (A web site for those with special learning needs. Why? Life can be challenging, especially for those who see the world in a different way. This site provides information and special learning tools for anyone having difficulty understanding, ordering and functioning in our world. We have planned our activities to help children and adults with diagnosed disorders such as autism, LD or ADD. These activities may also benefit anyone learning basic language and daily living skills, including young children. Our site is designed to allow those with special needs to Do activities in a safe, planned way and To Learn at their own pace)(You are going to LOVE THIS SITE!!. Picture schedules, black and white pictures to print out, templates,really is a GREAT SITE!)

• Dreamms For Kids , Inc. Assistive Technology Solutions - a non-profit information clearinghouse, facilitating technology access for children with special needs.

• Drymids  - We take pride in offering reusable protective underwear for Children with Special Needs that are: affordable, discrete and quiet, extremely comfortable, fashionable and functional.

• DynaVox Systems - DynaVox has created quality tools that help people with speech, language, learning, and physical disabilities communicate and take control of their lives.

• ERT's ERICA eye-gaze system empowers individuals with disabilities with hands-free communication and computer access. By combining the system with ERT's GazeTracker software, companies and researchers can analyze where someone is looking.

• EyeCan Ltd. and our VisionKey Series - portable eye tracking keyboards. VisionKey brings the latest in eye-controlled communication technology to enable users to utilize eye movements for complete computer access and for augmentative communication.

• EyeTech - Operate your PC... Hands Free! pointing device, computer input device, mouse alternative, assistive technology, computer access, ALS, augmentative communication, eyetracker, eyetracking, eye gaze, eyegaze, assistive technology, eye mouse, assistive devices,

• Exceptional Computing  - Exceptional Computing a unique company, supporting the assistive technology needs of the challenged. Our unique characteristic is to serve as your personal link between the products (manufacturer) and you the end user. By giving you service that cannot be equaled by anyone else in the "chain". We have deliberately keep Exceptional Computing small to meet the individual needs of our customers

• Excuse #2: Parents Or Private Health Insurance Should Pay For The Device - The "Free" in FAPE is extremely significant with regard to children with disabilities who may require assistive technology. As stated in the IDEA and regulations, all aspects of the special education and related services provided to a child must be "at no cost to the parents." This term is interpreted broadly.

• Excuse #4: We Do Not Have The Money To Pay For Computers - There are a number of 'truisms' relating to educational expenses for children with disabilities. One is that the IDEA applies equally to every school district in each state. Its requirements are the same for big city school districts, wealthy suburban districts, and small, poor, rural school districts.

• Excuse #6: This Computer Is The School's Property: You May Use It In School, But You May Not Take It Home - Some school districts may provide computer access during the school day, but then state that the device cannot be removed from school property. It will not be permitted home after school, on weekends, or during school holidays. The school's reasons will most likely be that the device is school property, it is expensive, it is fragile, it is not portable, and it is not provided solely for the benefit of only one child.

• Family Center on Technology and Disability - (Family Center) serves organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. It offers a range of information and services on the subject of assistive technology (AT) as well as an extensive list of member organizations and a resource library.

• Family Guide to Assistive Technology

• The Fourward Technologies, Inc. - Dual-Purkinje-Image (DPI)Eyetracker is provides a dependable, accurate, and proven eye movement tracking device.

• Frequently Asked Questions on Assistive Technology Funding - Assistive technology device: 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.

• Funding of Assistive Technology - The public school's special education system is a source of a wide range of educational services, special supports, and even AT that may be needed by children with disabilities to benefit from the public school's educational system.

• General Song Adaptations To Support Language - In an approach termed singing to read, song verses are visually depicted in a left to right format, with students manipulating the symbols/graphics. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• A Guide For Families: Using Assistive Technology With Infants & Toddlers - For many of us the mere mention of the word "technology" makes our heart race and our palms sweat. A recent survey conducted by the International Electronics Commission indicated that 9 out of 10 of us cannot program our VCRs. Each day, however, we all use a variety of pieces of technology. Every time we ride in a car or make a phone call or cook diner, we are using technology. These "machines" help us to do things faster and better and hopefully make our lives easier.

• GUIDE-write Raised Line Papers - GUIDE-write Raised Line Papers are designed by Occupational Therapists working in schools. GUIDE-write products are multi-functional, providing developmental assistance for children and adults with learning disabilities, visual motor perceptual, low vision, sensor integration dysfunction, reacquiring handwriting, and orthopedic rehabilitation and disabilities.

• Helpful Hints for Getting Assistive Technology Devices and Services through Your School District - If you think your school-aged child has a disability and needs assistive technology devices and services, initiate special education services, including assistive technology, by sending a written request for an evaluation to the principal of your child 's school.

• iCAN - the leading disability community

• Infinitec - The Mission of Infinitec is to advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities through technology.

• ISCAN - video based eye and target tracking equipment available, for use in diverse applications by corporations, universities and research laboratories worldwide.

• Integrating Assistive Technology into the Standard Curriculum - Technology that supports students in accessing the curriculum does not need to be expensive or complicated to make a difference in learning. Both low tech and high tech applications have been used successfully to ensure students' success in the general education curriculum.

• From Illegible to Understandable: How Word Prediction and Speech Synthesis Can Help - Dialogue journals are written conversations between the teacher and each individual student. Dialogue journals provide an opportunity for teachers to model language usage and written form without directly correcting student language. Students can draw on the teacher model and their own oral language competence to construct written language that serves an immediate and personal purpose.

• Inspiration (grades 4 - 6) & Kidspiration (grades K - 3): Helps students read and write by providing a visual tool.

• Journal of Special Education Technology - an online publication of the technology department of the Council for Exceptional Children.

• Kid Access - colorful abstract pictures for visual learning.

• Kids Domain - Freeware & Shareware Computer Programs

• Labelling Tutor - teaches subjects as letters, shapes, numbers, colors, objects, body parts, gender, actions, places, categories, emotions and many others

• Let's Play Project - Play is how kids grow; it's what they do! All children need opportunities to discover and actively explore the world around them. However, for many young children with disabilities, play is often limited. The Let's Play! Projects look to provide families with ways to play through the use of assistive technology.

• Leveling the Playing Field: Technology as an Equalizer in Education, Transition & Daily Life - Technology aids students with disabilities by opening doors that had been closed previously. Although several federal resources, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Medicaid, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), provide general support to youth with disabilities, much work is needed nationwide to enhance the lives of students with disabilities by using technology more effectively to help students in their school careers, and in their transition from schooling to employment. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Makaton - a universal system of total communication

• Making Technology Work in the Inclusive Classroom: A Spell CHECKing Strategy for Students with Learning Disabilities - Many students with learning disabilities have difficulties with the multi-faceted dimensions of written language. Each stage of the writing process presents its own unique challenges for this group of students. One of the most demanding stages seems to be that of revising and editing. More specifically, students with learning disabilities face some of their most difficult challenges with the mechanical aspects of writing (i.e., spelling, grammar).

• Math Tools: Designed to reinforce essential math skills.

• Mayer-Johnson, Inc. - Augmentative Communication Products.

• Moneys Being Raised for the Technology Fund - In our schools today, too many students with disabilities do not have the technology they need to communicate effectively and/or master curriculum. Often the funds are simply not available for technology that would enable a student or students to experience success in life or in school. Or, the technology is available - but only during school hours. Yes I Can with Technology will give students the opportunity to have the technology they need and speed them on their way to success at school and at home.

• Microsoft Office Accessibility - Everyone sees, hears, feels, and maneuvers around the world differently. That's why accessibility features exist to help those of us with less than perfect vision, hearing, and dexterity get the most out of Office.

• National Autism Society announce the launch of All Access Computer Project - Some families have no access to computers or the Internet.  In today's world, a computer is the best resource for families dealing with autism spectrum disorders. Not only is it a tool for learning the latest treatments and interventions, it can provide desperately needed support via a network of other parents and caregivers. The NAA All Access Computer Project will provide computers and Internet access to families who are unable to afford it.

• National Captioning Institute - National Captioning Institute is a nonprofit corporation whose primary purposes are to deliver effective captioning services and encourage, develop and fund the continuing development of captioning, subtitling and other media access services for the benefit of people who require additional access to auditory and visual information.

• The National Cristina Foundation - provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives.

• Naturally Speaking:  Voice recognition software that can recognize phrases rather than individual words.

• Online Instructional Activities and Resources for Teachers

• Opening the Doors to Learning: Technology Research for Students with Learning Disabilities - The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has primary responsibility for administering programs and projects relating to the free appropriate public education of all children, youth and adults with disabilities, from birth through age 21.

• Opening Doors to Communication - Communication is important to all of us. Communication allows us to share thoughts and ideas, build relationships and express our needs. We communicate in many ways—through gestures, body language,  writing, and speaking to each other. AAC includes technology ranging from simple techniques to complicated devices. It includes pointing to pictures, objects or symbols; using sign language or body language; and eye-gazing (following cues given by the eyes), as well as talking switches, communication devices, and computers. When combined, these methods may help develop language for individuals who do not speak, those who cannot speak clearly, or those who cannot express their ideas so that others can understand them.  (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• PECs Pictures & Other Visual Communication Resources - These symbols/pictures are also highly effective using them for a "schedule" system or for a "choice board" when using a token system.

• Photo Boards  - Use full color photo boards to teach your child, adolescent, or adult a wide variety of functional skills, chores, leisure activities, and behavioral rules in the home setting. The photo boards can be used to (1) provide a visual reminder (cue) for the individual; (2) teach functional and daily living skills and; (3) promote independence.

• Reading Software for Students with Learning Disabilities: Hypermedia-Based Children's Literature - Hypermedia-based children's literature programs, sometimes called "talking storybooks," are one of the most popular types of software today. These programs read stories aloud to students in realistic digitized speech, colorful graphics accompany the text, and students often can interact with both text and graphics. Examples are the programs in series such as Living Books, Disney's Animated Storybooks, Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library, Discis Books, Magic Tales, and WiggleWorks.

• Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic - The nation's educational library for those with print disabilities.

• Sample Picture Exchange Communication System IEP Objectives (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• See It, Say It, Write It - To provide educators (K-12) with simple innovative methods for creating adaptive materials (using familiar computer software, scanners, and digital cameras) which will enhance the writing skills for all students including diverse learners.

• Silver Lining Multimedia Inc. - Photo Graphics to use when making flash cards etc

• Simple, Inexpensive Devices Can Assist in Communication - Most people agree that it is important for children to be able to express their likes, dislikes, needs, and ideas and for their parents, siblings, peers, teachers, and others to understand them. Yet for children with language impairments, trying to communicate can be not only frustrating but nearly overwhelming. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Simplified Technology For Children With Disabilities -assistive and augmentative communication made easy

• Speechfun (Parents - Special Education Teachers - Regular Education Teachers– Speech Pathologists - Occupational Therapists and - Behavior Therapists working with children with Autism, Developmental Delays, Speech-Language Deficits and Reading Delays. You are invited to view and print out as many activities as you like….FREE , FREE , FREE)

• Speech to Speech Telephone Relay - If you have a speech disability and live in the USA (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), you can now use a new, free telephone service 24 hours a day. It is also available (fewer hours of the day) in Sweden and Australia.

• StartWrite - With StartWrite you just Type it... Print it...Trace it... in DOT fonts. It's that simple. It's that powerful! StartWrite is now available with three (3) manuscript fonts. Manuscript (Zaner-Bloser),Modern Manuscript (D'Nealian), and italic (Getty-Dubay).

• Symbol World - A FREE website for symbol readers

• Talking Tapes Text Books on Tape - We bring the world of books to those who are unable to read the printed word because of physical, cognitive, visual, or learning disabilities.

• Technology Resources for Early Childhood Educators - This section contains dowloadable files for use with Boardmaker, Intellitools programs and overlays ready made for the Voice in the Box. You will also find links to the manufacturers of the equipment needed to use these files. They are all ready to use activities for a regular or special preschool classroom.

• Technology Supports Inclusion in Preschool - Teachers and specialists throughout the country are exploring ways technology can help preschoolers with disabilities reach these goals.

• Telecommunications, TTY and Adaptive Telephones - Telephone conversations can either be heard over conventional telephones or read via a TTY device's data terminal with a keyboard for text messages read by persons with deafness or hearing loss.

• Tools For Life - Tools for Life increases access to appropriate assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for all Georgians with disabilities so they can live, learn, work, and play independently in communities of their choice.

• Tots 'n Tech Research Institute - TnT conducts a national research program about use of assistive technology (AT) to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities. Visit TnT's Web site for training materials, easy explanations of AT for infants and toddlers, family materials, research briefs, and connections to the world of AT.

• TransAccess - TransAccess provides persons with disabilities access to adaptive technology and career transition services so that they can achieve their desired education and employment, and improve their quality of life.

• Use of Computer Technology to Help Students with Special Needs - overview of most appropriate electronic tools which can help students whose writing lacks organization, clarity and correct mechanics, and to learn as much as I could about how this software can be used. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Using Technology to Foster Independent Writing  - This article reviews the ways that computers can support writing by students with learning disabilities, with an emphasis on applications that go beyond word processing. Following an overview of research on word processing is a discussion of software that assists with the basic processes of transcription and sentence generation, including spelling checkers, speech synthesis, word prediction, and grammar and style checkers.

• VIEWPOINT Mobility - The "VISION" rear entrance lowered floor wheelchair accessible mini-van conversion. (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Bicycles, and Tricycles roll in and out of this minivan with ease).

• Visual Strategies - This booklet is designed for parents and teachers who may be living and working with children having difficulty comprehending verbal messages. All children will benefit in some way from the use of visual strategies; they are not only for non-verbal students or students with special needs. However, there are some children for whom these strategies may make the difference between success and failure in school, at home and in the community. They include some children with autism, aphasia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, central auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, learning disability, language disorder, pervasive developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, etc. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )

• Welcome to Kids Fonts! -  A new site dedicated to bringing do-it-yourself supplies to teachers of toddler-Kindergarten age children. Whether you're homeschooling, or are just tired of the prepackaged worksheets available to early-childhood educators, Kids Fonts is here to help! Scroll down to see what we currently have available, and to tell us what you'd like to see in the future. All fonts are TrueType, Mac & Windows versions available.) (I put this here as the site has a "tracing" dot to dot type of print font available for free download and wanted to make sure that people found it!)

• Wheelchair Lifts, Scooter Lifts, and Vertical Platform Lifts - Offers a large selection of wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, and vertical platform lifts.

• Who Provides Assistive Technology? - If the IEP of a child with a disability indicates that he/she requires
  an assistive technology device such as a hearing aid as part of his/her special education, then the responsible public agency would be required to provide the device at no cost to the parents.

• Write:Outloud: An easy-to-use talking word processor. Talking Word Processor Motivates Students to Compose, Revise and Edit Independently.

Contact the Families Together Center near you for more information