May 14, 2024

Blogs — focus on disability / assistive technology

Many people are contributing to the promotion, education, growth and development of disability issues and assistive technology. Find the work of other blog contributors here.

CUDE, The Center for Universal Design in Education

At the University of Washington “CUDE develops and collects Web-based resources to help educators apply universal design to all aspects of the educational experience: instruction, student services, information technology, and physical spaces. Try the Online Tutorial to learn more about the history, definition, applications and principles of universal design. Great...

CAST

“A nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning.”...

TRACE

Part of the Research & Development Center at the College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Trace develops and adapts “emerging information and telecommunication technologies, in order to create a world that is as accessible and usable as possible for as many people as possible.”...

Universal Design Network

The Universal Design Network … is a loose coalition of people committed to universal design education. It is headed by Elaine Ostroff, one of the original innovators with Ron Mace....

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Universal Design Education Online

“This web site supports the teaching and study of universal design. It also provides a place where educators can interact with each other. The site features a variety of materials for a range of disciplines, levels, and interests including: Instructional, content resources, writings, bibliography and external links.”...

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The MIT Age Lab

Inventing new ideas to improve the quality of life for older adults and those who care for them by translating technology into practical solutions. Satisfy your curiosity about unusual ways they are applying technology to aging and independent living. See their overview on YouTube....

Vision Zone .org

“VisionZone is the first live and virtual eye health resource designed to bridge the gap between disease, prevention, awareness and solutions. VisionZone Live and VisionZone.org connects the eye care, visually impaired and caretaker communities through a blended interactive experience. Now professionals, businesses, associations and consumers can relate both virtually and...

Easter Seals Disability Services

“Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 90 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve...

Disability Insurance Statistics Bank

Although this is a private insurance company, the web page presents useful statistics and raises a valid point when considering disability insurance. “Individual Disability Insurance from Principal Life Insurance Company helps clients protect their most valuable asset – their ability to work and earn an income. The following statistics support...

Disability Statistics Center

“The Disability Statistics Center produces and disseminates policy-relevant statistical information on the demographics and status of people with disabilities in American society. The Center’s work focuses on how that status is changing over time with regard to employment, access to technology, health care, community-based services, and other aspects of independent...

National Organization on Disability

“The mission of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is to expand the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. Just over one-third of working-age Americans with disabilities are employed. That’s barely half the employment rate of the general...

NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities

“The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities works hand-in-hand with other City agencies to assure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and that City programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities. We have developed a number of informative brochures and directories that detail programs,...

Let Kids Play

“Founder, Mara Kaplan is an educator, mom of a child with disabilities and seasoned advocate for inclusive play. Learn more about Mara.  Let Kids Play is a consulting firm that works with manufacturers, communities, non-profits, park districts, retail stores, and parents on projects and strategies that ensure that all children...

Disaboom

Community! For people touched by disabilities, be it amputee, caregiver, disabled veteran, or those interested in exploring adaptive sports, accessible travel, or any other disability-related topic. This website provides lifestyle articles, blogs, forums, health information and shared knowledge. Great resource for expertise and community....

Infinitec, Inc.

The Mission of Infinitec is to advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities through technology. The Infinitec staff helps people with disabilities find and get access to information, technology services, training, assistive equipment and specialists by creating partnerships that maximize resources. Assistive technology is any...

AccessibleNYC

Planning a trip to New York City? This site will help you find the destinations, services, reataurants, hotels, stores and more – all accessible. Watch out – NYC has its eyes on being the number one destination for travelers with disabilities....

United Spinal Association

“For over 60 years, we have been an active voice in the disability community and a leading provider of outstanding programs and services for individuals with disabilities. The mission of United Spinal Association is to provide expertise, create access to resources and strengthen hope, thereby enabling people with spinal cord...

Lifetime Design

“Lifetime Design doesn’t build houses, or sell them.  But we have set the standards and guidelines for accessible, adaptable and inclusive house design.  We work with architects, designers, retirement village operators, developers and home owners as the resource centre for inclusive, accessible and adaptable design. Lifetime Design’s standards are freely...

The Sensory Trust (creating inclusive environments)

“The Sensory Trust promotes and implements: an inclusive approach to design and management of outdoor space; richer connections between people and place; and, equality of access for all people, regardless of age, disability or background. The Sensory Trust advises on issues, influences policy, assists professional practice, showcases good practice, organises...

IxDA – Interaction Design Association

“Definition of IxD:  Interaction Design (IxD) defines the structure and behavior of interactive systems. Interaction Designers strive to create meaningful relationships between people and the products and services that they use, from computers to mobile devices to appliances and beyond. Our practices are evolving with the world; join the conversation.”http://www.ixda.org/...

Color Universal Design

“People see color with significant variations. In Japan, there are more than 5 million people in total who see color differently from ordinary people, due to their genetic types or eye diseases. Color Universal Design is a user-oriented design system, which has been developed in consideration of people with various...

Administration on Aging

“Vision In order to serve a growing senior population, AoA envisions ensuring the continuation of a vibrant aging services network at State, Territory, local and Tribal levels through funding of lower-cost, non-medical services and supports that provide the means by which many more seniors can maintain their independence. Mission The...