![\"assistive](\"https:\/\/exploreat.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/assistive-technology_banner.jpg\" "\\"assistive")
\n\tYou can find useful resources arranged by activity and disability. Always remember to contact your State AT Program<\/a> for free assistive technology information and assistance in your state.<\/p>\n So you have an idea of what product you might need, but not sure you are selecting and purchasing the “right” product? View useful tips.<\/a><\/p>\n Are there other easy-to-use databases or websites that can help me look at different kinds of assistive devices and narrow down my choices? View additional websites.<\/a><\/p>\nHearing AT Discovery webpage<\/a>Speech Communication webpage<\/a>Vision AT Discovery webpage<\/a>Computer Access AT Discovery webpage<\/a> Daily Living AT Discovery webpage<\/a>Recreation AT Discovery webpage<\/a>Environmental Adaptations webpage<\/a>Vehicle Modifications AT Discovery webpage<\/a>Seating, Positioning, Mobility webpage<\/a> So, you think you know what product you need.<\/p>\n Here are a few hints to get you started.<\/p>\n\t A good way to think about assistive technology (AT) is by identifying function – what is it the device will help a person with a disability do, like read text, type, hear the TV, dial the phone, rise more easily from a chair – rather than by diagnosis, e.g. AT for people with Parkinson’s, age, e.g. AT for seniors, or by setting, e.g. AT for work.<\/p>\n Contact your state AT program<\/a> for “information and assistance” to help narrow down a category.\u00a0 Depending upon the cost and complexity of the device in which you are interested, they may recommend you explore a formal evaluation, and\/or suggest that you borrow the item from their device lending program.\u00a0 The state AT program may also offer to arrange a demonstration that provides you with “hands on” experience with AT devices.<\/p>\n State AT Programs provide many free services (pdf)<\/a>. Most often there is no charge for information and assistance or a device demonstration. There is sometimes a nominal fee associated with borrowing a device to help cover shipping costs.<\/p>\n\t If there’s a specific product you heard about, the state AT program may be able to introduce you to another device with more (or fewer) features that better fit your needs and pocketbook!\u00a0 Or, check out two or more similar devices from your state AT program’s lending library, to try before you buy.\u00a0 Your state AT program probably has the devices in their library on-line so you can view devices by category.<\/p>\n\t Even if you think paying “out of pocket” is the only way to get the AT you want, the state AT program may know of other possibilities – public programs, community organizations, or other sources for grants or cash loans. In addition, some state AT programs administer programs that distribute specialized equipment such as telecommunication devices to eligible residents.<\/p>\n Use the Find Your State Program<\/a> directory to identify program services (i.e. other state financing options) and a contact in your state. Funding sources, programs, and services vary from state to state.<\/p>\n\t If you are using a credit card and will not be paying off your monthly bill “in full”, you could be adding anywhere from 12% to 24% to the cost of the item, depending upon your interest rate.\u00a0 You may be better off with favorable terms offered by one of the “alternative financing programs” around the country; search the\u00a0Find Your State<\/a>\u00a0directory to find the cash loan program in your state.<\/p>\n\t Especially when it comes to products that might be useful for people without disabilities such as ergonomic keyboards or home automation systems, “generic” retailers like Best Buy, Staples, Home Depot, CVS or Walmart may carry the product in which you are interested.\u00a0 While Best Buy’s website recognizes the term “assistive technology” other sites list products under headings such as “health and wellness”, “disability aids”, and “home health care”.\u00a0 Compare these prices with other mainstream retailers, as well as with “specialized” resellers.<\/p>\n\t Some assistive technology companies compile items from a range of manufacturers or vendors. Depending on the size of the company and other factors, prices may vary considerably.\u00a0 A recent search found a variation of more than $100 for a “Go Talk 20+” communication device among such vendors as Attainment Company and Alimed. Amazon has a “Special Needs Storefront” department which provides several vendor options for a single product.<\/p>\n\t Shipping and handling costs can add dollars to the purchase price.\u00a0 Consider whether the item is available at a nearby “brick and mortar” retailer, or whether free shipping is available (e.g. for Amazon “Prime” members).<\/p>\n\t Check product reviews on websites, Facebook, and other sources.\u00a0 What do reviews say about the durability and functionality of the product?\u00a0 Warranty and customer service?\u00a0 Return policy?<\/p>\n\t The AgrAbility Toolbox<\/a>: Agricultural Tools, Equipment, Machinery & Buildings for Farmers and Ranchers with Physical Disabilities is a resource that contains assistive technology solutions for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities.<\/p>\n Bridging Apps<\/a>\u00a0is a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston that provides access to educational and therapeutic tools-anywhere, anytime-allowing parents, teachers, and therapists to effectively use mobile devices and apps to target and improve individual skill development to help children and adults with disabilities reach their highest levels of physical and cognitive development.<\/p>\n iAccessibility<\/a> is an online complete resource for everything related to the accessibility of Apple devices including videos, podcasts, accessibility apps, and resources.<\/p>\n Tech Matrix<\/a>\u00a0is an online searchable database of assistive and educational technology tools and resources to support learning for students with disabilities and their classmates.<\/p>\n Tech Finder<\/a> is an online database of\u00a0expert-approved\u00a0apps and games for children with learning and attention difficulties.<\/p>\n The Arc’s\u00a0Tech Toolbox<\/a>\u00a0is a place to find, share, rate, and review technology for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n Unified Listing<\/a> is a central database that stores information about assistive technology solutions and access features in mainstream products. For access to communication, computers, and digital devices the site brings together information from 12 different databases in Europe, the US and Australia.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t The\u00a0National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)<\/a> maintains a research library of more than 65,000 documents and responds to a wide range of information requests, providing facts and referral, database searches, and document delivery. NARIC maintains REHABDATA, a bibliographic database on rehabilitation and disability issues, both in-house and online.<\/p>\n The Center on Technology and Disability (CTD)<\/a> was designed to increase the capacity of families and providers to advocate for, acquire, and implement effective assistive and instructional technology (AT\/IT) practices, devices, and services. CTD ended in May 2019. However, its legacy website still provides a Library of multi-media, multi-lingual resources and webinars.<\/p>\n JAN<\/a>\u00a0is a consulting service that provides information about job accommodations and the employability of people with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\t\tLearning, Cognition & Development\n\t<\/h3>\n Reading webpage<\/a>Writing webpage<\/a>Mathematics webpage<\/a>Organization webpage<\/a>\n\t
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Your State AT Program is a Good Place to Start<\/h3>\n
Ask your State AT Program for a demonstration of comparable products that have similar features but different prices.<\/h3>\n
Your State AT Program may be able to help you find funding sources.<\/h3>\n
Use your credit card with care.<\/h3>\n
Shop mainstream retailers’ stores, catalogs, and websites.<\/h3>\n
Comparison shop among “specialized” resellers.<\/h3>\n
Factor in additional costs like shipping and handling.<\/h3>\n
Cheaper isn’t always better.<\/h3>\n
Explore AT Device Databases<\/h2>\n
AgrAbility<\/h3>\n
Bridging Apps<\/h3>\n
iAccessibility<\/h3>\n
Tech Matrix<\/h3>\n
Tech Finder<\/h3>\n
Tech Toolbox<\/h3>\n
Unified Listing<\/h3>\n
Explore National AT Information Resources<\/h2>\n
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)<\/h3>\n
Center on Technology and Disability<\/h3>\n
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)<\/h3>\n
Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)<\/h3>\n