Resources

Assistive Technology Resources for Empowerment and Accessibility

This page collects guides, funding information, webinars, device-loan programs, and organizations to help caregivers, educators, and individuals understand, access, and make the most of assistive technology.

Guides and Tutorials

Practical, plain-language guides on topics such as getting started with a screen reader, choosing between AAC options, and setting up switch access. Guides prioritize general orientation over step-by-step instructions for any single software version, since interfaces change over time. As new guides are published, they will be added here and cross-linked from the relevant topic pages.

Funding and Financial Assistance

An orientation to how people typically pay for assistive technology, including public schools (IDEA), state Assistive Technology Act programs, Medicaid and private insurance, vocational rehabilitation, veterans programs, and nonprofit or manufacturer assistance. This section summarizes the pathways; for a fuller explanation of each, see Funding Assistive Technology.

Webinars and Events

Live and recorded events, such as introductory webinars on AAC, low vision technology, or funding pathways, help visitors go deeper on a topic and ask questions. Upcoming and past sessions will be listed here as they are scheduled. In the meantime, AssistiveTechnologyEvaluations.org and AccessibilityClinic.org host related professional learning opportunities.

Assistive Technology Library

A future searchable database of assistive technology tools, organized by need, such as communication, mobility, vision, hearing, and cognition, and by category, such as low-tech, high-tech, and environmental modifications. Where specific products or manufacturers are named on this site, they are provided as neutral educational examples and do not constitute endorsement by Accessibility Clinic Inc. Related state AT loan libraries, which let you borrow devices to try before you buy, are described in Funding Assistive Technology. For an initial, category-based look at assistive technology products, see Assistive Technology Products & Resources.

Policy about Assistive Technology

A general orientation to the laws, rights, and regulations connected to assistive technology, such as IDEA and Section 504 in education, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which addresses accessibility of federal information technology. This is educational information, not legal advice; consult a qualified attorney or advocate for guidance on a specific situation.

 Community Support and Networking

Future directories of local and national organizations, such as disability-specific nonprofits, parent and caregiver groups, and professional organizations in fields like speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and special education, will be organized here to help visitors connect with people and groups working in this space. State Assistive Technology Act programs, described in Funding Assistive Technology, are also a strong starting point for local, in-person support.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE CATEGORIES

The categories below provide a general orientation to additional types of assistive technology resources. Categories describe types of resources rather than ranking or endorsing specific organizations or products.

STATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT PROGRAMS

Every state and territory has an Assistive Technology Act program, funded under the federal Assistive Technology Act, that provides services such as device demonstrations, device loans, reuse programs, and financing assistance for assistive technology. A state's Assistive Technology Act program is often a good first point of contact for local, no-cost or low-cost assistance and information.

DEVICE LOAN AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS

Device loan programs allow a person to borrow assistive technology devices for a trial period before making a purchase decision, while device demonstration programs allow a person to see and try devices in person with guidance from program staff. These programs are frequently operated through state Assistive Technology Act programs described above.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Educational resources related to assistive technology include information on accessible instructional materials, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and school-based assistive technology consideration and evaluation processes. For general information on assistive technology evaluation, see AT Assessment & Selection and AssistiveTechnologyEvaluations.org.

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

Government resources related to assistive technology include federal agencies such as the Administration for Community Living, which oversees the Assistive Technology Act program, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and state education agencies. These agencies can provide information on programs, funding, and rights related to assistive technology.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Professional organizations in fields connected to assistive technology include groups representing occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation engineers, and assistive technology professionals. These organizations often provide continuing education, professional standards, and directories that can help connect individuals with qualified professionals in their area.

ACCESSIBILITY ORGANIZATIONS

Accessibility organizations focus on broader digital and physical accessibility topics, such as web accessibility standards, universal design, and disability rights advocacy. These organizations can be a helpful resource for understanding accessibility concepts beyond assistive technology devices specifically.

AAC RESOURCES

For resources related to augmentative and alternative communication, see Communication & AAC, AAC Basics, Speech-Generating Devices, and AAC Access Methods on this site.

VISION RESOURCES

For resources related to vision and low vision, see Vision & Low Vision, Screen Readers, Screen Magnification and Visual Access, and Refreshable Braille and Braille Technology on this site.

SWITCH ACCESS RESOURCES

For resources related to switch-based access, see Switch Access and Switch & Single-Switch Gaming on this site.

ACCESSIBLE GAMING RESOURCES

For resources related to accessible gaming, see Accessible Gaming, Console Accessibility, and Adaptive Gaming Controllers on this site.

MANUFACTURER AND PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturers and vendors of assistive technology products often provide product specifications, user manuals, and support resources for their own devices. Where specific products or manufacturers are named on this site, they are provided as neutral educational examples and do not constitute endorsement by Accessibility Clinic Inc. Visitors are encouraged to consult manufacturers directly, and where applicable an assistive technology professional, for current product details and pricing.

TRAINING RESOURCES

Training resources for assistive technology include webinars, conferences, and manufacturer-provided training materials for specific devices and software. See Webinars and Events above for more information on training opportunities offered through this site and its affiliated organizations.

For current assistive technology and accessibility news, visit AssistiveTechnologyNews.org, an information resource maintained by Accessibility Clinic Inc.