Types of Assistive Technologies
There are many different types of assistive technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, hardware and software. Some resources categorise the equipment under various disability headings, others use functional headings and some use the settings in which the equipment can be used. This list of some on-line database resources will illustrate the breadth of choice now available to users.
- Abledata (USA) A wide range of products with links to the manufacturer and short descriptions.
- ACE Centre Voice Output Communication Aid Database Descriptions, estimated costs and links to the suppliers of augmentative and alternative communication aids.
- Apple Mac Assistive Technologies Useful technologies that work with Macs including peripheral devices.
- Assist Ireland Guides and product descriptions with links to many other resources.
- Assistech Wiki Useful site for those researching into an evidence base for assistive technology use. Links to references and open source software
- Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training Links to all things Australian in terms of education and assistive technology
- Axistive.com (USA) Product descriptions and news mainly American but there are strong ties with Europe.
- Catea Assistivetech.net (USA) Database laid out by function and activity with links to a wiki encyclopaedia
- Closing the Gap (USA) school age Large well known American database with products and membership to other elements particularly useful for schools
- Disabled Living Foundation Products mainly linked to daily living with some public access e.g. bathing devices and SARA for self assessment
- EmpTech Database Resources for those studying or working with product descriptions, estimated prices, links to suppliers and manufacturers as well as training guides, advice pages and hints and tips
- European Assistive Technology Information Network (EASTIN) A European collaboration of six product databases with links to descriptions and some case studies
- Free & Inexpensive Adaptive Technology Database (Adaptech - Canada) Some of these technologies do not have all the features of more expensive items but they offer trials and options when cost is an issue.
- Network of Care Database of Assistive Technology (USA) Wide range of products with useful pictures.
- Open Source Assistive Technology Software (OATS) Help to build this useful open source database with links to other databases and wikis etc
- Schwab Learning (USA)assistive technologies for dyslexia (school age) Useful resources for those working with children who have specific learning difficulties
- TechDis Wide ranging collection of recources linked to making learning accessible to those in Higher and Further Education with information about assistive technologies and alternative formats etc.
- Tiresias ? Devices for blind and partially sighted people Technical and price information on devices that are currently commercially available, and provides contact details of the manufacturers of the devices.