Adaptive technology refers to the assistive devices or software programs that aid individuals with disabilities.  I would like to share some of the free resources that I have discovered to help individuals with an employment handicap.  Let me first say that I am not an expert in the field, as I have only taken one course on the topic.  However, I have a keen interested in learning all I can about it.  So if you have some additional adaptive technology tools to share with our readers, by all means please leave a comment.

I added a Web page to our site, [1] www.brokebutnotforlong.org, to address adaptive technology tools.  Some of the tools are for both the worker and the employer.  Here is the list that I have cultivated as of today:

1. Section 508 Checklist has the standards for Web site content to meet the needs of persons with disabilities: [2] http://webaim.org/standards/508/checklist.
2. [3] iSpeech.org converts text-to-speech (TTS) or speech-to-text (STT) for audio files for free.  You can also control the speed of the voice delivery.
3. The US Government provides webinars and updates on the latest technology available or the lack thereof in various situations: [4] http://disability.gov/technology/accessible_technology
4. A team of researchers at Boston College and Boston University created an adaptive computer mouse called, cameramouse.  It assists individuals with limited movement in their limbs but not in their head to direct the mouse’s cursor. [5] www.cameramouse.org
5. The center for Principals of Universal Design at North Carolina State University have created a Universal Design Poster [6] with the principals of accessibility in the environmental design at the workplace: [7] http://design.ncsu.edu/cud/pubs_p/docs/poster.pdf
6. Microsoft provides tutorial on the accessibility options for using its products, such as Internet Explorer 8 [8] and Windows XP: [9] http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/ie8/

As previously mentioned, I’m interested in your suggestions on other adaptive technology tools.  I hope these serve you well.  As the web developer for BrokeButNotForLong, Inc., I hope to meet the 508 standards for Web site design, as well.

Your Blogger,

Sandra Annette Rogers

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