TAP Bulletin - December 1995
RECENT PUBLICATIONS ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide you with a guide to publications and resources related to assistive technology produced since 1994. The resources have been placed under the following headings for easy reference: general overview of assistive technology, funding and policy, computer resources, home and recreation, disability specific, periodicals, and general references.
General Overview
American Rehabilitation Association. Guide to Assistive Technology Resources. Reston, VA: American Rehabilitation Association, 1995. 90p.
Introduction to assistive technology. Includes information on resources for locating catalogs of devices and services, training conferences, and online services. Offers a database of assistive technology resources organized by major life activities and major functional impairment. Glossary of terms is included. Price: $45.00. Available from: American Rehabilitation Association, 1910 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091, Tel: 800/368-3513, 703/648-0346 FAX.
RESNA Technical Assistance Project. (Video). The Tech Act: Dramatic Gains for People with Disabilities. Arlington, VA: RESNA, 1995. 27 minutes.
Highlights the progress state Tech Act projects have made ensuring the availability of assistive technology for people with disabilities. Features activities from eight state projects, including a technology fair, equipment loan program, financial loan program, technology training for elderly and educators, information services via the internet, community outreach, and new legislation. Tape has both open and closed caption versions. Price: $25.00 plus $3.00 s/h. Available from: RESNA PRESS, RESNA, 1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209, Tel: 703/524-6686 Voice, 703/524-6639 TDD, 703/524-6630 FAX.
Schwartzberg, Joanne G. and V. Kiki Kakavas, eds. Guidelines for the Use of Assistive Technology: Evaluation, Referral, Prescription. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 1994. 58p.
Guidelines developed to assist primary care physicians meet the needs of their patients. Serves as a quick reference. Organized in sections: primary care considerations, the role of the physician, physician-patient relationship, core knowledge for decision making, patient assessment, roles and responsibilities of rehabilitation team, matching patient and device, and community resources. Price: $5.00. Available from: Department of Geriatric Health, American Medical Association, 515 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610, Tel: 312/464-5085, 312/464-5041 FAX.
Funding and Policy
Accessing Technology Through Awareness in Indiana. The Indiana Assistive Technology, Devices and Services Funding Resource Guide. Indianapolis, IN: ATTAIN Project, 1995. 159p.
Provides information about funding sources, eligibility criteria, costs, specific services or programs covered, application procedures, and appeal procedures. Information is organized by age group. Includes local contacts as well as hints and strategies to simplify the search for funding. Price: $20.00. Available from: ATTAIN Project, 402 West Washington, Room W453, Indianapolis, IN 46204, ATTN: Rich Markley, Tel: 800/545-7763, 317/232-1410.
DakotaLink. Directory of Funding and Resources for Assistive Technology in South Dakota. Rapid City, SD: DakotaLink, 1994. 96p.
Provides tips to identify funding sources, suggests fundamental strategies and how-tos to develop a funding request, offers ideas for writing effective justifications. Includes sample letters and funding resources and specific information by funding source. Price: $10.00. Available from: DakotaLink, 1925 Plaza Blvd., Rapid City, SD 57702, Tel: 605/394-1876 V/TDD, 605/394-5315 FAX.
DeRuyter, Frank. Evaluating Outcomes in Assistive Technology: Do We Understand the Commitment? Assistive Technology, v. 7(1), 1995: 3-8.
Explores issues surrounding the evaluation of outcomes related to assistive technology services from the perspective of business, the consumer and other stakeholders. Calls for stakeholders within the assistive technology community to demonstrate quality and to be accountable to measure as well as improve outcomes.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education and others. Assistive Technology Guide. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Division of Special Education, 1995. 35p.
Helps special educators in the application of assistive technology devices and services. Contains chapters on legislation and the responsibility of schools, assistive technology in the special education process, equipment considerations, funding resources for assistive technology, and Part H issues. Also includes sections on assistive technology assessment as part of the IEP process. Price: $5.00. Available from: Instructional Materials Laboratory, 2316 Industrial Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, Tel: 800/669-2465.
Nebraska Assistive Technology Project, Nebraska Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation. A Study of School Funding of Assistive Technology Devices and Services in the State of Nebraska. Lincoln, NE: Authors, 1994. 59p.
Examines the funding of assistive technology from a review of written policies, procedures, and practices and from a survey of parents and school personnel. Recommendations address a statewide IEP form, additional policy guidance for school districts, increased training for educators and parents, and maximizing available resources. Price: free. Available from Nebraska Assistive Technology Project, 301 Centennial Mall South, P. O. Box 94987, Lincoln, NE 68509, Tel: 402/471-0734, 800/742-7594 V/TDD.
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology. Access to Funding: A Resource Guide for Obtaining Assistive Technology Devices and Services in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, PA: Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology, 1994. 100p.
A comprehensive guide which identifies potential public and private sources of funding for assistive technology and describes eligibility requirements and scope of services. Available in large print, braille, and disk versions. Price: $35.00. Available from Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology, Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, Ritter Annex (004- 00), Philadelphia, PA 19122, Tel: 215/204-1356 V/TDD, 215/204-6336 FAX, E-mail piat@astro.ocis.temple.edu.
Computer Resources
Alliance for Technology Access. Computer Resources for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Exploring Today's Assistive Technology. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 1994. 284p.
Helps people without technical background search for technology solutions. Part 1 guides the reader through the process of defining needs and making technology-related decisions and Part 2 discusses technology options that may offer solutions. Part 3 contains lists of resources, references, and organizations. Price: $24.95 (cloth), $19.95 (spiral), $14.95 (paper). Available from Hunter House Inc., P.O. Box 2914, Alameda, CA 94501-0914, Tel: 800/266-5592, 510/865-5285, 510/865-4295 FAX.
Borden, Peter A., ed. 1996-97 Edition Trace ResourceBook: Assistive Technologies for Communication, Control, and Computer Access. Madison, WI: Trace R & D Center, 1995. 972p.
Lists over 1,500 assistive technology items and provides descriptions and pictures of each item. Concentrates on electronic technologies for communicating, controlling the environment and operating computers. Includes several indexes for cross referencing. Price: $50.00. Available from: Trace R&D; Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, S-151 Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, Tel: 608/263-2309 Voice, 608/263-5408 TDD, 608/262-8848 FAX, E-mail info@trace.wisc.edu.
Brett, Arlene and Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. Adaptive Technology for Special Human Needs. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1995. 170p.
Contains both a general overview of how computers can assist people with disabilities and case studies. The case studies discuss issues related to people with physical disabilities and those with cognitive disabilities. Price: $44.50 (cloth), $14.95 (paper). Available from: State University of New York Press, State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12248, Tel: 518/474-5000.
HEATH. Computers, Technology, and Disability. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center, 1995. 11p.
Compilation of articles culled from HEATH newsletters that include valuable information about legislation, computers on campus, funding and resources. A 4-page brochure is also available that defines basic terms and explains how technology can help people with different functional limitations. Price: free. Available from: HEATH Resource Center, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-1193, Tel: 800/544-3284 V/TDD, 202/939-9320 V/TDD, 202/833-4760 FAX, E-mail heath@ace.nche.edu.
Vanderheiden, Gregg. Making Software More Accessible for People with Disabilities: A White Paper on the Design of Software Application Programs to Increase their Accessibility for People with Disabilities. Madison, WI:Trace Center, 1994. 74p.
Provides application developers with guidelines to make their software accessible and useable by people who have disabilities. Includes general guidelines and then specific design guidelines for features such as menu design, size of objects, sound. Price: $17.50. Available from: Trace R&D; Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, S-151 Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705; Tel: 608/263-2309 Voice, 608/263-5408 TDD, 608/262-8848 FAX, E-mail info@trace.wisc.edu.
Wahl, Lisa and Paul Hendrix. Telecommunications for People with Disabilities: Access to Computers Online Services. Rev.ed. Santa Barbara, CA: Special Needs Project, 1994. 86p.
Presents a multitude of resources available on-line via computer and modem for people with disabilities. Includes sources for social activities, education, general education, technical support, and advice on hardware and software. Price: $10.95. Available from: Special Needs Project World Wide, 3463 State Street, Suite 282, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, Tel: 800/333-6867, 805/685-9633, 805/683-2341 FAX, E-mail snpbooks@eworld.com.
Home and Recreation
Adil, Janeen R. Accessible Gardening for People with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to Methods, Tools & Plants. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, 1994. 324p.
Shows gardeners with physical disabilities how to design, plant and maintain a garden that suits their needs. Includes dozens of specific mail order sources for tools, seeds, plants and other materials. Price: $16.95 plus $4.00 s/h. Available from: Woodbine House, 6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817. Tel: 800/843-7323, 301/897-3570, 301/897-5838 FAX.
Flippo, Karen F., Katherine J. Inge and J. Michael Barcus, eds. Assistive Technology: A Resource for School, Work, and Community. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1995. 272p.
Provides background information about assistive technology systems, including legislative foundations, federal initiatives, and state systems. Describes assistive technology applications in augmentative communication, mobility, sensory impairments, education, employment, and sports and recreation. Addresses training and staff development issues, funding options, and the development of community services. Price: $34.00. Available from: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., P. O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624, Tel: 800/638-3775, 410/337-8539 FAX.
Schwarz, Shelley Peterman. Dressing Tips and Clothing Resources for Making Life Easier. Madison, WI: Shelly Peterman Schwarz, 1995. 92p.
Offers suggestions for easier shopping and making dressing easier, such as modifying clothes already owned. Includes directions for making dressing aids. Provides list of almost 100 mail order catalog companies that offer ready-to-wear clothing and adaptive devices. Available on audiocassette. Price: $18.95 plus $3.00 s/h. Available from: Shelley Peterman Schwarz, 933 Chapel Hill Road, Madison, WI 53711, Tel: 608/274-4380, 608/274-6993 FAX, E-mail spschwarz@aol.com.
Wylde, Margaret, Adrian Baron-Robbins and Sam Clark. Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes. Newton, CT: Taunton Press, 1994. 304p.
Practical guidebook for building a new home or renovating an existing structure. Includes information on a broad range of topics such as placement of electrical outlets and selection of hardware for doors and cabinets. There is a discussion of floor-mounted versus wall mounted toilets and a section with plans for built-up gardens. Price: $44.95. Available from: Taunton Press, 63 South Main Street, Newton, CT 06470, Tel: 800/243-7252, 203/426-8171, 203/426-3434 FAX.
Disability Specific
Thacker, John, Stephen Sprigle and Belinda Morris. Understanding the Technology When Selecting Wheelchairs. Arlington, VA: RESNA, 1994. 110p.
Includes information about features of wheelchairs that can be quantified: frames and materials, wheels and tires, joysticks and interfaces, computers and controllers, batteries, chargers, motors and drive trains. Technical specifications are interpreted in practical terms. Price: $16.50. Available from: RESNA PRESS, RESNA, 1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209, Tel: 703/524-6686 Voice, 703/524-6639 TDD, 703/524-6630 FAX.
Periodicals
Disability Funding News. Biweekly. $259/year (24 issues). CD Publications, 8204 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4571, Tel: 800/666-6380, 301/588-6385 FAX, E-mail cdpubs@clark.net.
Disability Statistics Abstract Series. 7 issues. Free. Disability Statistics Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Institute for Health & Aging, University of California, Box 0646, Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94143-0646, Tel: 415/502-5210 V/TDD, 415/502-5208 FAX.
Word from Washington. 4 issues/year. $55/year. United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, Tel: 800/USA-5UCP, 202/776-0406, 202/973-7197 TDD, 202/776-0414 FAX.
General Disability Resources
National Rehabilitation Information Center. Directory of National Information Sources on Disabilities. 6th ed. 2 vols. Silver Spring, MD: NARIC, 1994. 719p.
Two volume set describes more than 700 organizations for information on disabilities, includes lists of databases and resource directories. Price: $15.00. Available from: National Rehabilitation Information Center, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3319, Tel: 800-346-2742 V/TDD, 301/587-1967 FAX.
National Rehabilitation Information Center. NARIC Guide to Disability and Rehabilitation Periodicals. Silver Spring, MD: NARIC, 1994. 172p.
Includes information on nearly 500 periodicals pertaining to disability and rehabilitation. Price: $15.00. Available from: National Rehabilitation Information Center, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3319, Tel: 800-346-2742 V/T, 301/587-1967FAX, E-mail naric@capaccess.org.
The RESNA Technical Assistance Project (#HN92031001) is funded by the
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of
Education (ED) under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act
Amendments of 1994. The information contained herein does not necessarily reflect the
position or policy of NIDRR/ED or RESNA and no official endorsement of the material should
be inferred.
