Adaptive Technology

Adaptive technology refers to products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. These websites feature useful programs like adaptive driving classes and specially designed equipment and products. Also included are the latest technological advancements, as well as advice on how to select the right adaptive technology for you.

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Ability Trip

AbilityTrip is a centralized resource for accessible travel information – a travel guide – for the community of disabled travelers and their companions. The site provides information on the current state of accessibility by destination including logistics, accommodations, activities, restaurants, and emergency services. AbilityTrip also provides consulting services to destinations seeking to increase their utility and attractiveness to the disabled community.

Where to Start:

Selection Destinations and then click on a continent to begin planning your trip.
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AbleData

This Site Features: Medical Research Reports Publications

Sponsored by the US Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), AbleData provides an extensive, well-organized list of assistive devices. Product listings contain a short description and information on price, manufacturer and where to find it. This is an excellent resource for finding available adaptive equipment and learning about new developments in assistive technology and do-it-yourself ideas.

Where to Start:
Select the Products tab at the top. This shows a list of product categories such as Aids for Daily Living, Communication and Environmental Adaptations. Select the category of the product you need and browse the extensive database to see what technology is available to you.
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AblePlay

AblePlay is a consumer website for families and professionals with ratings and reviews of toys for children with disabilities. The website features comprehensive evaluations by Lekotek's special education and therapy experts and provides star ratings (1 - 5 stars) in four disability categories

Where to Start:

In the top tool bar, select Search AblePlay Rated Products. This will lead you to a Search Toys questionnaire, which generates suggestions based on a child’s ability.
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Accessible Air Travel

This Site Features: Español Publications

Although air travel today is available to most people, barriers to access still exist. A passenger with a disability may encounter obstacles just to reach an airplane seat. This pamphlet from the United Spinal Association explains what to expect from the time an airline reservation is booked, to the moment the flight touches down takes the surprises out of traveling.
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Adapting Motor Vehicles for People With Disabilities

This Site Features: Publications

This is a brochure you can download from the National Highway Safety Administration that gives tips about adaptive technology for driving. Along with information on requirements, training, and adaptation costs, this publication contains advice on evaluating your need and choosing and maintaining a vehicle.

Where to Start:
The link will take you directly to the brochure, which you can download.
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Adaptive Driving Alliance

This Site Features: Publications

The Adaptive Driving Alliance is a nationwide group of vehicle-modification dealers who provide adaptive equipment for disabled drivers and passengers. This website provides a database of dealers who meet the Quality Assurance standards for business practices and equipment as defined by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.

Where to Start:
Select Find Your Local Dealer from the bottom of the Customers section on the right and enter your zip code to find a list of the closest dealers offering adaptive technology for driving in your area.
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American Association of Retired Persons Grandparent Foundation Information Center

This Site Features: Español Forums Publications

This section of the AARP website provides articles and information for grandparents who play an active role in their grandchildren's lives. The website offers extensive information on finding government aid programs, legal advice, tips on grandparenthood, and caregiving. There are a variety of resources including "Grandparenting a Child with Special Needs."

Where to Start:
Under More Information, select the GrandCare Support link. Click on Search Form, and fill in your information. This will direct you to programs in your area that specifically apply to your needs as a grandparent.
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American Ramp Systems (Amramp)

A national manufacturer and supplier of wheelchair ramps and showers, Amramp offers home modification services. They provide a free property evaluation and consultation on adding a ramp to your home before building, as well as the option to rent ramps for special events. The website gives detailed advice on how to determine the best type of ramp for your lifestyle and also has a blog on how to find funding to help with home modifications.

Where to Start:
The places to search on this website depend on what you're looking for--whether it's a rental ramp, permanent ramp installation, or shower modification. However, the section labeled Common Ramp Questions, on the left menu, provides general information about the types of materials used for ramps so you can make an informed decision on what to best suits your needs.
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Assist

This Site Features: Español Publications

This website developed by the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Utah and the Utah Society of the American Institute of Architects calls itself a "community design center," and offers information on constructing an accessible community. It offers excellent information and tips on creating an accessible home in its downloadable "Guidebook to the Accessible Home."

Where to Start:
On the right, select the Accessibility Design tab. Toward the bottom of this page is a link to download "The Assist Guidebook to the Accessible Home." This is an in-depth manual on what to consider in designing an accessible home and offers good ideas on home modifications.
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AssistiveTech.net: National Public Website on Assistive Technology

This Site Features: Forums

This website, sponsored by the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access at the Georgia Institute of Technology, offers a catalogue of assistive technology products along with updates on the latest technological advances. Here you'll find products with user comments that you are able to compare by using the site's product comparison tool. There's also a helpful encyclopedia of assistive technology terms and facts called ATWiki that's accessible through this site.

Where to Start:
If you're looking for a specific piece of equipment, enter your query in the search tab at the top of the page. You can also browse products by function, activity, or vendor from the links found on the left menu.
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Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) was established in 1977 to support professionals working in the field of driver education / driver training and transportation equipment modifications for persons with disabilities through education and information dissemination. ADED is the primary professional organization in this specialized area, and stands ready to meet the professional needs of its members through educational conferences and research support as well as encouraging equipment development to maximize the transportation options for persons with disabilities.

Where to Start:

Select Membership Directory in the main toolbar, and then select State/Province in Field One. This leads you to another page where you can select your state of residence.
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Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs

Funded by the federal Assistive Technology Act (AT Act), this organization offers programs in every state which feature information about assistive technology and are dedicated to making it available to people with disabilities. Here you can learn what support your state offers for acquiring assistive technology. The website also contains updates on federal legislation dealing with disability and adaptive technology.

Where to Start:
From the menu bar at the top select ATAP Community. This provides an update on the assistive technology available in each state. By selecting your state from the State AT Programs list on the right you can get contact information and the website of your state program.
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Center for Assistive Technology

The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) was established within the School of Health Related Professions in 1988. CAT conducts research, education and service programs in assistive technology for persons with disabilities and the elderly, in four related areas: research, development, and commercialization, education programs, client assessment and training services and dissemination.
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Center for Universal Design

This Site Features: Publications

Part of the College of Design at North Carolina State University, CUD strives to provide research, education and services related to accessible design across all environments including housing, buildings, and outdoors. Here you'll find information on the most useful design solutions, as well as technical assistance in constructing accessibility improvements to your home. You'll also learn about universal design, the core principle of which lies in constructing environments in a way that is accessible to all people without standing out as altered or customized for people with disabilities.

Where to Start:
From the menu on the left, select Publications. This gives you a list of helpful fact sheets about universal design, construction, legal accessibility standards, and housing.
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Darrell Gwynn Foundation

The Darrell Gwynn Foundation’s mission is to provide support for people with paralysis and prevent spinal cord injuries. It aims to be vocal advocate for public awareness of the causes of spinal cord injury, and works with other organizations to help people with SCI live productive lives.

Where to Start:

Select Support in the main toolbar to learn more about the Foundation’s Wheelchair Donation Program, and to see if you or your family member applies.
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disABILITY Information and Resources

This website was created by Jim Lubin, a man with transverse myelitis who is dependant on a ventilator. He uses a sip-and-puff device to enter Morse-Code patterns that translate to keyboard and mouse functions to operate his computer. Aside from the impressive personal story behind it, Lubin's site offers an extensive catalogue of online resources on disability. Here you'll find links to information on spinal cord injury , assistive technology, medical newsgroups, disability organizations etc.

Where to Start:
The Categories section at the top features an extensive list of links. However, if you want a shorter list of more targeted resources, check out the Spotlight section halfway down the main page.
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Easter Seals Project Action

This Site Features: Forums Publications

Dedicated to facilitating cooperation between the transportation industry and the disability community, Easter Seals' Project Action offers resources for finding and implementing accessible transportation. Here you can find information on transportation services in your community as well as links to free informational materials on rights guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Where to Start:
Select Free Resources from the menu on the left. You can search this page for useful information, or select Travelers Database from the sub menu on the left to find transportation in your area.
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EasyStand

Designed by a C6-7 quadriplegic, the EasyStand standing frame enables people with mobility related disabilities to sit and stand. Standing and weight bearing are associated with many health benefits. With this in mind, EasyStand's goal is to improve the quality of life for children and adults using wheelchairs worldwide.

Where to Start:

Select Heath Benefits to read about the benefits of standing, and select Products to learn more about the EasyStand.
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Family Center on Technology and Disability

This Site Features: Español Publications

This website provides detailed information on the latest assistive technology. Here you'll find extensive resources and AT product lists, which can be searched by function. You can search for organizations in your area, find fact sheets about assistive technology, and visit online discussions about disability and technology.

Where to Start:
On the left select Resource Reviews. This is a list of assistive technology websites and tools. You can search the hundreds of resources by topic, type of equipment, or disability.
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Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users

This Site Features: Español Publications

This pamphlet, created by the United Spinal Association, gives important tips to handle situations before and during a fire, and to address fire prevention within homes. The tips are a model that can be modified and adjusted to fit the varying types of homes and structures.
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Friends of Disabled Adults & Children

FODAC’s mission is to provide durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs and hospital beds at little or no cost to the disabled and their families. We seek to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages who have any type of illness or physical disability. Since 1986, FODAC has collected and distributed more than 25,000 wheelchairs.
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HandiHelp.net

Handihelp.net is a website that contains simple ideas and tools that are either inexpensive to purchase or cost little to make. Hopefully, these suggestions will help physically challenged individuals overcome some of the frustrations they face daily.

Where to Start:

Start by selecting Blog on the main toolbar to get a sense of the website and to read interesting articles on adaptive technology.
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IZ Adaptable Clothing

Canadian Fashion Designer, Izzy Camilleri, has created a line of adaptable women's clothing intended for a "seated clientele." Here you'll find contemporary clothing designed for fashion and comfort in the context of a wheelchair. The website features tops, skirts, pants and jackets in a variety of styles.

Where to Start:
After selecting the Adaptable Clothing icon, click through the Collection page and see what styles interest you. There's also a set of Demonstration Videos that display the functionality of the featured clothing.
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Life Rolls On Foundation

This Site Features: Publications

Jessie Billauer started the Life Rolls On Foundation in 1999 after he became quadriplegic in a surfing accident. It's mission is to be a resource and advocate for young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injury. The foundation focuses on promoting an active lifestyle despite mobile impairment as shown in their flagship program, "They Will Surf Again." This is a no-cost adaptive surfing program for individuals with a spinal-cord injury.

Where to Start:
Click on the Programs tab on the menu at the top. Here you can learn about the various initiatives that Life Rolls On offers, such as "They Will Surf Again," or the networking events for "Active Young Professionals."
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"Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury: Moving Ahead with Your Life," The Mayo Clinic (Demos Health, 2009)

Traumatic spinal cord injuries have become increasingly common, with nearly a quarter of a million Americans dealing with the condition and another 10,000 new cases each year. The need for a simple, authoritative guide to this disability has never been greater. The "Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury" addresses that need. With all the information written, vetted, and endorsed by the world's most prestigious medical clinic, the book enables sufferers to return to an active and productive life within the limits of their disability. Here the Clinic's leading experts offer advice on everything from emotional adjustments to skin care to modifying homes and cars. This independence-granting book encourages readers to resume their favorite hobbies, participate in athletic activities, and return to the workplace quickly and safely.
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Mobility-Advisor.com

This Site Features: Publications

This website offers some of the most extensive information on wheelchairs. There are detailed descriptions of different types of wheelchairs and accessories so you are able to learn what types of equipment you require for your situation, right down to the attributes to look for in a wheelchair cushion.

Where to Start:
Select Wheelchairs from the left menu. This provides you with information on the various types available followed by related articles that may be useful, such as how to size and buy a wheelchair.
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National Center for Medical Home Implementation

The mission of the National Center is to work in cooperation with federal agencies, particularly the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), to ensure that children with special needs have access to a medical home. The National Center provides support to physicians, families, and other medical and non-medical providers who care for children and youth with special needs.

Where to Start:

On the top tool bar, select Getting Started. Here you will find tips and resources for making a home accessable for children with disabilities.

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National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association

This website was developed by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. It offers useful information on available adaptive technology and where to find it. You also can find a local dealer, learn about the nationally recognized accreditation program for dealers, called the "Quality Assurance Program," and find manufacturers that offer rebates and discounts.

Where to Start:
Click the For Consumers drop-down menu at the top and select Mobility Solutions. This leads you to pages that feature adaptive technology for drivers, passengers, caregivers, everyday mobility and dealers who offer rebates.
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Pass It On Center

This national organization is working to create reuse programs to supply disabled individuals with available second-hand assistive technology. The website has an extensive list of exchange centers where assistive technology can be donated, bought, and sold so that unused technology can be passed on to someone else who needs it. This program also offers online seminars (or webinars) on various topics related to the reutilization of AT.

Where to Start:
To learn about where you can find buyers and sellers of assistive technology in your area, look toward the bottom of the menus on the left. Select Click to Find the AT Exchange In Your State from the AT Exchange Programs box. This gives an alphabetical listing of each state's programs, links to the websites and contact information.
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Project Walk - Orlando

Project Walk Orlando exists to provide those living with a spinal cord injury the opportunity to achieve their greatest recovery potential and an overall increased quality of life. The center is modeled after the highly successful Project Walk® in Carlsbad, California, which is an aggressive and comprehensive exercise-based program. Their methodology for SCI recovery extends the program's reach and affordability to the southeastern United States, Florida residents and beyond.

Where to Start:

Start by scrolling over Programs to see the resources that Project Walk Orlando offers. If you want to find more information on or are interested in applying to a program, select Client Center.
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Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)

This Site Features: Publications

RESNA promotes research and advocacy for assistive technology through membership and programs focused on the exchange of ideas and information about technological advancements for individuals with disabilities. Here you can find a catalogue of state programs designed to assist you as well as conferences and assistive technology news.

Where to Start:
Some of the most useful tools on this website are the lists of state programs which can help you find financial help for assistive technology. Start by selecting Projects from the menu to the left. This leads to a page of links to websites about assistive technology, financial assistance and advocacy programs in your area.
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SCI Pilot

SCI PILOT’s main purpose is to document consumer experiences acquiring and using assistive devices of all kinds following spinal cord injury. This site is the result of a collaboration between a group of spinal cord injury stakeholders, including consumers, researchers, therapists, rehabilitation engineers, technology consultants and community activists. Work on SCI PILOT began in 1998, with the idea that consumers are under-represented in discussions about assistive technology designed for individuals with a spinal cord injury.

Where To Start:

Start by selecting Stories to read about consumer experiences with assistive technology.

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SCI Recovery Project

SCI Recovery Project is a non-profit organization specializing in providing exercise based recovery programs for individuals who have had a spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, or similar trauma. They create custom programs to help clients maintain health and wellness while providing optimal functional return. The program’s therapies include: mneuromuscular reeducation, weight bearing activities, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) with the RTI 300 bike, strength training, flexibility, and gait training. In addition, our facility provides client and family support and networking.

Where to Start:

Start by selecting Services Offered to find more information on their programs and applications forms.
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"Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living," Kriegsman, Kay Harris PhD, Jeffrey B. Palmer MD and Sara Palmer PhD (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008)

"Spinal Cord Injury" is the definitive guide for people with a spinal cord injury and their families. Combining first-person accounts with up-to-date medical information, the book addresses all aspects of spinal cord injury--recovery and coping, sex and family matters, transportation and housing, employment and leisure--and reviews the challenges encountered by people with spinal cord injury throughout their lives.
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Trace Research & Development Center

This Site Features: Publications

From the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Engineering, the Trace Center focuses on the latest technological developments geared toward helping the disabled community. The website provides updates on ongoing developments, programs and current research regarding adaptive technology. This site is an excellent source for finding new ways to communicate, such as the experimental system that uses a brain-computer interface to allow individuals with severe disabilities, such as high spinal-cord injury, to communicate online.

Where to Start:
Select Projects & Programs from the menu to the left for a list of projects from Trace, such as designs for more accessible computers and websites for people with disabilities.
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Travis Roy Foundation

The Travis Roy Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the life of individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families by providing adaptive equipment and to finding a cure through increased funding of research, resulting in self-reliance and the ability to be as independent as possible.

Where to Start:

Start by scrolling through the main toolbar to find more information on the program and to see if you apply.

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United States Access Board

This Site Features: Español Medical Research Reports Publications

The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for buildings, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training on those requirements and on accessible design and continues to enforce accessibility standards for federally-funded facilities.

Where to Start:
The Publications tab at the top of the page takes you to a list of useful resources that will help you get acquainted with some of the important disability-rights laws. Under the General section, select About the ABA and Other Disability Rights Laws. This page offers a quick reference and a basic introduction to accessibility regulations.
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Wheelchair Foundation

The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. For these people, the Wheelchair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Independence.

Where to Start:

Start by selecting Programs to learn more about the foundation and the services it offers.

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Wheelchair Site

The Wheelchair Site is an independent website designed to help you understand the challenges faced by people with physical limitations. It also includes helpful information for people who rely on mobility aids - including tips on choosing the right wheelchair. We also discuss the different product options - including manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, pediatric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, wheelchair lifts, wheelchair vans and various wheelchair accessories

Where to Start:

To start, select Accessibility Issues to see what other wheelchair users are talking about.
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WheelchairNet

This is an online community, created by the University of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Education, for individuals who use a wheelchair. Here you can find links to the latest information on education, technology and health for wheelchair users. The site offers resources for managing everyday life with a wheelchair, covering such topics as parenting, transportation, sports and advocacy.

Where to Start:
The Community Living page, found through the link in the middle of the home page, provides a list of subjects to browse. Here you'll find resources on disability-related topics, such as advocacy, assistive technology and traveling.
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Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities

This Site Features: Español Medical Research Reports Publications

The Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities is database of professional contacts for people looking for support or information on any type of childhood disability. Search by state for resources on your child's disability on topics such as legal advice, healthcare and educational resources, government aid, doctors and specialists.

Where to Start:
Click you location under Select a State. This will lead you to a list of professionals, programs and resources in your state.
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"Yes, You Can!: Guide to Self-Care for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury, 4th ed.," Ed. Burns, Stephen P., M.D and Margaret C., M.D. Hammond. (Paralyzed Veterans of America, 2009)

Published by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 'Yes, You Can!," is designed for both the newly injured patient, and their family members. Written by experts in the field of spinal-cord injury, it is an extremely popular guide to subjects such as: self-care, sexuality, pain management, substance abuse, exercise, alternative medicine, adaptive equipment, and staying healthy.
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