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Libraries and Accessibility: Assistive Technology

Resources on accessibility, the ADA, and services to persons with disabilities.

What Is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Assistive Technology (AT), sometimes also called Adaptive Technology, is used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.

AT Resources

The NEAT Center (New England Adaptive Technology) at Oak Hill in Hartford offers a wide variety of Assistive Technology equipment and services.

TechACCESS of RI, located in Warwick, RI, offers similar services as well as an annual conference.

For solutions for patrons with low vision or blindness, try these companies:

Apple Retail Stores in Danbury, Farmington, Greenwich, New Haven, South Windsor, Stamford, and Trumbull offer workshops and hands-on opportunities to use iPads and apps.

Likewise, Microsoft Stores in Danbury and Farmington offer personalized training and hands-on opportunities to use devices, apps, and software.

Some specific technology solutions:

  • Webjunction offered a webinar in March 2012 on "Increasing Accessibility of PAComputing for Patrons with Disabilities" which included the following resources:
    • A list of the most commonly used assistive technology in libraries
    • An annotated list of assistive technology devices and software
  • EnableMart offers more than 3,000 assistive devices as well as extensive support.
  • Freedom Scientific offers products for Low Vision and Blindness.
  • Optelec sells "Low Vision Essentials."
  • Bookshare offers an accessible online library for people with print disabilities. Books are free for students and low-cost for other readers.
  • Project Ray is "an operating system specifically designed for visually impaired and blind users, allowing these users full autonomy using the device." The company offers an app for Android devices as well as customized smartphone and watch versions.
  • REHAdapt sells all kinds of mounting systems and stands for mobile devices.
  • Read&Write software from TextHelp Inc. is an "easy-to-use literacy software [that] builds confidence and independence in individuals of all ages and abilities." It's also useful for English Language Learners.
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Books on Assistive Technology

These books are available from the library service centers through our catalog:

Hey, I know of a resource you should add to this page!

If you know of a great resource that should be included in the Libraries and Accessibility pages, please contact Maria Bernier, Maria.Bernier@ct.gov.

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