Libraries and Accessibility: Assistive Technology

The NEAT Center (New England Adaptive Technology) in Hartford offers training and educational opportunities.

• Event calendar with workshops, classes, sessions
• Computer lab with a wide range of adaptive technology and computer hardware and software for use by persons with disabilities
• Lending library of equipment
• Satellite facilities: Hebron, Bristol, and Waterbury

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

In Willimantic, the Eastern CT Assistive Technology Center offers demonstrations of assistive technology.

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

• New England Low Vision and Blindness offers products (including some "pre-owned" equipment) and training.

For suggestions of free and low-cost AT that works in a real-world academic setting, check out the lists provided by the Office of Disability Services at Keene State College.

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.
• The National Lekotek Center provides an array of services to improve the lives of children with special needs through the utilization of toys and play.
• 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.

Click through the free and low-cost AT links provided by the Office of Disability Services at Keene State College for specific apps they recommend for reading, writing, vision, hearing, fine motor/dexterity, communication, digital text support, and study aids.

Apps to help with reading:

• Voice Dream Reader
• Read2Go
• vBookz
• Dyseggxia - for Spanish speakers
• Learning Ally
• Overdrive
• iBooks

Apps to help with blind/low vision:

• KNFB Reader
• Braille Tutor
• VO Starter
• Clear Sight Low Vision Kit
• SuperVision+ Magnifier
• Be My Eyes
• Dragon apps

Apps to help with hearing:

• HearYouNow
• Ear Spy
• Ultimate Volume Booster