National Resources

National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) – NCAM is dedicated to the issues of media and information technology for people with disabilities in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. The website has links to information on Media Access Generator (MAGpie) for creating captions and audio descriptions for rich media and MOPix, which makes movie theaters accessible for people with disabilities

Web Accessibility Initiative – The Web Accessibility Initiative works with organizations around the world to develop strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the Web accessible to people with disabilities. The site provides resources on the essential components of web accessibility, guideline and techniques, managing accessibility and evaluating accessibility.

WebAIM – is an initiative of the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University and offers complete web accessibility services.

Inclusive Fitness Coaliltion (IFC) – IFC facilitates coordination of organizations and individu­als to address the complexity of personal, social, cultural, political, and economic factors that influence – positively or negatively – the participation of people with disabilities in physical activity, fitness, sports, and recreation. The IFC is charged with promoting equitable access to, and safe use of, fitness and recreational equipment, facilities, and programs, to help reduce debilitating secondary condi­tions associated with disability and a sedentary lifestyle.

Sports Abilities – a resource for people with disabilities to find recreational, advocacy, support, and sporting activities in the nation. We have calendars for every state and 27 different activities ranging from Team Sports to Social Gatherings. We believe that having one online location for people to visit to see all that is happening will help increase program participation, promote awareness, and help improve people’s lives.

VA Adapted Sports Program – The mission of the VA National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events Office is to motivate, encourage and sustain participation and competition in adaptive sports among disabled Veterans and members of the Armed Forces through partnerships with VA clinical personnel as well as national and community-based adaptive sports programs.

AARP  – AARP offers information on technology and aging.

Administration of Community Living (ACL) – ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.

Medicare: Durable Medical Equipment Coverage (MDME) – This site explains what equipment and supplies are covered under the Medicare Part B Program.

Nationwide Lifts – This web page provides many resources concerning home modifications and safety.

SeniorNet – SeniorNet’s mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.

Association of Assistive Technology ACT Programs – The mission of ATAP is to set the national direction and advocate for AT Act programs and to promote and support quality performance of the AT Act programs.

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) – NDRN believes people with disabilities should have equal access to assistive technology and emerging technologies so that they may fully participate in all aspects of daily life.  To achieve these goals, the Network’s efforts at the state and local level include individual casework and community training programs and at the national level NDRN advocates for public policies that support access to assistive technology.

Neighborhood Legal Services: National Assistive Technology Project (NLS) – NLS operates both a Statewide and National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project to assist persons with disabilities and the advocates and agencies that serve them.

AbleData – AbleData provides objective information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. We serve the nation’s disability, rehabilitation, and senior communities.

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) – The mission of ATIA is to serve as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry so that the best products and services are delivered to people with disabilities.

Assistivetech.net -The National Public Website on Assistive Technology’s mission is to provide access to information on AT devices and services as well as other community resources for people with disabilities and the general public.

ATWiki – The ATWiki is an encyclopedia of information on assistive technology.

Closing The Gap (CTG) – CTG provides assistive technology resources and training opportunities through its bimonthly magazine, webinars and annual international conference.

DisAbility Online, Department of Labor – The Disabilities Program develops and implements workforce disability policy and program initiatives to address structural, programmatic, and systemic employment challenges of persons with disabilities and multiple challenges to employment. It provides technical assistance to the public workforce system on how to expand the capacity of the workforce system to serve persons with disabilities. ETA administers the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) to improve the education, training, and employment opportunities and outcomes of persons with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Disability-Specific AT Information

Accredited Schools Online – Accredited Schools Online consists of hundreds of schools with full accreditation to make quality online learning a reality for millions. Accredited Schools Online outlines special educational resources for students with visual impairments whether in kindergarten, middle school, high school, or higher education.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) – AFB removes barriers, creates solutions, and expands possibilities so people with vision loss can achieve their full potential.

National Federation for the Blind (NFB) – NFB is the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful.

Assistive Technology for Cognition Laboratory (ATCL) – ATCL at Virginia Commonwealth University supports research into the use of handheld computers, smart homes, computer games and other emerging technologies as tools to increase the functional independence of individuals with cognitive-behavioral impairment. Since that time, we have completed a series of studies with populations including military veterans with traumatic brain injury, students and workers with autism, adults with multiple sclerosis and adults with mental illness, among others.

Coleman Institute For Cognitive Disabilities – The Institute’s mission is to catalyze and integrate advances in science, engineering and technology to promote the quality of life and independent living of people with cognitive disabilities.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for the Advancement of Cognitive Technologies – The RERC-ACT conducts research and development on assistive technologies for people with cognitive disabilities. Twelve universities and private companies throughout the United States are involved in projects that will improve the lives of people with cognitive disabilities such as traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease.

Accredited Schools Online – Accredited Schools Online consists of hundreds of schools with full accreditation to make quality online learning a reality for millions. Accredited Schools Online outlines special educational resources for students with hearing impairments whether in kindergarten, middle school, high school, or higher education.

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) – ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 166,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel, and students.

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)  – HLAA provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. HLAA is working to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss and raise public awareness about the need for prevention, treatment, and regular hearing screenings throughout life.

National Association for the Deaf (NAD) – NAD advocates for and looks forward to an even brighter future where new technologies take root and tumble communication barriers to ensure equal access for deaf and hard of hearing people and full participation in all aspects of American life.  At the same time, the NAD seeks to ensure that new technologies, applications, and equipment are accessible, available, and affordable to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) – NIDCD, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.

The Human Ecology Action League, Inc. (HEAL®) – HEAL’s purpose is to serve those whose health has been adversely affected by environmental exposures, to provide information to those concerned about the health effects of chemicals, and to alert the general public about the potential dangers of chemicals.

MCS Referral & Resources, Inc. (MCSRR) – MCSRR is a non-profit organization engaged in professional outreach, patient support and public advocacy devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, accommodation and prevention of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity disorders.

The AAC-RERC – The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center at Penn State University functions as a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective AAC technology. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to send a message from one person to another.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)  – ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 166,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel, and students. Learn more about

The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) – ISAAC works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC. ISAAC’s vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world. ISAAC’s mission is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs.

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Paralysis Resource Center (PRC)  – The PRC promotes the health and well-being of people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment, and paralysis by providing comprehensive information, resources and referral services.

Easter Seals  – This organization offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) – MDA’s national equipment program is open to anyone, regardless of age, employment or insurance coverage — for whom medical equipment has been recommended and prescribed by an MDA clinic doctor in relation to a neuromuscular disease diagnosis. To the extent feasible and when available, the program provides good-condition, gently used wheelchairs and other medical equipment, such as shower chairs, hospital beds, walkers and canes, communication devices and similar items.

Mutiple Sclerosis Society (MS Socity) – The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

UCP – UCP educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. UCP works to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network that has helped millions.

United Spinal Association – Their mission is to improve the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). We believe no person should be excluded from opportunity on the basis of their disability. Our goal is to provide people living with SCI/D programs and services that maximize their independence and enable them to remain active in their communities.

Bookshare – Bookshare’s® goal is to make the world of print accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that all individuals with print disabilities have equal and timely access to print materials. Learn more about .

CAST – CAST is an educational research & development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.

Department of Education: US (OSERS) – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Through its three disability related components: NIDRR Programs and Projects, OSEP Programs and Projects, RSA Programs and Projects, OSERS guides and supports a comprehensive array of programs and projects including assistive technology that support individuals with disabilities:

Center on Technology and Disability – Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD), now known as the Center on Technology and Disability is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies.

LD Online – LD OnLine seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.

Maryland Assistive Technology Network (MATN) – Established by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education (CTE), the Maryland Assistive Technology Network (MATN) provides educators with information on the most up-to-date AT policies, practices and devices.

National Center for Universal Design for Learning (UDL Center) – Founded in 2009, the National UDL Center supports the effective implementation of UDL by connecting stakeholders in the field and providing resources and information.

National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) – A federally-funded, national electronic file repository that makes National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) files available for the production of core print instructional materials in specialized formats, the NIMAC receives source files in NIMAS format from textbook publishers. Once downloaded, files can be used by authorized users to create a variety of specialized formats, such as braille, audio, or digital text, on behalf of qualifying blind, visually-impaired or print-disabled students in elementary or secondary school.

Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) – The QIAT Community is a nationwide grassroots group that includes hundreds of individuals who provide input into the ongoing process of identifying, disseminating, and implementing a set of widely-applicable Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services in school settings.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) – WATI was funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction through IDEA discretionary grant number 9906-23. From 1992-2009, it currently is a volunteer network of assistive (AT) consultants from across the state who continue the work of providing AT training and support within Wisconsin educational settings.

Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) – A professional membership organization for individuals involved in the development of policy and in the provision of quality services to meet the needs of persons with disabilities involved in all areas of higher education.

The Center for Universal Design in Education, DO-IT – The international DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center promotes the success of individuals with disabilities in postsecondary education and careers, using technology as an empowering tool. It hosts the Universal Design in Education website that provides an outline of the principles of universal design as well provides examples of how UD can be applied to instruction services, physical spaces, and technology.

The American Red Cross – Emergencies can happen at a moment’s notice. Mobility problems and hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities can add complication. It is important to plan ahead so you are better prepared for any urgent situation. See tips on getting informed, making a plan, assembling a kit, and keeping your plans up to date. These tips provide people with disabilities and their caregivers with guidance in managing communications, equipment, pets and home hazards. The materials were co-authored by the American Red Cross and Department of Homeland Security and FEMA.

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University – It’s mission regarding Emergency Preparedness is to develop and execute research, create programs, disseminate information, and deliver services and training to, with and for people with disabilities about emergency preparedness in the home, work, and community.

Disaster Recovery and Emergency Preparedness – This is the U.S. federal government website for information on disability programs and services nationwide. This site has a wide range of emergency preparedness and disaster recovery resources. Additionally, the guide connects users to programs, services, government agencies and organizations that provide emergency preparedness and disaster recovery assistance.

Pass It On Center (PIOC) – PIOC offers a coordinated plan to respond to natural disasters through AT reuse programs.

AT Connects – AT Connects provides an information platform for assistive technology (AT) by creating an outlet to inform users, purchasers, family members and professionals alike about AT. Our aim is to provide guidance, news, information and to be a gateway to the various projects and programs funded by the AT Act in the states and territories. The AT for Employment portal offers assistive technology solutions helpful to employers, businesses, and human resource representatives.

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)  – Established by the Federal government, the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) is a centrally funded program that provides assistive technology (AT) and reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities and wounded Service members. CAP’s mission is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to information and employment opportunities in the Department of Defense of Defense and throughout the Federal government.

Department of Labor-Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) – ODEP sponsors research and technical assistance resources including use of accommodations and assistive technology in the workplace to develop and influence disability employment-related policies and practices.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – JAN provides free consultation for employers,  employees, service providers and professionals looking for information about any aspect of job accommodations, including accommodation ideas, ADA compliance, and referral to other resources.

The LEAD Center, Led by the National Disability Institute with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy is a collaborative of disability, workforce and economic empowerment organizations dedicated to a single mission:  advancing sustainable individual and systems level change to improve competitive, integrated employment and economic self-sufficiency for all people across the spectrum of disability.

Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC) – The Pacific ADA Center (PDBTAC) builds partnerships between the disability and business communities and promotes full and unrestricted participation in society for persons with disabilities through education and technical assistance.

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) is a multi-faceted initiative to foster collaboration and action around accessible technology in the workplace. Guided by a consortium of policy and technology leaders, PEAT works to help employers, IT companies, and others to understand why it pays to build and buy accessible technology, and how to go about doing so. PEAT is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and is managed by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) – NRRTS is a professional association supporting individuals who provide Complex Rehab wheelchairs and seated positioning systems for people of all ages and diagnoses who have postural or mobility deficits. Learn more about NRRTS.

USA TechGuide, sponseored by United Spinal Association – This site provides a webguide to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and assistive technology choices.

Pass It On Center: National Assistive Technology Reuse Center (PIOC)  – The Pass It On Center: A National Collaboration for the Reutilization and Coordination of Assistive Technology.  The center is based in Georgia and provides technical assistance to assistive technology reuse programs throughout the country.  It has established a national assistive technology reuse collaborative to foster the appropriate reuse of AT so that people with disabilities can get the affordable AT they need in order to live, learn, work and play more independently.

United Spinal Association: USA TechGuide – The TechGuide offers comprehensive state by state information on Accessible Travel.

Transportation Safety Administration (TSA Cares) – TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Travelers may call toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares is a dedicated resource specifically for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, traveling with assistive technology or other circumstances.

Adaptive Environments – This non-profit organization is committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. Their website offers access to information about civil rights laws and codes as well as resources about consultation services, best practice, and precedents on design that go beyond legal requirements.

The Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA) – CATEA is a program of Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) College of Architecture (COA) and is a multidisciplinary engineering and design research center dedicated to enhancing the health, activity and participation of people with functional limitations through the application of assistive and universally designed technologies in real world environments, products and devices.

The IDEA Center, University Of Buffalo – The University of Buffalo houses the IDEA Center, dedicated to improving the design of environments and products by making them more usable, safer and appealing to people with a wide range of abilities through their life spans. IDEA provides resources and technical expertise in architecture, product design, and facilities management and the social and behavioral sciences to further these agendas.

Trace Research and Development Center – The Trace Research & Development Center is a part of the College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison and is dedicated to developing ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and usable by people with disabilities. The website provides general information on Universal Design, standards and guidelines as well as information on document access, websites, computers and software, telecommunications, ATMS, consumer products, EZ access interface, and modality translation.

Elderly Care House Design for Our Old Age

Budget-Friendly Smart Home Accommodations for Seniors and Individuals with Special Needs

 The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) – The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists 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.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – NHTSA is the federal government agency with the authority to regulate the manufacture of automotive adaptive equipment and modified vehicles used by persons with disabilities.

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) – NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and assisting with driving independence using wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – The VA administers a variety of benefits and services that provide financial and other forms of assistance to Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Major benefits include Veterans’ compensation, Veterans’ pension, survivors’ benefits, rehabilitation and employment assistance, education assistance, home loan guaranties, and life insurance coverage.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) – PVA is a congressionally chartered veteran’s service organization founded in 1946, has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members – veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) – The WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service.