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Global Assistive Technology EncyclopediaThis is a featured page


Image of various assistive hardwareThe Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia has been created by AbilityNet, the UK's largest provider of advice and information on all aspects of Access to technology. Its' purpose is to provide live and up to date information on everything to do with Assistive Technology. This is a Wiki, which means that anyone who is a member can enter information.

The wiki is moderated and all comments and opinions are those of the individual contributor not necessarily that of AbilityNet.

Information is power, but it is only distributed information which is truly empowering (1)


What's in the Wiki

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The link will take you to an image like this one. Just click the appropriate flag and this page (and the rest of the site) will be translated into your desired language.

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Essential Accessibility

Disability statistics . . .

Accessibility help . . .

Guidance for creators and writers

Site map to aid navigation . . .


Case studies

The experience and impact of AT is illustrated through case studies.

Access Technology in the workplace



Web Accessibility

The issues and solutions to designing websites to meet the needs of people with a disability.

Sources of Support

Including Advice and Information, Online Training, Technical Support and Access to Work

Latest Assistive Technology News




Working with different needs

Vision

How a person with a vision impairment access a computer - bigger fonts, magnification, screen reading software and braille devices.

Physical Needs

Some disabilities will require to consider an alternative to the standard keyboard and mouse which comes with a computer. In this section you will find a range of keyboard and mouse alternatives, including on-screen keyboards, eye pointing and head tracking technology.

Language and Communication

AT to assist giving the user a voice - augmenting or offering speech. AT to assist with giving the user improved access to written communication as a reader or writer.

Learning Disability

People with learning disabilities have difficulty taking information in through the senses and processing the information with accuracy. This may lead to difficulty learning and performing in school and work. Most learning disabilities are manifested in poor reading, writing and math which subsequently affect a broad range of functions and skills.

Hearing

People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can configure Windows to use visual cues in place of sounds, or increase the volume level of program and system sounds.

Other Sources of Information


Knowledge Banks

Website screenshots and link to knowledge banksIf you can't find what you're looking for on the GATE, where else can you find information on assistive technology or sources of support?


Link to Knowledge Banks . . .
What is Assistive Technology



Assistive technologies are those tools that disabled people use to get round the barriers of modern technologies.

Assistive Technology - Enabling Dreams



Servicing complex needs


A history and definitions of Assistive Technology, from ATTrain . . .

Technology Spotlight

The Apple iPad - easy enough for a 99 year old!



Virginia Campbell is a resident of Mary Woods Retirement Community, Oregon. She was bought the iPad by her family, and is already using it to great effect. She’s read two books, and written 12 limericks on the tablet device, one of which is a tribute the iPad itself. Source: TechBlorge

More information about the iPad . . .
dapting and adjusting your computer

Adapting and adjusting your computer


OS Tweaks

Things you can do to adjust settings from within your operating system or main applications to make the computer more accessible and matched to your needs

Hardware

Different input and output devices, i.e. Keyboards, Mice, Voice Recognition software, eye and head track systems, that make it easier for you to put information into a computer and get information out.

Software

Additional software solutions that make accessing information and comunicating on a computer easier, i.e. Word Prediction, Magnification, Communication, Voice Recognition, Screenreaders.



Other Platforms

Mobile Phones

The rapidly changing field of mobile phones creates a range of issues for disabled users. This area explores models of phone with high levels of accessibility and how phones canbe optimised for individual needs

Digital TV

Access to Digital Tv is an increasingly significant issue as The UK along with other EC countries seeks to turn off its analogue signal. This section looks at how disabled people are accessing asnd using DTV

PDA's

PDA's or Personal Digital Assistants descibe those portable or handheld computers that are used to carry information and resources with the user. examples include the HP Ipaq or the PalmPilot series

Communication Aids

Augmentative Alternative Communication aids (AAC), for people who have lost the power of speech through disability. It includes the use of eye pointing, gesture, signing, symbols, word boards, or a speech output device.

(1) Based on a quote by Tom Watson, Minister for Digital Engagement, as he outlined the next steps in the Government's Power of Information programme

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    invisiblebloke
    invisiblebloke     		Latest page update: made by invisiblebloke , Today, 6:08 AM EDT (about this update About This Update invisiblebloke Some tidying up - invisiblebloke

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    davebanes Change in role 0 Tuesday, 8:54 AM EDT by davebanes
    Thread started: Tuesday, 8:54 AM EDT  Watch
    A quick update for you all - as Ive now moved on from AbilityNet to take up a new role with the Mada center in Qatar, I will be leaving the Wiki as creator/moderator at AbilityNet's request. Im sure that the wiki will continue to thrive and grow, but you should not direct enquiries to me personally but to the new admins of the wiki

    I look forward to taking part in the wiki in some form in the future
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    Keyword tags: News
    davebanes Welcome 3 Jun 1 2008, 6:05 PM EDT by davebanes
    Thread started: Jan 12 2008, 8:49 PM EST  Watch
    Welcome to the Wiki

    Any questions feel free to post on this homepage - comments are always welcome of course
    1  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
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    SteveALee Orientation improvements 2 Mar 29 2008, 7:04 AM EDT by invisiblebloke
    Thread started: Mar 22 2008, 10:28 AM EDT  Watch
    How about some text at the top to say what this wiki is about? Prolly more important that what Ability Net are about ;-)

    Plus the logo image needs to include the wiki name as you don't know where you are when on other pages.
    2  out of 2 found this valuable. Do you?    
    Keyword tags: ideas logo orientation
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