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Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia


The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia (GATE) is a Wiki, or piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. It's a little bit like Wikipedia, but just concentrating on assistive technology. GATE is very simple to use, with a control panel enabling you to add content and more. More about Wikis . . .

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vertaal traduca traduza 翻訳しなさい 翻译

Knowledge is power, but it is distributed information which is truly empowering.

What this Wiki is all about

Image of various assistive hardwareThis wiki has been created by AbilityNet, the UK's largest provider of advice and information on all aspects of Access to technology. The purpose of the wiki is to provide live and up to date information on all aspects of Assistive Technology.

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

The wiki is in constant development and we welcome comments, thoughts and contributions.

Anyone who is a registered user can enter information.

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

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.

Education

Employment

Home


Other Sources of Information


Have you ever tried getting advice from any of the many so called 'support forums' on the internet and received this kind of advice?:

Question
how do i make the icons bigger on microsoft word 2007???

Answer 1 (from another-view)
Get a larger monitor

Answer 2 (from robknot)
sit REEEAAAAAALLLLLLLLLYYYYYYY close to the screen. hope this helps!

Answer 3 (from RubberBumBum)
Get a magnifying glass!

I think the avatars give the game away here. Not very helpful are they?

You can try asking AbilityNet - call us on 0800 269545 and you'll get a more sympathetic and meaningful response, or have a look at the 'knowledge banks'.


Website screenshots and link to knowledge banksKnowledge Banks

If 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 . . .



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. Augmenting communication involves speech and writing. In some cases, it also involves technology relating to teaching and learning, mobility, environmental control and employment
What is Assistive Technology

Some members of society are being excluded from doing what many people take for granted - using computers and communicating with friends, family and the rest of the world.



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

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

Technology Spotlight
Even though there is a huge range of assistive technology currently available to help with computer access difficulties, there is always a need for something new and/or more affordable. We shine a spotlight on some of these products.

X-Box 360 With Rear-Triggers Top-Mounted Button Augmentation AND Joystick Extensions

Accessible games controller by RJ Cooper

More information about Accessible Gaming . . .

Use your iPhone as a notetaker - New 3.0 App



More about the iPhone memo App . . .
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

Free Technical Support
List of Organisations providing free computer technical support to disabled people.

Screenshot of the ITCH Network website

Screenshot: www.itcanhelp.org.uk

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.


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    This Wiki is supported by the Information Technologists Company


    invisiblebloke
    invisiblebloke     		Latest page update: made by invisiblebloke , Jun 15 2009, 4:43 AM EDT (about this update About This Update invisiblebloke Edited by invisiblebloke

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    Threads for this page

    Started By Thread Subject Replies Last Post
    davebanes Welcome 3 Jun 1 2008, 6:05 PM EDT by davebanes
    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
    SteveALee
    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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