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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. Unlike other static websites, this one is a Wiki, which means that anyone who is a registered user of Wetpaint 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

Translate this wiki into 10 different languages - instantly.

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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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.

Education

Employment

Home


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



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

Technology Spotlight

FREE Technical Support for Disabled computer users

Did you know that there is a National network of volunteers who will visit disabled people in their own homes and fix any computer technical problems that they might be having?

IT Can Help


IT Can Help screenshot

They can help you in the following ways:
  • Provide impartial advice on computer hardware and software
  • Install new equipment and software
  • Solve technical problems that may arise
  • Give advice and assistance with hardware and software upgrades
  • Help you get connected to the Internet and use e-mail
  • Help you get started with standard packages such as word processing
  • Help you get the most out of your computer and software

For more information, go to www.itcanhelp.org.uk
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. Augmenting communication involves speech and writing. In some cases, it also involves technology relating to teaching and learning, mobility, environmental control and employment

(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 , Dec 21 2009, 5:31 AM EST (about this update About This Update invisiblebloke Edited by invisiblebloke

    116 words added
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    Started By Thread Subject Replies Last Post
    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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