The article summarizes a survey of major computer hardware and software manufacturers as well as of disabled (blind, deaf, and physically disabled) persons who use personal computers at home and work. The study recommended ways in which technology could be made more accessible, primarily through providing transparency and redundancy. (CL)

The article discusses uses of microcomputers by sighted, blind, and visually impaired users; strengths and weaknesses of adaptive aids; and their specific applications. The author cites the need for additional resources for training and equipping visually impaired computer users and calls for efforts to ensure equal computer access. (Author/CL)

Despite advances in custom hardware and software which make computers accessible to visually impaired individuals, service delivery systems have not kept pace with the technology. A range of new services needs to be established through computer-access centers if visually impaired individuals are to realize full benefits of the new technologies.…

The teletypewriter, or TTY, is a device that lets deaf and hearing people type back and forth using regular telephone lines. The teletypewriter has been called by several names, including Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) or Text Telephone (TT). However, a national organization, Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI), has taken a…

Landscape architects, playground manufacturers, and the federal government have all developed guidelines for accessible, safe play landscapes. This paper examines the difficulties in meeting these guidelines due to two main obstacles: ignorance of access needs and the perception that accessibility is expensive. It suggests that landscape…

This publication presents an assessment of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett (2001), which decided that Congress had no power to authorize suits for damages by individuals with disabilities against state employers under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The publication…

The concepts upon which current playgrounds are designed are examined. Recommendations made for playground designers involve: (1) realizing all play is "normal"; (2) redirecting thinking on safety factors in planning; (3) designing equipment for the environment it will be used in; (4) broadening guidelines for equipment design; and (5)…

Describes specific modifications that can be made inside and outside the home to make life easier for the disabled. (Availability: Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401) (JOW)

Provides a basic level of information and understanding to libraries and library schools regarding nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities benefiting from federal assistance, as specified in Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Seven references are cited. (Author/FM)

This brief article describes eight resources for using assistive technology to support the development and participation of young children with disabilities. Resources include fact sheets, guides, Web sites, organizations, videotapes, special projects. (DB)

Addresses assistive technology concepts as they relate to education. Provides an overview of the NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) guidelines concerning assistive technology and proposes a model for a course concerning assistive technology and universal…

Discussion of distance learning focuses on access, legal, and policy issues for people with disabilities and presents an overview of design considerations for assuring that a distance learning course is accessible to potential instructors and students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Uses universal design as a framework.…

Focus groups with 26 Alberta agencies and 16 volunteers with disabilities addressed success factors, barriers, and accommodations for fuller participation by persons with disabilities ("supported volunteering"). Results were used to help develop supported volunteering in local agencies. (JOW)

Conducted national study on accessibility of prison facilities and programs for physically disabled inmates in state correctional systems. Results suggest that fewer than 1 percent of inmates in state prisons are identified and classified as physically disabled. Access for disabled inmates to both programs and facilities was very limited.…

Ropes and other challenge courses can be important tools in treatment and rehabilitation strategies for people with disabilities. Making challenge courses accessible to people of all abilities fosters integration and acceptance of disabled persons. Suggestions for building or modifying courses for accessibility are provided. (SV)