Research Activity: Assistive Technology Organization Websites

• Council for Exceptional Children
The Voice and Vision of Special Education; http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=About_CEC

The Council for Exceptional Children website welcomes its visitors with a brief introductory video featuring the annual CEC convention attended by teachers, experts, and professionals in Special Education. The contact information is posted underneath the video post including the organization’s mailing address, contact number, fax number, and e-mail address. A brief overview of the organizations is also posted stating its credentials being “the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.” Further information about the services the organization offers or provides and the hours of operation are also posted. A search engine is also available for a more advanced and quick searching. There are different banners for each page including its homepage, store, membership page, news and issues, policy and advocacy, professional development, and publications. Located on the left corner of the homepage are other quick links to a more precise research.

• AbilityNet
Adapting Technology – Changing Lives; http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/

This organization website is dedicated to offer agency to children and adults with disabilities and special needs in making the use of assistive technology efficient. Most recent entries relevant to assistive technology and special education are posted at the home page to update visitors of the most current development or news about assistive technology. Other pages include overviews of services they provide at home, at work, and in school/education. A search engine is also present located at the upper right corner of the page. Accessibility icons for users with visual impairment are also present. A blue-font letter “A” with no background color is for regular text with the banner and images on the page, the black-font letter “A” is for regular text without the banner but still contains regular-sized images on the page, and the white-font letter “A” with a black background color is for enlarged text and simplified icons without the banner and minimized images with a dark navy blue background in contrast to the text. The quick links are located on the left corner of the regular page.

• The Alliance for Technology Access
Connecting Children and Adult with Disabilities to Technology Tools; http://www.ataccess.org/

This website, similar with the AbilityNet is dedicated to aid children and adults with special needs and disabilities in getting familiar with assistive technology. There are also recent articles and announcements posted on the main page of the website to alert the readers of the website’s progress. This website is run by community-based resource centers, service providers, product developers, vendors, and individuals. They seek for donations and has a green donation icon located on the upper right corner of the page for easy access to those willing to donate. There are also quick links to their success stories and donor letters. The search engine is located on the upper left hand corner of the page and the advanced search engine underneath the quick links on the left corner of the main page. The page is easy enough to navigate for those who do not need accommodations in reading text.

• NASET
National Association of Special Education Teachers; http://www.naset.org/?gclid=CKro7dLjh44CFUtyOAodVyYqEg

The NASET website welcomes its visitors with a quote saying, “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them” by Denis Waitley, which I thought was very inspiring. NASET introduces their organization at the main page as “the only national membership organization dedicated solely to meeting the needs of special education teachers and those preparing for the field of special education teaching.” This caught my attention and made me curious about the types of services they offer or provide since this is relevant to my field and I am preparing to become a special education teacher. I did not need to navigate furthermore since they have posted their services at the main page underneath their introduction. These services may be available to you if you choose to become a member of NASET. You may also acquire full access to their forums and e-journals. To non-members and first-time visitors, most current articles are available for reading at the right corner of the page.

• Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
WATI: Innovative Practices + Assistive Tool = Successful Students; http://www.wati.org/

This website is a site for a Wisconsin grant organization aimed to offer assistance for assistive technology information and acquisition. They offer free and downloadable products that they have collected within the last fifteen years. Their upcoming activities and most recent news and announcements are posted at the main page. Other important information about their organization such as their mission statement—which is ensuring that every child in Wisconsin from birth to the age of 21 be given a chance to become familiar with assistive technology and be able to utilize them—their history and accomplishments as an organization are also posted at the main page for easier navigation. The website pages include library, supports, services, and other related links. The search engine is located at the upper right hand corner of the main page and their contact information on the left hand corner.