Recommended Web Sites

AbleData - ABLEDATA is a federally funded project whose primary mission is to provide information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. ABLEDATA Fact Sheets provide a detailed overview of a class of devices or a topic related to assistive technology such as braille writers, adaptive sports equipment, and funding. A listing of suppliers, organizations dedicated to the Fact Sheet topic, and related readings are provided. ABLEDATA Informed Consumer Guides include information on product selection and purchase of a particular type of device, and offer references to product write-ups, standards, or comparative studies on that product class.

ADA Home Page - The U.S. Department of Justice offers this web page with information about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Assistive Devices and Air Travel - The Transportation Security Administration outlines exactly what to expect when flying and using any sort of medical or assistive device.

Assistive Technology - Eldercare.gov offers this information specifically for seniors, but it will be helpful to others too.

Center for Assistive Technology - This web site from the University of Buffalo contains good information about different assistive devices.

CODI:Cornucopia of Disability Information - The University of Buffalo has compiled this list of assistive devices and assistive technology topics.

CPD-Center for Persons with Disabilities - The Center for Persons with Disabilities is one of the 61 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Services located at major universities throughout the United States, its trusts and territories. These programs are dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities through interdisciplinary preservice preparation and continuing education, provision of community services, research, and dissemination.

DisabilityDirect.gov - DisabilityDirect is the government resource for the disabled; it covers such topics as children, adults, emergency preparedness, employment, health, housing, transportation and technology.

DisabilityWorld - DisabilityWorld is a bimonthly web-zine of international disability news and views. It is also available in Spanish.

Disability Information and Resources - This extensive list of resources and information was prepared by a C2 quadriplegic.

General Resource Guide - Infinitec describes general assistive technology topics and provides a list of places to purchase devices.

Home Modifications - Sometimes just a little change in the home can mean a lot of convenience. Read more here about the possible things you can do to change your house.

Infinitec - Infinitec Inc. is a U.S. non-profit corporation formed to help people with disabilities and their families access life-enhancing technology. Infinitec's motto is "Infinite Potential through Assistive Technologies".

Medicare Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment and Other Devices - Learn what is covered and what is not.

Medicare Coverage of Power Mobility Devices - Learn what is covered and what is not regarding power wheelchairs and scooters.

MEDLINEPlus: Mobility Aids - The librarians at the National Library of Medicine have created this page with links to quality sites.

National Arts and Disability Center - This resource directory contains services and providers for developing accessible facilities and programs in the arts.

Paralysis Resource Center - The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) promotes the health and well-being of people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment and paralysis by providing comprehensive information, resources and referral services.

AbilityHub - This web site will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers. The technologies include easy keystroking, text readers, head trackers, adaptive joysticks, and many others.

CAST - Center for Applied Special Technology - CAST is a not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, including those with disabilities.

Low Vision - The National Eye Institute supplies this information.

Reading Devices for Low Vision - AllAboutVision offers these ideas.

Total Resource Guide for Persons with Blindness or Visual Impairments - These resource guides are prepared by the Infinitec organization and contain information as well as locator information for purchasing adaptive items.

Canine Companions for Independence - Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind - Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.

Guide Dogs for the Blind - Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit, charitable organization with a mission to provide Guide Dogs and training in their use to visually impaired people throughout the United States and Canada. Our dogs and services are free to those we serve, thanks to the generosity of donors and support of volunteers.

How Guide Dogs Work - HowStuffWorks explains the duties of a guide dog.

Service and Assistance Dogs - Check here for a listing by state of groups that train service dogs, the site is from the American Dog Trainers Network.

Hearing Aids - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has created this fact sheet about choosing and using hearing aids.

Hearing Aids - ASHA, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers this advice.

Speech After Laryngectomy - This web site, from the American Cancer Society, describes the three main ways a person can speak after a laryngectomy.

Sound Advice on Hearing Aids - The Federal Trade Commission explains how to purchase a hearing aid.

Straight Talk from FDA About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids - The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is part of the U. S. government. One of FDA's jobs is to tell Americans what to do about hearing loss.

Total Resource Guide for Persons with Deafness or Hearing Loss - Infinitec has created this resource on hearing loss and hearing aids.

Adapting Motor Vehicles for People With Disabilities - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides this advice.

Consumers: People Who Buy and Use Wheelchairs - Click here to read about how to use and purchase wheelchairs.

Foot Orthotics - The American Podiatric Medicine Association has produced this fact sheet on foot orthotics.

How Do Scooters and Wheelchairs Compare? - Great comparison of the two forms of transportation is here at this site.

How To Choose and Use a Cane
How To Choose and Use a Walker - The Mayo Clinic offers these tips, using slides.

Walking - Learn more about the various items used to assist in walking: canes, crutches, standing and walkers.

WheelchairNet - WheelchairNet is a community for people who have a common interest in (or in some cases a passion for) wheelchair technology and its improvement and successful application. The University of Pittsburgh is responsible for this excellent site.

Wheelchairs - This resource from KidsHealth informs children about wheelchairs, their history, how they work, and why they are used.

Adaptive Ski and Sports Programs - This site lists a large number of sports programs for the disabled, divided by state.

National Sports Center for the Disabled - The National Sports Center for the Disabled has created this web site with advice for all sports enthusiasts.

Disabled Sports USA - This organization strives to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing affordable inclusive sports and recreational experiences which build self-esteem and confidence, enhancing active participation in community life.

International Paralympic Committee - The International Paralympic Committee is the international representative organization of elite sports for athletes with disabilities.

U.S. Paralympics - The U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, was created to help athletes with physical disabilities reach their dream of Paralympic excellence.

What is Adaptive Skiing? - This site explains the different types of adaptive skis that are available.