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A significant AT book has recently been released in an updated third edition:
Alliance for Technology Access (2000) Computer and Web Resources for People with Disabilities (3rd. Ed.). Alameda, CA: Hunter House.
Retail price $20.95 US/ $32.50 Canada (paperback) ISBN: 0-89793-300-1
I have always considered this an important book because it is written for people with disabilities rather than the professionals who work for them, although it is a great resource for anyone needing information about adapting computers. The book guides people with disabilities in asking questions when seeking ways to access computers. By having the user assess his ore her own needs, this book emphasizes the importance of putting the person with disabilities at the center of the process. As someone who independently seeks information to meet my own AT needs, I am thrilled that there is a book like this to encourage people with disabilities to take control of their own computer access search. The book is divided into three sections. The first section takes the AT consumer (or person helping someone with computer access) through the process of setting goals, finding information about access solutions, establishing support systems, locating funding, and purchasing AT. Case studies of actual AT users help illustrate these issues. The authors also encourage people who find the right AT to put the knowledge and experience they have gained to help others in their search for AT. The second section of the book, The Technology Toolbox, presents questions potential users can ask to determine his or her computer access needs and links the answers with devices to potentially meet those needs. These questions ask the user how well they can see the computer screen, use the keyboard, use the mouse, interact with information, read, write, and handle computer equipment. One does not have to have an abundance of computer expertise to work through the charts, making this book helpful for consumers, parents, and others that are just beginning their journey into technology. It is also indispensable to those who work with computers and AT daily. The third section provides a comprehensive resource directory, including contact information for Alliance for Technology Access Centers and State Tech Act Programs, the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act, AT-related organizations, national conferences, databases, and AT vendors. With the vast expansion of the web, this new addition also includes a list of web pages, newsgroups, and discussion lists that can help individuals find AT information. The web addresses of organizations and vendors are listed when available. Technology changes and expands at an incredibly fast rate, so does AT. This is another reason this updated edition is so important. Users and
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The copyright of the article Computer and Web Resources for People with Disabilities in Assistive Technology is owned by . Permission to republish Computer and Web Resources for People with Disabilities in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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