
--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**- 
                        T E C H . L I N E 

                    An Electronic Newsletter
      Posted by the Center for Special Education Technology      
      at The Council for Exceptional Children 
--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**--**- 
The information on this bulletin board is in the public domain.
Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit  
the Center. 

Center for Special Education Technology, 1920 Association Drive,  
Reston, VA  22091,  800-873-8255,  SpecialNet ID:  TECH.CENTER 
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Welcome to TECH.LINE!  This edition is our new directories  
issue, highlighting two new Center directories on assistive  
technology.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Subject                         Lines 

ASSIST TECH RESOURCE DIRECTORY      25 
 Association Resources              11 
   AOTA                             96 
   ARC                             119 
   Easter Seal                      77 
   USSAAC                           73 
 Rehabilitation Centers             10 
   California                       75 
   Connecticut                      98 
   Washington, DC                   59 
   South Columbia                   64 
ASSIST TECH HW DATABASES            19 
 Self Search                        15 
   ABLEDATA                         60 
   Adaptive Device Locator          54 
   Apple Solutions                  56 
   CTG Solutions                    59 
   DDTL                             64 
   Hyper-ABLEDATA                   57 
 Search Services                    12 
   Accent on Information            44 
   IBM Support Center               47 
   Sensory Tech Info Service        59 
EQUIPMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS           7 
 Grants                             56 
 Discounted Equipment Programs      59 
NEW CENTER PRODUCT                  13 

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE DIRECTORY 


Many key organizations, agencies, and projects at the national,  
state, and local levels are involved in and play a major role in  
the delivery of assistive technology services. These agencies and  
organizations have a long-standing history of commitment to the  
field of special education and rehabilitation.  Yet, too often  
the lack of information and awareness of assistive technology  
services is a major barrier to services delivery.  

The Center has developed a directory of assistive technology  
resources in hopes of fostering awareness and communication  
between and among technology resources.    

This issue of TECH.LINE excerpts some of these resources.
You may get a copy of the entire directory, entitled "Assistive  
Technology Resource Directory", by contacting the Center for  
Special Education Technology, CEC, 1920 Association Drive,  
Reston, VA 22091,  800-873-8255,  SpecialNet ID - TECH.CENTER 


ASSOCIATION RESOURCES 


Name of Organization:    The American Occupational Therapy  
                             Association 

Address:                 1383 Piccard Drive 
                         Box 1725 
                         Rockville, Maryland  20850 

Telephone:               301-948-9626 

Contact Person:          Carol Gwin 


Description of Organization 

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), founded in  
1917, is the oldest allied health professional society today.   
Membership in the organization is open to registered occupational  
therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and  
occupational therapy students.  Associate membership is available  
to non-profit entities and to individuals not certified by the  
American Occupational Therapy Certification Board but who choose  
to support the profession. 

The mission of AOTA is to ensure that quality occupational  
therapy service is accessible when it is needed.  To help fulfill  
its mission, the association provides the following services to  
its members:  

          o Professional development. 

          o Workshops at various locations throughout the 
            country. 

          o An annual conference. 

          o Special interest sections. 

          o Self-study programs. 

          o Quality assurance training and resources. 

          o Advocacy. 

          o Collaborative efforts. 

AOTA publishes a weekly newsletter, OT WEEK, a scholarly journal,  
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, and seven special  
interest section newsletters quarterly. 


Current Activities 

Occupational therapists have a long-standing commitment to the  
provision of technology.  Throughout their history, occupational  
therapists have utilized low technology assistive devices such as  
typing aids, built up spoons, long handled reachers, etc., to  
assure maximum independence in activities of daily living, work  
and play/leisure activities.  High technology assistive devices  
such as computers, environmental control units, etc., are now  
also being used by the occupational therapist in assessment and  
service provision. 

Occupational therapists often serve on a technology team and many  
are involved in research in the area of rehabilitation  
technology.  Some areas that occupational therapists are working  
in are: 

     o  Job-site accommodation. 

     o  Seating and positioning. 

     o  Powered mobility. 

     o  Computer access. 

     o  Disabled driving. 

     o  Robotics. 

AOTA has information packets available on the following topics: 

     o  OT for the Injured Worker. 

     o  Accessibility and Architectural Modifications. 

     o  Seating and Positioning. 

     o  Computers. 

     o  Adaptive Equipment/Rehabilitation Technology. 

It has also published abstracts of papers presented at it's 1989  
annual conference entitled "Technology Review '89."  The  
publications are available from the Products Division of AOTA at  
the address listed previously. 


Name of Agency:     The Association for Retarded Citizens 

Address:            2501 Avenue J 
                    P.O. Box 6109 
                    Arlington, Texas  76006 

Telephone:          817-640-0204 

Contact Person:     Carrie Brown 



Description of Organization 

The Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States is a  
nonprofit, volunteer organization that is devoted solely to  
improving the welfare of all children and adults with mental  
retardation and their families.  The Association, the largest of  
its kind, provides services to parents and other individuals,  
organizations, and communities for jointly meeting the needs of  
people with mental retardation.  

The ARC is a grassroots organization which was formed in 1950 by  
a small group of parents and concerned individuals.  There are  
approximately 160,000 members and l,300 state and local chapters  
across the nation.  ARC chapters differ in their services and  
interests, offering a diverse array of activities and  
opportunities for becoming involved with the lives of children  
and adults with mental retardation and their families.  There are  
parent support groups, citizen advocacy programs, recreational  
activities, public education efforts, and employment programs.  


Current Activities  

Activities underway at the Association for Retarded Citizens  
include:  

     o A nationwide television, radio, and print media campaign  
       is being conducted to educate the public about people with  
       mental retardation. 

     o The Bioengineering Research Program is applying  
       technologies to help children and adults achieve greater  
       independence.                              

     o ARC's research fund is supporting activities related to  
       reducing the effects of mental retardation and preventing  
       the condition.  

     o ARC works with policy makers to protect the rights of  
       children and adults with mental retardation and to create  
       and expand programs for them.  

     o The National Employment and Training Program, through a  
       nationwide network of job placement personnel, is helping  
       workers with mental retardation get jobs in the  
       competitive workforce.  

     o Other projects include helping local communities meet the  
       needs of children from birth through three and their  
       families, as well as helping students leaving school make  
       the transition to adulthood.  

     o The public inquiries program answers questions and         
       provides information to parents, students, professionals,         
       and the general public about all aspects of mental         
       retardation.  

Bioengineering Program 

The Bioengineering Program, which was established in 1982, has  
three major goals:   

     1.  To investigate procedures and techniques that improve  
         the use of existing technology by children and adults  
         with mental retardation. 

     2.  To develop new assistive devices and systems to address  
         unmet needs. 

     3.  To provide technical assistance to parents and          
         professionals.      

Research projects being conducted by the Bioengineering  
Programs are:  

     o Voice control. 

     o Sound-to-speech translation. 

     o Eyegaze/headpointing. 

     o Bladder sensor. 

     o Cognitive software. 

     o The Dining aid. 

     o The Physical educator. 

     o Integrating technology into service delivery. 

     o Augmentative communication. 

Each of these projects culminates in evaluation and refinement of  
prototype devices for use by children and adults who are mentally  
retarded in home, school, and work environments in local  
communities.  The field tests involve extensive evaluations to  
derive important information about the functioning of the  
devices, the effectiveness of their use, and appropriate training  
procedures.  ARC does not manufacture products for the commercial  
market, but it tries to ensure that the products that are  
developed reach the people for whom they were designed.  To that  
end, ARC works with commercial manufacturers and publishers to  
make the products available and to provide appropriate  
educational and support services.  



Name of Agency:     The National Easter Seal Society 

Address:            70 East Lake Street 
                    Chicago, Illinois  60601 

Telephone:          312-726-6200 
                    312-726-4258 (TDD) 

Contact Person:     William Salyers 


Description of Agency 

The National Easter Seal Society is the world's oldest and  
largest not-for-profit organization providing direct services to  
people with disabilities.  Founded in 1919, the Society is  
universally recognized as the organization that pioneered  
identifying the needs of people with disabilities and providing  
rehabilitation services to meet those needs.  Easter Seal serves  
approximately one million people a year nationally.  

The mission of The National Easter Seal Society is "to promote  
maximum independence of people with disabilities."   Individuals  
of all ages who have disabilities resulting from any cause can  
find assistance through Easter Seal programs.  The needs of  
individuals who have disabilities vary greatly.  Therefore, the  
services provided by Easter Seal cover a wide range including  
physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies, vocational  
evaluation and training, camping and recreation, and  
psychological counseling.  The Society provides:  

     o  Direct services. 
      
     o  Advocacy. 
      
     o  Preventive screening. 
      
     o  Public education. 
      
     o  Research. 
      
     o  Technical assistance to affiliates. 
      
     o  Training and leadership to affiliates. 

Approximately 200 state and local Easter Seal Societies operate  
more than 400 program service sites in all 50 states, the  
District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.  Services provided by  
local societies are tailored to meet specific community needs.  


Current Activities 
           
Easter Seal has a long history of being innovative when it comes  
to methods, applications, research, and programs to serve persons  
with disabilities.  In 1988, as a member of the Coalition on  
Technology and Disability, Easter Seal helped to secure passage  
of the Technology-Related Assistance to Individuals with  
Disabilities Act.  The National Society played a lead role in the  
development and promotion of this important piece of legislation  
by organizing an exhibit on technology in conjunction with the  
Senate hearings.  

In 1988, Easter Seal (ESS) opened 10 Computer Assistive  
Technology Centers (CATS) nationwide with assistance of local  
Easter Seals.   A total of 30 centers are expected to open by the  
end of 1989.  ESS has developed Rehabware (tm), an integrated  
computer software program for vocational and medical  
rehabilitation facilities.   

Easter Seal is collaborating with IBM in offering a discount for  
computer systems through a select group of their local Easter  
Seal centers.   

In addition, Easter Seal received the RESNA Leadership Award for  
its contribution to the field of rehabilitation technology.   

                
Name of Agency:     The United States Society for Augmentative 
                    and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) 

Address:            Barkley Memorial Center  
                    University of Nebraska  
                    Lincoln, NE 68588  

Telephone:          402-472-5463 

Contact Person:     Judy K. Montgomery, President (1990-1991) 


Description of Organization 

The United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative  
Communication (USSAAC) is a national chapter of the International  
Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).   
The purposes of USSAAC are to enhance the communication  
effectiveness of persons who can benefit from augmentative and  
alternative communication and to support the purposes of ISAAC.  

ISAAC was founded in 1983 by a group of therapists, teachers,  
consumers, parents, engineers, and other professionals from many  
countries, including the United States. The purpose of ISAAC is  
to advance the transdisciplinary field of augmentative and  
alternative communication.  ISAAC provides a way for information  
exchange and focuses attention on work being done, to help people  
with communication difficulties.   

USSAAC is the organization for all persons interested in  
augmentative and alternative communication in the United States.  
The specific purposes of USSAAC are to:  

     o  Assist individuals in their right to communicate,  
        allowing their full participation in society. 
       
     o  Promote public awareness. 
      
     o  Influence national and state public policy and  
        legislation. 

     o  Disseminate legislative, regulatory and funding  
        information. 

     o  Facilitate quality service delivery. 

     o  Promote transdisciplinary professional education. 

     o  Foster local, state, and regional activities. 

     o  Complement and support ISAAC goals and activities. 
         
     o  Work with other organizations serving the interests  
        of AAC clients.  


Current Activities 

USSAAC provides its members with the following services:  

     o  State activity organization and promotion               
        assistance. 
         
     o  An opportunity to have a voice in national issues. 
      
     o  USSAAC-sponsored conferences and workshops with  
        reduced registration fees. 

     o  Quarterly national newsletter. 

     o  Quarterly issues of the official journal of ISAAC,  
        AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC).  



REHABILITATION ENGINEERING CENTERS

Name of Agency:     Rehabilitation Engineering Center on 
                      Rehabilitation Technology Transfer 

Address:            Professional Staff Association of Rancho 
                      Los Amigos Medical Center, Inc. 
                    7601 E. Imperial Highway - Bonita Hall 
                    Downey, CA  90242 
             
Telephone:          213-940-7994 

Contact Person:     Donald McNeal 


Description of Agency 

The Rancho Rehabilitation Engineering Program is one of 16  
centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and  
Rehabilitation Research.  It is one of two centers whose main  
objective is the transfer of technology.  The overall goal of  
this program is to facilitate the flow of technology from  
invention or device conception to end products that can be  
purchased and used by individuals with disabilities.  The Center  
is funded for 5 years and began operating August 1, 1988. The  
Center will collaborate with selected faculty from the University  
of Southern California, Los Angeles; Stanford University  
Children's Hospital, Palo Alto; and the Assistive Device Center  
at California State University in Sacramento.  


Current Activities  

Three projects are underway at the Center.  Two are being  
conducted at the Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, one of these  
in collaboration with investigators from the University of  
Southern California.  The third project is being performed at  
Children's Hospital at Stanford in Palo Alto.  

The first project is to increase the impact of NIDRR-supported  
research on the commercial market.  The goals of the project are  
to work with other RECs and NIDRR-supported investigators to make  
sure that research results are appropriate to the needs of  
disabled individuals and have commercial potential and also to  
document the impact of NIDRR-supported research on the  
distribution and utilization of new products.  

The second project deals with rehabilitation technology  
training.  The ultimate goal of this project is to improve the  
delivery of technology by addressing the training needs of  
professionals who are in a position to recommend technology.  The  
first phase of the project is focused on identifying and meeting  
the technology training needs of occupational therapists.  Based  
on the experience with occupational therapists, training programs  
for other disciplines will be developed.  

The third project is on the implementation and follow-up of  
rehabilitation technology.  The purpose of this study is to  
improve the transfer of rehabilitation technology to people with  
physical disabilities by developing, testing, and promoting a  
system that emphasizes implementation and follow-up.    

The expected outcomes of these projects include:  
           
     o More products with commercial potential to be  
       produced by NIDRR supported investigators. 
     o Training programs and materials on delivery of  
       rehab technology for rehab professionals.  
     o Product information and follow-up on user  
       satisfaction with equipment which will be documented.  
     o Information that will lower the threat of liability  
       on high-risk products. 
     o Disabled consumers who will be better served by             
       professionals and vendors.  



Name of Agency:          Rehabilitation Engineering Center 
                            for Technology Resources 

Address:                 Institute for Human Resource Development 
                         78 Eastern Boulevard 
                         Glastonbury, CT  06033 

Telephone:               203-657-9954 

Contact Person:          Penelope Cargonne 
           

Description of Agency 
                
The Rehabilitation Engineering Center for Technology Resources  
(REC) was funded in 1987 by NIDRR.  The Center was established to  
develop, demonstrate, and disseminate innovative models for the  
delivery of cost effective engineering services to individuals in  
both rural and urban areas.  These models should be replicable by  
state vocational rehabilitation agencies, independent living  
centers, and other public or private organizations providing  
rehabilitation technology services.  The Center was established  
to:  

     1.  Promote the use of technology developments in  
         order to meet the employment, education, and independent  
         living needs of individuals who are disabled . 

     2.  Assist in the identification and removal of  
         barriers that individuals with disabilities face.  

     3.  Coordinate the dissemination of information  
         and other activities with other rehabilitation  
         engineering centers and relevant projects funded by  
         NIDRR.  

      
Thus, the Connecticut REC will be a national resource for  
information on rehabilitation engineering and education in  
service delivery.  It will also seek to advance the application  
of service delivery to previously underserved groups such as  
people with cognitive and visual impairments.  


Current Activities  

The REC has three components which gather, disseminate, and  
evaluate technology information:   

     Technology Education.  Activities include education,  
     curriculum development, and information dissemination.  

     Model Services.   Completes community-based case-finding; 
     evaluation and service planning; technology prescription  
     and procurement; technology fabrication, modification, and  
     repair; and consumer technology training and retraining.  

     Evaluation and Research.  Completes quality assurance,  
     evaluation and research functions.  

     The REC will deliver on-site services from a mobile  
     technology van.  The goal of this mobile service is to  
     provide service to all persons with disabilities in a  
     timely and accessible manner.  The van will provide  
     fabrication and repair, demonstration and try-out, and  
     evaluation.  

As a collaborative project with Newington Children's Hospital,  
the REC will disseminate a number of information directories of  
resources available in the state.      
               
The REC is a test site for Hyper-ABLEDATA, a computerized  
database on over 15,000 commercially available products that can  
be used by persons with disabilities.  The Center is also a  
licensee for Closing the Gap's Solutions II, a trademarked  
database containing information about microcomputer technology  
for persons with disabilities.  

To implement a comprehensive technology service delivery, the REC  
has instituted a number of projects:  

     TechAccess.  Projects provide on-site technical assistance  
     to service providers.   

     TransferTech.  Projects seek to transfer and integrate  
     exemplary examples of technology approaches into the  
     Connecticut service system.  

     TechForecasting.  Projects assist major providers in  
     forecasting the extent of need for rehabilitation technology  
     services.  

     The Partners in Technology Projects.  Involves a number of  
     community agencies who will test and demonstrate methods for  
     increasing the accessibility and availability of technology  
     services. 



Name of Agency:     Rehabilitation Engineering Center 

Address:            Electronic Industries Foundation 
                    1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 
                    Suite 700 
                    Washington, D.C.  20006 

Telephone:          202-955-5822 

Contact:            Lawrence Scadden 


Description of Agency 

The Electronic Industries Foundation was funded by the National  
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to  
operate a Rehabilitation Engineering Center on technology  
transfer.  The goal of this center is to conduct research and to  
disseminate knowledge aimed at improving the flow of technology  
through the transfer process with ultimate delivery to persons  
who benefit from its use.  The research will be aimed at  
stimulating industry participation in the assistive technology  
marketplace.  This goal has been a mission of the Electronics  
Industries Foundation since its establishment in 1983.  

Current Activities  

The Rehabilitation Engineering Center is conducting a series of  
research projects designed to improve the flow of modern  
technology to people with disabilities.  The projects are  
designed to address four specific problem areas affecting  
transfer of technology to the intended market.  

Needs Assessment - The research staff is investigating various  
needs assessment techniques, such as focus group and mail survey  
techniques, to assess their application in the assistive  
technology field.  The techniques are being used to sample the  
perceived attitudes and needs of various groups with disabilities  
regarding technology currently being used and also that which is  
needed or desired.  This particular project is intended to  
provide researchers, independent developers, industry, and  
government funding agencies with information necessary for them  
to prioritize and plan future research and development projects.  

Alternative Payment Strategies -  The project staff is reviewing,  
documenting, and disseminating information concerning existing  
public and private sector payment alternatives.  Efforts are  
planned to establish new, innovative payment programs that can be  
evaluated during the REC's funding cycle.  This project is  
intended to assist people with disabilities to acquire assistive  
technology directly, while stimulating industry participation in  
the marketplace by increasing market demand. 

Safety and Liability Issues - The Center is reviewing and  
documenting the effects of liability insurance costs and the  
perceived threat of liability lawsuits upon company participation  
in the assistive technology field.  



Name of Agency:     The Center for Rehabilitation Technology 
                    Services   

Address:            South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation 
                    Department      
                    1410-C Boston Avenue 
                    P.O. Box 15 
                    West Columbia, SC  29171-0015 

Telephone:          803-739-5362 

Contact Person:     Anthony J. Langton 


Description of Agency 

The Center for Rehabilitation Technology Services is operated as  
part of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department  
and is funded by the National Institute on Disability and  
Rehabilitation Research.  The Center, funded for 5 years, is one  
of two rehabilitation engineering centers established to address  
the delivery of assistive technology services for people with  
disabilities.  

A primary goal of The Center is to select and implement  
effective methods for making technology and technology-related  
resources available to people with disabilities in South  
Carolina.  The Center hopes to increase the general awareness of  
assistive technology services and to promote cooperative  
programming between the various agencies and service delivery  
programs in the state.  The needs of people of all ages and with  
any type of disability will be addressed by providing them with  
information, training, and technical assistance on applications  
of technology.  The Center for Rehabilitation Technology Services  
will also serve as a resource center to all of the southeastern  
states and will disseminate project results nationwide.  

Current Activities  
      
The Center is developing a comprehensive technical resource  
collection to provide information on a variety of assistive  
technology applications and services.  Included are catalogs and  
product literature, journals, magazines, and other periodicals in  
the field; research reports and conference proceedings;  
audiovisual materials; and many reference guides and directories.   
The Center has technology resource specialists available who will  
tailor a literature or product search to the specific needs of  
the requester.  

The Center will also conduct a variety of orientation seminars  
and training workshops for both professionals and consumers on  
assistive technology applications.  Through consultation,  
training, and technical information, The Center will help develop  
improved services and expertise in the state and region relative  
to assistive technology.  

The Center for Rehabilitation Technology Services is conducting a  
three-phase research program to assess the needs of South  
Carolinians for assistive technology.  In the second and third  
phase of the research, service providers and consumers of  
technology will be surveyed in order to learn more about their  
specific disability and their needs for assistive technology.    


ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE DATABASES 


The Center for Special Education Technology has developed a  
directory of hardware databases.  This publication lists print,  
on-line, and disc sources of assistive technology data.  It also  
lists data sources that will conduct searchers for the requester. 

This issue of TECH.LINE excerpts some of these data sources.   

This is a partial listing of the databases included in the  
directory.  To receive a complete copy of the directory, entitled  
"Directory of Assistive Technology Data Sources," contact the  
Center for Special Education Technology, CEC, 1920 Association  
Drive, Reston, VA 22091,  800/873-8255


Most of the assistive technology data sources are available for  
self searching on-line or available in disk format and searchable  
on a microcomputer. 


Name of Database:        ABLEDATA 

Name of Organization:    Adaptive Equipment Center 

Address:                 Newington Children's Hospital 
                         181 East Cedar Street 
                         Newington, CT 06111 

Telephone:               800-344-5405 
                         203-667-5405 

Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      All 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   16,700 
Utility/tool software:        300 
Other database entries:  
Information provided by the database: 
     Generic product name 
     Product brand name 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone number 
     Availability 
     Cost (dated) 
     Description (includes product specifications when available) 
     Keywords (indexed in a thesaurus) 
     Comments 
Cost for using the database:  
     Up to 8 pages are free; 8-15 pages are $10.00; 16-30 pages  
     are $15.00. 
How the database is accessed: 
     The database can be accessed through BRS Information  
     Technologies, a subscription on-line service.  Custom  
     searches are also conducted by the Center's information       
     specialists.  Interested persons can call, write, or visit       
     the Center in person.   


Description: 

ABLEDATA is the largest information source in the nation on  
disability-related products. ABLEDATA is a continually updated  
product database with more than 15,000 commercially available  
products from over 1,900 manufacturers. Detailed information is  
included on products for use in all aspects of independent  
living, including personal care, transportation, communication,  
and recreation. 

ABLEDATA services include: 
     Custom Database Searches - Up to 8 pages of information are  
     provided free of charge, with nominal charges for more  
     extensive searches 

     ABLEDATA Thesaurus - Includes the lists of categories and  
     product names, $25 

     Fact Sheets - Detailed information on selected products,  
     single copies provided free of charge. 



Name of Database:        Adaptive Device Locator System 

Name of Organization:    Academic Software, Inc. 

Address:                 331 West Second Street 
                         Lexington, KY 40507 

Telephone:               606-233-2332 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      All 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   600+ 
Utility/tool software:        50-100 
Other database entries: 
Information provided by the database: 
     Device classifications 
     Device descriptions 
     Pictures 
     Source information 
     Product information 
     Mailing label and form letter  
Cost for using the database:  
     $150.00 to purchase the software and database; $60.00 for  
     semi-annual database update subscription service (annual  
     fee). 
How the database is accessed:  
     The Locator is a microcomputer-based product (Apple IIe,  
     IIc, IIgs or IBM compatible) and the purchaser performs  
     individual searches. 


Description: 

The Adaptive Device Locator System (ADLS) employs a unique,  
functional, goal-oriented approach to aid handicapped or elderly  
persons and professionals who assist them to rapidly identify  
adaptive and assistive devices with potential to help overcome  
various limitations. ADLS provides the user with short device  
descriptions, pictures, and lists of sources for products and  
product information. Mailing labels and form letters to vendors  
can be generated automatically. The Locator is an excellent tool  
for school personnel who prepare IEPs and perform physical  
disability assessments; counselors who work with the elderly in  
senior citizens centers; and professionals and volunteers who  
provide or train others to provide information about the use of  
adaptive and assistive technologies for basic living,  
communication, mobility, and environmental improvement. The  
Locator databases are continuously updated and expanded as new  
types of adaptive and assistive aids appear on the market and new  
manufacturing and/or distributing firms enter the field. 


Name of Database:        Apple Computer, Inc. Special Education  
                         and Rehabilitation Solutions 

Name of Organization:    Office of Special Education and  
                         Rehabilitation 

Address:                 Apple Computer, Inc. 
                         20525 Mariani Avenue 
                         MS 43-S    
                         Cupertino, CA 95014 
Telephone:               408-974-7910 
                         408-974-7911 (TDD) 

Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      All 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   500 
Utility/tool software: 
Other database entries:      
     Instructional software 
     information resources 
Information provided by the database: 
     Product brand name 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone number 
     Brief product description 
     Form letter  
Cost for using the database: Free 
How the database is accessed:  
     (1) through AppleLink, an Apple administered electronic  
          bulletin board 
     (2) through AppleLink Personal Edition, provided free on the  
          Explorer CD-ROM disk that comes with each Apple CD-ROM  
          player 
     (3) through SpecialNet, a national special education  
          electronic bulletin board 
     (4) through a Macintosh computer-based database. 
All are custom searchable.  Documentation and help screens are  
provided. 


Description: 

Apple Computer Inc. Special Education and Rehabilitation  
Solutions is an on-line database of resources available to  
disabled users of Apple computers. Maintained by Apple's Office  
of Special Education, it currently contains close to 1,000  
entries describing adaptive devices, specialized software,  
support organizations, and publications. New entries are added  
regularly. The entire Solutions database is on AppleLink, Apple's  
own international telecommunications network. Because AppleLink  
is available at every authorized Apple dealership, anyone can  
have access to information. Solutions is also available via  
SpecialNet.  



Name of Database:        CTG Solutions 

Name of Organization:    Closing The Gap, Inc. 

Address:                 P.O. Box 68 
                         Henderson, MN 56044 

Telephone:               612-248-3294 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      All 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   283 
Utility/tool software:  
Other database entries:    
     Instructional software 
     Organizations 
     Applications  
     Producers 
Information provided by the database: 
     Disability 
     Academic skill 
     Skill level 
     Device type 
     Computer brand 
     Peripheral requirements 
     Special skill 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone number 
     Cost 
     Description 
     Keywords (dictionary of terms provided) 
     Product brand name 
Cost for using the database:  
     Annual license fee is $975.00, including quarterly updates. 
How the database is accessed:  
     The database is Macintosh-based.  Searches are individually  
     conducted by the subscriber.  Documentation for conducting  
     searches is provided. 


Description: 

CTG Solutions is a relational database containing information  
about microcomputer technology and persons with special needs.   
The database allows for local customization so that local  
information relating to student/client activities, administrative  
considerations, product acquisition, and inventory and training  
activities can all be linked to the existing product information.   
It contains information in five major areas: producers of  
materials; hardware device; organizations; and applications.   
This database not only provides up-to-date information on  
products, but more importantly, how to use those products.  It is  
a tool for special education and rehabilitation professional that  
allows them to concentrate on delivering service, not researching  
applications. 



Name of Database:        Developmental Disabilities Technology  
                         Library (DDTL) 

Name of Organization:    Association for Retarded Citizens of the  
                         United States 

Address:                 2501 Avenue J 
                         Arlington, TX 76006 

Telephone:               817-640-0204 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      Developmental Disabilities 
Number of Products:  
Assistive devices/hardware:   3140 
Utility/tool software:        200 
Other database entries:  
     Authorities 
     Publications 
     Resources 
Information provided by the database: 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone number 
     Subject areas (client needs/characteristics,  
      service/therapy, technology/assistive device -- descriptor  
      lists provided) 
Cost for using the database:  
     Free with the exception of standard telephone charges. 
How the database is accessed:  
     Computer modem through the OPUS Network and The DD  
     Connection's electronic mail and bulletin board system. 


Description: 

The Developmental Disabilities Technology Library (DDTL) is a  
computerized database of information on the application of  
advanced technology and assistive devices children and adults who  
are disabled.   

The DDTL contains information about technology and assistive  
devices for persons with disabilities in the following four  
categories:   

     1.  Publications, e.g., books, journal articles;  

     2.  Authorities on the use of assistive devices and actual  
         users of devices;  

     3.  Resource agencies; and  

     4.  Vendors of assistive devices.   

Searches are conducted by title, author(s), publication date, or  
descriptor code, or various combinations thereof. The database is  
available through the Developmental Disabilities Connection (DD  
Connection), an OPUS electronic network and bulletin board. The  
DD Connection allows any user to phone the ARC's computer without  
any fees assessed (except for long-distance telephone call  
charges), to share information with other users on the DD  
Connection, and to get information on assistive technology from  
the DDTL. Any person with a modem can call the system.  



Name of Database:        Hyper-ABLEDATA, Hyper-TraceBase 

Name of Organization:    Trace R&D Center 

Address:                 Waisman Center 
                         University of Wisconsin-Madison 
                         1500 Highland Avenue 
                         Madison, WI 53705-2280 

Telephone:               608-262-6966 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      All 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   14,500 
Utility/tool software:        500 
Other database entries:  
Information provided by the database: 
     Generic product name 
     Product brand name 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone number 
     Availability 
     Cost (dated) 
     Description (includes product specifications when available) 
     Keywords (indexed in a thesaurus) 
     Comments 
Cost for using the database:  
     $50.00 for the CD-ROM Macintosh-based database. 
How the database is accessed:  
     The purchaser conducts individual searches using the  
     available documentation and help screens. 


Description: 

Two databases are currently distributed through CO-NET, a  
cooperative network for the rapid dissemination of up-to-date  
information on assistive technology.  
     1.   Hyper-ABLEDATA is a desktop version of the 15,000-entry  
          public domain ABLEDATA database on rehabilitation and  
          assistive technologies.   
     2.   Hyper-TraceBase is a desktop version of THE TRACE  
          RESOURCEBOOK.  Hyper-TraceBase contains more detailed  
          information than is found in Hyper-ABLEDATA, but only  
          covers the areas of communication, control, and  
          computer access.  

At the present time, these databases can only be used with Apple  
Macintosh computers; an IBM version is being developed.  
Individuals may receive a copy of the database from the Trace  
Center, from any of approximately 100 prime dissemination points,  
or from any other individual or center with a copy of the  
database. 


SEARCH SERVICES 

Some assistive technology databases are accessed through a search  
service; the requester makes a formal request for information, a  
search is conducted and sent to the requester. 


Name of Database:        Accent on Information 

Address:                 P.O. Box 700 
                         Bloomington, IL 61702 

Telephone:               309-378-2961 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:      Physical Disabilities 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   4,000 
Utility/tool software:  
Other database entries:        
     2,500 articles, books, services 
Information provided by the database: 
     Product brand name 
     Brief description or summary 
     Index terms 
     Manufacturer mailing address 
     Publication data 
Cost for using the database:  
     $12.00 for up to 50 of the most recent references. 
How the database is accessed:  
     Information requests are placed over the telephone.  A staff  
     member conducts a computer search and mails the results to  
     the requester. 


Description: 

Accent on Information maintains a computerized database of  
information consisting mostly of aids and assistive devices and  
how-to information for all types of disabilities. Access to this  
retrieval system is via a brief questionnaire, which asks  
questions regarding the specifics of the disability and the type  
of technology required. A printed listing of appropriate  
technology is provided in response to the questionnaire. Fees are  
$12 for a basic search (includes up to 50 references); additional  
references are billed at $.08 each. Fees can be waived if the  
requester is unable to pay. 



Name of Database:        IBM National Support Center for Persons  
                         with Disabilities 

Address:                 P.O. Box 2150 
                         Atlanta, GA 30055 

Telephone:               800-426-2133 
                         800-284-9482 (TDD) 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served:  
     Vision, hearing, speech, learning disabilities, mental  
     retardation, mobility 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware:   400 
Utility/tool software: 
Other database entries:        
     Instructional software, services 
Information provided by the database: 
     Product brand name 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone 
     Product description 
     Device category 
Cost for using the database: Free 
How the database is accessed:  
     Contact the Center by phone, TDD, or in writing. 


Description: 

The IBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities was  
created to help health care leaders, agency directors, policy  
makers, employers, educators, public officials, and individuals  
learn how technology can improve the quality of life for the  
disabled person in the school, home, and work place.  The Center  
responds to requests for information on how computers can help  
people with vision problems, hearing problems, speech  
impairments, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and  
mobility problems. While the Center is unable to diagnose or  
prescribe an assistive device or software, information is  
provided on what is available and where one can go for more  
details.  Inquires are invited on assistive devices, software,  
and services for disabled persons. 


Name of Database:        Sensory Technology Information Service 

Name of Organization:    National Clearinghouse on Technology and  
                         Aging 

Address:                 University Center on Aging 
                         University of Massachusetts Medical  
                           Center 
                         55 Lake Avenue N 
                         Worcester, MA 01655 

Telephone:               800-433-2306 


Database Specifications 

Disability Areas Served: Vision, hearing 
Number of Products:      
Assistive devices/hardware: 
Utility/tool software: 
Other database entries:  
     Special services, publications, organizations 
Information provided by the database: 
     Generic name 
     Product brand name 
     Manufacturer's mailing address and phone number 
     Availability status 
     Cost (dated) 
     Product description 
     Keywords 
     Comments 
     Application information 
     Date entry was updated 
Cost for using the database:  
     Free to individuals with disabilities and members of the  
     Clearinghouse. Organizations, vendors, and non-disabled  
     individuals are charged an hourly rate. 
How the database is accessed:  
     The requester must contact the Clearinghouse by phone,  
     letter, or TDD.  Search results are available in standard  
     print, voice via the phone, via TDD, and on cassette. 


Description: 

Sensory Technology Information Service is designed to answer  
questions about what, which, and how available devices and  
services can lessen the disabilities of a major sensory loss;  
questions about what products exist and are available, what  
various devices can and cannot do, how much they cost, and how  
people have used them.  They also provide information about other  
items of interest: special newsletters, organizations, books and  
other special publications.  While an in-house database is at the  
core of their operation, it is only one of the resources used to  
provide the best answer possible.  Other resources include  
consultants (among them disabled consumers), literature, vendor  
contacts, and other databases. 



EQUIPMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS

There are several equipment funding programs currently available  
to schools and educators.  Look at the following items for  
details: 

Two hardware producers have grants for educators: 


Tandy Educational Grants Program 
1600 One Tandy Center 
Fort Worth, TX   76102 
817-390-3832 
Contact:  Mr. Jamie Alexander 


Tandy Corporation has announced its grant topic and deadline for  
the first quarter of 1990.  The topic "Computer Uses with  
Special Populations" has a deadline of February 28, 1990.   
Educators interested in submitting proposals must first write on  
their letterhead requesting a Grants Application Package which  
outlines the exact format in which the proposal must be written.   
Applicants may request up to $5,000.00 (retail value) in Tandy  
hardware and software in their proposal.  No cash awards are  
given.  Requests for application packs should be sent to the  
address above.  


Apple Education Grants 
20525 Mariani Avenue 
MS:38J 
Cupertino, CA  95014 

Apple Computer is accepting proposals for a new competitive grant  
program, called Crossroads.  The purpose of the program is to  
target economically and disadvantaged students.   The focus of  
Crossroads will be to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to  
teaching traditional school subjects and studies involving both  
school and community-based experiences and to create student- 
centered learning environments in which teachers facilitate,  
rather than direct, their students' learning endeavors. 

Equipment and cash will be donated to support curriculum  
development in preschool through high school grades in public and  
private schools across the U.S.  Collaboration between schools  
and colleges, universities or non-profit organizations will also  
be considered.  Grantees will receive support from Apple for 3  
years.  The first year will consist of support in the form of  
"seed" grants of computers to help teachers with curriculum  
development.  For those projects who have met their proposed  
objectives, they will receive additional equipment for full  
implementation in the second year.  A total grant of up to 20  
computer systems will be awarded.  During the third year, Apple  
will help schools disseminate the results of their work.  Cash  
support to fund software, in-service training and other needs,  
will be included in the grant award. 

Deadlines for applications is January 8, 1990.  Guidelines and  
application forms are available by writing or contacting the  
Apple Education Grants office. 


IBM has two programs that discount equipment prices for  
educators: 


IBM Educational Systems 
P.O. Box 2150 
Atlanta, GA  30055 


IBM has an "improved pricing plan" for the education marketplace.   
This plan affects a wide range of IBM Personal System/2 and IBM  
RT systems and software.  A single "best" price will be available  
to small, medium, and large institutions - from elementary  
through graduate school - as well as for faculty, staff and post- 
secondary school students.  These prices are reportedly  
significantly below list price; a typical system configuration  
would be approximately 40 percent less than list price. 


IBM Offering for Persons with Disabilities 
IBM  
P.O. Box 2150 
Atlanta, GA  30055 
1-800-IBM-2133 

In conjunction with IBM-selected community service organizations,  
IBM offers a program that makes it easier for persons with  
disabilities to purchase computers for rehabilitative and  
therapeutic purposes.  Under the program, eligible individuals  
may purchase IBM Personal System/2 computer products at a  
discount for significant savings and may also receive individual  
assistance from local affiliates of community service  
organizations when selecting, ordering, and installing equipment.   
The community service organizations currently participating in  
this offering to persons with disabilities are selected National  
Easter Seal Societies, United Cerebral Palsy affiliates, and the  
Courage Center.   

The IBM-selected service organization will be a point of contact  
for this particular offering.  The headquarter locations for  
these service agencies are: 

     National Easter Seal Society 
     5120 South Hyde Park Boulevard 
     Chicago, IL  60615 
     312-667-8400 or 312-667-7400 


     United Cerebral Palsy Associations 
     1522 K Street, N.W. 
     Washington, D.C.  20005 
     202-842-1266 

     Courage Center 
     3915 Golden Valley Road 
     Golden Valley, MN  55422 
     612-588-0811 


NEW CENTER PRODUCT 


The Center for Special Education Technology has added another  
TECH USE GUIDE to its series.  The new title is "Computers and  
Writing."  This guide describes ways the word processor can be  
used for writing and language arts instruction.  The TECH USE  
GUIDE series provides introductory information for parents and  
teachers. 

To receive the new TECH USE GUIDE "Computers and Writing" or  
information on other products available from the Center for  
Special Education Technology, contact the Center at 1920  
Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091, 703/620-3660 or 800/873-8255.


