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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

National Organizations on Assistive Technology

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)

CAST is an educational, not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, especially those with disabilities. CAST believes that the most effective strategy for expanding educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities is through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a new approach to teaching, learning, curriculum development and assessment that uses technology to respond to individual learner differences. CAST focuses on the development of learning models, approaches, and tools that are usable by a wide range of learners.

Closing the Gap

Through its newspaper, annual conference, and Web site, Closing The Gap provides practical up-to-date information on assistive technology products, procedures, and best practices. The Closing The Gap Resource Directory is a guide to computer-related products and services available to assist children and adults with disabilities. It contains prices, descriptions and manufacturer contact information for nearly 2,000 products determined appropriate for use in special education and rehabilitation, as well as an extensive list of organizations that serve individuals with special needs. An online version of the directory is also available this Web site.

Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET)

The goals of ISET include:

  • Promoting collaboration among educators and others interested in using technology and media to assist individuals with exceptional educational needs.
  • Encouraging the development of new applications, technologies, and media that can benefit individuals with exceptionalities.
  • Disseminating relevant and timely information through professional meetings, training programs, and publications.
  • Coordinating the activities of educational and governmental agencies, business, and industry.
  • Developing and advancing appropriate technical standards.
  • Providing technical assistance, inservice, and preservice education on the uses of techology.
  • Monitoring and disseminating relevant research.

Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT)

The QIAT Consortium is a nationwide grassroots group that includes hundreds of individuals who provide input into the ongoing process of identifying, disseminating, and implementing a set of widely-applicable Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology.

Rehabilitation Engineering And Assistive Technology Society Of North America (RESNA)

RESNA is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions. RESNA offers certification, continuing education, and professional development; develops assistive technology standards; promotes research and public policy; and sponsors forums for the exchange of information and ideas.

Erikson Institute: Technology and Digital Media

Previously known as the "Technology in Early Childhood Center" or "The TEC Center", Erikson Institute's technology-focused professional development efforts were started in 2012 by Founding Director, Chip Donohue, PhD. After the publishing of the 2012 NAEYC and Fred Rogers Center joint position statement on technology in early childhood, Dr. Donohue launched the "TEC Center", with the support of the Boeing Company and Erikson Institute. Erikson's mission has always been to influence early educator's practice by providing evidence-based information and resources.

=Erikson Institute has provided technology and media-focused professional development services to thousands of educators from across the world. Erikson Institute will continue to develop and deliver high quality professional development to meet the needs of the Early Childhood workforce.

Trace Research and Development Center

The Trace Research and Development Center works on ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and usable by people with disabilities. This work is primarily funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education.

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

WAI, in coordination with organizations around the world, pursues accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development.