For people with disabilities, daily tasks — such as going to school and work or participating in recreational activities — can be a challenge. To help organizations working with families of children and youth with disabilities, the Family Center on Technology and Disability provides web-based information and resources.

Focusing primarily on educational and assistive technologies, the center’s website includes fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, monthly newsletters, online discussion transcripts, reviews of assistive technology resources, a database of more than 4,000 organizations, family information guides and more. The website also contains resources in Spanish.

Meeting challenges with assistive technology

Assistive technology is any kind of technology that helps individuals with disabilities by providing them a way to fully engage in life activities. Assistive technology can be as simple as a magnifying glass or a grip attached to a pen or fork, or as complex as an automated van lift for a wheelchair or a computerized communication system.

The center is managed by FHI 360 and assisted by a partnership of organizations, including Adirondack Accessibility, Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) and the Center on Disability at the Public Health Institute.