A scene of people with various disabilities gathered around a blue lake, enjoying their home, community, the out-of-doors, health, recreation, housing, transportation and education with an accessible path for them to a high mountain and large yellow sun on the horizon.  New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.


Community and Internet Resources


Adaptive Technology: Computers

Computer Technology Training

State Listings

California

Adaptive Computer Empowerment Services has a mission to "improve the quality of life for persons in San Diego County who are disabled by empowering them with computer technology." They offer rehabilitated and/or upgraded PCs, ready for Internet access, to disabled users who could not otherwise obtain them, expertise in repairing and upgrading a disabled user's existing computer system, assistance in finding appropriate assistive computer devices and technology, assistance in the use of email and news groups, as well as linkage to local Internet service providers at reduced rates for disabled users. For more information, call (619) 275-5028 or e-mail padams@adaptive.org.

Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ARCC) "provides computers to those in the community who would not otherwise have access to them." They not only donate computers to individuals, but they also offer technical training. For more information, call (510) 434-1325 or e-mail accrc@accrc.org.

Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT), located in Berkeley, California, is a consumer-based technology resource and demonstration center for adults and children with disabilities, families, teachers, and professionals. Each program focuses on acquainting individuals with computer-related assistive technology. They also offer a computer loan program. For more information, call (510) 841-3224 (Voice), (510) 841-5621 (TTY) or e-mail info@cforat.org.

Illinois

Donka, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Wheaton, Illinois, who provides no-cost, adaptive computer training to persons with physical and visual disabilities. They offer in-depth training in Windows 95, Word 97, Access 97 and Excel 97. As students complete training, they can further utilize Donka's job placement services. For more information, call (630) 665-8169 or e-mail info@donkainc.org.

Kansas

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) School of Adaptive Computer Training "is devoted to enhancing the computer technical skills and marketability of people with special needs." The classroom is equipped with fully accessible computers, software and workstations. Satisfactory completion of the training will entitle students to receive either a national or local certification. To learn more about the opportunities available, call (316) 688-1888 or e-mail info@cprf.org.

Louisiana

University of New Orleans Training, Resource and Assistive-technology Center (TRAC) provides specialized computer training programs for people with visual, learning, and physical disabilities. Training is provided in either a classroom or individualized format and covers such topics as basic keyboarding skills, basic operations of Windows (file management and accessory programs), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, and Outlook Express. Additional individualized training topics include, screen magnification software (ZoomText Xtra or MAGic for Windows), voice recognition software such as Naturally Speaking, reading systems using a scanner (Open Book, Kurzweil 1000, or WYNN), portable note-taking devices (Blazie Note-takers: Braille 'n Speak and Type 'n Speak), Braille displays such as the Alva Braille Terminal, and Braille translation software (Duxbury Braille Translator or MegaDots). For more information, call (504) 280-5700 or e-mail rangeloc@uno.edu.

Massachusetts

Carroll Center for the Blind, located in Newton, Massachusetts, is a private, non-profit agency that serves persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. The Center provides evaluation, training, information and technical assistance on adaptive computer technology to consumers, professionals and employers. Such services include computer technology assessment, adaptive computer hardware and software training, as well as equipment installation and troubleshooting. For more information, call (800) 852-3131, ext. 224.

New Jersey

Center for Enabling Technology, located in Whippany, New Jersey, is a private, non-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities gain access to computer technology. Services include technical assistance and information on the use of assistive computer technology for people with disabilities, training workshops on adaptive computer use for teachers, therapists, parents of children with disabilities and individuals with disabilities, technology evaluations, and technology consultation aimed at educators. Visit their website for more information.

New York

University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology provides computer assessment and training services in the use of assistive technology to residents of Western New York. Specifically, they offer services to school-aged children, college and career oriented individuals with disabilities, and individuals with vision impairments. There is a fee for these services. For more information, call (716) 829-3141 ext.110 or e-mail coddo@acsu.buffalo.edu.

Texas

Center for Computer Assistance for the Disabled (C-CAD) is a non-profit organization whose mission is "enhancing the quality of life and employment options of persons with disabilities through the use of modified personal computers, adaptive devices, and custom software." Although assistance is in the title of this organization, they do not provide computers or loans for their purchase. C-CAD provides resource materials, product catalogs and a showroom of demonstration products located on the fourth floor of Infomart, 1950 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 4041, Dallas, Texas 75207. C-CAD has established Targeted Computer Training to provide training that meets the students goals and access needs. Adaptive Access Screening is required before admission to plan a training program for the individual. These classes are significantly priced. For more information on registering and a complete list of course offerings, check out this site.

Utah

Utah Center for Assistive Technology located in Salt Lake City, Utah offers a Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities. The center's services include cost-free consultations, workshops, information, and Internet access for individuals with disabilities. The center can only be accessed by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, call (801) 887-9533.

Vermont

Vermont Assistive Technology Computer Access Center, located in Rutland, Vermont, provides computer access demonstrations as well as training and technical assistance on adaptive computer technology. Devices for demonstration include alternate keyboards, onscreen keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, mouse alternatives (hardware and software), text-to-speech output and much more. For more information, or to receive an intake form, call (800) 750-6352.

Washington

Special Technology Access Resource Center (STAR), located in the Seattle Park Community Center of Washington State, offers regular and adaptive computer training to people with and without disabilities. In addition to word processing, Internet and e-mail training, the center also provides specialized training in the use of varied adaptive computer devices. For more information, call (206) 325-4284 or e-mail star@scn.org.

Wisconsin

Charlie Kapp Resource Center Adult Technology Center located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides computer stations devoted to skills development and recreational needs of adults with disabilities. Classes on basic computer skills, word processing and Internet topics, open lab times with assistance and skill training and assessment, career and job development and employment searches are all part of this program.

Milwaukee Center for Independence offers computer training programs designed to prepare individuals for employment in office settings. They offer two intense 60 day programs (Clerical or Computer Operator) where trainees can obtain Office Proficiency Assessment Certification. Students learn skills in keyboarding, dictation machine usage, data entry and software. MCFI is a non-profit, community-based rehabilitation facility, serving residents of Milwaukee County. For more information, visit their website or call (414) 272-1344 (Voice) or (414) 272-9200 (TTY).

New Sign Milwaukee Public Library offers computer classes for people with disabilities. Contact individual libraries for their accessibility for people with disabilities. Go to Milwaukee Public Library computer classes for a complete schedule of computer classes. Two computer workstations at Central Library provide access to library customers with special needs such as low vision or blindness, hard of hearing or deafness, mobility problems, or learning disabilities. The stations include software and assistive technology devices set up for ease of use. Call (414)286-3017 to make a reservation. TDD: (414)286-3062. Go to Computers For Special Needs Users for more information on the adaptive technology available.

For more on the topic of Adaptive Technology:

Community and Internet Resources / Editorials / FAQ / Guides

If you have questions or ideas, information and solutions that you would like to share with us, you may contact us by e-mail at: horizons@new-horizons.org or to use our NHU E-Mail Form or NHU Community Discussion Board, click on the links below.
Homepage icon Home  / Disability News  / NHU Quarterly Newsletter
Share Your Knowledge!  / NHU Community Discussion Board  / E-mail Us
About NHU  / Announcements and Features  / Contribute  /  What's New?  /  Site Plan
©Copyright 2003, 2006 New Horizons Un-Limited Incorporated
[Updated May 31, 2006]
NHU has no liability for content or goods on the Internet.