Additional Resources
Reference the tabs below for a series of assistive technology resources, across all contexts and circumstances.
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Education Resources
The Arc Toolbox
The Arc is seeing an explosion of technology products that are useful to the people we serve. At the same time, we have learned that it is challenging to find products that are a good fit for the diverse range of needs and goals of those in our community. To solve this, Tech Toolbox™ provides our community with a user-friendly, easy-to-search online space for sharing information about technology products.
AbleLink Smart Living Technologies
AbleLink Smart Living Technologies specifically address the significant need for research-based cognitive support technologies for individuals with cognitive disabilities and those experiencing cognitive decline.
Accent on Living
A directory of products and services for physically-challenged persons, elderly, caregivers and health care professionals.
Access World
Online magazine on technology for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Apple Accessibility
Provides information on built-in features that help people with disabilities access Apple products.
Assistivetech.net
Database of AT products, links to private and public disability services and resources.
Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP)
ATAP promotes the collaboration of AT programs for persons with disabilities, providers, industry, advocates and others at the state and national level and to increase the availability and utilization of accessible information technology (IT) and assistive technology devices and services (AT) for all individuals with disabilities in the United States and territories.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
Serves as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry so that the best products and services are delivered to people with disabilities.
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
CAST develops innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for designing curricula that enables all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all.
The Center for Universal Design
https://design.ncsu.edu/research/center-for-universal-design/
A national research, information and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops, and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial facilities and related products.
Closing the Gap
Practical up-to-date information on assistive technology products, procedures and best practices.
Disability Minnesota
The purpose of the Disability Minnesota Web site is to provide a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues. This site also provides access to laws, statutes, and regulations in pertinent disability-related areas.
MAINSTREAM
News and current affairs, new products and technology, profiles of movers and shakers, education, employment, sexuality and relationships, housing, transportation, travel and recreation for and about people with disabilities.
Microsoft Accessibility
Provides information on accessibility products and built-in features that make the computer easier to use.
Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL)
Information about independent living services provided by Minnesota’s eight Centers for Independent Living and links to disability related information around the world.
MinnesotaHelp.Info – Disability Link
The Disability Link section of MinnesotaHelp.info makes it easier for people with disabilities to explore options and make decisions about services, benefits, employment, health care, and more.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
Coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
Tech Connections
A national information dissemination project to improve the utilization of existing and emerging technology in state vocational rehabilitation programs.
Trace Center
The Trace Center is a leader in the development and large-scale pilot implementation of the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII), to simplify access to information and communication technology by people with disability, literacy, digital literacy and aging related barriers.
United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Membership is free and open to all individuals with spinal cord injuries and diseases.
Vision Loss Resource
Provides rehabilitation, support, information and referral services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
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Employment Resources
Computer/Electronic Accommodation Program (CAP)
CAP works closely with service members across the nation to ensure they receive appropriate assistive technology for their needs. The use of assistive technology is introduced during recovery and rehabilitation at military treatment facilities. Accommodations are available for Service members with injuries that have caused: vision loss, hearing loss, mobility and dexterity impairments, and cognitive injuries.
Do-It Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
DO-IT serves to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers. It promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment.
Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor. JAN has two main focuses: identifying job accommodations and providing technical assistance on the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
National Center for Technology Innovation Office of Disability Employment Policy
The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to safely drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment to fit their specific needs. All members work together to improve transportation options for people with disabilities. Our ultimate mission is to unify and improve the mobility equipment industry and help people with disabilities lead happy, healthy and more mobile lifestyles through the use of quality wheelchair accessible vehicles.
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Community Resources
AAC Institute Communication
Resource for people with severe communication disorders, their families, friends, professionals and educators.
Cornucopia of Disability Information (CODI)
A community resource for consumers and professionals that provides disability information in a wide variety of areas. It consists of both an Internet Directory of Disability Information and a repository of electronic disability documents, dating back to the early 1990s.
Courage Center
Rehabilitation, enrichment and independent living services for people with physical disabilities, and sensory or neurological impairments; links to disability and AT resources.
DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center
The DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center's AIT Initiative encourages incorporation of accessible information technology in K-12 and post secondary school settings. Accessible Information Technology incorporates the principles of universal design so that people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities can access information disseminated electronically.
Fairview Orthotics and Prosthetics
https://www.fairview.org/specialties/rehabilitation
Provides custom orthotic and prosthetic services for people of all ages who have a wide variety of diagnoses.
Center on Technology and Disability
Assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) allows children across the ability spectrum to participate fully at home, in school, and in the community. The Center on Technology and Disability provides a wealth of free resources – personal and professional development (PPD) webinars, articles, guides, training materials and more.
FAPE
Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) project is a partnership that aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities. It links families, advocates, and self-advocates to information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare cares for patients who have some of the most complex, rare, and traumatic conditions in pediatric medicine, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit housing organization. Local Habitat affiliates coordinate house building and select partner families. Contact your local Habitat affiliate for more information.
Minnesota Community Action Partnership
Community Action Agencies offer support and advocacy from “cradle to grave.” Services vary from agency to agency based on local needs.
Minnesota Council on Disabilities
The Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) is an agency that collaborates, advocates, advises and provides information to expand opportunities, increase the quality of life and empower all persons with disabilities.
Minnesota Department of Health Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN)
https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/cyshn/index.html
Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN) works to achieve public health policies that will provide more positive health outcomes and better serve children and youth with special health needs and their families throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota Department of Human Services ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Account
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities, who meet the eligibility requirements, to save money to pay for disability-related expenses.
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has developed a resource called the Rehabilitation Loan/Emergency and Accessibility Loan Programs assist low income homeowners in financing basic home improvements that directly affect the safety, habitability, energy efficiency or accessibility of their homes. The Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program is available for home improvements addressing emergency conditions of the home or accessibility needs for a disabled household resident, subject to prior approval by Minnesota Housing.
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
Provide information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion (IPSII) for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Minnesota Regional Public Libraries
https://mnlink.org/about/libraries
In Minnesota, regional public library and multiple library delivery services provide scheduled stops at their branches, libraries, or schools in their area. Materials borrowed and returned from across the state are delivered daily to library headquarters and then placed on the appropriate route to the local library.
PACER Center
PACER Center enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest potential.
RESNA
Provides access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for consumers with disabilities of all ages; provides technical assistance in the areas related to universal design, state procurement actions and funding of AT.
STAR Program
The STAR program is Minnesota's Assistive Technology program funded by Rehabilitation Services Administration in accordance with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (P.L. 108-364). STAR's mission is to help all Minnesotans with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
https://www.hud.gov/topics/information_for_disabled_persons
Housing information for people with disabilities.
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Library Systems with Assistive Technology Devices or Software
There are 12 Public Library Systems in the state that can help you find libraries in your area that may have equipment you can use within the library.
Arrowhead Library System (ALS)
Counties served: Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis. ALS was formed under joint powers agreements between cities and counties.
East Central Regional Library (ECRL)
Counties served: Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine.
Great River Regional Library (GRRL)
Counties served: Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright.
Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS)
Counties served: Beltrami, Cass, Crow, Wing, Hubbard, and Wadena.
Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL)
Counties served: Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk, and Wilkin.
Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)
Counties served: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.
Northwest Regional Library (NWRL)
Counties served: Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, and Roseau.
Pioneerland Library System (PLS)
Counties served: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Swift, and Yellow Medicine.
Plum Creek Library System (PCLS)
Counties served: Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock.
Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO)
Counties served: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdS)
Counties served: Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan
Viking Library System (VLS)
Counties served: Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, and Traverse.
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Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL)
The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to advocate for a statewide network of independent living services and supports for Minnesotans with disabilities throughout the State.
MACIL provide a number of services for people with disabilities, their families and friends, service providers and interested community members. MACIL services include information and referral, assistive technology demonstration, evaluation, consultation, device loan and many more.
ACCESS NORTH - Hibbing
1309 East 40th Street
Hibbing, MN 55746
(218) 262-6675SEMCIL (Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living) - Rochester
2200 Second Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 285-1815SMILES - Mankato
709 S. Front Street, Suite 7
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 345-7139SWCIL (Southwestern Center for Independent Living) - Marshall
109 South Fifth Street, Suite 700
Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 532-2221MCIL (Metropolitan Center for Independent Living) - Minneapolis/St. Paul
530 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 646-8342INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLES - Sauk Rapids
215 North Benton Drive
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 529-9000FREEDOM RESOURCE CENTER - Fargo/Moorhead
2701 9th Avenue S., Suite H
Fargo, ND 58103
(800) 450-0459OPTIONS - East Grand Forks
318 Third Street NW
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
(218) 773-6100