Bayha, Betsy & Doe, Tanis.  (1998, February 24).  The Internet: An Inclusive Magnet for Teaching All Students.  In Proceedings of 1998 CSUN Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference [Online].  Available: http://www.dinf.org/csun_98/csun98_111.htm [2001, January 27].

The authors present a case that even though technology and the internet seems intimidating, it can open up a new world for people with disabilities and have developed a handbook to aid in the facilitation.  According to The Center for Applied Special Technology in Massachusetts, “Of all the new technologies, on line communications has the strongest potential to break down barriers and inequities encountered by students of different socioeconomic, racial, linguistic and disability backgrounds.  Results of studies show that children are drawn into using the internet for reading, writing, and learning.  An electronic copy of the authors’ handbook is available.

Birnbaum, Barry W.  (2001, January 22).  Training Special Educators to Incorporate Technology into Everyday Learning: Strategies for the New Millennium.  In Proceedings of 2000 CSUN Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference [Online]. Available: http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf2000/proceedings/0004Birnbaum.html
[2001, February 1].

Dr. Barry Birnbaum, a special education professor discusses the results and solutions of his survey to determine the use of technology in classrooms by special education teachers.  A point the author makes is that most students know more about using computers than teachers do.  Several states have mandated that an assistive technology evaluation be conducted for all students referred for special education services and may be included in the next revision of IDEA.  The author has designed a course for his students that incorporates technology competencies for infusing technology into the classroom.

Hendrix, Paul & Birkmire, Michael.  (1998, February 24).  Adapting Web Browsers For Accessibility.  In Proceedings of 1998 CSUN Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference [Online].
Available: http://www.dinf.org/csun_98_113.htm [2001, January 27].

The authors present techniques to make commercial web browsers more accessible to the information that is available on the internet.  Even though there is software available to provide access for people with disabilities, many only have availability to Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer.  The authors point out alternatives to typical hardware such as standard keyboards and mouse such as trackballs, joysticks, switches, and on-screen keyboards.  Software such as text to speech is examined as well as voice input for controlling certain computer functions.  Output devices such as a Braille display and screen magnification programs are also discussed.

Maldonado, Jorge & Rawlinson, Sharaine J.  (2001, January 22). Palm Pilot VII: Your Personal Assistant for Your Daily Needs. In Proceedings of 2000 CSUN Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference [Online].  Available: http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf2000/proceedings/0125Maldonado.html [2001, February 1].
 

The authors, from the Midwest Center of Postsecondary Outreach, identify the need for individuals with communication and physical disabilities to close the void in personal communication devices with a Palm personal digital assistant (PDA’s).  Palms are portable, lightweight and easy to use especially by people with mobility and dexterity issues or speech and hearing impairments.  A range of suggested applications are provided to show how one's life may be enhanced.  Palms with connectivity offer the disabled easy access to email, messaging, and the internet.  As new application software becomes available and the use of PDA’s grows, more disabled people will find the use of a personal digital assistant commonplace.

United States Department of Justice.  (2000, July 20).  Faces of the ADA.  Special 10th Anniversary Report [Online].  Available: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/fjex.htm [2001, January 27].

As a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department of Justice has spotlighted its success and some of the individuals that have benefited.  This story is about Rod Jex, an accountant with deafness who had tried to obtain a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification but was unable to successfully complete a training course because of his disability.  Under the lawsuit that was pursued and a result of the ADA, special accommodations were made forRod's training allowing him to fulfill his goal of becoming a CPA.