1. ConnectABILITY's Visuals Engine
Here's a high-tech way to make a low-tech tool! Create
communication boards using boardmaker symbols for free at this site. Template
layouts for 1 to 16 images are provided, along with instructions for
getting started and tips for different uses (including a link to a recorded
workshop on visual communication). Thanks to Carrie L. Leonhart, M.S.,
CCC-SLP of PIAT (Pennsylvania's AT Act program) for sending this
in!
2. Tots
'N Tech Help Desk
Search low-tech AT andadaptations for use with infants and
toddlers! Tots N' Tech is an inter-university collaboration between Thomas
Jefferson University (TJU), Temple University (home to PIAT), and
Arizona State.
3. Handihelp.net
includes detailed plans for this uniquely accessible
garden box along with dozens of other low-tech, low-cost projects useful for
persons with quadraplegia (daily living, mobility, recreation, in particular).
Rich Fabend is a retired special educator with quadreplegia who created the
site to share his ingenuity (and story).
4. Buffalo's AT Training Online Project
provides pages of low-tech products for the classroom.
5. Workshop Solutions
"homebuilt assistive devices" are shared by site
founders Scott and Tom Jeary. Projects range from recreational equipment to
toileting and may be browsed by environment: outdoor/sports/games, playroom,
school, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
6. Tools
for Independence
A monthly low-tech AT newsletter for seniors put out by the Independent Living
Partnership in California. Styled like a newspaper advertizing flyer of
inexpensive helpful products. (Thanks to Scott Weissman of ND's IPAT for
sending this in!)
7. AbleData's DIY projects
This mother of AT databases includes Do It Yourself projects
with descriptions and contact info for their designers/inventors. DIYs are
integrated into any keyword search at the site (so if you look up Camera Mount
for Wheelchair you'll see DIY as well as comercial products) They may also be
browsed (all 43 pages at the link above).
8. Oaklahoma's Homemade AT
18 projects are detailed with photos and instructions ranging
from battery interrupters and soldering instructions to a pediatric bucket
seat.
9. 50 Fun Ideas for Simple Switch or Low-Tech Activities [for
special education]
A Word doc download by Molly Shannon, OTR/L, ATP. Thanks to the North Carolina
AT Program.
10. Utah AT Program's Pinterest page
Storee Powell writes that the Utah program is finding, categorizing, sharing,
and disseminating low-tech ideas online via Pinterest. Their main audience is
special educators. "Pinterest allows professionals and families to
share their low-tech ideas with us also- and it helps us help others better.
And it is FREE!"
11. Low-Tech Tips with Velcro
A PDF from the Louisiana Dept. of Education AT Initiative.
12. Low-Tech Tools from the Boston Public Schools
Motor/Writing/Reading supports... ideas and products.