Assistive Technology

Reading List and Resources

2015-2016 High School Assessment Accommodations Policies: An Analysis of ACT, SAT, PARCC, and Smarter Balanced (NCEO Report 403) (MN UCEDD/LEND)

This report from ICI's National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO)  provides a snapshot of how accommodations were included in policies across ACT, SAT, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), and Smarter Balanced during the 2015-16 school year. As required by federal and state legislation, all students, including students with disabilities and English learners (ELs), participate in state assessments used for accountability. Some states use assessments developed by consortia of states. States also are required to ensure that graduating students are college- and career-ready (CCR). Some states use state-administrations of the ACT or SAT as their measure of CCR. Many students with disabilities and ELs use accessibility features and accommodations to access each of these assessments. This report analyzes differences in the accessibility framework, decision-making process, and terminology across the four assessments. NCEO receives funding from the Research to Practice Division, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education; states; and several other organizations. Written by Sheryl S. Lazarus and Martha L. Thurlow.

---

College Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

Though the price of obtaining a postsecondary education can be steep, both traditional and online college degrees should be accessible to everyone. To offset costs, many seek alternative sources of funding, including grants, loans and scholarships. Students with disabilities who are entering college will find that there are selective scholarship opportunities for which they may apply that can help pay for school. Below, discover scholarships, both narrowly- and broadly-focused, that can help students with disabilities pay for their educations, as well as additional resources for obtaining funding.

---

One Vote Now: One Person, One Vote!

The One Vote Now website provides resources and information to enhance the voting bloc of people with disabilities and protect the fundamental value of one person, one vote. New resources have just been added under Voting Essentials and Events. The One Vote Now website is updated on a daily basis so DD Councils should check the site frequently for new resources.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Guide

Menu of Assistive Technology Resources

---