Between issues of Inspiring Possibilities, you can stay up to date on the latest family-friendly, transition-related news, information, and resources via our National Parent Center on Employment and Transition’s Facebook page. In addition to helping you stay informed, we also celebrate the successes of individuals, the broader disability community, and living in an inclusive community. Join us on Facebook!

Assistive Technology for Transition Success

Did you know that the Learning Center of PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment website has a page devoted to Assistive Technology (AT) for transition success? We have organized PACER’s transition-related resources into 4 categories for ease of exploration: General Assistive Technology, Employment, Postsecondary Education, and Independent Living.

The Path to Independence: Mobile Apps to Support Transition-Age Youth

This recent PACER publication, The Path to Independence: Mobile Apps to Support Transition-Age Youth, highlights free and low-cost mobile apps available to support transition-age youth with disabilities as they embark on their journey towards post-secondary education, job training, employment, and independent living. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This list includes apps that have been reviewed by parents and professionals and found to be useful and well-designed.

National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center

The National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center is a one-stop connection to information about the Assistive Technology Act, State Assistive Technology Programs, and general assistive technology. Not only does the AT3 Center provide an online directory to help users find the AT Program in their state, they provide training and technical assistance for all AT Act Section 4 State and Territory Assistive Technology Programs and support a national website that is frequently updated with AT information of interest to individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who work with them.

Transitioning from High School to Vocational Rehabilitation and Work with AT

This short information brief from the LEAD Center, Funding for Assistive Technology: Transitioning from Secondary School to VR And Work, answers the important question, “To what extent can Assistive Technology (AT) follow an individual with a disability who moves from secondary school to postsecondary education, vocational rehabilitation, and/or work?”

Simon Technology Center’s Assistive Technology Lending Library Goes National

PACER’s Simon Technology Center Lending Library is now open to any resident of the United States with an affordable annual membership fee for parents, consumers, and professionals. The Simon Technology Center Lending Library allows individuals to try assistive technology before making a purchase decision. With more than 1,700 items, the lending Library lets individuals borrow some of the newest educational and disability-specific software and devices on the market including text-to-speech software for reading accessibility, speech-to-text software for improved written communication, communication devices, and more.

Center for Technology and Disability

The Center for Technology and Disability has a wealth of resources exploring issues of importance to transition age youth and their families. Their website has a page highlighting CTD resources developed for youth and families about selecting assistive technology, assistive technology tips for college students with disabilities, and more. Visitors can also search their library and webinars for many more related resources.

AssistiveTech.net

AssistiveTech.net is a national public website created by Georgia Tech's Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA). It features information on AT devices and services, as well as other community resources for people with disabilities and the general public. Visitors can search over 22,000 up-to-date products and 1,200 articles on AT topics in their AT Wiki.