Research, Development, and Commercialization
Past Projects: Early Intervention
Project UDP: Developing a Tool to Measure Universal Design Features for Play (2003-2005)
USDE/OSEP
This project will develop and validate a tool to identify and evaluate the usability of toys for all children (birth to three), including those with disabilities, by examining the universal design components. The UDP tool will allow parents of children with disabilities, individuals who purchase toys (childcare providers, hospital workers, commercial buyers) and toy designers to successfully identify toys with universal design characteristics.
Let's Play! Project (1995-2000)
USDE/OSEP
Assistive technology services provided through this project provided families with young children with disabilities, ages birth to three, with increased access to a variety of assistive devices and play materials to incorporate increased play opportunties for increased developmental outcomes.
Effectiveness of Assistive Technology in Promoting Playfulness in Young Children (2000- 2002)
USDE/OSEP
Outcomes of this project included 1) determination of the effectiveness of the Let's Play! approach in establishing physical (accessible toys and supporting materials) and human (strategies for communication and interaction developed jointly between caregivers and project staff) environments that promote play and playfulness in children with disabilities; and 2) established the feasibility of using the Let's Play! approach within natural Early Intervention settings.
Past Projects: Education K-12
Assistive Technology in the Schools Project (2000-2003)
USDE/OSEP
This project successfully identified, implemented and evaluated research-based approaches for using
technology to improve the educational outcomes of elementary students with
disabilities in the Williamsville Central School District. The model approach focused
on the use of AT to facilitate the educational process and inclusion
strategies of students with disabilities. Whole-school approaches were developed that
benefited all students, including students with disabilities and demonstrated how
improved results for students with disabilities.
Assistive Technology Training Online Project (1998-2002)
USDE/OSEP
This project developed, implemented, evaluated and disseminated a model program
to address the diverse, multi-level needs for AT training by exploring
the potential of web-based instruction to create virtual workshops. The training model
focused on the use of adapted computer technology to facilitate the educational process
and independent participation of students with disabilities in elementary (K-5) classrooms.
By offering information and training on the use of AT, awareness
of AT tools was increased, and their use with students improved education outcomes.
Instant Access to Braille: Refreshable Braille in the
Inclusive Classroom (2001-2003)
USDE/OSEP
This project enabled access to learning materials in refreshable braille to students who are
blind to support inclusion in the general education classroom. The project provided a portable
refreshable braille note-taking device to student participants, training for students, teachers
of the visually impaired, and parents, training for school teams and assistance with converting
print learning materials to electronic format.
Technology for Inclusion (1997-2000)
USDE/OSEP
This study tested the impact of team training in the use of assistive technology on inclusion success, student academic performance, total class knowledge of technology and general use of technology in the classroom. Results indicated team training was a necessary strategy to support inclusion of
students with disabilities in the general education classroom.
Technology for Transition (1996- 1999)
USDE/OSEP
This project was
designed to enable students using computers with assistive technology to access
search engines and web-based resources including online dictionaries, books
and computer tutorials.
Past CAT Affiliate Projects
Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) (1999-2004)
CIRRIE's mission is to improve rehabilitation services by obtaining and disseminating information on international rehabilitation research and practices.
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