Categories
- 2008 Conference (1)
- Accessibility (37)
- Assessment (1)
- Assistive Technology (73)
- Commercialization (44)
- Disability (1)
- Education (116)
- Implementation (71)
- Leadership (9)
- News (85)
- Research (30)
- Technology Transfer (9)
- Universal Design [UD] (20)
- Videos (18)
- I Can Soar Video (13)
Leveraging Networks and Resources
Tags:CollaborationSee the full Moving Toward Solutions: Assistive and Learning Technology for All Students report reflecting these ideas.
Key Finding from the NCTI Moving Toward Solutions Report
The assistive and learning technology field lacks a recognized independent advocate, information broker, and unifying voice. The needs of the assistive and learning technology field, research, development, funding, implementation, and marketplace, are not well articulated and publicized. Other related agencies, organizations, and consumers cannot identify a source of reliable and objective information about the field or envision how their resources could be brought to bear on identified needs. The lack of a reliable source of objective information on product development standards and product effectiveness leads to duplication of effort and precludes consumers from becoming informed.
Recommendation
A visible and independent information broker is required to raise awareness of the field and consumer needs, scan technology developments to identify opportunities for collaboration and commercialization, and host reliable product reviews. A broker can serve as a resource to the field, coordinating with existing advocacy networks and circulating information back to stakeholder groups. Such a broker should be funded independently of a particular stakeholder group.
Implication
Agencies, associations, and professional groups with a stake in the visibility and use of assistive and learning technology must collectively advocate for an overarching, independently funded information broker. A broker could represent the interests of the field to policymakers, the general public, and consumers in a voice that is recognized as unbiased and perceived as advancing the implementation of assistive and learning technology for all students.
