Nonprofit Raising the Floor has created new (free) tools for expanding access to computers for people with disabilities who need assistive technologies. We are now applying for a grant to increase awareness and expand the availability of these tools, particularly in schools, libraries, and rural and tribal communities. Our goal? To give students who need assistive technologies the ability to use the same computers provided to everyone else - without extra staff effort.
The Problem Addressed
Computers in schools and libraries etc. are widely available for everyone to use—except for those who need assistive technology. Individuals who are blind, have dyslexia, or otherwise need assistive technologies, have not been able to install what they need - it hasn’t been safe. The result? Exclusion or severe disadvantage for those who need AT in education, jobs, and daily life.
New Tools to Help Address This
Three tools to address this are now being made available - and all are free:
- The MorphicBar – One-click access to accessibility features that are built into computers but are otherwise hard to find and use.
- AT-On-Demand – Instantly loads a user’s assistive technology on any public computer a person sits down to, then removes it when done—securely and safely and privately.
- The Learn & Try Tool – Helps people discover and try assistive technologies they need for any operating system/device (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android).
We Need Your Help
We need partners to bring these tools to more communities. No cost, no complex setup—just a huge impact.
What is involved:
- Try or deploy one or more tools at your institution (all free) (setup takes minutes).
- Provide feedback to help us improve.
- Tell us what else would help your students or patrons.
For answers to your questions, click on this link to schedule a time that works for you for a one-on-one session. Or write us at [email protected]