Keeping informed about technology.
Ian Francis
Last update: October20th 2006.

One of the problems assessors face is how to find time to keep up to date with developments in technology. The field of assistive technology is rapidly changing, with new products coming to market and developers releasing new versions of existing products.

One way of keeping up to date is to join an organisation like ASASA and take an active part in discussions about technology. Another way is to trawl through endless websites about technology in order to glean some new information that might be of use to students.

Unfortunately, people often just don't have the time to set aside for research on technology developments when trying to manage a busy work schedule.

Luckily, the ubiquitous MP3 player can come to the rescue. Whether an iPod or similar device, most are capable of receiving "Podcasts" (audio or sometimes video files submitted by individuals on the web for all to download). Even those who don't own an iPod or other MP3 player can obtain software capable of locating and downloading podcasts., so they can  be played on a computer or written to  audio CD.  Portable devices allow you to listen to podcasts while you are on the move away from your computer, allowing you to use that time in the car, on the bus, train or bike to catch up on work-related news.

This page provides information on  podcasts that are relevant to assistive technology and disability in education.  Links are provided to the  site where the podcasts are stored. When possible, an XML or RSS link is  provided to allow you to add the audio feed  to your podcast management software. Information on suggested podcast management software is also provided. Some links may be to static MP3 files rather than to frequently updated podcast feeds.

General podcasts on disability issues.

Ouch! (U K). Ouch is a site provided by the BBC that aims to reflect the experiences of disabled people. It does not provide information on legislation, services or technology. It just provides access to the experiences of some disabled people. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/podcast/ Disability411. (U S). Disability411  provides audio workshops, interviews and information on disability-related topics for those who work with individuals with disabilities... Subscribe to feed or listen to selected podcasts http://disability411.jinkle.com/ DisabilityNation.  (U S). DisabilityNation is a podcast produced by and for people with disabilities. Subscribe or listen to selected shows.

Disability-specific podcasts.

Download this MP3 from University of California Riverside about "Dyslexia Awareness Month". MP3 or view the Let's Talk site This not strictly a podcast, as you have to listen to it in RealAudio format, but it's an interesting account of adult dyslexia from the BBC Woman's Hour site.

Technology-based podcasts.

Emptech Podcasts. Emptech aims to provide up-to-date links to podcasts about assistive technology and disability-related issues. Recommended. http://www.emptech.info/podcasts.php The BEST podcast - often include interviews with assistive technology developers. http://feeds.feedburner.com/thebestpodcast WebAxe Episode 25: About impairments and assistive technology. More WebAxe podcasts (mostly about web accessibility issues) Some esoteric assistive technology podcasts on Gearlog. Text-to-speech roundup on Disability411.

Podcast management software.

You don't need an iPod to download iTunes. Probably the most comprehensive podcast management software. Look in iTunes Store -> podcasts and search for 'assistive technology'. PS It's free. Juice is a widely used podcast management package.