VI AT Resources

Carmen Willings
itinerantjoy.com
Updated June 13, 2025
The following organizations and companies provide information, tools, and support specifically related to assistive technology (AT) for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These resources are ideal for professionals, families, and students seeking to explore and expand their understanding of AT solutions. 

General AT Resources

  • AbilityHub A gateway to assistive technology solutions for individuals who find using a computer challenging or impossible. Offers guidance on adaptive equipment and alternative access methods. www.abilityhub.org
  • AbleData Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, AbleData offers impartial information on AT and rehab equipment from U.S. and global sources for consumers and professionals. (Note: The federal AbleData project has been archived, but legacy resources remain available through archived sites.)
  • Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) A membership organization of AT device manufacturers, providers, and advocates. Hosts an annual AT conference and offers training opportunities. www.atia.org
  • Closing The Gap Offers training, an online magazine, and an annual international conference on AT. Resources help integrate AT into education and independent living. www.closingthegap.com
  • International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Promotes technology integration in education. While not vision-specific, ISTE offers resources valuable to educators of students with disabilities. www.iste.org

AT for Visual Impairment-Specific Needs

  • AccessWorld (AFB) A technology magazine from the American Foundation for the Blind offering reviews, tips, and insights on AT for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Available online and via the AFBAW app. afb.org/aw
  • Beyond Sight A company specializing in adaptive equipment and independent living aids such as magnifiers, braille embossers, and kitchen tools. Also offers product training. www.beyondsight.com
  • Bookshare Provides free access to a large collection of digital books for individuals with qualifying print disabilities. Books can be accessed via screen readers or embossed in braille.
    www.bookshare.org
  • CANnect A consortium offering accessible online courses in academics, vocational skills, and digital literacy for students who are blind or visually impaired. www.cannect.org
  • Paths to Technology
    Managed by Perkins School for the Blind, this site offers articles, tutorials, and training for educators, families, and students. Topics include digital literacy and the integration of AT in education. perkinselearning.org/technology
  • Technology Olympics (Region 10 ESC, TX) A motivating, skill-based competition for students with visual impairments to demonstrate AT proficiency using the latest tools. Materials are available for educators interested in hosting a similar event. www.region10.org

Decision-Making and Support Tools

  • National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials Home of the AIM Navigator—an interactive tool to help educational teams evaluate student AT needs and determine appropriate formats and supports. aim.cast.org
  • Michigan Department of Education – AT Resources List Offers a comprehensive, searchable database of AT resources compiled by the Michigan DOE. michigan.gov/mde

Additional AT Resources for Visual Impairments

  • APH (American Printing House for the Blind) A leading organization providing accessible educational and life tools for people who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to hardware and software like the Mantis Q40, Chameleon 20, Juno, and custom apps. They also provide training videos through the APH Hive and Access Academy. www.aph.org
  • Hadley Offers free, practical online workshops, podcasts, and training for people adjusting to vision loss. Includes topics on using iPhones with VoiceOver, screen readers, ZoomText, and other AT. www.hadley.edu
  • National Federation of the Blind (NFB) – Technology Resources NFB provides guides, training, and reviews of accessible technology, plus offers the NFB-NEWSLINE®, a free service for access to newspapers and magazines via phone or app. www.nfb.org
  • TechVision by The Hadley Institute and other Certified AT Trainers Offers remote, personalized training in AT tools like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, braille displays, iOS, Windows accessibility, and more. Many certified trainers provide this type of service across the U.S. www.yourtechvision.com
  • Braille Institute Provides free services including technology training and device lending in Southern California and online. Offers classes on screen readers, magnification, smart home tools, and more. www.brailleinstitute.org
  • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) A free, open-source screen reader for Windows that is widely used in education and employment settings. Supported by NV Access. www.nvaccess.org
  • Freedom Scientific/Vispero Manufacturer of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. Offers excellent training videos and webinars. www.freedomscientific.com
  • VisionAware (by APH) Resource hub offering guidance on living with vision loss, including technology tutorials, training referrals, and product reviews. www.visionaware.org

Subscribe today!

Subscribe today to unlock premium resources & printables. Choose the subscription level that best fits your needs and get immediate access to additional printable resources, ECC tools, and more. Subscription plans are individual and non-transferable. Your membership helps sustain and grow this resource for the vision community. ​​Thank you for your support!

Article Pages

VI Basics
History of VI ​Vision Professionals​ ​Professional Publications ​​Program Tools & Templates ​Policy & Advocacy ​​Professional Support AT Resources​
Service Planning
VI Referrals​ ​Medical Vision Exam ​Visual DiagnosisFVLMALow Vision EvaluationsOther Evaluations​Service PlansGoals & Objectives
Consultation
​Unique Visual Needs
​Collaboration​​Instructional Adaptations​Environmental Adaptations​​Material Adaptations​Access ClassesFamily Resources
Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development​Alternative Communication​Emergent Literacy​Beginning Braille​​Braille Code​Braille Fluency & Comprehension​Braillewriter​​​​​Slate & Stylus Basics *S
​​​Nemeth Code Instruction *S
​​​Tactile Graphics​Print Concepts​​Abacus ​​Organize​​​Study Skills​​Time Management
Sensory Efficiency
​Auditory Efficiency​​​​​Listening Skills​​Visual Efficiency Skills​​Optical Device Use​Tactile Readiness
Assistive Technology
AT Assessment ​AT Instruction​
AT Basic Use ​​AT Problem Solving ​Braille Notetaker ​iOS/Tablet Instruction Audio Skills ​Video Magnifiers ​​Basic Computer Use Access Productivity
Social Skills
​Non-Verbal Skills​​​​​CommunicateCooperativeIdentity & Self-Awareness​Interactions & RelationshipsManaging Challenges & Safety
Self-Determination
Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene  ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation​Household SkillsClothing Management​Money & BudgetShopping & ConsumerismPhone Use​Safety & Emergency Preparedness​​Services & Community Resources
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure Skills
Career & Vocational
Interactive Activities
Recorded Presentations
Lesson Planning 
Thematic Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall Units​​Winter Units​​Spring UnitsHoliday Units
Printable Resources
**Additionally, each Teach Subscription page and each Thematic Unit contains additional unique printables!
*M = free member pages
*S = Basic subscription pages
*CS = Complete set bonus
*A = All Access subscription pages