Off-campus Resources
Off-campus and Online Resources
Able, a local company serving Dallas for 40 years, provides wheelchair, scooter, and other mobility device rental.
The TRACE RERC of the University of Maryland provides nformation about making computers and information technologies more accessible. Includes Microsoft Accessibility homepage.
The Beaumont Foundation - for computer grants.
DO-IT (Disabilities Opportunities Internetworking Technology) - College of Engineering/Computing & Communications, University of Washington - A program to increase opportunities for disabled young people to get involved in science and increase their options in life through the use of technology.
Formerly Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D), Learning Ally offers membership to individuals with certified print disabilities. Provides access to the entire library of audio textbooks and literature titles for research and leisure reading. In November 2015, AFB AccessWorld magazine published an informative article about Learning Ally.
Georgia Tech's Tools for Life is dedicated to increasing access and acquisition of assistive technology for residents of the state of Georgia, but they also maintain a comprehensive website about assistive technology. Highlights include lists of apps helpful to those with specific disabilities and a searchable assistive technology app database.
Augsburg University's Class Disability Resources explores free or low cost assistive technology for everyone.
Electronic Book Readers – handheld, wireless reading devices that download anything you need to read (newspapers, magazines, books, etc.). Many also have screen-reading features. Examples include Kindle, Nook, iPad.
ClaroRead “provides text-to-speech support tools that allow computer users to read and write independently. By making a computer speak any text with a human voice, text documents can be proofed out loud along with web pages, e-mails and any other text.”
Ginger is an advanced spell checker, picks up context clues in your sentences to help with spell check
Inspiration is a brainstorming program that allows you to create papers in a concept map format first, then turn it directly into outline form, in order to write full paragraphs. You can also use it to outline book chapters or notes.
Speak software from Microsoft will read text from most any Office document, including Word, Outlook, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint.
Dictation.io provides free dictation software for multiple languages.
Livescribe smart pens record lectures while you write notes in a special notebook. The notes and recording are synced through the special notebook paper so that you do not have to listen to the entire lecture, but instead just the place in your notes you want to listen to. It is great for classes where computerized note-taking is difficult due to formulas, graphs, or drawings. The pen also syncs notes and recordings to your computer. See their website for a video demonstration. Remember to always ask for permission before audio recording anyone.
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a widely used speech-to-text program. Write papers by dictating or saying out loud what you want to write. It is available for use in Fondren Library. Here is a SMU student testimonial for Dragon -- "This program is by far the best program for someone with Dyslexia. There is nothing better you can get!!! And if you are not dyslexic, it is a great program still; it will allow you to write faster than you ever could type."
Read and Write is an advanced spell-check, text reader, and homophone checker.
Style Writer is an advanced grammar checker
Mac Office Word - offers a “notebook layout” under the view menu. This layout offers a record function that enables the Mac to record the lecture as you take notes. In addition the audio notes link to the lines of notes through “audio bookmarks” represented by a speaker symbol.
Mac Screen Reader (free on any Mac) – Use VoiceOver to read anything on your screen including PDFs, websites, emails, etc.
Other screen readers – below is a list of programs available online to assist in text-to-speech conversions for most computers:
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NVDA information and training resources include: American Foundation for the Blind: NVDA Training, NVDA User Guide, and NVDA Training Guides
Co-Active is a Personal Coaching resource providing training for aspiring life skills coaches and a database to find a coach of your own.
abilityJOBS helps people with disabilities: Search for jobs, add resume.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace. Phone: (800)526-7234 (Voice);(877)781-9403 (TTY)
DO-IT at the University of Washington helps with planning careers including ADA information.
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
Boston University's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation offers explanations and examples of reasonable accommodations for employers and educators.
Science careers and internships with the American Association for thre Advancement of Science
The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects and shares data about employment and employers in the USA, including about people with disabilities.
Getting Hired, powered by Career Circle, is committed to inclusivity and expanding opportunities for diverse talents, including job seekers with disabilities.
Since 1995, Bender Consulting Services, Inc. has been at the epicenter of disability diversity, equity and inclusion growth and innovation.
1800wheelchair maintains a list of career resources for indiviudals with disabilities.
The Viscardi Center provides programs and services that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disabilities.
Access Computing is a partnership between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of Washington aiming to increase the participation of people with disabilities in computing fields.
The Office on Women's Health is a health resource for women including those with disabilities
The Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The National Center for College Students with Disabilities has collected their favorite resources about disability and higher education into this clearinghouse.
The Disability Services US government website is comprehensive, providing online access to information and resources for people with disabilities. Provides access to disability-related information and programs available across the government on numerous subjects, including civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology, transportation, and community life.
Americans with Disabilities Act information page.
The State of Texas website for individuals with disabilities outlines a number of programs and services.
The National Council on Disability.
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)
The National Organization on Disability
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
The Center for Independent Living - Access for All!
Disability-related blogs at Self-Advocacy Online.
The Center for an Accessible Society: A communications clearinghouse providing journalists credible information
and quotable sources on national disability policy and independent living issues.
Disabled World: Disability News, Information, and Resources
ILRU creates opportunities for independence for people with disabilities through research, education, and consultation.
The Disability Social History Project: Disability history, culture, art, and media
www.aapd.com - AAPD (American Association of People with Disabilities), 1819 H. St. NW, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20006, 202-457-8168, organization positioned to serve people with disabilities in the manner of AARP; group insurance options available, in addition to a collective national voice for the community, by the community.
https://www.ncsu.edu/ - Center for Universal Design, College of Design, North Carolina State University, 515-3082 or 800-467-6777. Started through the vision of the late Ron Mace, FAIA, named one of the 100 Most Influential People in North Carolina in the 20th Century by the News & Observer in August of 1999. His vision was "designing for all ages and abilities throughout the lifespan" and it is now being talked about in educational circles, as well as embraced world-wide by designers of all kinds
www.ncd.gov - National Council on Disabilities - 1331 F. St. N.W., Suite 1050, Washington, DC, (202) 272-2004 (V), (202) 929-2074 (TT), 202-274-2022 (F). The NCD works with the President and Congress to increase the inclusion, independence, and empowerment of all Americans with disabilities.
www.notdeadyet.org - Not Dead Yet - National organization that seeks to educate the country about the dangers of "Physician Assisted Suicides" for disabled people.
www.sabeusa.org - SABE USA (Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered, USA) - national self-advocacy group for people with cognitive disabilities.
www.disstudies.org - Society for Disability Studies (SDS) - Dept. of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago (MC 626), 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608; 312-996-4664 (V/TTY). An academic, professional and educational organization committed to developing theoretical and practical knowledge about disability and to promoting the full and equal participation of disabled people in society.
www.wid.org - World Institute on Disability- 510 16th St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA, 510-763-4100, international organization that does research on disability issues. Started by Ed Roberts, another MacArthur Genius Award winner and Judy Heumann, former Under-Secretary of the US Department of Education who is now heading the World Bank's efforts to include disability issues in international development planning.
www.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa - VSA Arts - 1300 Connecticut Ave., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, 202-628-2800. This organization supports and promotes disabled artists around the world and the development of disability culture through artistic expression.
Off-campus and Online Resources Pertaining to Specific Disabilities
www.add.org - National ADD Association
www.adda-sr.org - ADD Association with links to resources such as books, videos, support groups
http://www.nimh.nih.gov - "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" on the National Institute of Mental Health website. Has a particular section devoted to "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults"
http://www.understood.org/en - Site to support parents of children with learning differences and attention issues
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd
CHADD - "The National Resource on ADD"
https://www.nccsdclearinghouse.org/adhd-and-learning-disability-resources.html - NCCSD has collected a number of amazing resources for current and prospective college students diagnosed with ADHD and/or learning differences
American Psychological Association - Information on ADHD
www.miusa.org - Mobility International USA (MIUSA) - MIUSA organizes international exchange programs for people with disabilities in many parts of the world. Accommodations and financial aid available on a case by case basis. The CEO and co-founder, Susan Sygall, a woman with a spinal cord injury, won a MacArthur Genius Award for her work!
Accessible College provides students with physical disabilities and health conditions and their families with supports to ensure a successful transition to and through higher education. Their site is full of resources, but check out https://accessiblecollege.com/2022/03/08/wheelchair-college/ and https://accessiblecollege.com/2022/03/31/pca-services-in-college/.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
www.ldonline.org - A leading site on learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD with an online support group.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities - Nationwide listing of schools, summer programs, assessment and treatment centers, and parent support groups that serve individuals with learning disabilities
www.pclda.org - the Park Cities Learning Disabilities Association is a not-for-profit organization made up of volunteers. Its mission is "advocating for the education and well being of children who learn differently."
http://www.understood.org/en - Site to support parents of children with learning and attention issues.
https://www.nccsdclearinghouse.org/adhd-and-learning-disability-resources.html - NCCSD has collected a number of amazing resources for current and prospective college students diagnosed with ADHD and/or learning differences
Dallas Branch of the International Dyslexia Association - Promoting literacy through research, education, and advocacy. Offers a wealth of information, national conferences, and a local, monthly support group. The support group provides "an atmosphere of peer encouragement, sharing, information, and resources for people with learning differences."
https://calliercenter.utdallas.edu/evaluation-treatment/adult-autism-spectrum-disorder-programs-services/ - The nationally recognized Callier Center for Communication Disorders at UT Dallas has provided group and individual therapy for patients and families touched by autism for more than 30 years. Their skilled clinical staff and faculty experts are nationally recognized and work closely with individuals and families to develop and strengthen their communication skills.
https://spectratherapies.com - Spectra Therapies & Evaluation Center, located right here in the Dallas area (Plano to be exact!) is a multidisciplinary clinic offering comprehensive services like evaluations, therapy, and social skills groups for young children to adults. For current groups, see their calendar.
https://collegeautismnetwork.org - The College Autism Network is a nonprofit organization linking varied stakeholders engaged in evidence-guided efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for postsecondary students with autism.
https://collegeautismspectrum.com - College Autism Spectrum (CAS) is an independent organization of professionals whose purpose is to assist students with autism spectrum disorders, and their families. They specialize in college counseling (helping students find the right college) and work/career readiness (skill building for interviews, jobs and work skills).
https://www.edumed.org/resources/college-with-autism/ - EduMed has put together a nice, concise college guide for students with autism who are in college, or planning to attend.
https://www.autismspeaks.org - "Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families."
http://cpr.bu.edu/resources - Boston College's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation offers a number of multimedia resources.
www.mindfreedom.org - Support Coalition International, international organization of psychiatric survivors who are working for human rights and freedom from coercive mental health treatment.
http://keranews.org/post/prosper-students-tackle-tough-topics-teen-depression-and-anxiety - Prosper High School students produced this video about teen anxiety and depression.
Referrals to local, off-campus psychologists/psychiatrists for testing, therapy and/or medication management are available from SMU's Counseling Services. DASS also has a limited set of referrals.
www.afb.org - American Federation for the Blind
www.acb.org - American Council for the Blind
www.nfb.org - National Federation of the Blind
www.nfb-texas.org - Texas Division of National Federation of the Blind
www.learningally.org - Formerly Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D), Learning Ally offers membership to individuals with certified print disabilities. Provides access to the entire library of audio textbooks and literature titles for research and leisure reading.
www.blind.net - General information and links.
https://veroniiiica.com/2019/11/04/blindness-canes-and-dining-halls-navigating-college-campuses/amp/ - The article "Blindness Canes and Dining Halls: Navigating College Campuses" from Veronica Lewis's fantastic blog.
https://www.deafhood.org - A website with links and information
www.handspeak.com - The exploration of imagery language and visual communication, cultures and arts
www.dcmp.org - National Association of the Deaf: Free-loan, open-captioned videos
https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/living/college/ - Cerebral Palsy Guidance has an excellent College Guide that outlines resources - including aides, financial support, assistive devices, tutors, and others - that can help a person with cerebral palsy get to college and to be successful there.
www.thediabetescouncil.com - Resources for people with diabetes including news, treatments, diet, and also scholarships for students
Google Forms Sign-up for TCCI - The Texas Crohn's and Colitis Initiative (TCCI) at the University of Texas at Austin, is hosting virtual support groups in collaboration with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to help college students with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) find a community amongst peers throughout Texas
www.womenshealth.gov - National Women's Health Information Center
https://rxoutreach.org - Rx Outreach is a non-profit charity that provides medications for low income individuals
www.NeedyMeds.com - a matching program for Patient Assist programs run by drug companies.