Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Oklahoma ABLE Tech was added as a new affiliate this year. Able Tech, based at the Seretean Wellness Center at Oklahoma State University, is the Tech Act project in Oklahoma. ABLE Tech's mission is to facilitate systems change to enhance the provision of, access to and funding for assistive technology. ABLE Tech assists Oklahomans of all ages and all disabilities in improving access to assistive technology. ABLE Tech's main areas of service include: information and referral, statewide outreach and public awareness, interagency coordination and collaboration, advocacy, training, funding, equipment loan programs, alternative financing programs and technical assistance on the accessibility of electronic and information technology. Regional information and referral, advocacy, and training are provided through four Independent Living Centers, which are based in Bartlesville, McAlester, Norman and Tulsa.

Through funding provided by the DLRP, ABLE Tech was able to expand technical assistance capability to the state by developing program events and materials related to the accessibility of electronic and information technology. As an affiliate of the DLRP, project staff provides expertise in accessible IT. Activities and products developed include:

Information Technology Accessibility Booklet: A Guide for Assuring Equal Access for People with Disabilities. Available online at http://okabletech.okstate.edu/eit/EITbook.htm.

Two two-day trainings on accessible IT (May and August) were conducted at Oklahoma State University for OSU staff (May) and post secondary institutions and state agencies (August) throughout the region. Approximately 120 IT specialists in postsecondary institutions and state agencies received this intensive training.

· Online tool kit on the accessibility of electronic and information technology and includes a tutorial on designing accessible websites. http://okabletech.okstate.edu/eit/main.htm