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AbleComm is a regional information and technical assistance resource project on telecommunications for persons with disabilities. It is a joint effort of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) Centers in the Bell Atlantic region, funded by a grant from the Bell Atlantic Foundation. The ATA is a nationwide network of 45 community-based technology centers serving over 100,000 persons with disabilities annually.

Of 36-40 million individuals with disabilities: 10-20 million have some impairment in telecommunication function. Telecommunications companies are becoming more responsive to the needs of persons who are disabled because of the size of the market and federal and state legislation.

The goal of AbleComm is to close the gap between potential access to telecommunications and the reality of access for persons with disabilities. Information on Telecommunications for People with disAbilities
can be found by following this link.

• Access for All
  While relatively low-cost adaptive technology exists to provide access for persons with disabilities, awareness of this technology is limited. For educators and employers, the time and effort to learn about these technology solutions are too great. For others, the fragmentation and diversity of information sources result in confusion rather than education.
• Cut the Red Tape
  AbleComm seeks to cut through the red tape, the confusion and complicated technological jargon to bring these solutions to the workplace, the school, and the community. AbleComm is proactive, comprehensive, responsive and easily accessible. It provides an easy way to stay informed of the rapidly changing technology.
• Reference Library & Telephone Referral
  Eaclivesh center maintains a reference library in print, audio tape and computer readable format. The library is used by the staff to respond to information, resource and referral requests from the community relating to assistive technology and computer adaptations for telecommunications. Each center is voice and TTY accessible.
• Accessible Materials
  The staff at each center distributes informational materials in accessible formats, including guides that compare and contrast various telecommunication products available in the marketplace. An AbleComm Website page is presently under construction and will serve as an accessible online information center.
• How-to Workshops
  The AbleComm project sponsors workshops to instruct employers, teachers and parents about adaptive telecommunications equipment. Workshop topics include Telecommunications in the Classroom; Computer Adaptations for Telephone Access; Data Communications in the Workplace for Employees with Disabilities; Setting Up an Accessible Home Page; and How to Use the Internet Effectively.
• Open Lab
  Open Lab hours are available at LINC, the AbleComm host center in Baltimore. Consumers can explore hardware, adaptive equipment and software. Resource center staff are available to answer questions and demonstrate new equipment.
• Telecommunications: A vital part of our lives
  • Electronic Superhighway
    As we enter the age of the electronic superhighway, telecommunicating is a vital part of our lives. Access to voice communications, computer bulletin boards, network resources, and the technology of electronic information transfer is critical for more effective learning in schools and more productive work.
  • No More Access Barriers
    By educating professionals, teachers, employers and the public about the possibilities for telecommunications access, AbleComm lowers these access barriers. The project promotes inclusion of more persons with disabilities in mainstream circles of communication at work, at school and in the community.
    
  • Cost-Effective Resource
    By sharing technology and information among the participating centers, AbleComm provides a cost-effective resource for the Bell Atlantic region.