This introductory column on assistive technology (AT) explains key concepts including what assistive technology is, the relationship between AT services and outcomes associated with AT use, the meaning of "outcome," differing outcomes for various stakeholders, and repeated measures of performance with and without AT. It also identifies Web sites…

This column examines issues associated with measuring assistive technology outcomes in writing. Following an introduction to assistive technology and writing, it looks specifically at design, measurement, analysis, and decision making factors in the process of creating an outcomes system for measuring the impact of assistive technology on writing.…

This article profiles 20 Web sites that can assist practitioners and researchers in locating statistics and resources on special education demographics. Web sites are divided into the following sections: authoritative reports regarding disabilities, federally funded centers on disability statistics, brief reports, specialized search tools, and…

This article examines technology tools and strategies that enhance the process of conducting a comprehensive review of the literature. Strategies for accessing digital resources include: identify key words, identify appropriate databases, execute the search, and document the results. Seven strategies to consider when executing a search are…

This article highlights ways to access annual child count data on students receiving special education services in various formats in order to enhance professional productivity. Web sites are identified for accessing annual reports to the U.S. Congress, most recent national data, and most recent state data. (CR)

This column introduces issues in research and practice concerned with assistive technology for students with disabilities including delays in transferring research findings into practice and ways to integrate what is known about research, effective practice, teacher professional development, and change. (Contains 14 references.) (DB)

This article discusses the development of an assessment instrument for measuring handwriting ability and determining assistive technology needs. It includes a sample needs assessment that could be used to assist in the matching of a device to an individual who requires modification for the purpose of graphic output. (CR)

This article describes nine tactics for utilizing technology to manage increasing amounts of information while attempting to discern what information is most pertinent. Specific products are highlighted to provide a glimpse of the potential power and value of these tools for enabling educators to stay apprised of new developments. (Contains one…