The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)
Embedded Files
Open Source and Free Tools suitable for urban, rural, and tribal computer access
Open Source and Free Tools suitable for urban, rural, and tribal computer access
Presenter: Gregg Vanderheiden Ph.D.
Presenter: Gregg Vanderheiden Ph.D.
Scheduled: Day One - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 -2:10pm to 2:55pm Eastern
Scheduled: Day One - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 -2:10pm to 2:55pm Eastern
This presentation will describe 3 free tools suitable for use low resource schools and libraries to ensure access by those who have disabilities.
One tool allows users to more easily discover and use the built in features in computers and their operating systems
A second tool allows users (and those working with them) to quickly find all of the available solutions (built-in, free, and commercial) that would help a person experiencing different types of disabilities. Covers PCs (Windows, Macs,& ChromeBooks) as well as mobile (iOS, Android)
A third tool allows AT users to use their AT on any public shared use computers even if they are locked down and to not (otherwise) allow user installation of Assistive technologies.
All tools are free from non-profit Raising the Floor
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
The amazing number of solutions there are for those who have trouble being successful in using computers (over 300) and the number of them that are free (over half),
The percentage of people who need accessibility features but are afraid to use them on computer - and how to address this and
That there is for the first time - a free way to allow AT users to safely use their AT on any computer.
Dr. Vanderheiden is the founder of the Trace Center, Professor Emeritus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Maryland, and co-founder of non-profit Raising the Floor. He has been active in the field of technology and disability for over 54 years and was a pioneer in the field of Augmentative Communication (a term originating from his writings), assistive technology, and computer access. Access features developed by Dr. Vanderheiden and the Trace Center team can be found in every computer and mobile device internationally (Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux) as well as kiosks, ticket machines, and more. He has also been a long-time leader in the area of web accessibility, creating the first set of Web Accessibility guidelines in 1995 and co-chairing the WCAG 1.0 and 2.0 Working Groups through 2013. His most recent work has focused on Morphic, AT on-Demand, and proposing a completely different way to approach accessibility for next-next generation ICT.
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