This T.R.E.A.T. Resource Guide has been prepared as an introductory look at new methods of implementing or including technology into the curriculum. Because websites and resources change frequently, your comments and contributions to the content of this guide are welcome. As new information or updates on the current listing is acquired and reviewed, revisions and additions to this Resource Guide will be made available at our website, http://www.trecenter.org

The following websites provide access to freeware/public domain and shareware software programs. Some of these sites have specific assistive software (i.e., reading tools, cursor enlargement, on-screen keyboards) and educational software. The resources listed may also have links to other websites.

What is Freeware & Public Domain Software?

"Computer programs which are intended to be copied, distributed, and used free of charge by the public are referred to as freeware or public domain software. Many people develop these software programs as a hobby or school project and offer them for use. Most of the authors of these programs are not computer specialists, but hobbyists being creative. Authors encourage the public to duplicate programs without a fee. Freeware and public domain software, as a rule, is not totally "bug-free" and many do not have any form of instruction for use. The programs are not copyrighted, and are not to be taken and used for profit." (A Resource Guide for Developing a Public Domain Software Library: Focusing on Adaptive Software, Debra McGarvey, Connecticut Rehabilitation Engineering Center for Technology Resources.)

What is Shareware Software?

"Computer software that is always copyrighted. The right to copy and distribute shareware is restricted. Often, the author of the shareware grants the use of a program for a limited time period or a limited number of boots, after which the user must pay a fee or erase the disk. Once the fee is paid, the shareware author usually sends the user the most current version of the software program and complete documentation. Shareware is often some of the most innovative software available. By sending in the requested fee to shareware authors, the users encourage their creative efforts and make it possible for authors to write high quality programs at reasonable prices." (Fact Sheet 110, Mary Fleming, Missouri Technology Center for Special Education.)

Apple - Education Shareware Library, (Assistive Software) http://apple.com/education/k12/disability/

AppleWorks User Group, http://www.awug.org

Author Jan Brett’s Home Page, http://www.janbrett.com

CNET Download.com, http://download.cnet.com

CNET Shareware, http://shareware.cnet.com/

FunBrain, Learning Network, (go to KidCenter) http://funbrain.com/

Kids Domain, http://www.kidsdomain.com

Kids Freeware - Free Software and Internet Services for Kids,http://www.kidsfreeware.com

LD Resources, (Assistive Software) http://www.ldresources.com

Learning Planet, http://www.learningplanet.com

Macintosh Disability Shareware & Freeware, (Assistive Software)

http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml

MasterSite, http://www.mastersite.com

M&M Software - Quality Educational Software Library, http://mm-soft.com/

Saxon Publishers, http://www.saxonpub.com/tech/online_activities.html

SuperKids Educational Software Review ** Online activities and Teacher tools for free, http://www.superkids.com/

Trace Research and Development Mac Shareware (Assistive Software)

http://trace.wisc.edu/world/computer_access/mac/macshare.html

Trace Research and Development Microsoft Windows Software Toolkit (Assistive Sofware)

http://trace.wisc.edu/world/computer_access/win/winshare.html

Trace Research and Development Windows 95/98 Software Toolkit, (Assistive Software)

http://trace.wisc.edu/world/computer_access/Win95/win95sha.html

University of Missouri Technology Center for Special Education, (Assistive Software) http://techctr.educ.umkc.edu/

Web Toolboxes for Parents & Educators: Interactive Games http://www.ed.sc.edu/caw/toolboxgame.html

ZDNet: Mac Software Library, http://www.zdnet.com/downloads/mac/download.html

This T.R.E.A.T. Resource Guide is a publication of the Technology Resources for Education (T.R.E.) Center, Maywood School, Capital Region BOCES, 1979 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205; (518) 464-6346; Toll free in NY (800) 248-9873; Fax: (518) 464-6353; Website: http://www.trecenter.org The T.R.E. Center is a co-sponsored project of the Capital Region BOCES and the New York State Education Department’s Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).

Revised December, 2000