I hope that anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I am a passionate proponent of universal access and of universal design for learning.  EVERYONE deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of learning style, and no matter what learning challenges are experienced–including physical “disabilities” and learning “disabilities”.  Fortunately, assistive technology exists today that can help make learning truly accessible and possible for ALL.

Many fine commercial products are available on the market to help learners overcome barriers that have too often been insurmountable in the past.  These products are wonderful for people who can afford them.  Unfortunately, lack of money is an additional barrier that is often faced by individuals with learning challenges.  This sad reality is one of my prime motivators in writing this blog.

Free tools and solutions that are readily available on the internet have tremendous potential to help overcome the additional barrier of material poverty that prevents learning and restricts basic access to learning.  Today is Blog Action Day 2008 where the focus is on poverty.  Please join me in spreading the word about free learning tools that can help individuals succeed as learners and potentially escape the cycle of poverty.