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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ability Central Portal?
The Ability Central Portal is a comprehensive digital experience designed to be accessible, searchable, shareable, and easy to use.
The Portal focuses on disability-specific information across a broad spectrum of topics. Users have easy access to resources including high- and low-tech devices, smartphone applications, support services, articles, news, regulatory information, events, and more – completely free.
This information is valuable for everyone, including those who are Deaf, people with disabilities, those who identify as neurodiverse, senior citizens, caregivers, family members, researchers, and more!
What is Ability Central?
Headquartered in Oakland, California, Ability Central is the philanthropic division of the California Communication Access Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2003.
Ability Central is committed to serving as an educator, convener, and resource working to expand communications and information access for individuals who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse and their families and community.
Ability Central also offers technical support to other nonprofits working to help people who are Deaf, disabled, or neurodiverse and provides online information and resources for people with questions about disabilities and communications access.
Want to learn more about the work we do? Visit our website.
What features does the Portal offer?
We provide essential information on accessible devices and mobile applications, along with articles on accessibility resources and technological innovations. The portal is also an opportunity for the disability community to share news and post events for their local communities. To meet constantly evolving needs, we regularly update information and resources on the site, and we encourage site users to do the same!
- Mobile Devices - information on smartphones and tablets
- Applications - information on apps for smartphones and tablets
- Assistive Devices - information on gadgets and equipment
- Articles, news, videos, and blog posts about technological innovation and community updates
- Information on service providers such as community organizations, government programs, disability specialists, professional development counselors, and accessibility experts
- Information on in-person and virtual events
Where do you get the information on the Portal?
The information on the Ability Central Portal comes from a variety of sources. Our team has spent years building tools from government and international data, and compiling a diverse set of resources from the web, community organizations, and more! We also source a lot of the resources from our community partners and users, and are always looking to get more contributors.Register today and apply to become a contributor and share your knowledge and expertise with our Portal community!
How do you assess the accessibility features of mobile devices?
Our mobile device information is taken from the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) database. GARI was created by the Mobile Manufacturers Forum to provide one central source of information on accessibility features in mobile phones and to help consumers identify devices that support these features. GARI’s database is constantly updated and currently has details on more than 110 accessible features and over 1,100 mobile phone models around the world in many languages. It also includes information on accessible tablets and accessibility-related mobile applications.
What disabilities are included on the Portal?
Deaf
- Deaf-Blind
- Hearing Loss
Vision
- Low-Vision
- Blind
- Deaf-Blind
Speech
Mobility
IDD
- Learning and Intellectual
- ADHD
- Down Syndrome
- Behavioral and Psychological
- Autism
Memory
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Parkinson's Disease (PD)
More
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Epilepsy
- MS
I don’t see information for my disability. How do I suggest a new disability category?
There are many disabilities that can impact different aspects of our minds and bodies. While the categories listed on our main menu include some of these disabilities, there is still information and resources for many more. If you see a missing category, please contact us and suggest adding it.
Or,register for an account and apply to be a contributor and share resources for a disability that is not currently included. We want everyone to be represented on the portal, and we can’t do it without you!
I’m not seeing information relevant to me. How do I suggest new resources?
While there is already a wide range of resources available on the Portal, there is so much rich information available about so many disabilities from so many perspectives that we are adding new content every week. Still not finding relevant information? Contact our team and let us know what you’re looking for. We can either direct you to an appropriate resource, or work with our community to add more resources in that area.
Do you know of an organization already producing relevant resources? Tell them about the Portal so they share their resources and expertise with our community!
I want to get involved. How can I help?
Donate
Want to help us and other organizations empowering Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities? Consider a one-time or monthly donation to increase the impact of the Ability Central Portal. Donate today!
For any questions about your gift visit our Donation FAQs.
Contribute
Are you a blogger or writer, caregiver, or service provider for those who are Deaf, disabled, or neurodiverse? We need your expertise on the Portal, especially if you are someone who identifies as disabled. The Portal is designed to a be collaborative project by, for, and about people with disabilities and works best when we have valuable perspectives sourced from every corner of our community.
Want to get involved? Apply to become a contributor by visiting your account profile page.
Share
Share the Portal with your organization, family, friends, and community. Together, let’s spread the word and expand information and communications access for those who need it most.
How do I sign up as a contributor?
Once you have an account on the Ability Central Portal, you are eligible to apply to become a contributors. Don’t have an account? Register here. Contributors can add service organizations, post articles and blogs, and share events. To apply, click on the “Contributor” tab on your account profile page. There is a short application form to determine your eligibility. Once reviewed, our team will be in touch with you.
How do I create an account?
You can create an account by visiting our Registration page. There you’ll be able to add your contact information, set a password, and customize which disability categories you most identify with.
I lost the password for my account. How do I reset it?
Lost your password? It happens to all of us.
To reset your password go to this link, enter your email, and we’ll send you a message with a link to choose a new password.
Is Ability Central a not-for-profit organization?
Yes. The California Communications Access Foundation (CCAF) and its philanthropic arm, Ability Central, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, EIN 61-1411655.
How do I donate to Ability Central?
Want to help us and other organizations empowering Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities? Consider a one-time or monthly donation to increase the impact of the Ability Central Portal. Your gift allows us to add more features, content, and organizations that support these communities. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of US law, and we make the process simple.Donate today!
Want to learn how to get donations matched by your employer, give stock, or leave a legacy? For any questions about your gift visit our Donation FAQs.
I still need an answer. Where can I find it?
Still looking for an answer to your question or can’t find the information you were hoping to find? Get in touch with our team and we will work to connect you with the information or resource you’re looking for.