ELECTRONIC ACCESSIBILITY - President Clinton recently toured the Assisted Technology Access Center, where he saw a number of the devices that may soon assist the disabled. The Federal Government has announced several new research and training initiatives that focus on assisting the disabled with technology. The Department of Education will issue $16 million in grants, and the Americorp volunteer program, $9 million. Twenty-five universities will conduct research and 45 major high-tech firms will focus on designing their products to accommodate the disabled. (Washington Post, 22 Sept 00)

CLOSING THE ELECTRONIC GAP

- Many American Indian reservations in the Southwest have received satellite dishes and other equipment for high-speed Internet access as part of a Starband Communications pilot program that includes Northern Arizona University and the Southwest Navajo Nation Virtual Alliance. A wide variety of uses are in the planning stages. (New York Times, 21 Sept 00)

- Many small, poor schools in rural America cannot afford even the eRate program Internet access, according to a new federal study. While the eRate program has helped wire 95% of the nation's schools to the Internet, the study suggests it may have to be modified to reach the poorest areas. As a result, attempts are being made to create an easier eRate application process - but the 10% matching fee will be a more difficult barrier to surmount. (New York Times Online, 20 Sept 00)