Since you’re reading this blog, chances are that you know your way around the internet. And, if you’re anything like me, you probably have a handful of websites that you visit frequently or even daily. Pinterest is one of those websites I could spend hours perusing. If you love researching and sharing your findings online with friends, Pinterest is for you. In fact, it was designed specifically with you in mind.
Pinterest is another social networking tool like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. It’s different because it’s all about sharing websites and ideas with your friends. You create what they call “boards” and “pins.” You name a Board and it acts as a category for groups of pins that are related to one another. Common Board names are things like Dream Destinations, Home Decoration Ideas and Crafts to Try. Pins are thumbnail photos from websites you want to share; “pinning” is adding a pin to a board. For example, if you have a Board titled Dream Destinations, you may pin a website with restaurants to try in Boston from the local visitor’s center. Think of it as a virtual bulletin board with “pins” (or thumbnail photos) of your favorite websites. It’s great for sharing photo ideas, craft projects, decorating ideas, products and websites related to just about any subject matter you can imagine. I will warn you that it does require a little bit of time to set up an account.
Here’s how Pinterest is related to assistive technology. This social networking tool has a search feature. Users can search for people to follow or general subjects. You could follow assistive technology researchers or organizations like Easter Seals Crossroads and the INDATA Project on Pinterest (Yes, we have a Pinterest profile). You can search “assistive technology” and instantly you’ll find links to hundreds of websites relating to assistive technology. You could even narrow your search to something like “augmentative communication devices,” if you wanted to. Below is a screenshot for a search for “assistive technology.”
It’s a great way to share ideas and once you get the hang of it, I’m sure you’ll be mildly obsessed with updating your pinboards. Happy Pinning!
