by DON DALTON

The following narrative is meant to describe typical assistive technology systems and solutions available to remove the "dis" from various disabilities as they relate to the job description. The purpose of computer related assistive technologies is to assist the disabled to perform work on an equal basis with their non-disabled peers. Emphasis will be placed on explaining the technology required. There are over 4000 pieces of available computer related assistive technology, therefore, recommended technology will be in order according to popularity, efficient use, and most productive. Assistive technology solutions are not rubber stamped, thus the following recommendations are not necessarily the answer to all needs.

ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENTS

The following solutions help a person that is physically impaired use a computer. The largest orthopedic related problem in accessing the computer is inability to use fingers, hands or arms. The most popular solution currently is voice recognition. Voice recognition consists of a software package that combines with a microphone to allow voice command, control, and text entry to the typical computer. An appropriate voice recognition system should allow the user to operate a computer without ever touching the keyboard. Such systems allow text entry at a rate of 80 to 100 words per minute. As long as the person is able to articulate somewhat consistently, voice recognition is the most productive and cost-effective solution. There are a variety of alternative keyboards available. Some have large, sensitive keys; Dvorak's one handed keyboard facilitates the use of a single hand. For people with control problems there is an overlay available to help guide the fingers to the appropriate key. Several keyboards allow the user to adjust them to different angles which helps the user to type with his or her hands in the most comfortable position. Head-mounted mouse controllers are also available. Combining these devices with on-screen keyboards allow the user to control the computer with head movement. With current technology a person could control a computer with nothing more than a single switch. Granted, this method is slow, but it does provide independence to the user. Environmental Control Units (ECU) are included under orthopedic impairments, however, anyone with a severe disability can control his/her environment with an Environmental Control Unit. The user can control appliances, lights, drapes, television, stereo, VCR, door locks, air conditioning, etc. Any infrared device can be controlled. Most appliances can be controlled. Any input device described in this document can be implemented to operate the ECU. For example, you could control your environment with nothing more than your voice.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

The following solutions help a person with either low or no vision to use the computer. Visual impairments are divided into these two, very distinct areas. For low vision users there are screen enlargement software packages that can enlarge the screen up to more than sixteen times. There are large print labels for the keyboard. Large monitors provide larger print to the low vision user. Blind users need a screen review package and a speech synthesizer. The screen review package is a memory resident program that speaks the contents of any software program on the screen through a speech synthesizer. A blind user can then hear what's on the screen spoken to him/her. A document reader consists of a flatbed scanner, software, a speech synthesizer, and a computer. When a document is placed on the scanner bed, the computer and software read the document and, through the use of voice synthesis, "speak" it to the end user. A blind individual can read something as ordinary as his/her electric bill or a novel, magazine, or any other document for that matter. Braille readers can read the screen by using a refreshable Braille output device which features ever-changing Braille cells. Finally, pocket computers or organizers are available with voice output instead of the traditional monitor.

AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATIONS

The following solutions help a person who cannot articulate to communicate with others via the spoken word through the implementation of voice synthesis amongst other things. Today's voice synthesizer can produce not only a man's voice, but also women's and children's voices. These synthesizers are clearly understandable and a far cry from early phoneme-generated speech. Coupling these synthesizers with input devices such as an on- screen keyboard and a head-activated switch enables the severely disabled to speak using a single switch. The addition of word completion software makes the system more efficient. There are also word processors available that include this feature. There are stand-alone devices that allow you to record your own multi-channel custom vocabulary and selectively play it. For example, a young, non-verbal girl might wish to use her mother's voice to communicate with others. These compact devices can easily be carried in pocket or purse.

HEARING IMPAIRMENTS

The following solutions help the deaf to access computer technology and communicate with others. A very simple software package that causes the computer monitor to flash when the computer beeps is extremely helpful to a hearing-impaired user. There is also TDD software available for computers. A TDD is a device which allows the hearing- impaired to communicate via the telephone by allowing them to type their messages back and forth. Telephones with built-in amplification to make the handset louder are also available. Finally, personal amplifiers that fit in your shirt pocket with very directional microphones are available to assist the hearing-impaired to communicate and understand others.

LEARNING DISABILITIES

The following solutions may help those with learning disabilities or dyslexia to overcome their disabilities. Many forms of dyslexia may be helped through appropriate use of audio feedback systems. The use of screen review software and a voice synthesizer allows the dyslexic typist to hear what he/she is typing. This is virtually the same software/hardware package that a person with blindness would use. When a word is improperly typed it sounds incorrect to the typist and can be corrected immediately. Certain learning disabilities can be overcome by simply changing the color combination on the computer monitor. Certain colors present more clearly to the user. There is a software package that automatically pronounces, spells, and defines each word entered from the computer keyboard. Computer solutions need not be expensive or high tech. If a dyslexic person constantly types 'dri' when he/she wants 'dir' for a directory command, a simple batch file can be written to execute 'dir' when 'dri' is typed, thus negating the problem at no cost.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND MILD MENTAL RETARDATION

There are several systems available to assist people with cognitive impairments. There are commercial software packages that provide repetitive tasks that begin at very basic levels and expand to more complex levels. Also, simple children's games can be effective in improving ability. Training in various popular application programs can assist in obtaining employment in office-related jobs. Often, people with some degree of cognitive challenge or impairment are placed in "workshop" situations when they are indeed much higher functioning. Yet their aspirations are no different than anyone else's. People with disabilities have to be good managers of time in that their disability requires a good deal of management. We have worked with people that started typing at two to three words per minute and increased to sixty plus words per minute. Experience has proven to us time and time again that those with the greatest perceived disabilities are the most persistent. With appropriate training, jobs such as data entry, transcription, and word processing are realistic goals by certain individuals with cognitive challenges. Also, the same solutions that apply to those with learning disabilities may apply to individuals with other cognitive disabilities. Owing to the broad span/level of disability, emphasis should be placed on dealing one-to-one with individuals who are managing a disability that impacts thought processes or other cognitive ability.

SERVICES

Assistive Technologies, Inc. offers a broad range of services. Our Diagnostic Vocational Exploration (DVE) identifies the appropriate assistive technology, builds on individual strengths, helps set goals, defines necessary training, provides generic quotation, and builds self-esteem. Training programs are one-on-one, small or large group. Workplace Assessments are available to make sure that all ADA issues are addressed. Job Retention evaluation helps you retain your valued employees that become disabled. Our consulting services help you to be certain that integration of assistive technology to your platform proceeds smoothly. Finally, any recommendations made by Micro Overflow staff are guaranteed to operate as suggested.