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From: ACSJNF@DEPAUL.BITNET (Joel N. Fischoff)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Computer assistance needed
Message-ID: <9665@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 18 Jan 90 04:44:50 GMT
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Reply-To: ACSJNF@DEPAUL.BITNET (Joel N. Fischoff)
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Index Number: 6316

[This is from the BLIND-L mailing list on Bitnet.   Bill McGarry]

Hello everyone from the Windy City,

        I am just beginning to work on setting up a system for people
        within the university who are visually impaired or legally
        blind.  I realize that this will be quite a few things, but
        here is what I've got so far:

                Computer (preferably a 286 or 386) with a lot of
                        expandability [we will be linking this to
                        a StarLAN Network

                TSR: Text to Braille - For output to a Braille printer.

                A braille printer compatible with IBM-type machines
                        that can handle a StarLAN network.

                Speech synthesizer for the student using the computer.

                Personal reader (Like the Kurzweil Reader) that can
                        be set up in the same area.

        The computer network we use allows us to connect to WordPerfect 5.0,
        Lotus 1-2-3, dBase III+, and miscellaneous other packages submitted
        by instructors.  It also links us to our mainframe computers (hence
        the reason for needing a computer with a lot of expandability).

        We want to be able to set this system up in the middle of a
        open-access lab, so it has to be as small a setup as possible,
        within reasonable conditions.

        We are also trying to figure out a system to be compatible with our
        Macintosh computers.  If anyone has any ideas towards that, please
        let me know.

        Right now, I'm looking for the best prices on the best equipment I
        can get.  If you have any further suggestions for setting up such
        a system, don't hesitate to mail me.... I'm anxious to get going
        with this thing (my business is service, and right now, we are not
        really servicing our clients who need this type of special system.
        I want to remedy that situation.)

                                Thanks,
                                        Joel N. Fischoff
                                        ACSJNF@DEPAUL.BITNET
                                              @DEPAULO.BITNET
                                              @DEPAULC.BITNET
                                        Academic Computer Services
                                        DePaul University
                                        Chicago, IL

P.S.:   My personal opinions do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

P.P.S:  For those companies that carry these type of materials, please address
        written correspondance to:

                                Joel Fischoff
                                Academic Computer Services
                                DePaul University
                                243 S. Wabash, Room 351
                                Chicago, IL 60604-2302