Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!olivea!oliveb!bunker!hcap!hnews!267!41!David.Loudon
From: David.Loudon@f41.n267.z1.fidonet.org (David Loudon)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: So many questions...
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Date: 5 Nov 90 15:56:53 GMT
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Index Number: 11526

   I'd like a few resourceful suggestions (nothing rude please).
 
   The Independent Living Center in the town where I live is
computerizing.  The charter of the ILC is to be an information
resource and support center for handicapped individuals.  Our
ILC is now in the process of obtaining funds to provide in-house
computer facilities for both administration and members.
 
   The plan calls for several standard PCs equipped with adaptive
hardware and popular commercial software (as well as adaptive
software).  This would allow anyone to try a selection of
specialized setups to help decide what is best for them.  It
would also allow the ILC to demonstrate main streaming methods 
(please forgive my uninformed vocabulary) to local companies as well
as provide a facility for training individuals unable to attend
distant VESID programs.
 
   We're just starting out, and would like to get it "RIGHT" the
first time (ie: not waste precious non-renewable funds).  We've 
have the volunteer services of several computer specialists
who know a lot about computers, but nothing (me included) about
the needs of handicapped users or available hardware enhancements.
 
   So for the questions for anyone with an answer:
 
        1)  What is the greatest challenge for handicapped
            individuals when using computers in the workplace? 
 
        2)  What are typical adaptations to facilitate computer
            input and output for handicapped users?
                - Video, Sound, Keyboard, Fax, Mouse, Printer
 
       2B)  What companies (names & addresses) make the best
            and/or most reasonably priced adaptation?
 
        3)  Are there any books, professional journals, or
            articles to serve as a resource in these matters?
            (specifically, setting up a computer center
             for a variety of handicap user needs)
 
        4)  Are there any VHS or alternate media assistance
            in training handicapped users in computer use?
 
        5)  Do any software companies offer grants or generous
            discounts to not-for-profit organizations?
                - MicroSoft, DBase, Lotus, WordPerfect
 
   I thank you for any advise you can extend to our project.
 
                                             --- David S. Loudon ---

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