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From: Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: So many questions...
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Date: 6 Nov 90 04:14:42 GMT
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Index Number: 11564

For output, there are adaptations for users who can't see screen or printer  
output (speech synthesizers and screen reader programs, Braille printers and  
translation software, refreshable Braille displays, and large-print  
displays).  A less-studied area is that of users who have mechanical problems  
with printers; some printers require a great deal of manual dexterity to  
properly load paper.

In the category of "not quite either input or output" there are guide trays  
that make it easier to insert floppy disks, power strips that make it easier  
to turn the system on and off, and much more.

 DL>        2B)  What companies (names & addresses) make the best
 DL>             and/or most reasonably priced adaptation?

It varies greatly, but I've found that in general newer and smaller firms  
tend to be better than giants like TSI or Prentke-Romich

 DL>  
 DL>         3)  Are there any books, professional journals, or
 DL>             articles to serve as a resource in these matters?
 DL>             (specifically, setting up a computer center
 DL>              for a variety of handicap user needs)

There are a number of publications that address these issues.  Some of them  
publish resource guides.  Any number of academic institutions hold  
conferences on computers and the disabled, though frequently the majority of  
the information concerns either the use of computers as educational tools for  
handicapped children or the use of computers as prosthetic devices, rather  
than the use of computers in an ordinary way by people who need to access  
them in a different way.

 DL>         4)  Are there any VHS or alternate media assistance
 DL>             in training handicapped users in computer use?

I'm sure there are, but I don't know any names personally.

 DL>         5)  Do any software companies offer grants or generous
 DL>             discounts to not-for-profit organizations?
 DL>                 - MicroSoft, DBase, Lotus, WordPerfect

They're usually pretty hard to come by.  However, especially in the database  
field a lot of software publishers offer slightly limited versions of their  
programs for a nominal fee (e.g., a database program that's the real thing,  
but can only handle 100 records per database).  These are useful for training  
and for evaluating compatibility with alternate access methods.  Some  
producers of adaptive software also have demo versions available, such as  
screen reader programs that will only run for 20 minutes at a time.

I am an adaptive technology specialist for the Illinois TAAD (Technical  
Aids and Assistance for the Disabled) center on a part-time basis.  You can  
contact me there on Thursday afternoons at 312-421-3373 or you can try me at  
other times at 708-251-5787.  The TAAD center is similar to what you're trying  
to set up.
 

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