A well-equipped computer workstation includes a variety of assistive software. The choice of software depends upon the characteristics and needs of the patrons with disabilities who use your library. The most common types of assistive software are described below.

Screen magnification software

For patrons with vision loss, screen magnification software allows text to be enlarged on the screen. Products like Zoomtext include a text-to-speech capability as well.

Text-to-speech conversion software

For patrons who have reading difficulties or learning disabilities, text-to-speech conversion software is a must. Products like TextHelp Read & Write also include a word prediction function and a dictionary to assist with writing composition.

Speech-to-text conversion software

For those who have difficulty using a keyboard or other input device, speech-to-text conversion software allows voice input. Dragon Naturally Speaking is a well-known product in this area.

For more information about these products and their pricing, view the catalogue or contact the representative at http://www.aroga.com.

Assistive Technology – It’s at Your Fingertips!

(This article was previously published in “Perspectives,” the newsletter of the Alberta Provincial PDD Board.)

There is a saying – “Accessible design is good design.” Accessible design is design that works for everyone. If you look around, you can examples of accommodations for people with disabilities that work equally as well for those without disabilities. Consider curb cuts on sidewalks and ramps on buildings, for example. Originally built for people in wheelchairs, they work equally as well for bicyclists and parents pushing strollers.

The same is true of computers. Did you that there are electronic “curb-cuts” on your computer?

Take a look at the operating system of your computer. Windows contains many accessibility features that are largely unrecognized. If you open the Control Panel, you will find an icon called “Accessibility Options.” Open it up and you will see the following choices:

• Keyboard – Sticky keys, filter keys, and toggle keys
• Sticky keys avoid having to press two keys at the same time; rather they can be pressed one after the other. This feature is great for “hunt and peck” typists or, if you are like me, one-handed typists. For example, to make a capital “A,” press the Shift key and then press the “a.” A capital “A” is the result.
• The Filter key function is good for people with tremors who are likely to press a key repeatedly.
• If you turn on the Toggle key function, you will hear a sound when you press the CapsLock or NumLock key. This helps to avoid mistakes.
• Sound – Sound Sentry and Show sounds – These features are for users with hearing loss; they substitute words or flashing signals for sound prompts or warnings.
• Display – High contrast – For users with visual problems, this feature allows a higher contrast screen display, for example, white on black.
• Mouse – Mouse keys – for users who can't use a mouse, this feature allows the cursor to be moved with the arrow keys
  
  (Note: Similar features are found on MacIntosh computers.)

More accessibility features can be found within the Mouse and Display buttons on the Control Panel. For example, the mouse can be calibrated so it is slower, or the cursor or arrow can be made larger. The screen display can be changed with different or larger fonts to assist those who don’t see clearly.

Windows 2000 and Windows XP also include an Accessibility Wizard, which steps the user through a question-and-answer process, asking about physical or sensory limitations, and making changes to computer operations as a result. In addition, both have an on-screen keyboard, and Windows XP provides speech-to-text functions, allowing voice input.

Beyond adjusting the operating system to make the computer as easy to use as possible, assistive software is available to help people with disabilities make computer operations easier. Some of this software is described below.

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Assistive Software

Speech-to-text – Speech-to-text software allows the user to enter text by simply speaking and to operate the computer by voice commands only. This type of assistive software is suitable for individuals who have difficulty using a keyboard. – Software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Via Voice provide speech-to-text input.

Text-to-speech – Text-to-speech software provides assistance for users who have difficulty understanding text, such as those with low reading ability or reading comprehension problems. Students with learning disabilities often find that this type of assistive software contributes to more effective learning.

Software such as Read & Write (by Texthelp) and Kurzweil provide assistance for users who have low reading ability or reading comprehension problems. Kursweil also comes in a version that includes scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities in order to convert books and other printed materials to speech.

Screen reading and magnification software – Users with significant vision loss or blindness can they assisted by products such as Jaws, which provides text-to-speech capabilities in addition to assistance with screen navigation. Zoomtext is a magnification program that enlarges text, and provides text-to-speech functions as well.

Assistive hardware may also help to overcome barriers and enhance access. Numerous input devices are available to assist with computer operations. For example, individuals who have difficulty typing may benefit from a smaller keyboard or one with larger, more prominently labeled keys. As an alternative to a mouse, some people find a trackball or a joystick easier to use. Many of these devices come with pre-programmed keys to allow the user direct access to frequently used programs thus saving keystrokes.

In Canada, the Aroga Corporation is a source of assistive hardware and other products to support people with disabilities. Their online catalogue is found at http://www.aroga.com

So try some of the tips included in this article and see if you can make your computer work better for you. Try downloading some of the free trial software and see if it makes a difference. Then go out and try surfing on the Internet or send e-mail to a friend or to your local MLA. Computers are important tools for people with developmental disabilities -- they help with many valuable functions from writing letters to sending e-mail to getting information from the Internet. The first step in make the global community an inclusive community is earning to use a computer. So let’s get started – it’s right at your fingertips!