November/December 2000 Volume 3, Issue 4 Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Newsletter A Monthly Newsletter for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Editor: Anne Macleod E-mail: tq97@philly.infi.net PRODUCT FOCUS: New and Unique Items Into Year 2001 Along with the new year, January 2001 signals the beginning of the third year o f this newsletter. Over these last two years, great strides have been made in technology which are reflected in recent additions to the inventory. In this i ssue, we detail some of the newer items in the Lending Library. In addition, yo u will find Part 1 of the Newsletter Index on pages 3 and 4. This handy index identifies the name of the item as it appears in the inventory list, the newsle tter volume and issue in which the item appears, and the issue's date by year a nd month. I recommend you pull this insert out and place it in the binder in w hich you store your newsletter archives, to make locating a description or reso urce regarding a particular item quick and easy! Wishing you all a safe and he althy holiday season. - Anne Macleod, Editor FAQS IV by Amy Goldman, Project Director How are decisions made about what items to order for the Lending Library? One of the principles which guides the operation of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is "consumer-responsiveness". Our goal is to make sure that the inventory contains items that are needed and wanted by P ennsylvanians with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians. One of the ways that we do this is to look at the items that are most frequently requested and thos e which have "waiting lists", and then order more of those items. What if I want an item that is not already in the inventory? We are always interested in hearing about items that can be useful in increasin g the independence and improving the functioning of Pennsylvanians with disabil ities. Consumers and service providers are encouraged to request these items b y completing an "Item Request Form" or contacting Zona Jackson, Project Assista nt, at (800)204-7428 (voice) or (800) 750-7428 (TTY). Local branches should ha ve a copy of the "Item Request Form" in their manual, and one is available on o ur web site at http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/atlend. If you want to make a recommendation, it is helpful to have as much detail on the item as you know (e.g. the manufacturer's name and web site), and why you think this item s hould be added. What is considered when reviewing suggestions for additions to the Lending Libr ary inventory? First of all, the item must meet the federal definition of assistive technology device, "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired com mercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, mai ntain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (P.L. 103-218, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998). As a result, you will n ote that the inventory contains some items which are "generic" (e.g. items desi gned for the general public to make life easier) as well as highly specialized items which would only be useful to people with disabilities. Another principl e that guides us is the consideration of items which are useful for a range of people: Pennsylvanians of all ages, with different disabilities, and with needs for improved functional capabilities for a variety of tasks and in a variety o f settings. What are some things you would not add to the inventory? why not? We also consider the size and weight of the item (is it something that can be s hipped?) and whether or not it is something that would need to be installed. F or example, although a stair glide is certainly an assistive device, it is real ly too large to ship and it is an item that must be physically installed in a h ome. We also must consider hygiene in making some determinations, as we are no t equipped to sterilize items. As a result, items like bath chairs are not ava ilable. Although some eating utensils are available in the Helping Tools kits, these are meant for demonstration purposes only. In addition, we do not have items primarily for mobility (e.g. canes, walkers) because of potential for inj ury if these are improperly recommended or used. How often are items ordered? An effort is made to order items throughout the year, to reduce waiting lists f or items and to make sure the flow of new devices into the inventory is continu al and responds to the needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Lending Libr ary staff review new suggestions periodically, at least every other month. If you have made a suggestion, your suggestion will be acknowledged and we will le t you know whether or not the item(s) will be ordered. Help us have an inventory that meets your needs! Make a suggestion today! Welcome! Somerset County Blind Center/ Somerset County Contact: Rob Stemple 748 South Center Ave., Somerset, PA 15501 Ph: (814) 445-1310 ~ Fax: (814) 444-1385 E-mail: rstemple@wpia.net ~ http://www.somersetblind.org Hubs Healthcare Corporation/ Lycoming County 902 Arch St., Williamsport, PA 17701 Ph: (570) 326-6521 ~ Fax: (570) 322-6549 E-mail: hhcare@mail.uplink.net ~ http://www.hubshealthcare.com CUSTOMER FOCUS: Asperger Syndrome* and Assistive Technology I am a 58-year-old former cabinetmaker diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. I hav e short term recall problems. I cannot understand instructional manuals. I am a step-by-step, aural learner, and rely on visual confirmation of my learning process. I have slight dysgraphia (I've always had to print -- my cursive writing is awf ul), and was fortunate to have learned touch-typing when I was 14. The typewri ter became my primary tool for communication at a time when it was still except ional for boys and men to have touch-typing skills. Starting in the early bad old days of MS DOS I unsuccessfully attempted to mast er the computer. The visual orientation of Windows changed everything. Word pr ocessing software is a blessing. Like many other persons with Asperger Syndrome, I took to the computer as a maj or means of communication. Because I learn slowly and painfully, I know I have a reputation among technical support engineers as a difficult but trainable st udent. Despite the size of my telephone bills for technical support, I consider this a small price to pay for having learned "a new language" and a new way of relati ng to the world. Roger N. Meyer dba "of a different mind" Roger Meyer is an author and disability advocate in Portland, Oregon and can be contacted by email at: rnm@inetarena.com Did You Know? *Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and motor coordination, and unusual or restricte d patterns of interest or behavior. Clinically, the distinction between autism and Asperger's disorder is often made in terms of severity and in the qualitat ive expression of the criteria. Both syndromes are characterized by social inte raction deficits, impaired communication skills, and unusual or bizarre behavio rs. However, in AS, motor deficits are more pronounced, onset seems to be later , and social deficits are present without grossly impaired speech and language (Frith 1991). Source: http://www.aspergersyndrome.com/ Understanding the Technology Refreshable Braille Display Louis Braille of France invented Braille, a system of touch reading and writing for individuals who are blind in which raised dots represent the letters of th e alphabet. Braille is read by moving the hand or hands from left to right alon g each line. Both hands are usually involved in the reading process, and readin g is generally done with the index fingers. Historically it has been embossed on paper but now, as a result of new computer technology, Braille readers can a ccess reading materials through the use of a refreshable Braille display. Refreshable Braille displays are electronic devices that are used to read text that a computer sends to the monitor from any source. The device is connected t o the computer by a serial cable and produces Braille output on the Braille dis play. Refreshable Braille displays only read one line of text at a time. It con verts the ASCII text into Braille by raising or lowering small pins to form the characters. A line of text is created, then "refreshed" to form the next line; the user reads the pins on the display (a ribbon of hard rubber) rather than a printed paper copy. These displays generally include directional keys which al low the user to navigate through a document such as a letter or web pages while surfing the Internet. Source: http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/techgloss.html ALVA 544 Satellite and 570 Satellite Portable Braille Displays ALVA 544 Satellite and 570 Satellite portable Braille displays feature two sate llite key pads, double touch cursors, three status cells, an enhanced ergonomic design, and the activation of speech feedback from the Braille display. The Sa tellites allow the user to be more efficient, productive and extend the navigat ion and operation possibilities of most popular screen readers. The twin satellite key pads on the Braille display allow the user to easily nav igate through complex graphic screens and give instructions for speech feedback without moving hands to the computer keyboard. The silicone pad-switched doubl e touch cursor above each Braille cell integrates the Braille and speech feedba ck. Using the first row of touch cursor switches, you can position the screen c ursor exactly at the Braille cell's position. When using the Satellite with a s peech synthesizer, the second row of touch cursor switches are used to obtain s peech feedback about text attributes or the graphic at cursor position. In a Wi ndows environment, the double touch cursor switches can be used to simulate lef t/right mouse clicks. 544 Satellite: 12.2 x 11.4 x 1 in; Approx: $6,245; Invent ory code: CA-ALV44. Satellite Pro: 24 x 11.4 x 1 in; Approx: $9,895; Inventory code: CA-ALV70. From: Alva Access Group, Inc. Braillephone: (TTY with refreshable Braille display) Individuals who are deaf and blind may need a specialized TTY that also has a r efreshable Braille display unit attached. This device enables an individual who is deaf and blind to access the telephone system in the same manner as a stand ard TTY user. In addition, this device can facilitate communication with a sigh ted person in a face-to-face situation/conversation. Both type their messages u sing the TTY keypad and the text is displayed both on the TTY readout and on th e refreshable Braille display unit. Inventory code: TL-BRAIL; Approx: $6,300; F rom: Maxi-Aids, Inc. Web-Braille Resource The Library of Congress has launched Web-Braille on the Internet for blind and visually impaired library users (http://lcweb.loc.gov/nls/). 2,700 Braille boo k titles are available on the Internet for download or online use by eligible i ndividuals, libraries, and schools with a computer and Braille output device. A bout 40 new titles per month are released in Braille and immediately available online to users. For further information contact: National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped The Library of Congress 1291 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20542 Ph: (202) 707-9279 ~ E-mail: nls@loc.gov http://lcweb.loc.gov/nls/ Expanding Keyboard Access ORCCA Keyboards with Built-In Keyguards Because of the variety of keyboards on the market today, it can be difficult to find a keyguard to fit your keyboard. ORCCA's keyboards have perfectly fittin g keyguards that are permanently attached to the keyboards. They are made of u nbreakable, clear, 1/8 inch thick Lexan. Keyholes are smoothly finished and pre cision aligned with each key. Keyguard is reinforced for stiffness. Available f or PC and Macintosh Computers. MAC Approx: $170, PC: $140. Inventory codes: CA- ORCCA-IBM or CA-ORCCA-MAC; From: Infogrip, Inc. NoteBoard Laptop Keyboard The NoteBoard is a full-sized portable keyboard for notebooks. It has adjustab le feet which allow you to position the NoteBoard directly over your notebook's keyboard, while its comfortable built-in wrist rest provides extra support. With the NoteBoard, you get the feel of a desktop without the expense of a dock ing station. The NoteBoard works with ALL PC-compatible notebook computers. App rox: $70. Inventory code: CA-NOTE; From: DataDesk Technologies and available o nline through MicroWarehouse. My First Keyboard My First Keyboard is extremely durable with no moving parts to break. It is a f lat, membrane type keyboard with 7/8" square 'buttons'. This membrane switch su rface allows My First Keyboard to be spill-proof and peanut butter proof. Large color coded keys make it easier for younger children to interface with the com puter by enlarging the key size for smaller hands and significantly reducing th e number of keys on the keyboard. This keyboard has only 55 keys, includes the alphabet in order, numbers from 0-9, and shapes. Young children quickly learn t hat the letters are the "yellow" keys while the numbers are the "green" keys. U se My First Keyboard with Spell-A-Word and 2+2 (software included) and/or Intel liTalk. It works with all software and has an included 'Y' connection so you c an leave the regular keyboard plugged in as well. Keyboard layout is in ABC for mat only. Approx: $39. Inventory code: CA-MYFIRST and CA-MYFIRST-Mac; Available through RJ Cooper & Associates. LittleFingers Childrens Keyboard and Trackball Datadesk's LittleFingers is the first keyboard sized to fit the hands of the ch ildren who are using it - whether in the classroom, in the lab, or at home. Kid s can learn to touch-type easily and proficiently, because LittleFingers incorp orates key cap size and spacing that has been scientifically engineered to allo w children to easily reach all of the keys. LittleFingers is both a full-functi on keyboard and a rugged 3 button trackball that eliminates the need for a sepa rate mouse. This unique design lets children type, point and click without movi ng their hands from the keyboard. LittleFingers exclusive dual-mode feature al lows a second or adult-sized keyboard to be plugged into LittleFingers and used simultaneously (normally two keyboards cannot be used on a PC). This unique fe ature allows parents or teachers to work side-by-side with the child for teachi ng, assisting, or joint computer activities. LittleFingers works on both Macs a nd PCs. Approx: $80. Inventory code: CA-LFING; From: Datadesk Technologies and available online through MicroWarehouse. Understanding the Technology Optical Scanner At its most basic level, a scanner is just another input device, much like a ke yboard or mouse, except that it takes its input in graphical form. A scanner c an read text or illustrations printed on paper and translate the information in to a form the computer can use. A scanner works by digitizing an image -- divid ing it into a grid of boxes and representing each box with either a zero or a o ne, depending on whether the box is filled in. The resulting matrix of bits, ca lled a bit map, can then be stored in a file, displayed on a screen, and manipu lated by software programs. Optical scanners do not distinguish text from illustrations; they represent all images as bit maps. Therefore, you cannot directly edit text that has been sc anned. To edit text read by an optical scanner, you need an optical character r ecognition (OCR ) system to translate the image into ASCII characters. Most opt ical scanners sold today come with OCR packages. During OCR, the software analyzes an image and converts the pictures of the cha racters to editable text based on the patterns of the pixels in the image. Afte r OCR, you can export the converted text and use it with a variety of word-proc essing, page layout, and spreadsheet applications. OCR also enables screen read ers and refreshable Braille displays to read the text contained in images.ASCII Acronym for the American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Pronounced ask-ee, ASCII is a code for representing English characters as numbers, with ea ch letter assigned a number from 0 to 127. For example, the ASCII code for uppe rcase M is 77. Most computers use ASCII codes to represent text, which makes it possible to transfer data from one computer to another. http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/ocr.html Hewlett Packard (HP) Flatbed Scanner HP ScanJet 6300 CXI Flatbed Scanner How does it work? Lay an original document onto the scanner. Select one of fiv e front-panel buttons that best suits your needs, whether it's to scan, copy, e -mail, fax or file. The software automatically chooses the right file format, f ile size and resolution for the application. A scanner can be an extremely fle xible AT device, especially if you apply a little creativity. Scan textbooks a t school and save as a text file, then use text-to-speech software to read the text aloud. In the communication category, scan photos of friends and/or famil y to make custom icons for an AAC device. Approx: $399. Inventory code: HW-SC AN; Available at most mass merchandisers such as CompUSA, Staples, etc. Portable Word Processor Laser PC6 with Text-to-Speech option This notetaker enables students to upload text to all word processors on any de sktop computer with just one keystroke, and without connecting any cables. Just point the device at the infrared receiver and press the 'Ir' key, for upload. Text streams into the open word processing document at the rate of 2 pages per minute. Viewing text is easy on the switchable 4 line by 40 character or 8 by 8 0 screen. In addition to its word processor, the PC6 with Text-to-Speech optio n also includes a spell checker, typing tutor, homework calendar, spreadsheet, 2 databases and calculator. With the PC6, students can learn to type with the b uilt-in typing tutor program, and then use the PC6 for text entry. Work can be printed out directly or downloaded to a desktop computer, where the text can th en be enhanced with fonts and graphics. Approx: $500. Inventory codes: HW-LPC6 -IBM and HW-LPC6-MAC. Specify PC or MAC cable when requesting loan. From: Perf ect Solutions Inc. Reading Machine SmartView Xtra SVCX Camera with 14 Monitor SmartView Xtra is a versatile full color video magnifier designed for people wi th macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, inoperable cataracts, optic neuropathy, RP, or other causes of low vision. SmartView Xtra has a full color display, sharp B/W image, or a choice of various foreground and backgrou nd color selections to accommodate a variety of visual conditions. Select the f ull-screen CCTV view, full screen PC view or split-screen view (simultaneous PC and CCTV window displays). Split the screen horizontally for word processing o r vertically for spreadsheet applications. Xtra includes Smart Keypad which di splays a large character clock, daily calendar and calculator. With this unique device you can also access a menu of options to customize your display prefere nces. SmartView Xtra connects seamlessly to a PC or Macintosh with a SVGA/VGA m onitor to create a low vision computer workstation. Approx: $3,470. Inventory code: RD-SMVIEW; From: PulseData, Inc. Portable Communication Devices Impact The hand-held Portable Impact is a new communication device that integrates cur rent hardware and software technologies in a lightweight (23 ounces), highly co nfigurable package. Its small size and low weight make Portable Impact particul arly well suited for mobile users, while also offering a mounted device for whe elchairs. Despite its small size, Portable Impact supports a wide range of interface meth ods and augmentative techniques, with an unlimited spoken vocabulary provided b y DECtalk speech synthesis. Selections can be made via keyboard, touchscreen, o r external switches. Other features include powerful word prediction (via the F oresight prediction engine), auto-spacing, auto-capitalization, abbreviation ex pansion, auditory selection feedback, and visual magnification. Portable Impact ships with seven different augmentative configurations, including alphabetic, QWERTY, and optimized onscreen keyboards with word prediction, a keyboard-based interface with word prediction, and two "ambiguous keypad" configurations that combine multiple letters on larger buttons to make selection easier. Approx: $ 2950; Inventory code: AC-IMP-HP. There is also a Palm Portable Impact version a vailable. Approx: $2700; Inventory code: AC-IMP-PP, as well as a tablet-size ve rsion; Approx: $3,750; Inventory code: AC-IMP-TP. From: Enkidu Research, Inc. WANTED: Local Branches in the Following Counties Carbon Fayette Forest Montour Susquehanna Fulton Juniata Northampton WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THESE ITEMS? ALVA Access Group, Inc. 436 14th Street, Oakland CA 94612 Ph: (510) 451-ALVA (2582) ~ Fax: (510) 451-0878 E-mail info@aagi.com ~ http://www.aagi.com DataDesk Technologies, Inc. 10598 Valley Road NE, #100, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Ph: (888) 446-3222 ~ Fax: (206) 842-9219 Email: sales@datadesktech.com ~ http://www.datadesktech.com Enkidu Research, Inc. 247 Pine Hill Road, Spencerport, NY 14559 Ph: (800) 297-9570 ~ Fax: (716) 352-0508 E-mail: info@enkidu.net ~ http://www.enkidu.net/ Infogrip, Inc. 6245 King Road, Loomis, CA 95650 Ph: (916) 652-7253 ~ Fax: (916) 652-7296 Email: info@humanware.com ~ http://www.humanware.com MicroWarehouse Ph: (800) 990-0736 ~ http://www2.warehouse.com/ Perfect Solutions Inc. 15950 Schweizer Court, West Palm Beach, FL 33414-7128 Ph: (800) 726-7086 ~ Fax: (561) 790-0108 E-mail: perfect@gate.net ~ http://www.perfectsolutions.com/ Pulse Data Inc. 351 Thorton Rd, Suite 119, Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122-1589 Ph: (888) 734-8439 ~ Fax: (770) 941-7722 E-mail: pdi_inc@mindspring.com ~ http://www.pulsedata.com RJ Cooper & Associates 27601 Forbes Rd. Suite 39, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Ph: (800) RJCooper ~ Fax: (949) 582-3169 Email: info@rjcooper.com ~ http://www.rjcooper.com Staples Online http://www.staples.com Assistive Technology Training Opportunity! Helping Tools for Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families A Train-the-Trainer Workshop Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology is providing train-the-traine r sessions for individuals who are interested in learning how assistive technol ogy (AT) can help young children with disabilities and their families AND who a gree to train others about the scope and benefits of AT. These devices and serv ices can help facilitate development and increase independence. This program te aches the use of the AT for Kids Demonstration Kit. [Inventory code: ED-HTYP] There will be two trainings offered; one in Erie, PA on March 1, 2001 and the o ther in Philadelphia on March 28, 2001. Both trainings will run from 9 am to 4 pm. Registration deadline: February 20, 2001 For more information call Janice Knuth, Training Coordinator, PIAT at (215) 204 -5397 or e-mail her at: jknuth@unix.temple.edu This Newsletter is available in alternate formats upon request or visit our web site for text and PDF versions. http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/atlend/ Do you know assistive technology service providers in your area? Is your agency a provider of assistive technology services? Want to be listed in our AT Servi ce Providers Directory? For more information contact Jo Watson (800) 204-7428 [ voice]/ (800) 750-7428 [TTY]). CONTACT INFORMATION: Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Institute on Disabilities UAP/ Temple University Room 423 Ritter Hall Annex Philadelphia, PA 19122 Call toll-free: (800) 204-PIAT (voice), (800) 750-PIAT (TTY) http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/atlend E-mail: piat@astro.temple.edu NEXT MONTH: Personal Data Assistants (PDAs)