Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Newsletter A Monthly Newsletter for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library January/February 2001 Volume 3, Issue 5 PRODUCT FOCUS: Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) Editor: Anne Macleod E-mail: tq97@philly.infi.net PRODUCT FOCUS: Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) Moving from the Mainstream to Accessibility Highly popular in the mainstream, Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) are portable devices that are designed to act as organizers, notetakers and/or communication devices. Due to the small nature of these devices they often posses the latest and most compact user interfaces such as touch screens, voice recognition, hand writing recognition, or miniature keyboards. There are also a group of PDA's that designed for use by individuals with disabilities. These PDAs use speech input or output, Braille displays, Braille keyboards and other alternative access methods to comprise their user interface. PDAs come in many different forms and configurations, but a few features are common to all of them: date book, phone/address book, to-do-list/diary, and memo pad/note-taking functions. In addition, a quality PDA incorporates audible alarms that can be configured to suit the preferences of the user, and information can be easily entered and retrieved via a small keyboard. These features, combined with portability (some are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket), ease of use, and a few other advanced accessibility features, make the PDA an effective tool for life. Other features that advanced users of PDAs make use of include: tracking expenses with a pocket version of Quicken or a spreadsheet program, e-mail/web-browsing (when combined with a portable modem), dictionary/thesaurus, etc. PDAs typically link up to a computer for enhancing text, back-up of data, etc., though some devices have the capacity to edit, print directly to an output device or back-up data without a computer hookup. Handheld Notetakers/Organizational Tools The PDA is a multipurpose, lightweight device that has been demonstrated to compensate for poor organizational skills, poor handwriting, and/or short term memory deficits. As a compensatory tool, individuals and/or students can utilize these small, portable electronic planners called PDAs. Important information concerning appointments, phone numbers, addresses, and assignments can be stored in the device. Most PDAs have a separate file for addresses, phone numbers, notes from classes, etc.; information can be easily entered and retrieved via a small keyboard (included with each Palm loan). The Palm Pilot (Inventory code: HP-PALM; Approx: $400) is one example of a portable organizer with an onscreen keyboard, and word processor built in. To further increase accessibility to Palm Pilots for those with visual impairments, 'Teal Magnify' is a screen magnifier for Palm's operating system, which is a software add-on at a cost of approximately $12. Free 30-day trial offer download at : http://www.tealpoint.com/softlens.htm FAQS V: BORROWING SOFTWARE by Amy Goldman, Project Director I already have a computer. What considerations should I keep in mind when I am getting ready to borrow software from the Lending Library? You will need to know what “platform” the software runs on, and whether this matches your computer. By platform, we typically are referring to whether the computer is by Apple (e.g. a Macintosh) or “PC” (IBM, Compaq, etc.) running Microsoft Windows. Software in the Lending Library is coded to indicate what kind of platform (M=Macintosh, W=Windows) or will say Mac or Win. Note that most Windows-based software requires at least Windows 95. I see that many software programs indicate “CD”. What does that mean? It means that the program comes on compact disk, rather than on a floppy disk. So, your computer will need to have a CD-ROM drive. What are some other considerations? Programs that “speak” may require a sound card (for example, “SoundBlaster”). Some programs will use a lot of “space” (as expressed in “megs of RAM”), and will have requirements for processor speed (e.g. at least a 486 or Pentium PC). What else should I think about? Consider whether there are additional software and hardware items that are needed so that you can fully access the program. Examples of these items include key guards and special keyboards (like “Intellikeys”). Be sure to borrow those items, as well, if they are needed. I see that my computer will not be able to “run” some of the software I want to borrow! Now what? If the software you want to try does not match your computer's capabilities, you may want to borrow a laptop from Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library to use with the software. Of course, that means if you find the software is exactly what you need, you may need to ultimately buy a new computer to run it! What do I need to know about my responsibility when borrowing software (either borrowed separately or “pre-loaded” on a borrowed laptop)? IT IS ILLEGAL TO COPY OR DISTRIBUTE ANY SOFTWARE YOU BORROW THROUGH THE LENDING LIBRARY! In the “Borrower's Responsibility and Liability” section of the loan agreement, borrowers sign their understanding of this, and agree to remove any copies of borrowed software from their computers. Like other items in the Lending Library, software is LOANED to enable Pennsylvanians with disabilities to try assistive technology. Our agreements with the software manufacturers (also called a “license”) reflects this usage. Keyboard-based PDAs AlphaSmart Pro and 2000 A simple, relatively low-cost portable notetaker that allows the user to enter and edit text, then send it to a computer for formatting or directly to a printer. It is ergonomically designed with a full size, 80-key keyboard with an easy to read, 4-line by 40-character LCD display. Functions include "cut, copy and paste" within and between files. It holds 100 pages of text in eight files. Files can be used for 'to-do' list, address book, etc. The AlphaSmart has a spell-checker, password protection, foreign language support and keyword search. Accessibility features include sticky keys and keyboard repeat control. The newer model, AlphaSmart 3000, adds new features such as a calculator and keyboarding instructional-based software. Compatible with both Windows and Mac; please identify platform when ordering for loan. Approx: $599; Inventory code: NT-ALPHA and NT-ALPHPRO-F. From: AlphaSmart, Inc. DreamWriter: Models C200, T100 & T400 The DreamWriter series includes several portable notetakers/word processors. The DreamWriter C200 has a built-in disk drive, a full-sized 64-key keyboard and an LCD 16-line by 80-character screen, tilted 30 degrees for easier viewing. It can hold up to 128 files. Modem connectivity is possible. The DreamWriter T400 stores up to 100 pages of text; and the DreamWriter T100 is designed specifically for students up to grade 4. Software for all 3 devices includes a word processor, with spell check, as well as organizer/address book and typing tutor software. Files are saved in Rich Text Format (RTF), which enables formatted text to be transferred to a Macintosh or PC. Printing is enabled to an Apple ImageWriter or most parallel port printers. Transfer cables and software are supplied (specify platform when requesting loan). Inventory codes: NT-DREAM-C200, NT-DREAM-T400 and NT-DREAM-T100; Approx. price range: $ $554-$1,070; From: NTS Computer Systems Ltd. Laser PC6 with Text-to-Speech option This notetaker enables students to upload text to all word processors on any desktop 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 80 screen. In addition to its word processor, the PC6 with Text-to-Speech option also includes a spell checker, typing tutor, homework calendar, spreadsheet, 2 databases and calculator. With the PC6, students can learn to type with the built-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 then be enhanced with fonts and graphics. Approx: $769; Inventory codes: HW-LPC6-IBM and HW-LPC6-MAC. Specify PC or MAC cable when requesting loan. From: Perfect Solutions Inc. Understanding the Technology: Braille Notetakers Portable Braille and/or Speech Notetakers Portable Braille notetakers utilize a Braille keyboard and electronic Braille cells for a display, and/or speech output. Devices in this subcategory allow a proficient Braillist an accessible and comfortable format for notetaking. The Braille keyboard often consists of keys made of rubberized material rendering input very quiet. For those devices with speech output, a headset or earphone is provided, allowing complete privacy for the user. These devices are extremely portable and can be connected to a computer allowing exchange of information from the device to the computer and/or to the Internet. Please note: the Lending Library loan program does not provide Internet service for devices which indicate 'Internet capabilities.' Source: http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/glossary.html Portable Braille and/or Speech Notetakers BrailleNote with Refreshable Braille and Disk Drive The BrailleNote is a hand held notetaker designed for visually impaired users. Windows-based, it incorporates a Braille keyboard, a refreshable Braille display and synthesized speech output using a built-in speaker or external headphones. In addition, modem and email capabilities allow the user to send and receive messages via an Internet connection. BrailleNote software includes the KeySoft program suite comprising: word processor with spelling checker (which includes the ability to read and write files in Microsoft Word format); planner (calendar, scheduler and diary with audible alarms); address list manager; e-mail program, book reader/text-to-speech, scientific calculator; file manager for organizing and manipulating files and folders; translation functions with the ability of translating files between text, Braille, ASCII, Word and WordPerfect formats; ActiveSync function with the ability of transferring files between the BrailleNote and a PC; Braille terminal to allow the BrailleNote to act as a Braille display for other computers; remote synthesizer to allow the BrailleNote to act as a speech synthesizer for other computers; and printer support for printing via parallel or infrared ports to 'standard' printers. Approx: $3800; Inventory code: NT-BBREF; From PulseData and available through Humanware, Inc. Keynote Companion/ Braille Companion Deluxe w/Disk Drive The Keynote and Braille Companion are portable information management systems for people who are blind. Differences lie mainly in the input method (e.g. Braille or QWERTY keyboards). They use synthesized speech output and incorporate a word processor, spell-checker, scientific calculator, diary, calendar with audible alarm reminders, address list manager (including ability to mail merge) and an e-mail terminal. These programs have been specially developed for voice output and are friendly and intuitive to use. No computer knowledge is required. Unlike laptop and notebook computers, the Companions, in their smallest configuration, are only about the size of a videotape cassette and weigh just 2 lbs. Approx: $2600 (both); Inventory codes: NT-KC and NT-BC; From: Humanware, Inc. Braille 'n Speak With this notetaker, data is entered through Braille keys, electronically stored, spoken and easily edited. Other functions give you information like time, date or daily appointments. With Braille 'n Speak, it's easy to take notes. You can write, review and edit, keep an instant-access address "book", store up to 800 pages of Braille, translate Braille into print utilizing this stand-alone device. Approx: $1299. Inventory code: NTBNS; From: Blazie Engineering, Inc. Braille Lite 2000 and 40 Braille Lite 2000 and 40 are portable notetakers that incorporate both speech and Braille. They have a Braille keyboard and an 18 cell display and 40 cell respectively and come with a fully adjustable speech synthesizer. The Braille Lite series notetakers contain a quick and powerful word processor, with all the capabilities you would expect; deleting and blocking of text, finding and replacing text etc. They also contain file manipulation functions such as copying, moving and appending files. The Braille Lite series come with a scientific calculator, a stopwatch and a calendar. They can be connected to a printer to produce printed text, to a Mountbatten Brailler or a dedicated Braille embosser for a grade 2 Braille hard copy, or to a computer to upload or download files. The Braille Lite 2000 and 40 can also be used as a screen access device. If already using screen reading software, just connect the Braille Lite notetakers and you have immediate speech or Braille access to a computer. The Braille Lite series allows you to connect a modem, download email, or view a website. An optional external disk drive can be connected to the Braille Lite series. This means that any material saved as a text file on a disk can be loaded in to the Braille Lite, and read as Grade 2 Braille. Approx: $1300- $3800; Inventory codes: NT-BL (Braille Lite 2000/18), NT-BL40; From: Blazie Engineering, Inc. Type 'n Speak Type 'n Speak is the personal data for people who prefer a standard typewriter/ QWERTY keyboard. Like Braille 'n Speak and Braille Lite, Type 'n Speak is durable, portable and lightweight. Complete word processing capabilities including a spell checker. Create documents in grade II Braille and have them automatically spoken and printed in fully formatted text. Approx: $1300. Inventory code: NT-TNS; From: Blazie Engineering, Inc. NEW ITEMS Digital Pill Box Timer This digital pill box with timers assist individuals and caretakers with 'remembering' medication schedules. The timer can be set to beep up to 4x per day, at equal intervals of 24 hrs, 12 hours, 7 hours or 5 hours. It will also note when a medication time has been missed. There is a locking mechanism to assure that pills don't spill out. A half inch LCD display shows the time. Approx: $17; Inventory code: HP-PILL; From: Maxi-Aids, Inc. Talking Tape Measure No need to struggle to see the numbers because this 16 foot metal tape measure announces the measured length with an accuracy of 1/16th of an inch. If the distance is greater than 16', the talking tape measure has a memory mode so you can measure consecutive distances up to several thousand feet. Features include automatic shut-off after 15 seconds; measurements announced in feet/inches or meters/centimeters; tape has holes for making pencil marks, pivot point for drawing arcs; auto-retract tape button; clip on both case and tape for attaching to belt. Approx: $100; Inventory codes: HP-TALKTAPE(English) and HP-TALKTAPESP (Spanish); From: Maxi-Aids, Inc. Casio Phonemate This amplified cordless telephone has 2-line capability and Caller ID. The handset is hearing aid compatible and the built-in amplifier increases the caller's voice up to +16dB for loud and clear conversations. The handset and base ringer with flashing LED will alert you to incoming calls. The handset also has Caller ID which shows the name and number of the person calling (requires subscription to Caller ID and 'call waiting' services offered by certain local telephone companies). Approx: $120; Inventory code: TL-CORD-CASIO; From: Harris Communication, Inc. Portable Telephone Handset Amplifier Designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, this pocket-sized telephone amplifier amplifies 10 times (+20 dB) and connects easily, no wiring involved. Use with any standard, cordless or payphone handset; Stretch the elastic band on the back of the amplifier over the earpiece of the telephone handset and listen. Has adjustable volume control and uses 1- AAA battery. Approx: $30; Inventory code: TL-AM; From: Maxi-Aids Chattervox Designed for people with low-volume speech, the Chattervox is a compact personal amplification system that provides up to 15dB of a voice boost for mild to moderate speech impairments. This device is easy to operate with only one combined volume control/power switch. Comes complete with headset microphone, rechargeable batteries and plug-in charger. Entire system can be recharged overnight (option of using simple AA batteries). Approx: $249; Inventory code: HH-CHATVOX; From: Harris Communication, Inc. Electric Talking Alarm Clock w/ AM/FM radio The Reizen talking alarm clock radio announces the function of the button you depress, making it easy to set the time and alarm. The clock can also be programmed to announce the time hourly or by pressing the large button to hear the time on demand. It also announces the time when the alarm goes off. Other features include adjustable volume control, snooze button, back-up battery compartment, sleep timer (adjustable up to 2 hours), and includes written operating instructions, as well as instructions on a cassette tape. Approx: $60; Inventory code: HP-TALARM; From: Maxi-Aids, Inc. Voice Interface Personal Data Assistants Parrot Plus Parrot Plus is a voice recognition organizer that offers optional accessibility features. It weighs 5.3 ounces and is 0.7 inch thick, fitting easily into a pocket. Parrot Plus performs five functions: voice recognition telephone directory with speed dialer, voice pad for digitally recording notes, voice meeting planner with pager option, talking alarm clock, and talking calculator. Parrot Plus has a side click button, a function selector button on the front, a microphone on the upper right and a loudspeaker. It has a cover that conceals a keypad for entering numbers and editing stored information. Digit keys are arranged similarly to those of a telephone keypad, with a marker on the five key. There are four additional large editing keys to CUT, MODIFY and to answer YES or NO. When editing information with the cover open, Parrot Plus will always speak the questions. Parrot Plus will speak the functions as they are being selected and always tells the user each stage of any given process being used. Parrot Plus will work with any language or voice pattern with no learning necessary. Just take it out of its box, click once and it works. Audiotapes and instructions in Braille are available covering all aspects of the Parrot Plus operation. Approx: $340; Inventory code: HP-PARROT. Available through: Independent Livings Aids, Inc. Voice Diary Voice Diary incorporates various useful devices in one. It could be used as an appointment calendar which can record messages under specific date and time, a notepad for recording immediate messages, a daily' to-do' list, address and telephone listings, a talking clock and calculator, and a built-in stopwatch and timer. Approx: $300; Inventory code: HP-VDIARY; From: Independent Living Aids, Inc. Welcome New Branches! Good Shepherd Long Term Care Facility/Lehigh County 601 St. John Street, Allentown, PA 18103 Ph: (610) 776-3517 ~ Fax: (610) 776-3143 Contact Person: Judy Prodes or Carrie Childs E-mail: jprodes@gsrh.org or cchilds@gsrh.org http://www.goodshepherdrehab.org Bradford County Library System/Bradford County RD3 Box 320, Troy, PA 16947 Ph: (570) 297-2436 ~ Fax: (570) 297-4197 Contact Persons: Nancy Robinson or Jacqueline Casslebury E-mail: dianesadler@sosbbs.com http://www.bradfordcountylibrary.org NEW Monthly Feature! Index of Items Featured in this Issue: AlphaSmart Pro and 2000 Braille Companion Deluxe Braille Lite 2000 and 40 BrailleNote Braille 'n Speak Casio Phonemate Chattervox Digital Pill Box Timer DreamWriter Electric Talking Alarm Clock Keynote Companion Laser PC6 Talking Tape Measure Type 'n Speak Palm Pilot Parrot Plus Portable Phone Handset Ampl Voice Diary NOTE: A new detailed software guide will be available March 2001 and will be distributed to all local branches. Access Abilities 2001: Assistive Technology & Augmentative Communication 2nd Annual Conference ~ March 13 - 15, 2001 William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ Sponsored by: The New Jersey Consortium to Access Abilities, United Cerebral Palsy Of New Jersey, William Paterson University, College of Education, Department of Special Education and Counseling and Assistive Technology Center. Topics for conference sessions include: Methods, materials and support used to weave AT into a school curriculum; Internet resources for funding, advocacy, loan, and recycling programs, recreation, and training; specific technology tools that support reading, writing, organization and inclusion into regular education program; using technology to support transition throughout life; the latest technology tools for vision needs, as well as best practices for implementation; AAC issues including assessment, specific devices, and implementation; and technology demonstrations by vendors and professionals. This conference has been approved to offer CEUs. Registration contact:: The Office of Continuing Education at 973-720-2436. Information contact: Fred Tchang, United Cerebral Palsy Of New Jersey, President, NJ CART, E-mail: ftchang@ucpanj.org Event website: http://www.accessabilities-2001.com WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THESE ITEMS? AlphaSmart, Inc. 20400 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 300, Cupertino, CA 95014 Ph: (888) 274-0680 ~ Fax: (408) 252-9409 E-mail: info@alphasmart.com ~ http://www.alphasmart.com Artic Technologies 55 Park Street, Suite 2, Troy, MI 48083 Ph: (248) 588-7370 ~ Fax: (248) 588-2650 E-mail: info@artictech.com ~ http://www.artictech.com Blazie, a division of Freedom Scientific, BLV Group, LLC 2850 SE Market Place, Stuart, FL 34997 Ph: (800) 444-4443 ~ Fax: 561-223-6413 E-mail: Info@blazie.com ~ http://www.blazie.com Harris Communications, Inc. 15155 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Ph: (800) 825-6758 ~ TTY (800) 825-9187 ~ Fax (952) 906-1099 E-mail: mail@harriscomm.com ~ http://harriscomm.com Humanware, Inc. 6245 King Road, Loomis, CA 95650 Ph: (800) 722-3393 ~ http://www.humanware.com Independent Living Aids, Inc. (ILA) 27 East Mall ~ Plainview, NY 11803 Ph: (800) 537-2118 ~ http://www.independentlivingaids.com Maxi-Aids, Inc. 42 Executive Blvd, Farmingdale, New York 11735 Ph: (631) 752-0521 ~ Fax: (631) 752-0689 ~ http://www.maxiaids.com NTS Computer Systems Ltd. 11491 Kingston Street ~ Maple Ridge, BC, Canada V2X OY6 Ph: (800) 663-7163 ~ Toll-free fax: (877) 373-2697 E-mail: info@dreamwriter.com ~ http://www.nts.dreamwriter.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 Staples Online http://www.staples.com This Newsletter is available in alternate formats upon request. 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: ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES