Discusses the trends toward developing "spelling checkers" for word processing programs. Compares 19 different commercial dictionary programs with regard to word size, dictionary source, number of words checked, memory requirement, algorithm type, and cost. Cautions against becoming too dependent on spelling checkers, noting their shortcomings.…

Enumerates "hardware problems" associated with use of the IBM personal computer as an online search machine: purchase of machinery, unpacking of parts, and assembly into a properly functioning computer. Components that allow transformations of computer into a search machine (combination boards, printer, modem) and diagnostics software…

Discusses the hardware and software necessary to generate charts and graphs to illustrate numeric data using a microcomputer. The manufacturer, price, operating system, memory requirements, and types of graphs they can produce are given for nine graphics software packages and seven inexpensive plotters. (MBR)

The article describes 14 recent devices and software programs which can be used to improve access by special needs populations to the Macintosh computer. (Author/DB)

The Computer Access Project offers specialized vocational training to individuals with severe physical disabilities. Ten participants, who were once thought unemployable, were given training in two areas of software applications (computer-aided drafting and bookkeeping). Student selection is described, and the importance of motivation noted.…

Describes seven methods to transfer data from Apple computer disks to IBM computer disks and vice versa: print out data and retype; use a commercial software package, optical-character reader, homemade cable, or modem to pass or transfer data directly; pay commercial data-transfer service; or store files on mainframe and download. (MBR)

Discusses the works of Darcy Gerbarg, Ruth Leavitt, David Em, Duane Palyka, and Harold Cohen, visual artists who work with computers to create art works by relying on standard hardware/software tools, using custom tools created for nonartistic tasks, manipulating images at the programing level, and programing creativity into computers themselves.…

Pupils with special educational needs are finding that the use of word processors can give them a new confidence and pride in their own abilities. This article describes the use of such devices as the "mouse," on-screen word lists, spell checkers, and overlay keyboards. (JDD)

This paper describes the prototype of a software package being developed in England for use as an inexpensive and flexible speech synthesizer. The system, which uses a standard IBM-compatible laptop computer, color graphics, and a hard disk drive, provides flexibility in changing the nature of the speech available and how it is organized. (JDD)

This document is composed of four issues of a quarterly newsletter on the use of assistive technology applications in educating young children with disabilities. Feature articles include: "Study Reveals Assistive Technology Effects, Benefits, Barriers" (Patricia Hutinger and others); "Adapting Macintosh Software To Meet Individual…

Discusses features essential to good art software or paint systems and provides descriptions of 10 art software packages to illustrate range available to home computer artists--Complete Graphics System, E-Z Draw 3.3, Flying Colors, Graphics Magician, Micro-Painter, Paint, Paint Magic, Paint Master, Poor Man's Graphics Tablet, and Rainbow Graphics.…

Addresses single-user microcomputer systems and information processing applications normally performed through use of data management, spreadsheet, word processing, business graphics, and communications software. Both hardware and software considerations are included with an emphasis on hardware once appropriate application software-level packages…

The paper describes new software and special input devices to allow physically impaired children to utilize the graphic capabilities of personal computers. Special input devices for computer graphics access--the voice recognition card, the single switch, or the mouse emulator--can be used either singly or in combination by the disabled to control…

Brief papers authored by staff of the Trace Research and Development Center on Communication, Control, and Computer Access for Handicapped Individuals and presented at the first through ninth annual conferences on rehabilitation engineering technology are presented. Papers have the following titles and authors: "The Data Routing Module:…

Presents short text in French and discusses possible methods of extending word processing to allow text entry, text editing, and hard copy output of foreign characters. Highlights include discussions of using ASCII for English and problems with French, one-character and two-character approaches, and examples in terms of specific microcomputer…