A gestural-assisted menu-driven communication system for motorically impaired persons was developed using a low-cost microcomputer with adaptations and adjustments to hardware and software. (CL)

The paper analyzes major microcomputer systems and their use in rehabilitative systems for persons with physical handicaps. Four categories of microcomputers are addressed: systems designed for home or school with emphasis on low cost, recreation, and educational software; general purpose microcomputers with applications in a large number of…

A microcomputer-based Universal Laboratory Training and Research Aid (ULTRA) provides meaningful laboratory access to blind students and students with upper limb disabilities. Using ULTRA, blind students can perform chemical experiments independently. (CL)

The use of microcomputers as communication aids for physically handicapped children and adults is described. Characteristics of stationary speech output communication aids addressed include encoding by single switch users, an easy to change vocabulary through the use of an "editor," capability to speak via synthesized speech in addition to…

Activities using Logo, a programing language, have been successful in helping severely physically disabled students as well as autistic children express themselves. (CL)

Identifies factors to consider when evaluating educational software and describes additional criteria for evaluating software for physically disabled students. Software design which complements school curriculum and is accessible to nondisabled and moderately disabled students is presented as a solution. Sammy Series programs developed to meet…

Microcomputers can serve as expressive communication tools for severely physically disabled persons. Features such as single input devices, direct selection aids, and speech synthesis capabilities can be extremely useful. The trend toward portable battery-operated computers will make the technology even more accessible. (CL)

Prize winners in The First National Search for Applications to Aid the Handicapped are highlighted. First prize of $10,000 was presented to Dr. Harry Levitt, hearing and speech professor at the City University of New York. He programmed a TRS-80 Pocket Computer for rapid communication by the deaf over telephones. (MP)

Describes a motor rehabilitation workstation based on a microcomputer and equipped with a set of sensory input devices (touch plate, touch screen, electrodes to acquire electromyographic activity, and force-sensitive foot plates) that allows rehabilitation professionals to assess and treat patients in a multimedia environment. Discusses the…

The paper presents a description of and a rationale for a single-stroke LOGO package for physically handicapped students. The package is intended to promote cognitive decision making via a simplified single-stroke keyboard approach. Sequential behaviors of nonhandicapped students learning to use the system are described. Physically handicapped…

The article describes the "Ocular Communicator" and its use with a severely physically disabled 14-year-old male. The device is designed for persons who have minimal motor function and employs eye movements for the operation of a printer or computer keyboard. (Author/DB)

This paper describes developments and applications in the utilization of personal computers in Italy to improve the communication capabilities of persons having communication disorders resulting from deafness, deaf blindness, or motor disabilities. (DB)

The paper describes three strategies featuring a microcomputer to promote the integration and acceptance of students with disabilities among their nondisabled peers. The first strategy is a cross-age tutoring program in which disabled, learning disabled, emotionally disabled, or mildly retarded students demonstrate computer use to nondisabled…

The application of microtechnology in a school for multiply handicapped children is explained to include a language arts program stressing sentence formation and letter matching, production of artificial speech, and communication aids for physically impaired children. Adaptations for severe physical involvement and for visual impairments are…

The "Technically Speaking" columns from several isues of "The Source" magazine are reprinted. The columns were written by Gregg Vanderheiden, Peter Borden, Roger Smith, Jane Berliss, and Charles Lee. Titles of the columns included are: "Technological Advances: A Boon or a Barrier to Persons with Disabilities?";…