This resource guide explains the differences between shareware and public domain computer software programs. Over 90 sources that make these programs available are listed, including organization name, address, telephone number, general costs, and computer types. Several sources that specialize in special education software or adaptive software are…

Projects of the Foundation for Technology Access are described, such as the Alliance for Technology Access and the Computer Classroom Integration Demonstration. The resource section lists, by state, over 150 resource centers of the Alliance for Technology Access, RESNA, and the Council for Exceptional Children. (JDD)

This brochure presents an overview of adaptive computing technology and how it can help people with disabilities participate more fully in society. It defines key terms (such as "disability" and "access barriers") and briefly summarizes provisions of major laws: the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Technology-Related Assistance Act,…

This article describes assistive technologies for persons with learning disabilities, including word processing, spell checking, proofreading programs, outlining/"brainstorming" programs, abbreviation expanders, speech recognition, speech synthesis/screen review, optical character recognition systems, personal data managers, free-form databases,…

This article describes potential use of new technological products and services by blind/visually impaired people. Items discussed include computer input devices, public telephones, automatic teller machines, airline and rail arrival/departure displays, ticketing machines, information retrieval systems, order-entry terminals, optical character…

A history of speech training technology is presented, from the simple hand-held mirror to complicated computer-based systems and tactile devices, and subsequent papers in this theme issue are introduced. Both the advantages and problems of technological aids are addressed. Simplicity in the application and use of speech training aids is stressed.…

This article describes (1) IBM's National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities, a clearinghouse of information about adaptive devices, software, and support groups helping disabled persons use IBM computers; (2) special IBM products, including the Screen Reader, SpeechViewer, and PhoneCommunicator; and (3) an IBM-sponsored program whereby…

Obstacles to full access to electronic information-based technology and assistive devices for people who are blind or visually impaired include: high costs and limited financial assistance sources for assistive technology, insufficient resources for providing instruction in the use of new technology, and developments such as the graphical user…

This paper describes a computer-assisted communication system successfully used in three cases of "locked in syndrome" (in which the only reliable motor functions are eye movements). The paper concludes that patients who survive locked in syndrome for several weeks should be given the chance to communicate via a suitable system. (DB)

This article discusses technology available in Sweden for visually impaired and deaf-blind people. It describes systems for stop announcements on buses and trams, queuing systems in shops and banks, text telephones, synthetic speech or braille displays of newspapers and other information sources, and home computers. Ideas for the future are also…

A survey of 61 vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies investigated the use of rehabilitation technology services. The results are organized into the following eight reports: (1) general report of findings (includes information on the governing structure of VR agencies); (2) personnel of VR agencies (includes findings on the roles and…

This article traces the development of reading methods for blind/visually impaired persons, including paper braille, recordings, radio reading services, computerized telephone services, personal computers, books on compact disks, and scanning systems. Technological trends that may decrease accessibility to text materials are also noted, such as…

This report focuses on technology training programs for disabled persons, the contributions of access technology to the employment of disabled persons, the ability of traditional rehabilitation centers to train disabled persons for advanced technology occupations, and the placement and employment of disabled persons trained in new technologies.…

Increasingly, very young children with disabilities are using microcomputers, powered mobility, myoelectric prostheses, and augmentative communication devices. This article examines research, clinical experience, and issues in the field of advanced technology applied to disabled children, aged birth to three, and suggests future applications of…

The Preschool Technology Training Project was designed to develop and demonstrate a regional training model on the applications of assistive technology for preschoolers with disabilities. The goal of the training was to enable preschool special education teachers, related services personnel, and parents of young children with disabilities to…