"Half-QWERTY" (first upper six keys on a keyboard) is a typing technique designed to transfer touch-typing skills to the one-handed condition by using a software-modified keyboard. Tested subjects achieved one-handed speeds of 60 words per minute, 83% of their two-handed rate. Results are important for disabled user access and for compact computer…

Describes adaptive technology for personal computers that accommodate disabled users and may require special equipment including hardware, memory, expansion slots, and ports. Highlights include vision aids, including speech synthesizers, magnification, braille, and optical character recognition (OCR); hearing adaptations; motor-impaired…

Evaluates outSPOKEN, a Windows 95 screen reader for people with visual disabilities. Evaluates the program for installation and documentation (good), Word 97 (good), WordPerfect 8.0 (less than good), and Internet Explorer and Navigator (a little less than good). Provides specific suggestions for improving performance and steps for selecting a…

This booklet provides basic information about computers, assistive devices for computers, and computer software for young children with disabilities. Guidelines for assessing the child's readiness for computers are provided, as are tips on planning computer-related goals and incorporating computer use into the Individual Family Service Plan and…

Discussion of assistive, or adaptive, technology highlights major technologies that help physically impaired individuals at home, work, and school. Technologies described include voice recognition, microswitches, communication boards, headsticks and mouthsticks, vision control, adaptive keyboards, word prediction software, electronic readers,…

This pamphlet provides information on selection of a personal computer system for individuals with physical disabilities. It is directed toward adults or young adults who need to access such application programs as word processing, database management, and spreadsheets for higher education or vocational purposes. Following a brief description of…

Describes results of a questionnaire-based survey directed at users, researchers, teachers, and support agencies to determine the use of computer-based aids among disabled people in the United Kingdom. Personal computers and peripheral devices are discussed, and research projects are identified. (LRW)

The versatility of the computer can be expanded considerably for young handicapped children by using input devices other than the typewriter-style keyboard. Input devices appropriate for young children can be classified into four categories: alternative keyboards, contact switches, speech input devices, and cursor control devices. Described are…

Personnel in the rehabilitation field have come to recognize the possibilities and implications of computers as assistive technology for disabled persons. This manual provides information on how to adapt the Unicorn Board, Touch Talker/Light Talker overlays, the Adaptive Firmware Card setup disk, and Trace-Transparent Access Module (T-TAM) to…

This paper presents a generalized solution to the problems that people with disabilities face regarding accessing the Internet. Of particular interest is the way in which the authors' paradigm allows for enhanced interaction with information resources, including distance learning and education in general. A basic overview is provided of the…

This guide contains questions and answers about Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1986 by Public Law 99-506, which required the federal government to establish, in consultation with industry, guidelines to ensure that individuals with disabilities may use electronic office equipment with or without special peripherals. The guide…

Assistive technology that can help disabled computer users is described, and a resource guide to computer help for the disabled is presented. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has broad implications for higher education, in that it mandates that colleges and universities give disabled students equal access to computers on public…

This resource book lists approximately 1,500 products designed specifically for the needs of people with disabilities. Typically, each product is pictured; basic information is provided including manufacturer name, product cost, size, and weight; and the product is briefly described. The book's four sections each describe products designed for…

An augmentative and alternative communication device was designed for a nonspeaking, blind, severely mentally retarded 11-year-old. The device consisted of a computer-supported expanded keyboard that produced synthetic speech output when tactile symbols were activated. Described are the assessment procedures, instructional procedures, and…