Ideas are presented for identifying, evaluating, and selecting instructional software for children with special needs. The article notes several library research tools as sources of information and lists specific questions to consider when evaluating software. (JDD)

VALE (Vocational Assessment of Lost Earnings) is a computer-based information system that assesses loss of capacity to perform work and earn money as a result of disability. System uses the Worker Trait Characteristics associated with occupational titles, which are cross- referenced with national earnings data and number of employed persons in 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…

This overview of adaptive technology for computers and networking identifies issues that must be addressed for people with disabilities to participate fully in online activities. Discussion includes adaptive equipment; Internet access; and graphical user interface (GUI) concerns. Contact information for vendors for adaptive technology and…

A project in Fairfax County, Virginia, is training five infants with physical and other handicaps to use the computer to communicate with others and to interact with the environment. Computer training begins with establishment of cause-effect relationship and proceeds through choice selection and finally categorization. (CL)

The article summarizes a survey of major computer hardware and software manufacturers as well as of disabled (blind, deaf, and physically disabled) persons who use personal computers at home and work. The study recommended ways in which technology could be made more accessible, primarily through providing transparency and redundancy. (CL)

There is a large variety of public domain software, which is free for anyone to copy and use with their personal computer, including educational programs for disabled persons. Examples of public domain software are listed along with guidelines for obtaining programs, including the addresses of several computer users' groups. (CB)

A review of the technological and psychological literature suggests the existence of two psychological constructs that severely impact on teachers' use of new technology, especially computers: Technophobia and Computerphobia. The review explores some suggestions for avoiding, overcoming and general coping with these problems by both the teachers…

Provides a bibliography of references focusing on computers and the handicapped. Each of the 17 items includes author(s), title, source, and annotation. (JN)

The paper describes how microcomputers can be used to manage the records of students enrolled in special education personnel preparation programs. A rationale for the use of database management systems is provided along with an example of the use of one such system. (Author)

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…

The paper examines the way preschool children with handicaps interact with and make their response to computer programs, suggesting that the most important factor ensuring successful computer use is finding the most appropriate method of computer access. Difficulties with software programs are noted, including problems with scanning. It is…

Some of the most hopeful applications of computers and computer software (particularly as prosthetic devices to aid communication) exist in the area of special education. Several of these applications are discussed. (JN)

This article describes a system based on the Epson HX-20 used for real time (rather than time-sample) recording of behavior observation data, which allows the researcher additional options in analysis. Examples of the programs developed, types of research questions asked, and data analyses conducted are provided. (Author/PB)

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)