This document presents the transcript of a hearing before the House Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness concerning the implementation of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 and the future role of the federal government in this area. Highlights of the testimony include state assistive technology projects, provision of low-interest loans…

This article describes a strategy for using Braille Lite, a portable notetaking device that combines synthetic speech and Braille, to produce mathematical expressions that can be easily interpreted by sighted teachers who do not use Braille. The strategy also allows students to review their work tactilely on the Braille display. (Contains 2…

This article uses an outcome-driven model within a family-centered, interdisciplinary team philosophy to develop a 10-step framework to help service providers fit assistive technology (AT) services to the needs of infants and toddlers. Criteria for determining appropriate AT interventions are offered, as is the critical information needed for…

This article describes a setup smart access card that enables users with visual impairments to customize magnifiers and screen readers on computers by loading the floppy disk into the computer and finding and pressing two successive keys. A trial with four elderly users found instruction took about 15 minutes. (Contains 3 references.) (CR)

A study examined the effect of listening practice on the ability of 20 young adults to comprehend natural speech and DECtalk synthesized speech. Response latencies of participants shortened in a similar fashion to sentences presented in both types of speech across a 5-day period, with latencies remaining significantly longer in response to…

In a series of experiments, canes of different lengths, weights, and weight distributions were assessed to determine the effect of these characteristics on various performance measures. The results indicate that the overall weight of a cane and the distribution of weight along a cane's shaft do not affect a person's performance, but accuracy does…

Background: Microswitches can be vital tools to help individuals with extensive multiple disabilities acquire control of environmental stimulation. This study was aimed at extending the evaluation of a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances with three participants with multiple disabilities. Method: Sets of 7 or 12 word…

The present study investigated the effects of speech recognition technology (SR) and advance planning on children's writing processes. Fluent and less fluent writers, ages 11 to 14, composed 4 narratives, via handwriting and SR, both with and without advance planning. Less fluent children's handwritten narratives were significantly inferior to…

Purpose: Although advancements in technology have expanded the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for children with disabilities, the use of AAC devices in school and home settings is often inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to examine family members' perceptions regarding the use of AAC devices. Factors that…

For thousands of years, many people with special needs have not had the same access to communication technology that those without special needs have taken for granted. Because they lacked access to communication technology, those with special needs became an invisible population. However, the same communication formats, with adaptations, that…

Speech recognition is an alternative to traditional methods of interacting with a computer, such as textual input through a keyboard. An effective system can replace or reduce the reliability on standard keyboard and mouse input. This can especially assist dyslexic students who have problems with character or word use and manipulation in a textual…

Assistive technology has always been an important component of individualized education programs. The individualized education program process can be used to supply hearing assistive technology to students. One goal of audiologists and educators is to improve the acoustic environment of classrooms for all students by constructing school buildings…

The QIAT Self-Evaluation Matrices (QILT, 2001) were developed in response to formative evaluation data indicating a need for a model that could assist in the application of the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services in Schools (Zabala, et al, 2000). The QIAT Matrices are based on the idea that change does not happen immediately, but…

Anyone who hires Loft Bell is getting two librarians: one who enthusiastically does the job, and another who develops new ideas, secures grants to fund them, and swiftly puts the ideas into action. There's nothing that makes a job more attractive to Bell than the freedom to try out new things. Jenny Levine, Internet development specialist at…

This research analyzed both engineering and nontechnical issues involved in the use of Induction Loop Amplification (ILA) devices in auditoriums or large gathering places for hard-of-hearing individuals. A variety of parameters need to be taken into account to determine an optimal shape/configuration for the ILA device. In many cases, an optimal…