Assistive Computer Technology For MS-DOS Training Guide

Transcription

1 Assistive Computer Technology For MS-DOS Training Guide High Tech Center Training Unit Of the California Community Colleges at the Foothill-De Anza Community College District McClellan Road Cupertino, CA (408) Rev. 5/3/95.

2

3 WordPerfect 5.1 (Dos) Publisher: WordPerfect Corporation 1555 N. Technology Way Orem, Utah (801) System Requirements: PC/MS-DOS machines Description: Retail Cost $ Pull-down menus and mouse support are important new features of WordPerfect 5.1. All major commands can be run from these pull-down menus. Mouse support makes it easier to select a block or menu item, or to scroll the screen. Another new feature is support for easy creation of tables: a user can simply choose the initial number of rows and columns for the table. The mail merge function and label creation are more powerful and easier to use than in prior versions of WordPerfect. Additional features include: center or right justification of text; setting tabs that are relative to a margin (when a margin is changed, tabs move with it); and easily moving families within an outline. A WordPerfect Workbook is included with the software program which introduces new features and techniques for creating and editing documents. An on-line tutorial program is also included which introduces the keyboard and basic word processing skills. Memory requirements: 384K of free memory and a hard drive, or if running on a two disk drive system, each drive must be at least 720K or larger. A hard disk is recommended and installation is relatively simple. Recommended Uses: Students benefit from learning to use this all-purpose word processor in a number of ways. Because WordPerfect is the most widely used word processor in the MS-DOS/PC-DOS environment, students develop potential job skills as they learn to use the program. Students are able to work in mainstream campus computer labs (most of which use WordPerfect) when they know WordPerfect. Students cannot learn assistive technologies in a vacuum; they need a software environment in which to learn these tools, and WordPerfect provides a flexible, versatile environment in which students can learn to manipulate access tools. WordPerfect can be used very simply. As few as thirteen commands provide a student with basic document production skills. ACT for MS-DOS 1

4 Basic Use: Many books and materials are available which lead a new user through the basics of WordPerfect. Information in this guide is not intended to provide indepth instruction, but is designed to provide a very concise list of useful commands. WordPerfect 5.1 may be operated through keyboard commands or through the use of drop-down menu options. It is suggested that beginning students may benefit from using commands to run WordPerfect. In this way, students can use older versions of WordPerfect which did not come with a drop down menu function. It is possible to use a mouse with WordPerfect when the drop down menu is used. Intermediate and Advanced Use: Formatting Text: The following format settings are automatically applied to all new documents: 1. Margins: Left, right, top and bottom margins are set for 1". 2. Line Spacing: Text is single-spaced. 3. Page breaks and page numbering: Page break is automatically inserted after 55 lines. Page numbering is off. 4. Tabs: Tabs are set at.5" (every 5. spaces). About the WordPerfect Reveal Codes Window: WordPerfect does not display formatting commands on screen, but they may be seen in a special window, the Reveal Codes window. Pressing Alt-F3 opens this window on the lower half of the screen. The upper half of the screen displays text at and around the cursor position. The Reveal Codes window displays the same text with the formatting commands which have been selected. Formatting codes and text may be deleted or added in the Reveal Codes window. Format changes to previously formatted text can only be made in the Reveal Codes window. Enter Alt-F3 again to close the Reveal Codes window. 2 ACT for MS-DOS

5 Changing Margins: 1. To set a new left margin, first press Shift-F8, then 1, and then 7. Enter the new starting number for the left margin and then press Enter. 2. To set a new right margin, first press Shift-F8, then 1, and then 7. Enter the new starting number for the right margin and then press Enter. 3. To set a new top margin, first press Shift-F8, then 2, and then 5. Enter the new number for the top margin and then press Enter. 4. To set a new bottom margin, first press Shift-F8, then 2, type the new number for the bottom margin and press Enter. Changing Line Spacing, Justification and Centering Text: 1. To change line spacing, first press Shift-F8, then 1, and then 6. Enter the number of spaces between the lines (2 for double spacing), then press Enter. The Reveal Codes window must be used to change or delete special line spacing. 2. To turn right justification on or off, first press Shift-F8, then 1, and then 3. Press y or n and Enter to turn right justification on or off. 3. To center text on current line, press Shift-F6 and enter text. Changing Page Breaks: 1. To insert a hard page break at the cursor position, press Control- Enter. 2. To remove a hard page break, move the cursor to the beginning of the line just below the break and press Backspace. Changing Page Numbering: 1. Position the cursor on the page at which new numbering is to begin. First press Shift-F8, then 2, and then 6. Enter the new page number and press Enter. Clearing and Setting Tabs: 1. To clear all tabs, first press Shift-F8, then 1, then 8, and then Control- End. 2. To set a single tab stop, first press Shift-F8, then 1, and then 8. Move the cursor to the desired position on the tab ruler and press L (for a standard tab). ACT for MS-DOS 3

6 3. To delete a single tab stop, first press Shift-F8, then 1, and then 8. Move the cursor on the tab ruler to position of the tab to be removed and then press Delete or Backspace. Special Printing Features: 1. To underline text, first press F8 and then enter text. When through entering text to be underlined, press F8 again. Text will change color. To underline text previously entered, use the Reveal Codes window. 2. To boldface text, first press F6 and then enter text. When through entering text to be boldfaced, press F6 again. Appearance of text will change. To boldface text previously entered, use the Reveal Codes window. Creating Headers and Footers: Note: Headers and footers will not be visible on the screen. Use the Reveal Codes (Alt-F3) or View Document (Shift-F7, 6) commands to view the text. 1. To create a header, first press Shift-F8, then 2, and then 3. Select Header A or B, select page placement, enter header text, and then press Enter. 2. To create a footer, first press Shift-F8, then 2, and then 4. Select Footer A or B, select page placement, enter footer text, and then press Enter. Re-formatting Text: When margin settings are changed, all text entered after the line at which the new margin setting was made will conform to new margin setting. Previously entered text below the new margin setting will automatically re-format as the cursor passes through it. Once margin settings (other than default margin settings) are in place, they can only be changed by deleting the old setting in Reveal Codes window and setting new ones. Marking a Block of Text: Place the cursor under the first character of the text to be included in the block and press Alt-F4. Move the cursor with the arrow key through the text to be marked. Stop the cursor on the last character in the block to be marked. Proceed with appropriate block function. To cancel or back out of marking a block, press Alt-F4 again. 4 ACT for MS-DOS

7 Copying a Block of Text Define the block of text with Alt F4. Press Control F4 and select 1 for Block, and then 2 for Copy. The highlighting will disappear on the text; move the cursor to the position where the text will be duplicated and press Enter. Moving a Block of Text Define the block of text with Alt F4. Press Control F4 and select 1 for Block and then 1 for Move. The defined block disappears from the screen. Move the cursor to the position where the text is to be inserted and press Enter. Notes: 1. It is necessary to use a command switch option when using WordPerfect with other access technologies. The Ink option appended to the standard command which loads WordPerfect causes WordPerfect to allow other programs to take over the keyboard. The following example illustrates the use of this option as WordPerfect is loaded. C:>wp/nk S 2. It is necessary to set the WordPerfect cursor speed control to Normal (no enhanced cursor speed). The command key sequences necessary to install this change follow: Shift-Fl to open Setup Menu 3 to select Environment 6 to select Cursor Speed Back out of the menu with F7 Some terminate and stay resident (TSR) programs will not operate within WordPerfect unless this setting is installed. 3. If students who are blind will be using a screen reader with WordPerfect, it is best to change the default status line units of measure to the option which tracks the cursor by row and column. The command sequence for this change is as follows: Shift-Fl to open Setup Menu 3 to select Environment 8 to select Units of Measure 3 to select Status Line Display u to select row and column option ACT for MS-DOS 5

8 6 ACT for MS-DOS

9 Wordperfect Summary Of Commands To Move Cursor Press right 1 character... Right Arrow right 1 word... Ctrl-Right Arrow right to end of line End left 1 character... Left Arrow left 1 word... Ctrl-Left Arrow left to beginning of line Home-Left Arrow up 1 line... Up Arrow up to top line on screen... Home-Up Arrow up to beginning of document Home Home-Up Arrow down 1 line... Down Arrow down to bottom line on screen Home-Down Arrow down to end of document... Home Home-Down Arrow To Scroll Press up to top of previous page... PgUp down to top of next page... PgDn up to top of current page... Ctrl-Home Up Arrow down to bottom of current page Ctrl-Home Down Arrow To Insert Press Text Ins... a line... (On/Off) Enter To Erase Press 1 character left of cursor... Backspace 1 character above cursor... Delete word at cursor... word to left of cursor... word to right of cursor... from cursor to right end of line... delete page... Ctrl-Backspace Ctrl-Backspace (cursor at space beyond word to be erased) Home-Delete Ctrl-End Ctrl -PgDn S ACT for MS-DOS

10 Changing Text Format Press left or right margin... Shift-F8, 1, 7 top or bottom margin... Shift-F8, 2, 5 right justification... Shift-F8, 1, 5 center text... Shift-F6 line spacing on screen... Shift-F8, 1, 6 paragraph indent...use first tab insert a page break...ctrl-enter omit page numbering...shift-f8, 2, 7 starting page number... Shift-F8, 2, 6 set or clear a tab... Shift-F8, 8 underline text... F8 boldface text... F6 create a header... Shift-F8, 2 create a footer... Shift-F8, 3 Marking and Moving Text Press mark block of text...f12 or Alt F4 delete marked block of text... Backspace move marked block of text... F4, B, M copy marked block of text... F4, B, C Special Functions Press save and continue...f10 save and close... F7, Y, N save and exit... F7, Y, Y cancel and continue... F7, N,N cancel and exit... F7, N, Y view document... Shift-F7 open a window... Ctrl-F3 (shift from window to window)... (F3) access spell check... Ctrl-F2 access thesaurus...alt-fl to print... Shift-F7 8 ACT for MS-DOS

11 Instant Definitions (DOS ) Publisher: Word Science Corporation 1415 Oakland Blvd., Suite 220 Walnut Creek, CA (510) System Requirements: Retail Cost: This program is designed for use on IBM PC/ PC/XT, PC/AT, PS/2, and IBM compatibles. The program requires 4k of. RAM and a hard drive with at least 2.5 MB of available space. Description: Instant Definitions provides immediate access to information from the American Heritage Dictionary (Office Edition) for over 116,000 words, word forms, and phrases. This on-line dictionary allows the user to browse through detailed information which includes multiple definitions, hyphenation, parts of speech, usage notes, synonyms, and sample sentences. It also is possible to get definitions for words appearing in a definition. The program can be used as a stand-alone terminate and stay resident (TSR) program, or it can be configured to work specifically with a particular word processor. It is recommended that the program be configured to work with WordPerfect (versions 5.x). A version for the interim release of WordPerfect 6.0 (text mode only) is projected for release in January Recommended Uses: This program is especially useful for persons needing definitions for words appearing on the spell check suggestion window of WordPerfect. When installed to run with WordPerfect, Instant Definitions is "smart" about the spell check screen, and it is possible to get a definition for each word suggestion. Basic Use: Easy Use in WordPerfect SpellCheck: Pressing Alt D activates a highlight bar in the spell checker suggestion list. Use the arrow keys to move the highlight bar to a word for which a definition is desired. Tap the Enter key to bring up a definition for that word.

12 Easy Use in WordPerfect Thesaurus: Pressing Alt D activates the highlight bar in the thesaurus window. Move the highlight bar to the desired word and press Enter. To request information about additional words in the thesaurus window, press Escape to remove the Information window, then press the Alt D to repeat the process. Intermediate Use: Standard Operating Commands Once the program is installed and loaded in memory, the following hotkey commands operate the program: Alt D Word Definition This command provides information about the word at the cursor. Alt B Phrase Capture This command is to be used when information is desired for more than one word, e.g., sweat shirt. Alt A Options Menu This displays a menu selection bar at the top of the screen which provides access to every program function except permanent changes or removal from memory within an application program. Commands to Use When Instant Definitions is onscreen and active: Alt B Alt H Alt I Alt S Alt R Notes: Browse dictionary headwords Retrieve list of words browsed Use this inside Suggestions, Browse, History or DictionaryScan boxes; word at Instant Definitions cursor will be inserted in application document. Begin DictionaryScan to search for word occurrences Return to Search Results List after retrieving a complete definition display from the list.

13 Turbo Lightning (DOS) Publisher. Retail Cost: $.00 Borland, Inc. (Discontinued by Borland and temporarily available from the High Tech Center Training Unit.) System Requirements: PC/MS-DOS machines Description: Spell-checking documents is an important component of assistive computer technology for students with learning and other disabilities. Automatic spellchecking allows learning disabled students with poor spelling skills to concentrate on document creation rather than on the mechanics of spelling. There are two basic types of spell checking programs: real-time and full document. Turbo Lightning is a real-time spelling checker. A real-time spelling check program continuously monitors spelling as the document is being typed. The user is immediately notified if a word has been misspelled. A full document spell-check program corrects spelling in an entire document, or selected portions, generally after writing is complete. Some real-time and fulldocument spell-checkers also include a thesaurus. A real-time spell-check and thesaurus used in conjunction with a full document spell-check provides the most complete assistance for students with learning disabilities. Basic Use: To load Turbo Lightning from the hard drive, type light at the C: prompt. About the Dictionary 1. Turbo Lightning works by monitoring the spelling of words as they are being typed. When a spelling error occurs, that is, when Turbo Lightning cannot find a similarly spelled word in its dictionary, a beep will sound. 2. Press the Minus (-) key on the numeric key pad. Turbo Lightning will display a window of possible spelling choices (it may be necessary to use the PageDown key to see all the suggested words). ACT for MS-DOS 11

14 3. Words may be selected by entering the letter in front of the word or using the up and down arrow keys to locate the highlight bar on the word to be selected and pressing Enter. Either method will cause Turbo Lightning to replace the misspelled word with the one chosen from the window. 4. If the word is found to be correctly spelled, a small window appears with the statement "Spelling Confirmed." Pressing Escape will cause the window to disappear. 5. To escape from a dictionary window at any time, simply press the Escape key. About the Thesaurus 1. To see synonyms for a word, place the cursor anywhere in the chosen word or in the space just after the word and press the Asterisk (*) key on the numeric keypad. A list of possible synonyms will appear in a window similar to the dictionary window. 2. To select a word, press the letter in front of the word or use the up and down arrow keys to position the highlight bar over the desired word and press Enter. Turbo Lightning will automatically replace the word in the text with the word selected from its window. Intermediate Use: Environments Turbo Lightning can be configured to work with many application programs. The configuration can be set from the menu or from the command line. Permanent configurations can only be saved through the Turbo Lightning menu. 1. Press Alt Home and a drop-down menu appears across the top of the screen. Selecting the Environments option displays a list of programs supported by Turbo Lightning. Pressing the letter in front of the option automatically configures Turbo Lightning to work with that program. 2. Press the Escape key to return to the DOS prompt or to the application program. To permanently change Turbo Lightning to this new configuration, select the Setup option from the Main menu and from that menu, select choice D (Save SetUp / Options / Environment). 3. To set a configuration from the command line: first load Turbo Lightning into memory by typing light and then pressing Enter. then type envi (letter) where the letter is that listed by the application in the Environment menu (e.g., envi f loads Turbo Lightning configured for WordPerfect). 12 ACT for MS-DOS

15 Turbo Lightning Hot Keys Commands to search for a misspelled word or to do a full screen check are listed in the Options section of the Main menu in Turbo Lightning. This menu is accessed by pressing the Alt and Home keys and then choosing 0 for Options. The following is a list of the Hot Keys as they are presently configured on High Tech Center versions of Turbo Lightning. Alt Home... Main menu Alt Up Arrow... Last bad word Minus (on numeric keypad)... Check word Alt Right Arrow... Screen check Alt PgDn... Review screen Asterisk (on numeric keypad)... Thesaurus Alt Down Arrow... Toggle auto proof Instructions to Modify Hot keys in Turbo Lightning 1. Bring up the Turbo Lightning menu with appropriate hot key(s). 2. Press 0 for Options to open that menu. 3. Move the highlight bar to the desired hot key command and press Enter. 4. Enter the keys which make up the new hot key command (no more than two). The "Enter New Key" window automatically disappears. 5. Change any other hot key commands. 6. Use the Left Arrow to move to the Setup menu. 7. Select the Save option by entering d or moving the highlight to that selection and pressing Enter. The Turbo Lightning menu closes. The new hot key commands are now installed and active, and there is no need to restart the program. Notes: ACT for MS-DOS

16 14 ACT for MS-DOS

17 ZoomText Plus (DOS) Publisher: Retail Cost.50 Ai Squared P.O. Box 669 Manchester Center, VT (802) System Requirements: ZoomText requires an IBM PC or compatible computer (PC, XT, AT, PS/2, 386, or 486) with a VGA or EGA graphics adapter and a EGA or VGA display monitor. Description: ZoomText Plus is a software based large print display program which magnifies both text and graphics. It is fully compatible with the majority of commonly used text based applications (WordPerfect, dbase, Lotus, etc.) and many graphics applications. ZoomText can adjust screen color, text magnification, and is able to track the cursor, mouse, or highlight. The tracking options may be used separately or in combination. ZoomText also has the capability to track the speech cursor for most screen readers. The program provides a variety of useful magnification features including a "magnifying glass mode" and enlargement of a single line of text. The program contains a wide array of options which benefit persons with low vision. Scrolling of enlarged text is smooth and very controllable. Enlarged characters are well formed and easy to read. ZoomText Plus also includes a version (Ztwin) which works in the Microsoft Windows environment. Recommended Uses: ZoomText Plus is intended for use by persons with low vision. It may also be of value to individuals with learning disabilities. Basic Use: Starting ZoomText To start ZoomText, type zoomtext at the DOS prompt. Turning ZoomText Off and On When ZoomText is active, pressing Alt Delete turns it off. This command, like most most two-key commands, is performed by holding the Alt key down and pressing the Delete key. To turn ZoomText back on, press Alt Insert. ACT for MS-DOS 15

18 Using the Pop-Up Menu System or Hot Keys to Set Features When ZoomText is active, pressing Alt Insert will call up the Main menu. Selections are made by moving the menu bar with arrow keys to the desired selection and pressing Enter. Pressing the first letter of the selection will also choose the option. For some ZoomText features, the menu selection process can be bypassed with hot key commands. Hot Keys for Functions To go into Review To View Location To Enlarge Text To Make Text Smaller Alt Scroll Lock Alt Asterisk (on numeric keypad) Alt Plus (on numeric keypad) Alt Minus (on numeric keypad) Using ZoomText: Setting Font Size Holding down the Alt key and pressing the Plus key on the numeric keypad will make the text larger. Alt Minus (on numeric keypad) makes text smaller. ZoomText operates at two levels of resolution: Full and Quick. In Full mode, text has better resolution with smoother edges. The Quick mode is 4 times faster than the Full mode and supports fonts to 16X. The Full mode only supports text to 8X. ZoomText defaults to Full mode in graphic environments. When large text is used on slower machines, the Quick mode will prove to be most efficient. Getting Around the Screen With ZoomText ZoomText will follow the cursor around the screen if Cursor Track is on. ZoomText key commands will move the viewing window around the screen without changing cursor position. After using any of the key commands listed below, pressing Escape will return the viewing window to cursor position. Scroll Left Scroll Right Scroll Up Scroll Down Jump Left Jump Right Jump Up Jump Down Go to Center Alt Left Arrow Alt Right Arrow Alt Up Arrow Alt Down Arrow Alt Home Alt End Alt PageUp Alt PageDown Alt 5 (on numeric keypad) 16 ACT for MS-DOS

19 Intermediate Use: Other ZoomText Features: Menu Options ZoomText has many features which may be customized through a drop down menu or hot keys. Some menu options are discussed below. The ZoomText menu contains eight options: Zoom This menu controls the way in which ZoomText functions as a screen magnifier. There are five options: Full Mode This mode uses the full screen as zoom window, has the highest resolution, and magnifies to 8X. Quick Mode This mode uses the full screen as zoom window, is four times faster than full mode, and magnifies to 16X. S Line Mode This mode magnifies a single line of text which moves vertically with tracking; all other text is unmagnified. On an EGA monitor, text in the magnified line cannot exceed 5X. Area Mode This mode magnifies a sizable rectangle which may be placed anywhere on the screen; the window does not move with tracking. Glass Mode This mode magnifies a sizable rectangle which moves with tracking. Magnification Font size can be set through direct menu selection or through hot keys (Alt Plus or Alt Minus). In Full mode, magnification goes to 8X; in Quick mode to 16X, and in a graphic environment, ZoomText defaults to Full mode and will not get larger than 8X. Window There are four viewing window control mode options: the View options allows the user to relocate the viewport in relation to the normal screen (Alt Asterisk {on numeric keypad] is the hot key for this action); the Scroll, Move and Resize options affect the content, location or size of the window. Three other choices are window attribute toggles. ACT for MS-DOS 17

20 Review The automatic screen review mode (the same as "scrolling" in the Vista screen enlarging program) is toggled on through this menu. The hot key for this is Alt Scroll Lock. Escape stops Review. Ways in which the Review functions behave are set through options in this menu, e.g. vertical review or horizontal review. Arrow keys can be used to control the Review direction. Fonts There are three fonts: default font is PC, the largest, thickest font; the other two styles are Helvetica and Courier. Track ZoomText can be set to track the cursor, mouse, or highlight. It also will track some screen reader cursors. The tracking functions can be used separately or in combination. (ZoomText will only recognize a mouse driver equivalent to a Microsoft mouse driver version of 6.0 or later.) Justify The Justify function controls how and when the viewing window moves in relation to tracking motion. Setting Justification at Center causes ZoomText to position the cursor at the center of the screen except when it is moving from the left margin to center. Text will scroll to the left of cursor as the cursor remains stationary in the center. Other options are available, but Center justification is best for general use. In addition to the Justify options, there is one other option on this menu which affects basic ZoomText use: the Jump feature. There are two options under Jump. If Margin is selected, all ZoomText movement commands performed with Alt and a special key will move the viewing window to the margin of the screen, e.g. Alt Home moves the viewing window to the left margin, Alt PageUp moves the viewing window directly up to the top margin. If Window is selected, Alt movement commands will move the viewing window only in increments of the window size. Colors The Color menu provides the ability to set individualized color preferences. In addition to a full color palate, there also is a toggle for black on white display or the reverse. Suggested Default Settings The following features are suggested as default settings. They may be installed through the menu or through command switches when ZoomText is loaded. 18 ACT for MS-DOS

21 Option Setting Command Switch Mode Full /zm Track Cursor /tc+ Mouse /tm+ Highlight /th+ Justify Center /jc Jump Margin /jj m Notes: S ACT for MS-DOS 19

22 20 ACT for MS-DOS

23 PC Magazine Cursor Definition Utility (DOS) Publisher: Retail Cost: SFree PC Magazine Public domain and may be duplicated and distributed at will. The small program file (cursor.com) can be obtained from the High Tech Center Training Unit. System Requirements: PC/MS DOS machines Description: The PC Magazine Cursor Definition Utility allows the user to modify the shape of the cursor. The cursor can be made taller and thicker, for example, to facilitate easier visual discrimination. Recommended Uses: Users with low vision and some students with learning disabilities may find the default cursor difficult to distinguish from text on the screen. The program allows each user to select a cursor size from a grid of options. Basic Use: 1. To load the largest cursor available, type: cursor/aa at the drive prompt. To load any other cursor, type: cursor/(any coordinates). 2. To look at other cursor options, type: cursor at the drive prompt, and use the arrow keys to navigate around the grid. 3. Press the Space Bar to view the cursor with text. 4. Press Enter to select the cursor and exit. Notes: 1. This program must be loaded after Turbo Lightning. 2. A similar cursor utility, WordPerfect Cursor Definition Utility, is bundled with WordPerfect 5.1. ACT for. MS-DOS 21

24

25 Vocal Eyes (DOS) Publisher: Retail Cost: $ GW Micro 310 Racquet Drive Fort Wayne, IN (219) System Requirements: MS-DOS compatible computer and speech synthesizer Description: Vocal Eyes is a versatile screen reading program. A screen reader is a software program which converts text from the screen to information which can be spoken by a speech synthesizer. Screen readers, primarily designed for use by blind computer users, are also useful for students with low vision and for some students with learning disabilities. Vocal Eyes can be used as an auditory text editing and reading tool for students with learning disabilities. Recommended Uses: For Students with Visual Impairments: Vocal Eyes is useful for students with low vision as well as for students who are non-sighted. Students requiring very large text on the screen will often be more productive if they use a screen reader in conjunction with their text magnification software. For Students with Learning Disabilities: Vocal Eyes now supports the following options useful for students with learning disabilities: a moving cursor highlight on the word being read; the ability to change the foreground and background colors of the moving highlight. Some students with learning disabilities will benefit from editing their written documents by hearing what they have written. Students exhibiting the following errors in written text may benefit from using a screen reader for editing purposes: semantic confusions; verb tense omissions; or omission of morphemic markers such as plural endings. Other students may need to hear what they have written in order to monitor the content of what they are writing.

26 Basic Use: For Students with Learning Disabilities: Word Reading Ctrl Right Arrow Ctrl Left Arrow Sentence Reading Alt Right Arrow Alt Left Arrow Ctrl S Paragraph Reading Ctrl 0 Ctrl P Ctrl Q reads current word reads previous word reads next sentence reads previous sentence reads current sentence reads previous paragraph reads current paragraph reads next paragraph Speak and Spell Ctrl W For Students with Visual Impairments: reads word at cursor pressing Ctrl W a second time causes Vocal Eyes to spell the word 3rd time does military spelling Reading Commands Up Arrow Down Arrow Left or Right Arrow Ctrl Left or Right Arrow Alt Left Arrow Alt Right Arrow moves cursor directly up one line and reads it moves cursor directly down one line and reads it moves cursor one character to left or right and reads it moves cursor to beginning of previous or next word and reads it reads previous sentence and moves cursor to beginning of previous sentence reads next sentence cursor placed at beginning of sentence read.

27 Intermediate Use: Vocal Eyes has a unique mnemonic interactive command set. Holding down the Ctrl key and pressing the C key will cause Vocal Eyes to read the character at the cursor. Holding down the Ctrl key and tapping the W key causes Vocal Eyes to read the word at the cursor, and Ctrl S reads current sentence; Ctrl P reads current paragraph; Ctrl L reads current line. Commands to read previous or current cognates of the above commands rely on alphabetic order: for example: Ctrl B reads previous character, Ctrl D reads next character. Quick Interactive Keyboard Commands Ctrl B, C, D Ctrl V, W, Y Ctrl K, L, M Ctrl R, S, T Ctrl 0, P, Q Alt Down Arrow Alt Up Arrow Alt R Alt C Ctrl \ Ctrl N Ctrl X reads previous, current or next character reads previous, current or next word respectively reads previous, current or next line respectively reads previous, current or next sentence respectively reads previous, current or next paragraph respectively moves cursor to next sentence and reads it moves cursor to previous sentence and reads it reads to end reads bar brings up Vocal Eyes menu Vocal Eyes will ignore next command Silence

28 Special Vocal Eyes Features Two Types of Review Mode: Standard and VE Cursor Standard Review Mode Commands: Alt Starts review mode Alt Exits review mode Escape Exits review mode Tapping the Alt key once invokes the standard review mode. The review cursor always moves to the position of the application cursor. In standard review mode it is possible to read information from any place on the computer screen. The application program screen is frozen and does not change as the review mode cursor moves. The Vocal Eyes reading hot keys which work in the application mode are also available in the review mode. When review mode activities are completed, it is necessary to exit back to the application mode. VE Cursor Review Mode (works only when Numlock is off) Command: Minus (on numeric keypad) Starts VE review The VE cursor is an interactive review mode. This means that is possible to review the screen and have the underlying application program remain active. When the VE cursor is invoked, the cursor goes to the last place the VE cursor was used; this is a major difference from the standard review mode which always begins with the review cursor at the application cursor position. There in no visible VE cursor. If a keystroke which is not a VE command is entered, Vocal Eyes will allow the keystroke to go to the application program. In this way, it is possible to work in the application and use the invisible VE cursor to read any portion of the screen. Additionally, it is also possible to use the standard review mode and the VE cursor review simultaneously. VE Cursor Commands The VE Cursor is controlled through the numeric keypad. The Numlock key must be off. 7 or Home 1 or End 8 or Up Arrow 2 or Down Arrow 9 or Page Up 3 or Page Down 4 or Left Arrow moves VE cursor to column 1 of current line moves VE cursor to end of current line moves VE cursor to previous line and reads it moves VE cursor to next line and reads it moves VE cursor to top left of screen moves VE cursor to first column of last line moves VE cursor to left and reads the character

29 6 or Right Arrow 5 or Center Period or Delete Plus moves VE cursor right and reads the character reads character under VE cursor second tap pronounces character mnemonically speaks current VE cursor position routes application cursor to the VE cursor More VE Cursor Commands (using the Numpad Zero key) It is possible to use the Zero key on the numeric keypad as a special shift key. Each numeric key command listed below must be prefixed with the Zero key held down. 7 or Home 9 or Page Up 8 or Up Arrow 4 or Left Arrow 6 or Right Arrow 5 or Center 1 or End 3 or Page Down 2 or Down Period or Delete Plus reads text from beginning of the line to VE cursor reads the text from VE cursor to end of line reads current line moves VE cursor left by word and reads word moves VE cursor right by word and reads word reads word currently under VE cursor second press spells word third press spells word mnemonically reads first line of screen reads last line of the screen reads all from VE cursor to end of screen reads application cursor position routes VE cursor to application cursor position Standard Review Mode Commands (use after tapping Alt key to go into review mode) Once the Alt key has been tapped, review mode is "on." The keyboard only performs Vocal Eyes functions. Tap Alt or Escape to exit review mode and return to application cursor position and application functions. Cursoring Commands Left Arrow Right Arrow H U Up Arrow Down Arrow K J Ctrl Left Arrow Ctrl Right Arrow Ctrl Up Arrow Ctrl Page Up Ctrl Down Arrow moves cursor to previous character and reads it moves cursor to next character and reads it moves cursor to previous character and reads it moves cursor to next character and reads it moves cursor up one line and reads it moves cursor down one line and reads it moves cursor up one line and reads it moves cursor down one line and reads it moves cursor to previous word and reads it moves cursor to next word and reads it moves cursor to top left of current window moves cursor to top left of current window moves cursor to first column of last line of window

30 Apostrophe Alt Left Arrow Page Up Left Bracket Alt Right Arrow Page Down Right Bracket Enter Home End Ctrl Home Ctrl End moves cursor to first column of last line on window moves cursor to first character of current line and reads it moves cursor to first character of current line and reads it moves cursor to first character of current line and reads it moves cursor to end of current line and reads it moves cursor to end of current line and reads it moves cursor to end of current line and reads it moves cursor to beginning of next line and reads it moves cursor to previous sentence and reads it moves cursor to next sentence and reads it moves cursor to previous paragraph and reads it moves cursor to next paragraph and reads it Other Review Mode Commands Find Command There are three ways to perform a search: F (string to be searched) followed by Enter Begins search from upper left corner to lower right F (string) followed by Greater Than (>) Begins search from cursor position to end F (string) followed by Less Than (<) Begins search from cursor position to top Marker Commands M G prompts for marker number to drop at cursor position prompts for marker to go to Block Commands P R T places a mark at the cursor position marks put at top left and bottom right of text to be copied sends data to block buffer; replaces any previously there sends data to block buffer; adds data to text in buffer

31 Miscellaneous Commands L V C Grave Accent Exit Commands reads line at cursor toggles between character, word or line read for arrow keys sends data directly to synthesizer sends next command not as review command Escape Alt Esc Alt X exits review mode; cursor returns to application position exits review mode; routes video cursor to review cursor exits review mode; routes video cursor to review cursor

32 Using Word Perfect 5.1 and Vocal Eyes Reading in WordPerfect All of the standard interactive read hot keys work. There are some additional special commands in the default Vocal Eyes configuration for Word Perfect: Alt W Alt S Ctrl A Alt R Plus reads entire work area lines one through twenty-four reads status line; this is actually line twenty-five reads WordPerfect cursor position reads entire document from the cursor reads current work area Using WordPerfect Spell Check 1. Enter Ctrl F2 to start spell option in WordPerfect. 2. Select Option 3 to begin a full-document spell check. 3. Once a misspelled word is highlighted on screen, use the following commands to explore context: Ctrl W Ctrl L Alt 0 reads word highlighted by spell check enter Ctrl W another time and word is spelled enter Ctrl W a third time and word is spelled mnemonically reads line highlighted word is in reads and spells words suggested as correct spelling Using the Thesaurus 1. Place WordPerfect cursor at or in word to look up. 2. Invoke the thesaurus by entering Alt Fl. 3. The following commands read thesaurus columns: Alt X Alt Y Alt Z reads first column of suggestions reads second column of suggestions reads third column of suggestions Using WordPerfect Files Directory If default WordPerfect colors are used for blocked text (white on red), Vocal Eyes will automatically read content of menu bar as it is moved by arrow keys. Notes:

33 Flipper (v 4.02) (DOS) Publisher: OMNICHRON 1438 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA (510) System Requirements: MS-DOS compatible computer and speech synthesizer Description: Flipper is a versatile screen reading program. A screen reader is a software program which converts text from the screen to information which can be spoken by a speech synthesizer. Screen readers, primarily designed for use by blind computer users, are also useful for students with low vision and for some students with learning disabilities. Flipper can be used as an auditory text editing and reading tool for students with learning disabilities because the program can be simplified so that only a very few easy-to-use reading commands are available. Recommended Uses: For Students with Visual Impairments: Flipper is useful for students with low vision as well as for students who are non-sighted. Students requiring very large text on the screen will often be more productive if they use a screen reader in conjunction with their text magnification software. For Students with Learning Disabilities: Some students with learning disabilities will benefit from editing their written documents by hearing what they have written. Students exhibiting the following errors in written text may benefit from using a screen reader for editing purposes: semantic confusions; verb tense omissions; or omission of morphemic markers such as plural endings. Other students may need to hear what they have written in order to monitor the content of what they are writing. Basic Use: For Students with Visual Impairments: Retail Cost $ Reading Commands Up Arrow moves cursor directly up one line and reads it ACT for MS-DOS 31

34 Down Arrow Left or Right Arrow Control Left or Right Arrow Alt Left Arrow Alt Right Arrow moves cursor directly down one line and reads it moves cursor one character to left or right and reads it moves cursor to beginning of previous or next word and reads it moves cursor to period of previous sentence and reads that sentence reads current or next sentence; cursor is placed at period of sentence read. Alt Up Arrow reads current sentence; does not move cursor Alt Down Arrow reads from cursor to end of file - Quick Interactive Keyboard Commands These commands do not move the cursor and are designed not to remove the user's hands from basic keyboard position. All commands are prefixed by the Left Alt key for greatest convenience, although either Alt key may be used if the keyboard has two. Alt U, I, 0 Alt J, K, L reads previous, current or next LINE respectively reads previous, current or next WORD respectively Alt M, Comma, Period SPELL previous, current or next WORD Alt P Alt or Control Alt Y reads entire screen from cursor position stops speech reads second line above cursor Quick Interactive Special Commands Alt H access talking Help function Alt F "flips" to a different configuration. Two separate configurations of Flipper can be loaded simultaneously; the user can alternate between the two by using the Alt F command (to switch between a version for a 32 ACT for MS-DOS

35 spread sheet and a word processor, for example). Alt and a number reads a block of text which has been defined (and numbered) in the review mode; it can be accessed and read by this Quick command. Review Mode Entay/Exit Commands Alt-; (Semicolon) enters review mode C Escape exits review mode, places cursor at beginning of last word read in review mode exits review mode, returns cursor to application position Review Mode Reading Commands U,Ior0 reads previous current or next line; cursor remains at same vertical column number in each line J,KorL M, Comma or Period Left or Right Arrow Up or Down Arrow Control with arrow reads previous current or next word; cursor is placed at beginning of word reads previous current or next character moves cursor one character to left or right and reads that character moves cursor directly up one character and reads that line moves cursor and reads word above, below, before or after initial cursor position, depending on arrow key used For Students with Learning Disabilities: Flipper now has a review mode option (Alt-Control F3) which causes Flipper to highlight a words as it reads in review mode. Basic Reading Commands Up Arrow Down Arrow reads line above cursor reads line below cursor ACT for MS-DOS 33

36 Left or Right Arrow Control Left or Right Arrow Alt Left Arrow Alt Right Arrow reads a single character reads word-by-word (backward or forward) reads previous sentence reads current or next sentence Features Necessary for Intermediate and Advanced Use: For Students with Visual Impairments: Special Review Mode Functions B moves the cursor to cursor position at last exit from review mode. D enters Definitions menu where major changes can be made to Flipper key commands, functions and windows E reads color enhancement (attribute) at cursor position. F flips between primary and secondary Flipper configuration. G "grabs" selected text for pasting with Shift 8 H P S T W X enters Help mode. Use Alt Spacebar to exit Help mode. reads entire screen regardless of cursor position. supports an extensive array of text search commands. announces time of day if there is a clock running in the computer. sets width of screen area to be read. drops marker on screen (Slash) announces position of review mode cursor (Semi-colon) returns cursor to prior position in review mode. Backward or Forward Cursor Motion Preceding many standard review mode commands with a number will cause cursor motion: 34 ACT for MS-DOS

37 501 will move forward 50 words. 50 u will move backward 50 words. 10 i will move the cursor to line k will move to tenth word on the line. 10, will move to 10th character of line. 10 p will begin reading of current page starting at line 10. Quick Cursor Motion in Review Mode Preceding some standard review mode commands with special keys will result in very specific cursor motion: Shift U, I and 0 Shift J, K and L Shift M and Period will move cursor to first, middle and last line of screen, respectively. will move cursor to beginning, middle or end of current line, respectively. will move cursor to beginning or end of current word, respectively. Special Review Mode Spelling Commands Shift Comma will spell entire current word. Alt M, Comma, or Period will read the left, current or next character mnemonically Function Key Toggles in Review Mode Numerous options are easily set through using function keys by themselves or in combination with other keys. Unless stated otherwise, these options are only available in the review mode. Basic Toggles Fl Automatic output F2 Extended automatic output P3 Non-stop review mode F4 Autoload configurations F5 Override all symbols on F6 Use DOS cursor on screen ACT for MS-DOS 35

38 P7 Use margin boundaries for active screen reading area. If not on, those defined through the W option will be used. F8 Normal automatic output or delayed automatic output F9 Whole keyboard echo F10 Alphabet/word echo Function Key Options with the Control Key Control Fl Punctuation toggle Control F2 Control F3 Control F4 Control F5 Control F6 Control F7 Control F8 Control P3 Control F10 Not used Spell everything Do not spell automatic output Count spaces when reading lines Count spaces when reading words Foreground colors On/Off Background colors On/Off Black foreground colors defined as inverse Speak enhancement changes Function Key Options with the Alt Key Alt Fl Beep when computer stops after Alt key Alt F2 Alt F3 Alt F4 Alt F5 Alt F6 Alt F7 Alt F8 Alt F9 Click while screen changes Cursor beeps at line change in application mode Click during disk access Not used Not used Case sensitive search options Cursor options to use when aborting a paragraph read Echo Shift, Alt and Control keys ACT for MS-DOS

39 Alt F10 Turn on Caps Lock message Function Key Options with the Shift Key Shift Fl Increase speech rate Shift F2 Shift F3 Shift F4 Shift F5 Shift F6 Shift F7 Shift F8 Shift F9 Decrease speech rate Blank announcement Read line numbers in review mode Caps announcement style used in read mode Caps announcement style for spell mode Spell part numbers which contain letters and digits Pass through all ASCII text to synthesizer Read digit strings as numbers Shift F10 Send numbers to synthesizer without interpretation Function Key Options with Alt Control Alt Control Fl Do not speak commands in macros Alt Control F2 Alt Control F3 Alt Control F4 Keyboard control protection on Highlight word in review mode (for students with learning disabilities or low vision) Turn off Alt number keys Function Keys in Voice Control Mode Modifying Flipper voices can be done after pressing V in review mode Flipper uses three voices as it works: a keyboard echo voice, a command voice, and an automatic output voice. Parameters for each voice can be set separately, or, they can be set to be the same at all three levels. After voice control mode is toggled on, the following function key commands, if prefixed with a special key or not will modify voices: Prefix Chart Function key alone Shift plus function key Alt plus function key Modifies all three voices Modifies automatic output voice Modifies keyboard echo voice ACT for MS-DOS 37

40 Control plus function key Modifies command voice Fl Raise speech rate F2 Lower speech rate F3 Raise volume F4 Lower volume F5 Raise pitch F6 Lower pitch F7 Raise inflection of synthesizer F8 Lower inflection of synthesizer F9 Raise an auxiliary parameter for the synthesizer F10 Lower an auxiliary parameter for the synthesizer Using the Help Function in Review Mode In review mode, pressing Control and then any key when the full Help mode is loaded results in a statement of that key function and directions to initiate the process. With this "context sensitive" help function, the user can learn the many options available in Flipper. An example: pressing the V key in Review mode allows the user to change voice options. When Flipper can access the full help mode and Control V is pressed, the following occurs: Flipper announces, "You can use this key to change the voice of the synthesizer.... " Searching Flipper also has a very elaborate screen search capacity. A search is initiated by pressing the letter S in review mode. To search for a word, type in the word and then press Enter. Once the pattern to be searched has been defined, the following commands will begin the search: Alt J Alt K Alt L search backward start at top of screen and search forward search forward In addition to text searches, special features may also be looked for: any capital letter, any digit, an upper left or lower right corner form symbol, enhancement attributes and others. 38 ACT for MS-DOS

41 Using Flipper and WordPerfect Basic reading commands Ctrl Down Arrow Ctrl Up Arrow Alt Down Arrow Ctrl Backspace Delete Backspace Alt 7 Alt 8 reads first sentence of next paragraph reads first sentence of previous paragraph reads to end; tap Alt again to stop deletes and reads current word deletes and reads current character deletes and reads character left of cursor reads status line reads page number and row and column Using WordPerfect Spell Check 1. Start the spell check with Control F2 2. The status line is automatically read if the WordPerfect configuration is in use. 3. Select Option 3 for whole document spell check. 4. The word highlighted by the spell check will be automatically spoken. 5. Understanding context of mispelled word: Alt K will read the word Alt I will read the line Alt Comma will spell the word 6. To read spell check suggestioins, go into review mode with Alt Semicolon. 7. Enter 15i to move review cursor to line fifteen of screen. That moves the review cursor to the first line of spell check suggestions. Flipper will read the content of the line. Use the down arrow to go through each line of suggestions. 8. Once the word is found, exit review by pressing Escape. 9. Enter the letter of the correct word. Wordperfect corrects the word and highlights the next word in spell check list. ACT for MS-DOS 39

42 10. As the highlighted word appears on screen, Flipper will announce it. Repeat steps 5-9. Reading the WordPerfect Directory 1. Tap the F5 key to initiate the List Files command. 2. Press Enter to bring up the directory announced by Flipper. 3. When the WordPerfect configuration is loaded, and defaultwordperfect colors are used, content of the highlighted is automatically read as the menu bar is moved with the arrow keys. Reading in the Reveal Codes Window 1. Bring up the Reveal Codes Window by holding down the Alt key and pressing F3. 2. Flipper will automatically read the content of the code display when reading with Alt I. 3. Move cursor through text using up or down arrow key. 40 ACT for MS-DOS

43 Flipper (DOS) Publisher: OMNICHRON 1438 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA (510) Retail Cost $ System Requirements: MS-DOS compatible computer and speech synthesizer Description: Flipper is a versatile screen reading program. A screen reader is a software program which converts text from the screen to information which can be spoken by a speech synthesizer. Screen readers, primarily designed for use by blind computer users, are also useful for students with low vision and for some students with learning disabilities. Flipper can be used as an auditory text editing and reading tool for students with learning disabilities because the program can be simplified so that only a very few easy-to-use reading commands are available. Recommended Uses: For Students with Visual Impairments: Flipper is useful for students with low vision as well as for students who are non-sighted. Students requiring very large text on the screen will often be more productive if they use a screen reader in conjunction with their text magnification software. For Students with Learning Disabilities: Some students with learning disabilities will benefit from editing their written documents by hearing what they have written. Students exhibiting the following errors in written text may benefit from using a screen reader for editing purposes: semantic confusions; verb tense omissions; or omission of morphemic markers such as plural endings. Other students may need to hear what they have written in order to monitor the content of what they are writing. Basic Use: For Students with Visual Impairments: Reading Commands Up Arrow moves cursor directly up one line and reads it ACT for MS-DOS 41

44 Down Arrow Left or Right Arrow Control Left or Right Arrow Alt Left Arrow Alt Right Arrow moves cursor directly down one line and reads it moves cursor one character to left or right and reads it moves cursor to beginning of previous or next word and reads it moves cursor to period of previous sentence and reads that sentence reads current or next sentence; cursor is placed at period of sentence read. 16/ Quick Interactive Keyboard Commands These commands do not move the cursor and are designed not to remove the user's hands from basic keyboard position. All commands are prefixed by the Left Alt key for greatest convenience, although either Alt key may be used if the keyboard has two. Alt U, I, 0 Alt J, K, L reads previous, current or next LINE respectively reads previous, current or next WORD respectively Alt M, Comma, Period SPELL previous, current or next WORD Alt P Alt Spacebar Alt Y reads entire screen from cursor position stops speech reads second line above cursor Quick Interactive Special Commands Alt H access talking Help function Alt F Alt and a number "flips" to a different configuration. Two separate configurations of Flipper can be loaded simultaneously; the user can alternate between the two by using the Alt F command (to switch between a version for a spread sheet and a word processor, for example). reads a block of text which has been defined (and numbered) in the review mode; it can be accessed and read by this Quick command. 42 ACT for MS-DOS

45 Review Mode Entry/Exit Commands Alt-; (Semicolon) enters review mode C PAcape exits review mode, places cursor at review mode position exits review mode, returns cursor to application position Review Mode Reading Commands U,IorO reads previous current or next line; cursor remains at same vertical column number in each line J, K or L reads previous current or next word; cursor is placed at beginning of word M, Comma or Period reads previous current or next character Left or Right Arrow Up or Down Arrow Control with arrow moves cursor one character to left or right and reads that character moves cursor directly up one character and reads that line moves cursor and reads word above, below, before or after initial cursor position, depending on arrow key used ACT for MS-DOS 43

46 For Students with Learning Disabilities: The High Tech Center Training Unit has configured a version of Flipper designed for use by students with learning disabilities. Easy-to-use commands in Flipper allow for several basic reading patterns. It is possible to read a single word, a single line, a single sentence or, when in a word processing document, all the text on the document screen. It is also possible to read words suggested by the spell check. The two small files which set Flipper to work with WordPerfect are loaded in a batch file which loads Flipper and WordPerfect. When a student wants to begin reading with Flipper, it is necessary to enter a command which turns Flipper on. When the student is through using Flipper, entering the same command will turn Flipper off. A user familiar with Flipper will be able to access other Flipper functions through the review mode. To Turn Flipper On: To turn Flipper on, hold down the Alt key and press the f key. Flipper will become active and announce "secondary." The following commands will perform basic reading functions. Basic Reading Commands Up Arrow Down Arrow Left or Right Arrow Control Left or Right Arrow Alt Left Arrow Alt Right Arrow reads line above cursor reads line below cursor reads a single character reads word-by-word (backward or forward) reads previous sentence reads current or next sentence Reading the Spell Check Suggestions: Alt and a number (0.9) Once the spell check word suggestion window is on the screen, it is possible to read the words suggested by holding down the Alt key and pressing a number from 0 through 9. The first word suggested by the spell check is read by holding down the Alt key and pressing the number 1. Holding down the Alt key and pressing 2 will read the second word, etc. The command Alt Zero (0) causes Flipper to read all word suggestions from choice J forward (if there are that many suggestions). 44 ACT for MS-DOS

47 Features Necessary for Intermediate and Advanced Use: For Students with Visual Impairments: Special Review Mode Functions T B S E P W F H announces time of day if there is a clock running in the computer. moves the cursor to cursor position at last exit from review mode. supports an extensive array of text search commands. reads color enhancement (attribute) at cursor position. reads entire screen regardless of cursor position. sets width of screen area to be read. flips between primary and secondary Flipper configuration. enters Help mode. Use Alt Spacebar to exit Help mode. Semi-colon returns cursor to prior position in review mode. ekward or Motion Preceding many standard review mode commands with a number will cause cursor motion: 501 will move forward 50 words. 50 u will move backward 50 words. 10 i will move the cursor to line k will move to tenth word on the line. 10, will move to 10th character of line. 10 p will begin reading of current page starting at line 10. Quick Cursor Motion in Review Mode Preceding some standard review mode commands with special keys will result in very specific cursor motion: Shift U, I and 0 Shift J, K and L will move cursor to first, middle and last line of screen, respectively. will move cursor, to beginning, middle or end of current line, respectively. ACT for MS-DOS 45

48 Shift M and Period will move cursor to beginning or end of current word, respectively. Special Review Mode Spelling Commands Shift Comma will spell entire current word. Alt M, Comma or Period will read the Left, current or next character in military alphabet. Function Key Toggles in Review Mode Numerous options are easily set through using function keys by themselves or in combination with other keys. Unless stated otherwise, these options are only available in the review mode. Basic Toggles Fl Automatic output F2 Count spaces when reading words F3 Read word or line when using Up or Down arrow keys F4 Read numbers as separate digits or as numbers F5 Announce enhancement (attribute) changes (further Controlled by Control F7 or Control F8) FB Read graphics symbols. An elaborate advanced option exits. F7 Use margin boundaries for active screen reading area. If not on, those defined through the W option will be used. F8 Caps announcement for all reading tasks F9 Whole keyboard echo F10 Alphabet/word echo Function Key Options with the Control Key Control Fl Punctuation toggle Control F2 Control F3 Control F4 Spell everything Read color enhancement defined by Alt Underscore Automatic Lightbar mode 46 ACT for MS-DOS

49 Control F5 Control F6 Control F7 Control F8 Control F9 Control F10 Announce jump or no after arrow key use Forced Lightbar mode Foreground colors On/Off Background colors On/Off Click Cursor beeps Function Key Options with the Alt Key Alt Fl Extended or normal automatic output Alt F2 Alt F3 Alt F4 Alt F5 Alt F6 Alt F7 Alt F8 Count spaces when reading lines Silent after Arrow keys Case sensitive search Keyboard echo off for special keys (Ctrl, Alt, Ret, Shft) Keyboard echo off for Arrow and Backspace keys Return announcement in block read Pitch change announcement for capitals ("cap" is default) Alt F9 Hardware cursor toggle (used in Lotus 123) Alt F10 Force enhancement cursor (use with WP spell check) Function Key Options with the Shift Key Shift Fl Increase speech rate Shift F2 Shift F3 Shift F4 Shift F5 Shift F6 Decrease speech rate Blank announcement Beep when ready (output silenced; program ready) Beep when watched line changes (use w/ Backslash option) Read area of screen related to watched line in above option ACT for MS-DOS 47

50 Function Key Options with Alt Control Alt Control Fl Silent Autokey Alt Control F2 Alt Control F3 Alt Control F4 Change Quick key prefix from Alt to Control Turn off Quick mode Turn off Alt number keys Function Keys in Voice Control Mode The following commands take effect after the user has pressed the V key in Review mode (activating the Voice Command level) Fl Raise speech rate F2 Lower speech rate F5 Raise pitch F6 Lower pitch P7 Raise inflection for Artic; change voice for DEC F8 Lower inflection for Artic; change voice for DEC F9 Raise volume F10 Lower volume Using the Help Function in Review Mode In review mode, pressing Control and then any key when the full Help mode is loaded results in a statement of that key function and directions to initiate the process. With this "context sensitive" help function, the user can learn the many options 6 Milable in Flipper. An example: pressing the V key in Review mode allows the user to change voice options. When Flipper can access the full help mode and Control V is pressed, the following occurs: Flipper announces, "You can use this key to change the voice of the synthesizer.... " Searching Flipper also has a very elaborate screen search capacity. A- search is initiated by pressing the letter S in review mode. To search for a word, ACT for MS-DOS

51 type in the word and then press Enter. Once the pattern to be searched has been defined, the following commands will begin the search: Alt J Alt K Alt L search backward start at top of screen and search forward search forward In addition to text searches, special features may also be looked for: any capital letter, any digit, an upper left or lower right corner form symbol, enhancement attributes and others. 41 ACT for MS-DOS 49

52 50 ACT for MS-DOS

53 Introduction Flipper for WordPerfect 5.0/5.1 The filename for this High Tech Center Training Unit (HTCTU) configuration of Flipper for WordPerfect (5.0/5.1) is called wpnew.flp, and is loaded as a secondary configuration. The default start.flp version of Flipper is loaded as the primary configuration. Use Alt F to switch between configurations. The HTCTU configuration has the following default settings and window definitions. Flipper Review Mode Toggles Fl Display Echo is turned off F9 Control F6 Alt F10 Keyboard Echo is turned off Automatic light bar mode is off (Turn on when reading WordPerfect directory.) Forced inverse video tracking is off. (Turn on when using spell check function.) Shift F5 Beep when changes occur in watched area is on (Turn off if no beep is desired when status line [line 25] changes.) Windows Defined 1 Defined as line 25, columns Defined as lines 24 and Defined as line 6 to line 24, columns (This is the first column of thesaurus window.) 4 Defined as line 6 to line 24, columns (This is the second column of thesaurus window.) 5 Defined as line 6 to line 24, columns (This is the third column of thesaurus window.) ACT for MS-DOS 51

54 How to Hear Contents of Status Line This version of Flipper is set to beep when line 25 changes (the status line). If this toggle is on (Shift 5 in review mode), any change to status line is indicated by a brief beep. Pressing Alt 1 will always read the contents of line 25 without moving the cursor. Sometimes it will be necessary to read both lines 24 and 25 if there is a two-line display of command options. Pressing Alt 2 will read the contents of these lines without moving the cursor. How to Read Contents of Spell Check Window Usin g Forced Enhancement Cursor O p tion (Alt F10 toggle) Set inverse video colors for word highlighted by spell check NOTE: In order for Flipper to successfully locate inverse video on the screen, the highlight for the misspelled word must contain black text on a grey background. If WordPerfect is using another set of colors, it is necessary to use the WordPerfect Set-Up menu and do the following: Press Shift Fl to open the Set-Up menu, then 2, then 1, then 1. Move the cursor to the Blocked text option: press A to set Black for foreground; move the cursor right to the Background column and press H to set the background (grey). Press F7 until back at the main file level. Default WordPerfect colors are grey text on a red background (settings H,E on color settings menu). Invoke the spell check function with Control F2. Check, using Alt 1, to select which spell check option is desired. Enter the number of the appropriate selection and press Enter. Wait for WordPerfect to put up word suggestions. To check what word has been searched, go into the Review mode with Alt-Semicolon. When WordPerfect is operating with inverse video colors for blocked text, and Flipper is using a forced enhancement cursor (Alt F10 in review mode), the cursor automatically moves to the word highlighted by the spell check when review mode is entered. Read the word using standard review mode commands, and then perform the following search to read the words suggested as possible correct spellings: search for the capital A. which begins the word search list by entering S, then a., Enter. Read through the suggestions a word or line at a time. If the forced enhancement cursor is not being used (when Alt F10 is set for normal cursor), read the words suggested by the spell check as described below: Enter S for search, Control I (which tells Flipper to search for inverse video), Alt K (which begins a search from top of screen), Return. The 52 ACT for MS-DOS

55 cursor will land at the first letter of the word highlighted as misspelled. Read the word with standard review mode commands. Then perform a search for the A. which appears on the word suggestion line by pressing S, to invoke the search, then a. then Enter. Flipper performs a non-casesensitive search unless this function has been toggled on (Alt F4 toggle). The word selection list always appears on line 15 at column 3. How to Hear Contents of Thesaurus Window To activate the thesaurus in WordPerfect, place the cursor under the word to be searched and enter Alt Fl. The thesaurus window will appear on screen. This window is composed of three vertical columns. In the High Tech Center version of Flipper, window 3, 4, and 5 are configured to match these areas. Pressing the Alt key plus the number of the column window number reads that column and does not move the cursor: Pressing Alt 3 causes Flipper to read the contents of the left thesaurus column. Pressing Alt 4 causes Flipper to read the middle thesaurus column. Pressing Alt 5 reads the last column. Pressing Alt 1 always reads the bottom status line without moving the cursor. Use this command to determine command options available when using the thesaurus. How to Read the File Directory It is easy to read the WordPerfect directory. Go into review mode and toggle on the automatic light bar mode (Control F6); exit review mode (Esc). Flipper will now read the contents of the highlighted bar of the menu directory when the arrow keys are used. Toggle the forced inverse video cursor option off after using the directory to return Flipper to normal cursor tracking. How to Read the Reveal Codes Window To read in the Reveal Codes window, make sure that the forced enhancement cursor option is toggled on and WordPerfect is using inverse video colors (A,H) for Blocked text on the color menu. Invoke the Reveal Codes window by pressing Alt F3. Flipper automatically reads the content of a highlighted code display when reading interactively at the line level, e.g., with Alt K or with arrow keys. ACT for MS-DOS 53

56 54 ACT for MS-DOS

57 Sound-Proof (DOS) Publisher: Retail Cost $1, HumanWare, Inc King Road Loomis, CA (916) System Requirements: PC/MS-DOS machines Description: Sound-Proof is a combination of hardware and software. A board-level speech synthesizer is driven by the Sound-Proof screen reading program. Designed specifically for persons with learning disabilities, Sound-Proof enables the users to review and proofread work using sound. In this way, students can catch errors by hearing them. Sound-Proof works transparently with word processing and a variety of other text based applications. Recommended Uses: Sound-Proof is recommended for any sighted person needing or wanting to edit documents by ear. Basic Use: Sound-Proof is loaded prior to the application with which it is to be used. 1. Pressing the Shift Key and Space bar will activate Sound-Proof and display a menu of options at the bottom of the screen. 2. The command set is simple and straight forward: select the desired reading Mode (e.g., w for Word, s for Sentence, p for Paragraph) and begin document review by pressing the Right Arrow key command. 3. Pressing the Space Bar will cause Sound-Proof to read from the Sound- Proof cursor highlight to the end of the screen. Pressing the Space Bar again will stop Sound-Proof at any point when it is reading. Basic Commands: Shift Space Bar - Activates/Deactivates Sound-Proof W - Word Mode S - Sentence Mode P - Paragraph Mode Down Arrow - Read Current Word, Sentence or Paragraph ACT for MS-DOS 55

58 Left Arrow - Read Previous Word Right Arrow - Read Next Word Up Arrow - Read Previous Text Unit Down Arrow - Read Next Text Unit Shift-Arrow Keys - Silent Navigation Space Bar - Start/Stop Speaking Home Home - Move reading cursor to top of screen Slash (/ on alpha keyboard) - Tap once to read current word - Tap twice to spell current word Q - Quit Sound-Proof, return to application Sound-Proof with a Mouse: It is possible to use Sound-Proof with a three button mouse. To use a mouse with Sound-Proof, load the mouse driver before Sound-Proof. To use a mouse with the application program, load the mouse driver after Sound-Proof. Notes: Sound-Proof is, by far, the simplest system for auditory text editing on the PC. Sound-Proof operates in a kind of permanent review mode similar to the review mode used by screen-reading systems for blind computer users. Extensive reading capability is provided in the review mode, but Sound-Proof must be exited before text editing can take place. For ease of text editing, the program will automatically place the word processing cursor at the point in the document where the reading cursor was located when Sound-Proof was exited. The text and background colors of the reading cursor can be selected to enhance visual tracking. Extensive adjustments are provided for reading speed and voice pitch. The speech synthesizer provides very accurate word pronunciation (superior to DECtalk in some areas) and, although somewhat robotic in tone, is highly understandable. Individual user preference profiles (up to 10) can be saved and recalled for ease of use. Sound-Proof can be used in combination with Turbo Lightning and/or Language Master. The "hot-key" combination used to invoke Sound-Proof once it has been loaded into memory can be altered to avoid conflict with the word processor or other programs which may be resident in memory. 56 ACT for MS-DOS

59 AccessDOS 1.1 (DOS ) Publisher: Retail Cost $ Distributed by various manufacturers. See notes for how to obtain it. System Requirements: Current version of MS-DOS Description: AccessDOS provides some accommodations for some of the most common difficulties that people with physical disabilities encounter in using the computer's input devices--that is the keyboard and the mouse. It also can assist some people with hearing impairments. Recommended Uses: AccessDOS provides keyboard access for persons with physical disabilities. Audio alerts are converted to visual feedback for persons with hearing impairments. Basic Use: 1. Type "ados" to start the program. You can type a slash-a (/A) or slash- X (/X) after the "ados." to install AccessDOS with whatever settings you last saved. 2. Move the highlight, using the up or down arrow key, until it rests on the command you wish to adjust, then press the enter key. 3. Make the adjustments of your choice using the arrow keys then press Enter. 4. Choose Install/Run from the File menu to install AccessDOS with the new changes. There are three ways to get on-screen help (instructions) in AccessDOS: 1. Go to the help menu. When you first enter AccessDOS, you will see the file, adjust and help menus. If you pull down the help menu, you will see a list of the functions of AccessDOS. Select the one you want, and help information for that function will appear on the screen. 2. Press the Fl key. You can press the Fl key at any time while you are in AccessDOS to see help information about the functions with which you are currently working.

60 3. Watch the hint line. At the very bottom of the screen is a hint line. This line always tells you what action you are ready to take. The hint line appears for all choices on all menus. Intermediate Use: To make AccessDOS install or load automatically each time the computer is restarted, you should insert the command ADOS /A into your autoexec.bat file. If you are using a mouse, ADOS /A should be located after the command to load the mouse driver. Notes: AccessDOS is available free from IBM by calling It is also available from Microsoft Download Service at The file to download is the DOS Supplemental Disk. This file is also available at ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/softlib/mslfiles/sup622.exe.

61 Publisher: Kinetic Designs Anatevka Olalla, WA (206) System Requirements: MS-DOS compatible computer Description: Filch (DOS) Retail Cost $ Filch provides a variety of ways to modify the operation of the standard computer keyboard. For example, the key-repeat rate can be slowed or stopped, special purpose keys (Control, Alt, and Shift) can be electronically held down, and an electronic "key-guard" effect can delay keyboard response until a key has been selected and held down for a specified period of time. The program works transparently with the majority of standard computer applications as well as other assistive software. Recommended Uses: The program is recommended for use by persons who experience difficulty using an unmodified keyboard. Typically, Filch is recommended for persons with mild to moderate hand tremor, persons who type with a single pointing device (single digit, headstick, or mouthstick), and persons with mild to moderate spasticity. It can also be used by low-vision or blind individuals to prevent unwanted key repetitions. Basic Use: To begin using Filch, at the DOS prompt type filch and press the Enter key. Filch will load and display a menu of configuration options. Filch settings can only be set at the command line. To set Filch parameters, type filch at the drive prompt and then list the parameters to be used. To specify the parameters, follow this pattern: filch Ix# (where x represents the parameter letter and # represents the numerical value of the parameter letter) The Slash character always precedes a parameter letter. The parameter letter is always followed by a value, usually a number. Any Filch parameters can be loaded in at one time and need not be listed in any particular order. ACT for MS-DOS 57

62 A typical selection of parameters might look like this: C>filch /t100 /ml Irl /c70 This configures Filch to: stop the automatic key repeat function for a time, have special keys latch when struck and then release after next character is entered, place a small window which shows status of latched keys at row 1, column 70 Pressing the Enter key at this point will complete the loading process. When Filch has already been loaded into memory and is reloaded to modify or add to current settings, the program will display a message. If this prompt appears, press the Spacebar to complete the loading process. Basic Filch Commands The following parameters are those most frequently used. /t# The /t# parameter controls the length of time a key must be held down before the automatic key repeat function begins. The range for this value is The larger the number value listed after the /t# the longer the time before the automatic key repeat function occurs. The value /t100 is commonly used. /s# The /s# parameter controls the rate at which the automatic key repeat occurs. A value of /s10 or /s15 may eliminate the need to stop the key repeat function. This setting is useful for students who exhibit slow visual tracking abilities. /d# The /d# parameter (delay parameter) controls the length of time a key must be depressed before the action registers as a keystroke. This is a useful option for users with poor muscle control who may brush against extra keys as they use the keyboard. The smallest value, Idl, usually is enough to prevent excess keystrokes. This option may prove frustrating for someone who tends to type with near normal accuracy and should be used only for those students who consistently brush extra keys. Re-evaluate students using the Id# value after a month of regular computer use to see if coordination has improved. Typing speed will increase if the /d# option can be removed. /m# The Im# or mode parameter has a range of 1-4 and invokes different styles of key latching so that multiple keystroke entries can be performed. Generally, the /m1 value is the only one used. 58 ACT for MS-DOS

63 /m 1 This latches the Control, Alt, Left and Right Shift keys. The key will remain latched until an alpha or numeric key is pressed. In this mode, the computer can be restarted by pressing Control, Alt and Del keys sequentially rather than simultaneously. This is the most frequently used Mode parameter. /r#, /c# The /r and /c parameters are used when a Mode parameter has been selected. The /r and /c values represent row and column indicators which can be used to position a window showing the status of the latching keys. The computer screen is divided into 25 rows (vertical axis) of 80 columns (horizontal axis) each. The /r parameter indicates which row to place the window on: for example, /r23 is near the bottom of the screen The //c# parameter indicates which column to place the window on: for example, /c34 is near the middle of the screen. hit /c1# The /rl and /c1 parameters are row and column indicators for placement of a status window which indicates what special locking keys are latched: e.g., Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock. Again, placement of this window will depend upon which program is being used. (note that the second character of each parameter is the letter 1, not the number one) Notes: How To Change Parameter Values Parameter values may be changed from the command line without restarting the computer. To completely disable a parameter, enter that parameter with a value of zero, e.g., /d0. This will have the effect of nullifying a prior /d# setting. To Disengage Filch Filch may be toggled off at any time by pressing Alt Escape. To toggle Filch back on, enter Alt Escape again, or press Alt three times in succession. How to Increase Cursor Navigation Speed When /t or /s Values Used (for students who must use single key access) Rapid cursor navigation movement usually done by holding down an arrow key is not possible if a /t# or Is# value is used. However, Filch has a machine switch parameter (/pc) which reinstates rapid cursor movement from the arrow keys on an expanded keyboard. This option is not compatible with the /d# value. When the /pc option is used, the Control and Alt keys on the right side of the alpha keyboard are disabled; the upper six ACT for MS-DOS

64 keys of the middle bank are also disabled, but the four arrow keys move the cursor rapidly through the text as if Filch were not installed. This command switch setting speeds up editing for students who use a single finger, or head stick or mouth stick to enter keystrokes. Location Of Status Window Position When a latching mode (/ml) is installed, status windows should be used so that it is easy to see what keys are currently latched. Below is a suggested placement for latching and locking status windows in a WordPerfect environment. These values do not interfere with the menu or command line prompts. /r24 /c77 /r123 c177 Filch And Application Cursor Control If an application program has a cursor speed control setting, this option must be disabled for Filch to work effectively. Filch must be able to control keyboard output. Instructions for disabling the cursor control function in WordPerfect follow: It is necessary to set cursor speed to Normal. To do this, access the WordPerfect Setup menu with Shift-F1, select item 2, Cursor Speed, and then select option 6, Normal cursor speed. Exit WordPerfect so that it permanently installs this cursor setting as one of its standard set-up parameters. This must be done prior to loading Filch with WordPerfect. 60 ACT for MS-DOS

65 HandiWORD v. 3.0 (DOS ) Publisher: Retail Cost $ Microsystems Software, Inc. 600 Worcester Road Framingham, MA (508) System Requirements: PC/MS-DOS machines Description: HandiWORD is a statistically weighted word predictor which can save keyboard input time. HandiWORD learns what words are used most often and adjusts itself to predict those words first. The more HandiWORD is used, the more it learns to "think" like the user. HandiWORD will co-exist with other applications, providing keystroke equivalents that are transparent to most programs. In addition to the extensive dictionary that is provided with HandiWORD, the user can add words and remove words. HandiWORD even allows the user to create "application specific" word prediction libraries. For example, one dictionary can be used when writing letters and another when using technical computer terms. This new version of HandiWORD preserves the features of the 2.0 version and adds the following features: Dictionaries can now hold up to 7000 words The Dictionary can reside in extended memory (EMS) The user can select from four positions for the word prediction set: Line 1 Line 25 Line 26 in a vertical Drop Box at the application cursor Recommended Uses: HandiWORD reduces time of text entry for persons with motor disabilities. It may also be practical for individuals with severe spelling difficulties by providing word choices already spelled correctly. Basic Use: The following is a brief description of basic HandiWORD functions, how to use them, and a list of command switch options which control the way HandiWORD will operate. ACT for MS-DOS 61

66 How to Use The Word Prediction Function The program places a word suggestion line across the screen. The early version of HandiWORD places the line at the top of the screen; the current version allows the user to place this horizontal line on any line on the screen. A vertical word suggestion display is not an available option. With no keystrokes currently entered the default display line contains word endings and common punctuation marks. (The default number of suggestions displayed is 9, but it is possible to re-configure HandiWORD so fewer selections are offered.) As soon as the first keystroke of a word to be typed is entered, the HandiWORD status line changes and is filled with a list of nine words beginning with the first letter of the word being typed. The user then selects the number in front of the desired word, the word is automatically completed, and the cursor is placed one space beyond the word completed. It is possible to add a suffix to the word just completed by pressing one of the numbered selections on the default status line. HandiWORD automatically moves the cursor back one space, adds the suffix and then (once again) places the cursor one space beyond the word just completed. If the desired word does not appear after the first keystroke is entered, HandiWORD continues to change its status line display to match the sequence of letters entered. This will occur until the phrase "no matching words found in the dictionary" appears. How to Add to HandiWORD If a frequently used word is not in the HandiWORD dictionary, type the word and press Control Tab. The word suggestion line disappears and the replace line appears. The replace line contains the following text: Add W/E?. Select W (for "word") and the word is automatically added to HandiWORD. Press the Spacebar to continue typing. How to Use the Text Expansion Function In addition to adding words, it also is possible to enter abbreviations which stand for phrases. It is possible to enter the letters "htc" and have them automatically expand to the phrase "High Tech Center for the Disabled." All abbreviations are user-defined. A total of 1,500 characters may be included in one expansion. The text expansion capability will also support macros for program keyboard commands. Text entry time can be further reduced by consolidating frequently used multiple keystroke program commands into one macro. Adding a Phrase Type a two or three letter sequence which represents the phrase to be added to HandiWORD. The abbreviation should not be a word and should be in lower case only, and may contain more than the two or three letters suggested in the above example. Press Control Tab. The replace line occurs with the following phrase: Add W/E? Select E, and enter the exact phrase to be added and then 62 ACT for MS-DOS

67 press Return. The abbreviation and phrase are automatically added to HandiWORD. To insert the phrase into a document, type the abbreviation and select it from the word suggestion line. Other Commands Control-Shift L Control-Shift S Move prediction line Save current dictionary file Deleting a Wrong Selection the Oops Key If a wrong number is selected and an incorrect choice appears on the screen, and if no other text has been added, pressing the Zero (0) key will remove the selection. The entire word or expansion will be deleted. Command to speed up word selection Pressing the Semi-colon after the first letter of a word has been entered will cause the contents of the word suggestion line to scroll. In this way, it is sometimes possible to reduce the amount of time it takes for a word to appear. To Turn off the HandiWORD Display To de-activate the HandiWORD display, use the default command Left Control- Spacebar. To return the display, enter this toggle command again. Command Line Options There are a number of options which can be set by the command line. The format for a command line option is to precede the letter option by a slash: e.g., hword/k+. There is no limit to the number of command options loaded in at one time. It is not necessary to remove HandiWORD from memory before re-configuring it; the new values will be in place and all other options remain unchanged. A list of the most useful options appears below. /Cs,w,b /D(dict) Color (hex) s=select #; w=word; b=box Select dictionary file; e.g., (/Dhistory.dct) /E Do not use EMS for dictionary. /F(+/-) Force frequency update off/on /H Don't scan high memory for HandiWORD /K(+/-) Numerics from Keyboard The default setting is /K- which allows HandiWORD to respond to word selection numbers from the standard keyboard. Using /K+ instructs HandiWORD to respond only to numbers from the numeric keypad. /L(location) Location of word list: T=Top; B=Bottom; C=Cursor; X=Extra /M(size) Reserve space for added words ACT for MS-DOS 63

68 /P Permanent Using this option in the command line permanently configures HandiWORD and it will maintain switch settings in place when the /P option was invoked. /Q Quiet load (no sign-on) /R(0-99) Re-Write Using this function causes HandiWORD to keep track of frequency of words used and place those words used most frequently at the top of the word list. The default option is /R1 which instructs HandiWORD to update its dictionary after each word selection. Using a default of /R6 would cause the update to occur after every sixth word has been selected. To disable the dictionary update function, just use /RO. It is suggested by the company that this rewrite (or learn) option be turned off after two or three months of HandiWORD use. In this way the user comes to know exactly what keystrokes comprise most frequently used word, e.g., cr2 would always be crystal. /U Unload HandiWORD This command removes HandiWORD from memory if loaded last. hword? Help Typing hword? at the drive prompt will list the current options in use by HandiWORD. Notes: 64 ACT for MS-DOS

69 Introduction to Batch Files A batch file is an ASCII text file containing a list of things for the computer to do. Batch files can only be created, modified or saved using the DOS text format of your word processor or text editor. There are two types of batch files. The first is an automatically executing batch file which is always named autoexec.bat. The computer's operating system looks for the existence of the autoexec.bat file upon start-up. If the file is found, its contents are automatically executed. Thus, the file name autoexec.bat. Another type of batch file (and for our purposes, the most usual for students in High Tech Centers) simply contains the file extension.bat, which can be accessed by the user when desired. A batch file can be on the hard drive or on a floppy disk. Batch files are analogous to recipes. Each batch file contains the software ingredients which create an appropriate access environment for an individual student with a disability. Batch files allow environments to be tailored to the precise access requirements of a particular student with a particular set of needs. Batch files provide the ultimate in portable access. If the commands to execute a student's entire access library can be established on a single floppy disk, that student will have the ability to use computer resources anywhere on the campus. (Provided the access software is installed on those computers.) The degree of access inherent in a batched access system is one of the hallmarks of the High Tech Center's approach to providing enhanced use of computers by students with disabilities. As with most things, the key to success in using batch files is early planning. To begin, determine which access software the student will require. Next, decide what start-up values to those pieces of software should be employed. Once the appropriate configuration has been determined, creating a batch file is simply a process of listing those programs in their correct order and with the appropriate start-up values. Personalized software start-up settings need to be set only once. Should further adjustments to the start-up values be necessary, modifications can easily be made to the batch file. For example, a batch file for "John" on a floppy disk (to be loaded from the A: drive) called john.bat can look like this: C: filch /t100 light A: C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk ACT for MS-DOS 65

70 The following explains the functions of the elements above: parameter C: - Logs onto the hard disk filch /t100 - Loads Filch with a typematic light - Loads TurboLightning A : - Logs back onto the student data disk C: \wp51\wp/nk - Loads WordPerfect; files automatically saved to the student data disk These programs would load and create the appropriate assistive technology environment which allows John to effectively use the computer for word processing. "John" has slow manual responses and frequently is unable to take his finger off a key in time to avoid registering a second keystroke. He needs to use Filch configured to delay the automatic key repeat function. Turbo Lighting is employed to compensate for John's difficulties with correct spelling and WordPerfect is used as a word processor. (Note: the Ink extension after WordPerfect tells the program that it will be sharing memory 'with other software; in this case, Filch and Turbo Lightning.) To activate the file john.bat, it is only necessary to type the file name, john, at the A:>. DOS prompt and press Enter. This begins the automatic loading process. Note: DOS text files (also called ASCII text files) do not contain invisible characters, formatting codes, or other artifacts specific to a particular word processor. SAMPLE BATCH FILES An important consideration when assembling any batch file is the order in which programs are to be loaded into memory. This is not an arbitrary arrangement. In many instances, failure to load programs in proper order can result in system crashes or faulty operation of access software. The following is a list of various batch file configuration options which have been developed by the High Tech Center over the last several years. They are by no means the only possible combinations; they do, however, work. 1. Floppy Disk Hard Disk light C: envi f light C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk envi f A: C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk 66 ACT for MS-DOS

71 This is a standard batch file for a learning disabled student or anyone wishing to work with Turbo Lightning running with WordPerfect. ACT for MS-DOS 67

72 2. Floppy Disk flipper C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk Hard Disk C: Flipper A: C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk This file for a learning disabled student provides spoken text output for review purposes because it loads in a screen reader, Flipper. 3. Floppy Disk Hard Disk zoomtext C: light zoomtext cursor /aa light C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk cursor /aa A: C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk This file loads in Zoomtext, Turbo Lightning, a large cursor and then the word processor. This configuration might be used by a student with low vision. The cursor program must be loaded in after Turbo Lightning. 4. Floppy Disk Hard Disk zoomtext C: cursor /aa zoomtext C:\wp51/wpp/nk light cursor /aa A: C: \ wp5 1 \ wpp/nk This file is similar to that in #3, but Publishers Powerpak (wpp/nk) has been added and Turbo Lightning is not included. The student is now able to have large print hard copy on a laser printer or 24 pin dot matrix printer. 5. Floppy Disk Hard Disk flipper C: filch /t100 flipper C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk filch/t100 A: C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk 68 ACT for MS-DOS

73 This is a typical file for a blind student: Flipper, the screen reader, is loaded in, then Filch with a parameter to eliminate unwanted duplicate keystrokes and then the wordprocessor. This combination requires the availability of a DECtalk or other speech synthesizer. 6. Floppy Disk Hard Disk zoomtext C: flipper zoomtext cursor /aa flipper C: cursor /aa wp/nk A : C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk This configuration provides talking large print which may be of value for low vision and/or learning disabled students. 7. Hard Drive C: filch /m1 /r24 /c15 /r124 /c123 light envi b mr/q This batch file is designed for a student with an orthopedic disability which prevents two keys from being held down at the same time. Filch is given several operating parameters and then the remaining programs are loaded by the batch file. The /ml parameter invokes mode 1, a latch once and release state for all special keys (Control, Alt, Shift) so that multiple keystroke commands may be made; a status window is placed on the bottom line and indicates the latched status of the Control, Alt and Shift keys; another status window is placed nearly adjacent to the first--this window indicates the status of latching keys: e.g., NumLock, Scroll Lock; Turbo Lightning is loaded and configured for MultiMate, the environment which works with MindReader. MindReader loads in without the appearance of the shareware screen; the /q tells MindReader not to begin with its shareware screen. ACT for MS-DOS 69

74 8. Floppy Disk Hard Disk filch /ml /r0 /c70 Irl 3 /c170 C: C: filch /m1 /r24 /c77/r123 /c177 light light A: A: C: \ wp51 \ wp/n.k C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk This batch file also is for someone with an orthopedic disability. The keyboard requirements are the same (i.e., assistance in making multiple keystroke commands) as above, but in this case the individual will be working with Turbo Lightning and WordPerfect. 9. Floppy Disk filch /ml /r24 /c15 /r124 /c123 /dl mr/q This example is not substantially different from #7 except for the addition of /d1 which sets up a keyboard delay factor so that keys brushed before the target keystroke will not register. Note: Certain combinations of access software require more disk storage space than is available on a floppy disk, therefore, they can only be configured on hard drive systems. BUILDING BATCH FILES Making a Batch File for 'Susan" Note: In this exercise, the student data disk is always in the A: drive 1. Put floppy in the A: drive. 2. Open WordPerfect a blank document screen appears 3. Type in the content of the batch file, beginning at the first line of the document and press Enter at the end of each line: c:\filch/t100 a: c:\wp51\wpink c:vdch/t0 4. Save the file as a DOS text file (Control-F5,1,1,). 70 ACT for MS-DOS

75 j5. Name the file a:susan.bat, and press Enter. This batch file loads Filch with the automatic key repeat rate modified; WordPerfect is loaded so that whenever Susan saves a file, the file automatically be placed on the data disk in the A: drive. Filch values are removed, although the program still remains in memory. Drive A: remains as the active drive. To use this batch file, Susan inserts her data disk into the A: drive. She logs to the A: drive (if necessary) by entering a: and pressing Enter. Then Susan types: Susan and presses Enter. The programs load automatically. ACT for MS-DOS 71

76

77 Curriculum About the Adapted Computer Technology Curriculum Attached is curriculum for five different classes which can be offered through the Adapted Computer Technologies Component of the High Tech Center. The five classes are listed below. 1. Computer Access Evaluation 2. Adapted Keyboarding 3. Computer Access I 4. Computer Access II 5. Computer Access Projects Taken in the order listed, they can be seen as a sequence, but they need not be. Computer Access I could be the first course a student takes. Curriculum Structure The courses are designed to allow for flexibility in managing student flow through the curriculum. Typically students are referred to the High Tech Center by other instructors and counselors; typically an interview with the student will reveal to the instructor if the student is a candidate for the Evaluation and Keyboarding courses or a candidate for Computer Access I. The first two courses listed above, Computer Access Evaluation and Adapted Keyboarding, can easily serve as filters and proving grounds for students who may be questionable candidates for High Tech Center Courses. At the same time, these courses provide useful time to assess involved students and provide a means for developing keyboarding skills before students actually begin working on word processing tasks. Computer Access Evaluation This course can be structured in two ways: it can be set up as a fixed meeting time with a student over a period of weeks, or it can be done in a time-intensive fashion. The structure is left up to the college and the specialist who will be doing the evaluations. Not all students need to take this class. This course is primarily designed to allow for assessment of severely involved students; a learning disabled student ACT for MS-DOS 73

78 who only needs to use a spelling check program as an access tool would not be an appropriate candidate for this class. This course may be taken concurrently with the keyboarding class. Alktpied.Ke3kaarding Many students come to High Tech Centers with poor keyboarding skills. As a general rule, it is recommended that students be referred to mainstream typing classes to learn keyboarding skills. This course is designed for those students who cannot function productively in mainstream typing courses. This is not seen as a co-requisite for Computer Access I if students have inadequate typing skills. For such students it should be a PRE-requisite. In that way, student participation in Computer Access I is not hampered by lack of knowledge of the keyboard. Experience has shown that simultaneously attempting to master keyboarding, an access technology and word processing is frequently too much for students to assimilate in a productive manner. A student who successfully completes the class will have developed touch typing skills and a basic typing rate of at least 20/22 words per minute. Students with significant orthopedic disability will exit this course with familiarity of key locations. Low vision or blind students may require specialized instruction. Computer Access I This course introduces the use of an access technology appropriate to a student's disability in the context of basic word processing. Students who do not require the assessment or keyboarding class will usually enroll in this course. This is a basic introductory course and generally not repeated. Successful students simply move on to varied activities in the Computer Access II course. Computer Access This is the second semester to Computer Access I. Usually there are two types of course work being done in this class: word processing and other software applications such as spreadsheets and database managers. Other software applications being taught will most probably be instructor-dependent. 74 ACT for MS-DOS

79 Additional versions of this class can be created to meet these specific software application needs or subject area needs. Computer Access Projects This course is intended for students who have completed High Tech Center curriculum and need to use High Tech Center facilities in order to compete successfully in academic course work. Students enrolled in this course typically need assistance in learning to use new applications of their access technology. ACT for MS-DOS 75

80 76 ACT for MS-DOS

81 Course Title: Computer Access Evaluation 121: Rmisikicsaa A student must be eligible for services and instruction from Disabled Student Programs and Services through appropriate verification of a primary disability by certificated personnel and be able to benefit from the programs and services offered by the High Tech Center. Class Format: Individualized assessment, by arrangement. Units: One-half unit of credit for a total of nine hours of individualized assessment activities. A determination of a student's access requirements may be required in order to determine the feasibility of that student's participation in High Tech Center classes. The first step in this process is to ascertain whether or not a match can be made between the technological capabilities of the Center and the disabled student's access requirements. Course 121r2CdigiSMI This course is designed to provide a means for in-depth computer access evaluation in order to determine an appropriate access environment for a student with a disability or multiple disabilities. Likely participants in this course would include students who are multiply handicapped, severely physically disabled, have acquired brain injuries resulting in secondary orthopedic and/or visual disabilities, re-entering disabled older students, blind or other students on recommendation of instructional staff. 1. Through assessment and evaluation the student will be matched with the disability-appropriate adaptation in the following areas: A. Keyboard access ACT for MS-DOS 77

82 B. General mobility and seating C. Cognitive processing abilities D. Educational goals 2. On the basis of the assessment, it will be determined if the student can be appropriately served by the access technologies available in the High Tech Center. 3. As determined by instructor evaluation, the student must exhibit appropriate adaptive behavior for successful participation in the educational setting. Course Content and Scope; MODULE A: any. MODULE B/C: MODULE D: MODULE E: MODULE F: Intake interview and review of student's history including: 1. Educational goals and objectives. 2. Existing familiarity with computer systems, if 3. Review of existing medical records, if appropriate. 4. Review of academic records, if appropriate. Diagnostic instruction to evaluate (where appropriate): 1. Keyboard access capabilities. 2. Mobility and seating. 3. Ability to manage tasks associated with basics of access technology and computer system. a. Can the student carry out multi-part instructions. b. Can the student perform physical tasks necessary for computer use; e.g., turning on computer, inserting disk. Prescriptive selection and assembly of appropriate array of access devices based on mobility and access evaluation. Basic introduction to and trial use of access devices. 1. Adjustment of access devices based on student use. Recommendations and referrals. On the basis of the evaluations undertaken in this class, the instructor will prepare a prescriptive list of appropriate adaptive technologies and discuss the results with the student. 78 ACT for MS-DOS

83 MODULE G: Development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students who will be taking other High Tech Center classes. Curriculum Components Not Appropriate: 1. Reading and Writing Assignments, 2. Outside Assignments 3. Critical Thinking EtiMaCafietb2Sthtinatawliimr Individualized assessment by the instructor. A student will receive one-half unit of credit upon completion of the seven course modules. Grading: The course is offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis. Course Completion Outcome: 1. Computer access systems are evaluated and student is/is not recommended for enrollment in other High Tech Center courses. 2. Generation of an IEP for students who successfully can use a computer through the use of adapted technologies provided in the High Tech Center. 3. If no appropriate access technologies are available through High Tech Center and student is referred to other resources. Text/Supplies; Items of a personal nature, e.g., mouthstick, head wand, or unique access device, must be provided by the student. ACT for MS-DOS 79

84

85 Course Title: Adapted Keyboardng i Fre-Requisite/Co-Requisite: 1. A student must be eligible for services and instruction from Disabled Student Programs and Services through appropriate verification of a primary disability by certificated personnel and be able to benefit from the programs and services offered by the High Tech Center. 2. Computer Access Evaluation may be required as a pre-requisite or corequisite, if appropriate. Class Format: This course is a lab class. Units: This is a variable unit class. One-half unit of credit will be granted upon completion of 24 hours of lab work; or, one unit of credit will be granted upon completion of 48 hours of lab work. Rationale: Touch typing skills are useful for appropriate speed and performance in word processing tasks. This course is necessary for students who are not able to participate successfully in mainstream typing classes. Adapted computer technologies will be incorporated into the context of software keyboarding tutorials. Course Description: This course is designed to teach keyboarding basics to disabled students who must use adaptive technologies for successful access to the keyboard or screen and/or are unable to compete successfully in mainstream typing classes. ibiectims 1. The student will demonstrate, by the end of the course, effective use of an appropriate access technology, if needed (e.g., Zoomtext Plus, Filch), in conjunction with the software program used to teach keyboarding by completing lessons independently. ACT for MS-DOS 81

86 2. The student will demonstrate key-stroking proficiency with at least one 410 computer keyboard in order to complete the minimum requirements of this course. This key-stroking proficiency will demonstrate familiarity with the following areas: A. The alpha-numeric components of the computer keyboard (the QWERTY configuration). B. The specialized areas of the keyboard (the numeric keypad, the arrow keys, the function keys) and the special control keys (e.g., Control, Alt, Delete, Esc). 3. The student will develop appropriate touch typing techniques on the alphabet portion of the keyboard. 4. The student will achieve a minimum typing rate of 22 words per minute with a maximum of two uncorrected errors per minute on a threeminute timed test of copy writing in order to be recommended for further instruction and service through the High Tech Center. (This words-per-minute minimum criterion is that recommended in the Ke y boarding Curriculum Guidelines published by the State of Washington in July, 1986.) 5. For a student whose disability prevents a minimum typing criterion score, demonstration of familiarity with the physical configuration of the keyboard layout will be required. These students might typically include but are not limited to: persons with orthopedic disabilities, neuromuscular disorders or acquired brain injury. pliinitantentandala= Touch typing skills will be taught through the use of software tutorials. TYPE is an example of a software program which is compatible with access technologies: e.g., Zoomtext Plus, which provides access for low vision students, and Filch, which provides keyboard control for orthopedically impaired students unable to efficiently use a standard keyboard. Any keyboarding tutorial with similar compatibility with access technologies may be used. If the program TYPE is used, the following would serve as appropriate course content: The student will learn: 1. The keyboard layout. ACT for MS-DOS

87 2. Which finger types which key. 3. Good technique in keystroking. The student will monitor keystroking activity by observing graphically displayed keystroke patterns as evaluated by a typing program. 4. To keep his or her eyes on the screen. 5. To develop speed in typing short sequences of keys. 6. To develop accuracy in typing short sequences of keys. 7. To develop speed in typing short phrases, sentences, paragraphs. 8. To develop accuracy in typing short phrases, sentences, paragraphs. 9. Will successfully copy text for a one minute timed writing at a gross striking rate of at least 22 words per minute allowing for two error words per minute. * 10. Will successfully copy text for a three minute timed writing at a gross striking rate of at least 22 words per minute allowing for two error words per minute. * *Note: These timed writings will be administered by the instructor. Course outline components not appropriate to this course; 1. Reading and Writing Assignments 2. Outside Assignments Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is inherent in working through a sequenced software program. 1. In order to proceed successfully through a sequenced program, a student must deduce which menu option is most appropriate upon completion of a task if there are no specific instructions. To do this, the student must analyze and evaluate his performance on the task just completed and must use deductive reasoning to make most appropriate menu choice. ACT for MS-DOS 83

88 Primary Method of Instruction: Instructor-supervised computer assisted instruction in a lab setting. Means of Instruction: A student's familiarity with the keyboard will be measured by performance on timed typing tasks. 1. The student will achieve a minimum typing rate of 22 words per minute with a maximum of two uncorrected errors per minute on a three-minute timed test of copy writing. In some instances the instructor may decide that a student's disability legitimately prevents him or her from reaching the target minimum speed. For such a student, demonstration of obvious familiarity with the physical keyboard should be the factor determining successful completion of the class. Students who are unable to meet the target minimum speed, and who have no mitigating disabling condition, should be regarded as not yet ready for High Tech Center classes. Grading: This course is offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis. Course Com p letion Outcome: Assuming the absence of intervening disabilities, the student will, upon successful completion of this course, demonstrate touch typing skills and a basic typing rate of at least 22 words per minute with a maximum of two uncorrected errors per minute. The student may demonstrate a familiarity with more than one type of computer keyboard. leztawinlimeauthzet None 84 ACT for MS-DOS

89 Course Title: Computer Access I ErakamisittiCsaisuaiital 1. A student must be eligible for services and instruction from Disabled Student Programs and Services through appropriate verification of a primary disability by certificated personnel and be able to benefit from the programs and services offered by the High Tech Center. 2. Successful completion of and referral from the Computer Access Evaluation class may be required. 3. Adapted Keyboarding is required as a prerequisite if a student does not have adequate touch typing skills (approximately 20 wpm). Notes: Touch typing skills are not required for a student with orthopedic disabilities, but such a student must have an established, independent means of accessing the keyboard. Class Format: Lecture two hours per week with 1-2 hours of lab per week. Units; Two units of credit are allowed (three units can be earned if 48 hours of lab time are completed) Rationale: Access to microcomputers is necessary for many disabled students to participate sucessfully in post-secondary eduction. Since written communication is a primary requirement for success in both academic and job-related environments, the course introduces the use of specialized computer access systems within the context of word processing. Course Description: S Designed for students with visual, physical, language impairment, learning disabilities or deafness, this course provides training in the use of computer access technologies which enhance a disabled student's ability to access and use microcomputers. ACT for MS-DOS 85

90 Training in the use of computer access technologies will occur within the context of word processing. Students will be familiarized with basic concepts of word processing used by the majority of industry-standard word processors, e.g., WordPerfect. 4P Moans, 1. Evaluation and selection of access technologies appropriate to the student's disability if the student has not completed the Computer Access Evaluation class. 2. Instruction in the use of access technologies appropriate to the student's disability in the context of word processing. Specialized areas of instruction might include individual and/or small group instruction in the use of: A. MindReader: A specialized word processing environment for moderately to severely orthopedically disabled, learning disabled, and deaf or hard-of-hearing students. B. Turbo Lightning: A continuous, real-time spell-checker and thesaurus for use by all disability groups. C. Zoomtext Plus: Software for large text on computer screen and from printer for low vision or learning disabled students. D. Flipper/DECtalk: Screen reading and speech output for blind, low vision, learning disabled or language impaired students. E. Filch: Keyboard adapter for physically disabled, learning disabled, low vision or blind. F. Handiword Free-standing utility which provides word prediction in application programs (e.g., in WordPerfect 5.1 or Lotus); this programs speeds up the text entry process for students with physical disabilities which limit keyboard entry. 86 ACT for MS-DOS

91 Course Content and Scope: Rationale for Course Structure The total instructional period for use of specialized access devices will be four weeks. The remainder of the semester will be spent in using the access technology in the context of word processing. It is anticipated that blind students will require the entire four weeks for beginning efficiency with screenreading techniques. Moderately physically disabled students will require two weeks to develop beginning proficiency with their specific access technology; all other students will require approximately one week to develop beginning proficiency. Upon achievement of beginning competency levels with appropriate access technologies, students will use the balance of this initial four-week period to review computer keyboarding skills through the use of keyboarding software. Within the remaining 12 weeks, the following competencies will be acquired in the approximate time periods listed. Weeks 1-4 Week 5 The student will develop competency in a specialized access adaptation and review basic keyboarding skills. The student will become familiar with basic use of microcomputers in conjunction with specialized computer access systems. The student will understand and appropriately perform: 1. Disk handling 2. Basic startup procedures 3. Basic DOS commands* * optional Week 6 The student will be able to understand and define the following word processing concepts and structures. 1. Word processing 2. File 3. Document 4. Word wrap 5. Edit 6. Format 7. Pagination 8. Spelling check 9. Data disk/program disk ACT for MS-DOS 87

92 Weeks 7-9 Using appropriate adaptive technology, the student will be able to open or edit a document and use the following basic word processing procedures: 1. Move cursor to any point on screen 2. Erase, insert and edit text 3. Change margins, line spacing and tab settings 4. Move marked blocks of text within document 5. Print a file 6. Save and retrieve word processing documents Weeks The student will successfully apply computer access technologies and basic word processing skills in creating and editing: 1. Business letter format 2. Memo format 3. Essay format 4. Outline format Week 17 Week 18 Course review Final exam Readings and Writing Assignments: 1. Students will read chapters from assigned text. 2. Students will complete many writing assignments in the context of word processing tasks. Examples: a. content appropriate to a business letter b. a tutorial manual which details basic word processing commands and tasks c. short essays on specified subjects Outside Assignments; Readings in the assigned text. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is involved in the successful execution of all computer tasks; e.g., which command is appropriate to which situation. Examples of specific projects which require critical thinking: ACT for MS-DOS

93 1. Students will independently solve unfamiliar problems: students will be given a "jumbled" file and will reassemble it into an appropriate form matching hard copy by using word processing commands (e.g., block moves, deletions). Students will not reassemble the file by simply typing in the correct form. 2. Students will apply principles of editing in a word processor by editing a severely misspelled and poorly produced file. Students will be expected to analyze word usage and, if necessary, determine the semantically correct word as spelling is corrected. Students will observe standard typing format protocol in the editing of this file. 3. The student is expected to prioritize steps to complete assignments; is expected to plan how to complete required lab time; where applicable, the student is expected to apply concepts learned in this class to assignments for other classes. Method of Instruction: This class will be conducted on a small group or individual basis. Means of Evaluation: Grades are arrived at as follows: 30% Class assignments 20% Quizzes 20% Midterms 30% Final Typical examinations will require a knowledge of word processing commands and the actions they perform. Students will also be evaluated on the successful completion of "hands-on" tasks given as evaluation measures. Gradi'ne; This course is offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis. S ACT for MS-DOS 89

94 Course Completion Outcome: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be familiar with the access devices appropriate to his or her disability and will demonstrate knowledge of basic word processing skills. A basic college-level text for the specific word processor used is required. Students are requested to provide two floppy disks. Items of a personal nature such as a mouth stick or head wand, or a unique electronic access device must also be provided by the student. 90 ACT for MS-DOS

95 Course Title: Computer Access II Pre-Requisite/Co-Requisite: A student must be eligible for services and instruction from Disabled Student Programs and Services through appropriate verification of a primary disability by certificated personnel and be able to benefit from the programs and services offered by the High Tech Center. Instructor approval and successful completion of Computer Access I is necessary. The instructor may directly refer a student into Computer Access II if the student has had prior experience with access technologies and exhibits adequate touch typing skills. Class Format: Lecture two hours per week plus 1-2 hours of lab per week. Units: Two (or three with a total of 48 hours of lab work). Rationale: This course is designed to further refine computer access skills developed by a student. Students who have completed Computer Access I may have developed only a beginning competency in their prescribed access technologies and will require additional instruction in order to fully utilize their access systems. Course Description: This course is designed for disabled students who have successfully completed Computer Access I. Students will enhance their computer access skills through the completion of assignments or projects. Objectives: Objectives will be individualized and based upon student educational/vocational objectives. Possible objectives are stated below. 1. For students pursuing advanced word processing tasks: ACT for MS-DOS 91

96 The student will demonstrate skill in the use of a computer access application in the context of advanced word processing tasks such as mailmerge functions, columnar block moves, editing multiple documents, advanced formatting and stylistic techniques which require sophisticated knowledge of a particular access device. 2. For students learning other software applications: The student will develop competency in the use of an adapted computer application in conjunction with such widely used computer programs as spreadsheets, database managers, accounting systems or computer assisted design. ESBUMPS624ggiaLaUSUZwz Course content will depend upon the unique access needs of the student and type of skills to be developed by the student. Typical examples of course modules could include one or more of the following: 1. Development and refinement of screenreading skills for blind students. This might include a sequence of activities encompassing screen reading techniques for advanced word processing applications or other software programs. 2. Development and refinement of access skills for low-vision students in the context of visually intensive software applications such as spreadsheets or desktop publishing. 3. Further basic access skills development for students with extremely slow text entry capabilities (head wand or mouth stick keyboard entry, or limited manual entry) in the context of word processing or other applications. )Readings and Writings: 1. Students will be assigned readings from required texts as needed to learn new applications. 2. Writing assignments are components of almost all word processing tasks ACT for MS-DOS

97 410 Outside Assignmentsz Students will be required to complete outside assignments which will involve deciding on the style and manner of completing basic in-class, hands-on projects. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills are involved in all activities of this class. Students will be required to synthesize new information and apply it to known and new situations as they develop skills in using their access technology in the context of new applications. Example: A student will develop an instructional manual describing the use of his/her access device in conjunction with a new computer application. Method of Instruction This class will be conducted primarily on an individual and small group lecture/lab basis. Means of Evaluation: Example: 30% Class assignments 20% Quizzes 20% Midterms 30% Final Read and edit complex text files including indented paragraphs, columnar text, on screen help menus and other frequently used text display modes. Grading: This course is offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis. Course Completion Outcome:, Upon successful completion of this course the student will demonstrate sophisticated access skills in conjunction with advanced word processing or other software applications. ACT for MS-DOS 93

98 Text/Supplies Required; Student supplies own disks. Texts as required by type of computer access project. 4 ACT for MS-DOS

99 Course Title: Computer Access Projects Pre-Requisite/Co-Requisite: A student must be eligible for services and instruction from Disabled Student Programs and Services through appropriate verification of a primary disability by certificated personnel and be able to benefit from the programs and services offered by the High Tech Center. Instructor permission is required. It is expected that students who enroll for this class will be able to work independently in the lab except for new aspects of the access technology which they are employing. Class Format: This course is a lab project course. Units: This is a variable unit course; one unit of credit will be granted upon completion of 48 hours of lab work. One-half unit of credit will be granted upon completion of 24 hours of lab work. Rationale; This course is designed for students who have completed the regular High Tech Center curriculum and who must learn new and advanced areas of their adapted technologies in order to complete other classroom assignments or special projects. Course Description: This course is designed for students who require access to specialized adaptive technologies in order to complete assignments for other classes in which they are concurrently enrolled. CSLUMEDIESItbrilE 1. The student will learn new skills associated with highly specific applications of his/her access technology. 2. The student will acquire advanced problem-solving skills in the use of his/her access technology in the context of practical day-to-day use. ACT for MS-DOS 95

100 Course Content and 4 pe: 1. The student will meet with the instructor to discuss the project which the student wishes to complete. 2. Based on this student/instructor discussion, the instructor will determine the validity of the project and what new aspects of the student's access technology must be taught within the context of this assignment. 3. The student will complete a contractual agreement which details the work to be done, the ACT assistance to be required, and the estimated length of time needed to complete the assignment. Basic instruction will involve new applications of access technologies used in the High Tech Center. Applications will vary from student to student. Typical examples of such work would be a low vision student learning to use access technologies with software required for an accounting class; or, a blind student using a screen reading program to develop complex screen layouts for a database program. The following course outline components are not appropriate to this course: 1. Reading and Writing Assignments 2. Outside Assignments Critical Thinking:, Critical thinking is directly involved in the successful completion of all aspects of work for this course: the ability to work independently without requiring specific instruction except in the new use of the access technology is a demonstration of use of critical thinking skills. Method of Instruction: This class will be conducted on a lab basis. Means of Evaluation: Completion of class project and mastery of new access application as described in student/instructor contractual agreement. 96 ACT for MS-DOS

101 Grading. This course is offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis only. Course Completion Outcome; The student will have successfully used his or her type of adaptive technology in a new context. ieztauwkiritatilite& Student must provide own disk. ACT for MS-DOS 97

102 98 ACT for MS-DOS

103 Running A High Tech Center THE DELIVERY SYSTEM Ray Lovell Adapted Computer Technologies Specialist El Camino College Introduction How can all this fabulous hardware and software be presented to the student in a most efficient manner? One of the truly exciting elements about the development of a High Tech Center is that at present, there is no "one" best method to deliver this package. These programs are far too young to have already established a set protocol. Each Center is unique and will develop differently depending on the individual needs of the students and available resources. The following pages will discuss, in general terms, some of the major issues relative to the development and daily operations of a High Tech Center. thmaitax From the onset, three key terms are critical for the orderly development of a program. These terms are organization, communication, and "consistency". At all times keep in mind that the primary mission of the High Tech Center-- in its simplest form--is to provide computer access. Organization is important in any learning environment. However, it is particularly significant within a High Tech Center. An ordered environment will facilitate student and staff use. Communication is obviously important when working with students. A good working relationship between instructor and student is especially important within the High Tech Center, because the human factor can help eliminate student fears regarding technology. It is also important that the students communicate with their other instructors (Disabled Students Program and mainstream instructors). In this way, these instructors become aware of the available resources within the High Tech Center and can then urge other students to use the center. Consistency is a critical element in providing the student with an environment that is stable and predictable. The simple act of moving a student from one keyboard to another may, for that student, prove to be a confusing change. While the specialist may see this as a relatively insignificant difference, the student who is not yet comfortable with the hardware may find it difficult to make this transition. ACT for MS-DOS

104 Intitial Assessment One of the first things to do is to meet individually with the students and assess their particular needs. What would be the special hardware/software requirements that would enable them to access and benefit from the computer? The following are some of the areas that the specialist will want to explore: What is the nature of the student's disability? Does the student have seizures? Has the student ever used a computer before? If so, what hardware/software? Does the student have requisite keyboard skills? Does the student have sensory and/or processing deficits? Based on this initial interview, a general profile of the student can be established. This information combined with input from other Program Specialists (Learning Disabilities Specialist, Hearing Impaired Specialist, Speech/Language Specialist, Visually Impaired Specialist, Physical Disabilities Specialist) will assist in determination of appropriate hardware/software combinations for individual students. Much of this information can be recorded in the form of a check sheet (see Form A) and maintained as part of the student's I.E.P. within the High Tech Center. asheshiug One of the most important tools a specialist will use in running a High Tech Center is a scheduling board. Such a board will record which student will be assigned to which computer for what period of time. This particular tool can take many forms. They range from elaborate (and expensive) electronic scheduling boards to magnetic boards to chalkless blackboards. If resources are really limited, a simple clipboard may suffice (see Form B). As basic as this may sound, it is critical that the method of scheduling students be established prior to the start of the semester. This scheduling board will serve as the ultimate arbitrator and fend off many potential scheduling conflicts. When scheduling students, it is hest to give priority to those students who are enrolled in High Tech Center classes. Other disabled students may have access to the equipment on a "time available" basis. As a general rule, students should not be allowed to reserve computer time more than one week prior to the needed date. This policy will reduce the number of wasted time slots as a result of students not showing up for their reserved time. The general design for special classes within the High Tech Center are customarily a Lecture/Lab or Lab only format. The following are three common approaches to organization of the Lab section: 1. All students enrolled in a specific class section meet at the same time for the lab. 100 ACT for MS-DOS

105 2. At the beginning of the semester each student meets with the instructor and identifies on the scheduling board the lab times that they wish to reserve. 3. Students sign up for available lab time on an ongoing basis throughout the course of the semester. Students may work individually or be assigned a lab partner. If the students are going to be working as partners, it is obvious that they would need to have similar adaptive hardware/software requirements (refer back to the student's I.E.P., Form A, for this information). Assigning lab partners is an important and difficult task. Students should be matched according to general academic and social skills. Lab partners can be reassigned at a later date if the original assignment is not appropriate. Generally, assigning students to work as partners work best for the first several weeks of the semester. However, as the students gain confidence on the equipment, they tend to move at different rates. At some point, provided there is available equipment, the High Tech Center specialist will probably want to have the students work independently. It is best to work with beginning blind students in a small class setting. Detailed individualized assistance is necessary initially, and the other blind students in the class will benefit from listening. Additionally, having students work together in a class provides for a shared body of knowledge which creates the possibility of peer tutoring during lab times. First Class Sessions It is important that the students understand the basic "ground rules" when working in the lab (i.e., lab hours, no copying of software, scheduling of computers, etc.). This information should be well posted and a copy given to each student (see Form C as a representative sample). Starting with the first class session, the students need to maintain a record of their computer time. A simple "Sign-out" sheet on a clip-board can be used for this purpose (see Form D). Students are instructed to record their lab hours on the form after each class session. At the end of each month these hours are entered into the computer for tabulation. If a lecture/lab model has been established, generic computer concepts can be addressed during the lecture session. Common keyboarding mistakes may also be addressed at this time. More in-depth, individualized instruction would be given to those students who require it during the lab session. While a computer keyboard is similar in many ways to a standard typewriter, it also has many non-traditional keys. It is important that the students initially grasp the basic concepts of these special keys. ACT for MS-DOS 101

106 The method and ease with which the students are introduced to the computers will greatly effect their success in the lab. Assure students they cannot "break" the computer if they press a wrong key. Get the students "up and running" on the computer as quickly as possible. Structure the initial class sessions so that the students experience immediate success. A useful pattern to follow is to lead students through opening a file, performing initial keyboard input (not worrying about correcting keyboard errors) and saving and printing the file. Students go home with "instant" hard copy and a sense of accomplishment. Start off the semester by assuming that the students know nothing about a computer. The simple act of turning the unit on may be both exhilarating and threatening for the students. Try to place yourself in the position of the students and identify with the potential anxiety they may be experiencing. Keep it simple! While there are many things the students can do on the computer, at the beginning stages, give the students only that information which they need to know. Start slow. Let students proceed at their own rates. Students grasp different computer concepts at dramatically different rates. Only give them information necessary to accomplish the required task at hand. As individual students feel more comfortable at the keyboard, you can embellish their knowledge of these commands during their lab time. Flopp y Maintenance Within the lab environment, floppy disks tend to propagate very quickly. It is important that the specialist develop a system of easy identification. On two mailing labels, place the student's name, class (Section #), application programs and indicate whether it is the "A" or "B" disk. Place these labels on the student's disks. It will then be possible to quickly identify a particular disk without having to boot it up. It is also a good idea to use the "LABEL" command from DOS to electronically place the student's name on their disks. If more than one class section is being offered, color code the disk sleeves. Use a particular color code for each section. This will assist the student (and the specialist) in quickly identifying the disks. It should always be the students' responsibility to place their disks in sleeves and return them to the appropriate location at the end of each lab. Instructional Aides High Tech Centers are regarded as instructional facilities staffed by certificated personnel who may or may not utilize instructional aides. As a High Tech Center becomes larger, it may be necessary to hire an aide to assist with specialist instruction and lab time. Instructional aides may take the form of volunteers, paid student help, cooperative career education, or college 102 ACT for MS-DOS

107 work study students. It is critical that these individuals receive some degree of training. If possible, for their first semester in the lab, have them sit in on class lectures so that they have the same information as the students. Try to ' establish a scheduled training session each week. While this is very time consuming, it is time that is well spent! It generally takes approximately a full semester before a new aide becomes truly productive within the lab. Once again, if your budget does not support this, they may be paid through college work study or cooperative career education. Public Relations High Tech Centers are really very unique. The equipment and software is truly on the cutting edge of technology. The potential for these programs is tremendous. Share this technology with your colleagues! Working in a vacuum is counter-productive. Department of Rehabilitation - The specialist should invite the local Department of Rehabilitation District Administrator and staff for a workshop/demonstration. At the workshop, invite individual counselors to come and speak to the classes. Always maintain records on these activities and individual student referrals. On Campus - A good place to start is to contact the computer science instructors on campus and personally invite them for a tour of the High Tech Center. Set a specific date while on the phone! Try to plan the time when the students are actually working on the equipment. This shows that the equipment is not just a collection of bells and whistles... it really does work! During the visit suggest that they might want to bring their classes over for a demonstration. Remember, computer science instructors are a valuable source of technical assistance. Other departments that may find the High Tech Center to be particularly interesting are English and business. Off Campus - Plan an open house for representatives of local industries. A good source of names and addresses are the members of the various Citizens Advisory Committees already in existence on your campus. The local Chamber of Commerce might be interested. These contacts can be most valuable, if some day a fundraising activity is planned in support of the High Tech Center. Get a Phone Line A phone line into the High Tech Center is an important resource. (If a direct line is not possible, consider a cordless phone.) It is important that a phone be available within the Center for purposes of technical support. A modem in the lab will allow you to connect with the High Tech Center bulletin board, CC:. ACT for MS-DOS 103

108 Final Thoughts 41, The development of a High Tech Center is a continual process. Do not expect to achieve an established program overnight. As the program grows, there will always be more to learn. Once again, the field is far too new for any one person to have all the answers, so don't be afraid to try new ideas. Remember, there are always the old standards to fall back on. High Tech Center instructors are all pioneers. That's what makes these centers so exciting. 104 ACT for MS-DOS

109 Form A Assessment Check Sheet Name: S.S.#: Date: Phone: Grade: P/F Letter Disability: Seizures: Functional Limitations: Previous Computer Use? Yes No Level: If Yes, Type(S): Software Used: Keyboard Skills: Poor Adequate Good Adaptations Recommended: Zoomtext Plus Cursor Filch Settings: Settings: Flipper Handiword Laptop Mindreader Powerpak Settings: Seebeep Turbo Lightning Wordperfect Work with Lab Partner Name: Work Indepently in Lab ACT for MS-DOS 105

110 Form B High Tech Center Scheduling Sheet For the Week of: Computer # 1 I Monday 1 Tuesday I Wednesday J Thursday I Friday 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8: ACT for MS-DOS

111 Form C High Tech Center Protocol 1. Make sure you have a reservation on the schedule board. 2. Sign in your hours on the clipboard. 3. If you will be absent, please call the special resource center so we can give your time slot to another student (phone number). 4. If you miss two consecutive appointments you will lose your scheduled time. 5. You may stop by the High Tech Center and see if a computer is available. 6. No software may be removed from the center at any time. 7. No copying of any programs is allowed. 8. If you bring in your own software it must first be checked in with the staff. 9. No eating, drinking or smoking at any time. 10. Remain in the center only when working on a computer assignment. 11. The Center will remain open only when instructional supervision is present. 12. Treat the software and equipment gently. We want to keep it in working order for many years. ACT for MS-DOS 107

112 Form D High Tech Center Lab Sign-out Sheet Date NAME TIME IN TIME OUT 108 ACT for MS-DOS

113 Software and Hardware Used in The HTCTU Software Product Title/Description Vendor Address Est. Price April 1995 Access DOS-DOS (Software utility for keyboard control) IBM Fulfillment Center P.O. Box 3558 Shireman's Town, PA (800) No Charge Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Close View MAC (Provided with versions 6.0 and greater of the Macintosh Operating System; Provides 2x to 16x degrees of magnification) Apple Computer Corporation Mariani Avenue Cupertino, CA (800) (Apple Computer Education Division) No Charge Product Title/Description Vendor Address Est. Price Cursor Program DOS (Cursor definition program which allows the user to change shape of cursor on screen) Public Domain Software Available from High Tech Center No Charge Est. Price Eradutlitleafacthatipa Vendor Address Easy Access MAC (A utility provided with versions 5.0 and greater of the Macintosh Operating Systems; "Sticky Keys" provides both "latch/release" and "continuous latch" options. "Mouse Keys" allows the numeric pad keystrokes to be substituted for mouse movements) Apple Computer Corporation Mariani Avenue Cupertino, CA (800) (Apple Computer Education Division) No Charge ACT for MS-DOS

114 Product Title/Description. Vendor Address Filch-DOS (Stops automatic key repeat function of DOS Computers) Kinetic Designs Anatevka Lane Olalla, WA (206) Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Flipper-DOS (Screen Reader) OMNICHRON 1438 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA (510) Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Est. Price Han.diWORD-DOS (English only version; Speeds up text entry) Microsystems Software, Inc. 600 Worcester Road Framingham, MA (508) Product Title/Description Vendor Address inlarge-mac (Enlarges on-screen print for Macintosh) Berkeley Systems, Inc Rose Street Berkeley, CA (510) Est. Price Educational Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Mindreader-DOS ("Smart" wordprocessor with text compression) Brown Bag Software (Possibly No Longer Available) Est. Price ACT for MS-DOS

115 Product Title/Description Vendor Address outspoken MAC (Screen reader for Macintosh) Berkeley Systems, Inc Rose Street Berkeley, CA (510) Est. Price Educational Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address SeeBeep-DOS (Utility program which prints "beep" or flashes the screen when an auditory cue occurs in a software program) Microsystems Software, Inc. 600 Worcester Road Framingham, MA (508) Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Thunder 7 MAC (An on-line spell check program with dictionary of definitions thesaurus) Baseline Publishing, Inc Moriah Woods Blvd. Suite 14 Memphis, TN (901) Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Est. Price Turbo Lightning DOS (On-line spelling checker and thesaurus) Borland International 100 Borland Way P.O. Box Scotts Valley, CA (408) Available from High Tech Center ACT for MS-DOS

116 Product Title/Description Vendor Address Vocal Eyes DOS (Screen reading program for blind with reading highlight option for students with learning disabilities) GW Micro 310 Racquet Drive Fort Wayne, IN (219) Est. Price Regular version ; Dragon version Product Title/Description Vendor Address Zoomtext Plus DOS, WIN (Large print display program which magnifies both text and graphics) Al Squared P.O. Box 669 Manchester Center, VT (802) Est. Price ; Educational Price ACT for MS-DOS

117 Hardware Product Title/Description, Vendor Address Accent Speech Synthesizers-Dos (Board level and free standing speech synthesizers for IBM & compatibles) AICOM Corporation 1590 Oakland Road Suite B112 San Jose, CA (408) Est. Price. Board Level Free Standing Product Title/Description Vendor Address Adjustable Keyboard/Monitor Stand Acrylic Art th Street Emeryville, CA (510) Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Est, Price Artic Transport Speech Synthesizer-DOS (Small-under 1 pound--portable synthesizer) Artic Technologies 55 Park Street Troy, MI (810) afthigttiatmghicriptian Vendor Address DragonDictate DOS (Speech recognition system for MS-DOS computers) Dragon Systems, Inc. 320 Nevada Street Newton, MA (617) or (800) TALKTYP. ( ) Est. Price Vocabulary Size 5, ; 30, ; 60, Sound Card ACT for MS-DOS

118 Product Title/Description, Vendor Address Est. Price Headmaster-MAC, DOS, WIN (For the Macintosh, this headset provides alternative keyboard and mouse input for persons unable to physically use a keyboard mouse) Prentke-Romich Company 1022 Heyl Road Wooster, OH (216) , Product Title/Description Vendor Address HeadMouse-MAC, DOS, WIN (This headset provides alternative keyboard and mouse input for persons unable to physically use a keyboard or mouse) Origin Instruments Corporation 854 Greenview Drive Grand Prairie TX (214) Est. Price 1, Product Title/Description Kurzweil Reading Edge (Scans printed material and pro ides spoken output) Vendor Address Xerox Imaging Systems 9 Centennial Drive Peabody, MA (508) Est. Price 5, Product Title/Description Vendor Address OsCaR (Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software and scanner) Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA (415) Est. Price 1, ACT for MS-DOS

119 Product Title/Description PC DECtalk DTC07-AA-DOS (Advanced board level speech synthesizer) Vendor Address Digital Equipment Corporation P.O. Box CS2008 Nashua, NH (800) Est. Price 1, Product Title/Description, Vendor Address Ransley Brailler-DOS (A "black box" system which provides continuous real time translation of any word processer file to grade II Braille) Humanware, Inc King Road Loomis, CA (916) Est. Price Product Title/Description Vendor Address Est. Price Sound-Proof-DOS (Screen reader for students with learning disabilities) Humanware, Inc King Road Loomis, CA (916) Keynote Gold version ; DECtalk version Product Title/Description Vendor Address Vista VGA-DOS ( On-screen print enlarger) Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA (415) or (800) Est. Price 2, ACT for MS-DOS

120 Product Title/Descriptiork Vista 2 DOS (On-screen print enlarger for IBM PS/2 computers) Vendor Address Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA (415) or (800) Est. Price 2, ACT for MS-DOS

121 ACT for MS-DOS High Tech Center Sites

122 ACT for MS-DOS

123 Allan. Hancock College Learning Assistance Program 800 South College Drive Santa Maria CA (805) ext 3380 Mark Malangko Bakersfield Comm. College Supportive Services 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield CA (805) Donald Johnson Cabrillo College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Soquel Drive Aptos CA (408) Frank Lynch Chabot College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Hesperian Boulevard Hayward CA (510) Melinda Matsuda Citrus College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv West Foothill Boulevard Glendora CA (818) Marilyn Eng College of Marin Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 835 College Avenue Kentfield CA (415) Marie McCarthy Antelope Valley College Disabled Student Services 3041 West Avenue K Lancaster CA (805) ext 239 Louis Lucero Butte College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Butte Campus Drive Oroville CA (916) Richard Dunn Cerritos Community College Instructional Support Center Alondra Boulevard Norwalk CA (310) ext 2334 Bob Hughlett Chaffey College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga CA (909) Sharlene Smith College of Alameda Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 555 Atlantic Avenue Alameda CA (510) Kerry Compton College of San Mateo Disabled Student Prog. & Serv West Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo CA (415) Arnett Caviel ACT for MS-DOS

124 College of the Canyons Disabled Student Prog. & Serv North Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita CA (805) ext 342 Bruce Pelkey College of the Redwoods- Del Norte Disabled Student Services 883 West Washington Boulevard Crescent City CA (707) ext 112 Sandra Nightingale College of the Sequoias Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 915 South Mooney Boulevard Visalia CA (209) Don Mast CSU Long Beach Disabled Student Services 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Room 206 Long Beach CA (213) David Sanfilippo CSU San Jose Disabled Student Serv. & Prog. One Washington Square San Jose CA (408) Martin Schuller Cypress College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Valley View Street Cypress CA (714) ext 104 Christine Terry Diablo Valley College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill CA (510) ext 607 Terry Armstrong College of the Desert Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Monterey Avenue Palm Desert CA (619) Diane Ramirez College of the Redwoods-Eureka Disabled Student Services 7351 Tompkins Hill Road Eureka CA (707) Susan Mindus Contra Costa College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Mission Bell Drive San Pablo CA (510) ext 220 Pam Van Gilder CSU San Diego Disabled Student Services 5300 Companile Dr. CL-110 San Diego CA (619) Elizabeth Bacon Cuesta College Learning Skills Center P.O. Box 8106 San Luis Obispo CA (805) Lynn Frady De Anza College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Stevens Creek Boulevard Cupertino CA (408) Steven Sellitti East Los Angeles College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Avenida Cesar Chavez Monterey Park CA (213) Joseph Nqj ar ACT for MS-DOS

125 El Camino College Special Resource Center Crenshaw Boulevard Torrance CA (310) Lucinda Aborn Foothill College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv El Monte Road Los Altos Hills CA (415) Rosemarie Menager-Beeley Fullerton College Disabled Student Learning Center 321 East Chapman Avenue Fullerton CA (714) Christine Terry Grosssmont College Disabled Student Services 8800 Grossmont College Drive El Cajon CA (619) ext 114 Mimi Lee Imperial Valley College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. P.O. Box 158 Imperial CA (619) Melvin Wendrick Lake Tahoe Comm. College Disabled Student Services One College Drive South Lake Tahoe CA (916) ext 264 Katie Olsen Las Positas College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Collier Canyon Road Livermore CA (510) Robin Adler-Goldsmith Evergreen Valley College Disabled Students Program 3095 Yerba Buena Road San Jose CA (408) Bill Cook y Fresno City College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv East University Avenue Fresno CA (209) Janice Emerzian Glendale Community College Disabled Students Services 1500 North Verdugo Road Glendale CA (818) ext 5450 Joy Cook Hartwell College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 156 Homestead Avenue Salinas CA (408) Wayne Davis Irvine Valley College Supportive Services 5500 Irvine Center Drive Irvine CA (714) William Hewitt Laney College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 900 Fallon Street Oakland CA (510) Carol Dalessio Lassen Community College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. P.O. Box 3000 Susanville CA (916) ext 195 Richard Springer ACT for MS-DOS

126 Los Angeles City College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 855 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles CA (213) Chad Woo Los Angeles Mission College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Eldridge Avenue Sylmar CA (818) Rick Scuderi. Merced College Disabled Student Services 3600 M Street Merced CA (209) Richard Marashlian Mira Costa College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. One Barnard Drive Oceanside CA (619) ext 300 Loretta Bohl Modesto Junior College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 435 College Avenue Modesto CA (209) Celia Barberena Moorpark College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Campus Road Moorpark CA (805) Jan Andriese North Orange County ROP Special Projects 2208 Sequoia Anaheim CA (714) Kaye Turley Los Angeles Harbor College Special Programs & Services 1111 Figueroa Place Wilmington CA (310) Deborah Tull Los Angeles Pierce College Special Services 6201 Winnetka Avenue Woodland Hills CA (818) Norm Crozer Merritt College Adapted Computer Learning Cntr Campus Drive Oakland CA (510) Carla Tracy-Weber Mission College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Mission Boulevard Santa Clara CA (408) Carol Toppel Monterey Peninsula College Supportive Services 980 Fremont Street Monterey CA (408) Ron Baker Mount San Antonio College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv North Grand Avenue Walnut CA (909) ext 5640 Mayne Thornton Oxnard College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv South Rose Avenue Oxnard CA (805) Ellen Young ACT for MS-DOS

127 Palomar College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv West Mission Road San Marcos CA (619) ext 2378 Ron Haines Rancho Santiago College Adapted Computer Tech. Center 1530 West 17th Street Santa Ana CA (714) Cheryl Dunn Saddleback College Special Services Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo CA (714) Jody Hollinden Pasadena City College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena CA (818) Emylu Weller Rio Hondo College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Workman Mill Road. Whittier CA (310) Patrick Boyle San Diego City College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Twelfth Avenue San Diego CA (619) Helen Elias San Diego Mesa College High Tech Center 7250 Mesa College Drive San Diego CA (619) Connie Russert San Joaquin Delta College Disabled Student Services 5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton CA (209) Karen Andersen Santa Barbara City College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 721 Cliff Drive Santa Barbara CA (805) ext 2365 Janet Shapiro City College of San Francisco John Adams Campus-DSP&S 1860 Hayes Street San Francisco CA (415) Dorene Cotter San Jose City College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Moorpark Avenue San Jose CA (408) Zeke Garcia Santa Monica College Disabled Student Center 1900 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica CA (310) Judith Schwartz Santa Rosa Junior College Disability Resources Center 1501 Mendocino Avenue Santa Rosa CA (707) Patie Wegman Shasta College Health & Handicap Services P.O. Box Redding CA (916) Parker Pollock ACT for MS-DOS

128 Sierra College Disabled Services 5000 Rocklin Road Rocklin CA (916) James Hir ' schinger Southwestern Comm. College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 900 Otay Lakes Road Chula Vista CA (619) ext 6471 Greg Sandoval U.C. Davis Disability Resource Center 170 South Silo Davis CA (916) Maureen Brodie Vista College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Milvia Street Berkeley CA (510) ext 251 Joe Bielanski West Valley College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga CA (408) Pam Luster Solano Community College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv Suisun Valley Road Suisun CA (707) Will Barnes Taft College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 29 Emmons Park Drive Taft CA (805) ext 276 Jeff Ross Ventura College Educational Assistance Center 4667 Telegraph Road Ventura CA (805) Orlene Bowers West Hills College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv. 300 Cherry Lane Coalinga CA (209) ext 225 Marsha Tarver Yuba College Disabled Student Prog. & Serv North Beale Road Marysville CA (916) Jay Simpson ACT for MS-DOS

129 508 Regulations ACT for MS-DOS 125

130 ACT for MS-DOS

131 Managing End User Computing For Users With Disabilities is as MO Ma NI la mlw 1 1 alb ar AD an ai WM MI I at MP MP MO St MI IS e aim 1IM MM. IN MI I 1111E1 NIB IB M ON lb General Services Administration Information Resources Management Service

132

133 Managing End User Computing for Users with Disabilities has been prepared by-the Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA) of the Information Resources Management Service (IRMS), General Services Administration (GSA). This handbook presents guidance to Federal managers and other personnel who are unfamiliar with the application of computer and related information technology to accommodate users with disabilities and provide for their effective access to information resources. Issues reviewed represent "lessons learned" by agencies and GSA's Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation. The unbound format of this handbook accommodates the need for periodic updating due to the rapid introduction of new accommodation-related products and services and the evolving nature of the guidance presented. Updates will be available on-line and hard-copy and can be obtained by completing the registration form (appendix A). COCA staff invite comments and contributions to the guide. In addition, COCA can be contacted to arrange demonstrations of accommodation solutions at their technical resource center. COCA is also available to assist managers with technical advice and assistance during acquisition planning. The COCA staff may be reached on voiceftdd (FTS ) or via mail at GSA, Susan A. Brummel, Director, Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation, Room 2022, KGDO, 18th & F Streets, N.W., Washington, DC Patricia A. Szervo Commissioner Information Resources Management Service U.S. General Services Administration agia.4_) Judith A. Parks Assistant Commissioner Office of GSA Information Systems U.S. General Services Administration

134

135 Table of Contents I. Executive Summary... II. Managing the Evolving End User Environment... 2 A. Enhancing end user tools B. Common needs of end users... 2 C. Increasing productivity with end user tools D. Regulatory responsibilities for managing end user computing for users with disabilities... 4 III. Assessing Accommodation Requirements A. Consultation with individual users B. Accommodating users with visual impairment... 5 C. Accommodating users with hearing impairment D. Accommodating users with mobility impairment IV. Providing End User Tools And Support... 8 A. Small purchase guidance for accommodating individual user needs B. Guidance for accommodating individual user needs during agencywide procurement C. Technical support D. Training V. Appendices......A-1 A. Registration Form for updates to this handbook A-1 ACCOMMODATION RESOURCES AND INFORMATION B. Assessment of Computer & Telecommunications Needs Checklists... B-1 C. Government Sector Resources C-1 D. Public and Private Sector Resources... D-1 E. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf E-1 F. Federal Agency TDD Numbers F-1 G. Braille and Personal Computers......G-1 H. Computer Accommodation Publications H-1 POLICY AND REGULATORY INFORMATION I. Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR) Amendment on Electronic Office Equipment Accessibility for Handicapped Employees (Pub. L , Section 508) J.. FIRMR Bulletin 56 Electronic Office Equipment Accessibility for Employees with Disabilities...J-1 K. FIRMR Bulletin 48 Continuity of Computer Accommodation for Handicapped Employees When Replacing Automatic Data Processing Equipment Systems K-1 L. FIRMA Bulletin 42 Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation...L-1 M. GSA Bulletin FPMR H-45--Transfer of Specialized Equipment Used by Handicapped Federal Employees......M-1 N. Code of Federal Regulations on Reasonable Accommodation Title 29, Section N-1 ACCOMMODATION PRODUCTS 0. Representative Accommodation Products

136 .

137 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Advances in technology have greatly expanded the number of information tools that are used by Federal agencies. Accommodating the functional limitations of users with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments is readily achievable. Currently the availability of cost-effective enhancements to support access requirements far exceeds effective utilization. This is due to the lack of established management procedures in this area and unfamiliarity with system configurations and products to accommodate needs. To begin to close this gap, and in response to a Congressional mandate, GSA recently promulgated an accessibility policy for agencies in its Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR). This policy Implements Pub. L , Section 508 (29 USC. 794d) regarding electronic office equipment accessibility. The policy states that: "Federal agencies shall provide handicapped and non-handicapped employees equivalent access to electronic office equipment to the extent such needs are determined by the agency in accordance with and the required accessibility can be provided by industry. In providing equivalent access to electronic office equipment, agencies shall consider: 1) Access to and use of the same data bases and application programs by handicapped and non-handicapped employees; 2) Utilization of enhancement capabilities for manipulating data (ie., special peripherals) to attain equivalent end-results by handicapped and non-handicapped employees; and 3) Access to and use of equivalent communications capabilities by handicapped and nonhandicapped employees." This handbook provides additional guidance to IRM managers as they incorporate electronic equipment accessibility into their overall acquisition planning beginning with the determinations of need and requirements analyses for automatic data processing equipment. Consultation with individual users is key to the development of functional performance requirements. Market research currently yields a wide-range of commercially available products including hardware, software, and firmware that can be added to personal computers (PC) to meet specific accommodation requirements of users. The largest number of solutions currently in use have been developed for the PC environment. Experience is beginning to show that when acquisition planning includes the special needs of users with disabilities, cost-effective, integrated, accommodation solutions to access problems are achieved that in many cases also serve as a catalyst to the introduction of well-designed technology innovations of benefit to all users. 1

138

139 I. Managing The Evolving End User Environment A. Enhancing End User Tools The flexibility of current personal computers has led to a proliferation of "enhancement - add-ons" which may be used to customize and streamline personal computer use. Examples of common add-ons are modem cards, mouse input devices, and memon resident software such as desktop organizers, calculators and note pads. Certain add-ons are of particular benefit to users with disabilities; these include speech synthesizers, speech recognition devices, software for screen enlargement, screen review, keystroke control, and other hardware and software items. For users with disabilities, the provision of appropriate add-ons improves access to information resources; in some cases, the add-ons enable an individual to independently complete tasks that previously could not be performed without assistance, due to the disabling condition. Computer accommodation involves identifying and adding "off-the-shelf" hardware and software components to standard personal computers to provide for their effective use by individuals with disabilities. Inexpensive hardware and software add-ons are commercially available to achieve the necessary functionality for most users with disabilities. Some products have been developed specificaly for disabled persons, such as special terminals/keyboards, input devices, and braille printers. Other products represent emerging technologies that benefit both disabled and non-disabled people; for example, speech input/output and enhanced monitor capabilities. Many of the enhancements necessary to achieve a particular functionality can be provided whether the personal computer is used in standalone or terminal emulation mode. B. Common Needs of End Users The needs of end users with disabilities in general resemble the needs of other end users rather than differing from them. Accommodation in the broadest sense, therefore, refers to the application of ergonomic principles to maximize the capabilities of all users. Designing workstations to enhance user capabilities is becoming increasingly important as people spend more time using office automation equipment. A well designed workstation contributes to user comfort, motivation, and productivity. A poorly designed workstation may lead to unnecessary fatigue and discomfort. As end user needs evolve, the acquisition plans of Federal agencies will increasingly reflect the total information processing environment of individual end users. The comprehensive needs assessment required to determine the appropriate accommodation for individuals with disabilities may also be used to determine an optimal interface for all users. The operations necessary to retrieve information and produce documents are essentially the same for both disabled and non-disabled users. For example, the primary limitation experienced by a blind individual when using a personal computer for word processing is the inability to take advantage of the visual feedback presented on the screen. Adding spoken or braille output to the visual display overcomes this limitation by providing usable feedback. A personal computer that has been augmented to provide speech output can be used by both sighted and non-sighted workers. A blind person would rely on the auditory review capability and a sighted person would use the visual feedback. In the future, sighted workers are likely to rely on a combination of visual and auditory feedback.

140 Agency experiences with accommodation solutions that incorporate emerging technologies (e.g., speech synthesis and recognition) provide an effective means for evaluating future applications with potential benefit to all end users. Although speech output today is used primarily by visually impaired individuals, it is anticipated that many more users may rely on this capability in the future. Users could remotely access their computers while on business and listen to pertinent files or electronic mail messages. In the future, agencies may employ telephone management systems with a speech synthesis interface to handle many routine, but time-sensitive inquiries. A caller could select from a choice of messages by selecting the appropriate code, including the option to talk to an operator/information specialist. The advantages of information mode alternatives will also benefit individuals in "hands busy eyes busy" environments that limit the usefulness of a system with only a keyboard and monitor. For example, a technician who is repairing defective equipment might utilize an expert computer system configured to recognize and synthesize speech for troubleshooting, thus freeing both hands for mechanical work. The technician could speak observations to the computer and receive spoken diagnostic assistance regarding which parts to replace. C. Increasing Productivity with End User Tools All of the general productivity advantages associated with office automation are available to users with disabilities when accessible systems are provided. In addition, the inherent flexibility of manipulating information electronically effectively compensates for users whose disabilities impede their ability to handle standard print documents or review them visually, or both. The following list represents some of the significant benefits from providing accessible electronic information systems. 1. Limitation of Sight: a. When information is reviewed and manipulated electronically, the limitations associated with the mechanical aspects of reading, writing, handling, and distributing of printed information are effectively removed; b. Documents can be readily converted into accessible forms such as large print, braille, or audio tape, in contrast to the limited availability of such alternatives in the past; c. Electronic messaging and voice mail provide a "disability transparent" means for a blind user to send and receive information efficiently and independently. 2. Limitation of Hearing: a. Electronic messaging also benefits hearing impaired users who rely extensively on written communication due to oral communication limitations; and b. A deaf-blind individual whose computer supports braille output can readily access information resources and perform essential information-related tasks independently. This system would also support effective communication with co-workers through braille and monitor display of text entered at the keyboard. Such a system would also support electronic mail. 3. Mobility Impairment: a. Electronic manipulation of information can be significantly more efficient and effective than more traditional means for an individual with limited dexterity. For some, it may be the only means of working independently and productively; b. The mechanical problems of accessing a filing cabinet, handwriting a memo, or turning the pages of a book are eliminated; 3

141 c. Keyboard enhancement capabilities (macros, word prediction) can significantly boost productivity by reducing the number of keystrokes required to generate text; d. Electronic mail is also an effective communication medium for users with physical limitations of mobility or speech, or both; and, e. The advantages of the "paperless office of the future" are being achieved by users with mobility impairments today. D. Regulatory Responsibilities for Managing End User Computing by Users with Disabilities 1. Section 508 of Public Law addresses electronic equipment accessibility in Federal procurements and mandates compliance with accessibility guidelines, in order "that handicapped individuals may use electronic office equipment with or without special peripherals." Initial guidelines were completed by the Department of Education and the General Services Administration on October 1, Incorporation of the guidelines into the Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR) took place November 14, The guidelines outline general policy, management responsibilities, and functional specifications to assist agencies in achieving accessibility for their employees. It is anticipated that accessibilityrelated equipment capabilities and support services will become integral aspects of agency acquisitions. Users with disabilities will receive equivalent equipment, training, and technical support as users without disabilities. In addition, however, users with disabilities will receive accommodation-related software and hardware add-ons as necessary as well as additional training to use these enhancement products. The FIRMR amendment is included as appendix I and the accompanying GSA Bulletin 56 as appendix J. 2. Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMA) Bulletin 48, dated April 27, 1987, provides guidance on the continuity of computer accommodation when replacing automatic data processing systems. This bulletin is included as appendix K. 3. Under the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR ), Federal agencies are required to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the agency. This portion of the CFR is included as appendix N Assessing Accommodation Requirements A. Consultation with Individual Users Individual consultation is necessary to identify appropriate accommodation solutions. The mandatory features of an accommodation are determined by how the individual will be using the computer. Currently, the variety of accommodation add-ons available makes it possible to configure an optimum system for the user; however, this requires that specific functional limitations are identified in relation to the work to be accomplished, and that these be carefully matched with the enhancement products available. Successful solutions are most readily achieved with a team approach that includes the supervisor, the user with disabilities, and a technical support person. A brief description of some tools frequently used by end users with disabilities follows. The review is organized by the functional limitations of vision, hearing, and mobility impairment. After defining the functional tasks to be performed by an individual user and the anticipated functional problems associated with completing those tasks, vendors should be contacted to review specific descriptions, features, and capabilities cif the tools that might best resolve the problem(s). To facilitate the process of learning more about these tools, a representative list of manufacturers of personal computer add-ons for users with disabilities is included as appendix 0. 4

142 B. Accommodating Users with Visual Impairment 1. Low Vision a. Glare Protection Screen Minimizes visual fatigue associated with glare on the monitor. b. Large Monitor (19"-25") Increases character size in proportion to monitor dimensions. c. Magnifying Screen Reduces glare and enlarges characters to approximately double their original size. d. Large Character Display Provides large character display capability (hardware or software) that increases character size approximately 2-15 times in a manner that is transparent to the applications program. e. Copy machine with enlarging capability Provides enlarged print copies for persons with impaired vision. f. Opaque Projector Projects an enlarged image of the printed page onto the wall or a screen. Provides for easier reading of documents received. 2. Blind For those users with very limited or no usable vision, accommodation options include refreshable braille display devices or synthesized speech output. A common misconception among sighted users is that braille is always the best solution for blind users, but only about 10 percent can actually read braille. Typically, users who have lost their vision later in life tend to rely on speech as their access strategy rather than braille. Braille and speech solutions are briefly reviewed below. a. Braille input devices This refers not only to standalone terminals but also to portable note-taking systems. The portable note-taking devices have their own local storage (e.g., micro-cassette, floppy disk, random access memory), and their own built-in text editors. Their input mechanism is a keyboard with six keys and a space bar which is used to enter braille (either Grade I or Grade II). The output display is a refreshable 20-cell display which can be connected to a braille or standard printer, or both. This device can also be connected to a personal computer for file transfers. Some braille note-taking devices are able to give speech output as well. b. Braille output displays Provide a tactile output capability for review of the monitor's visual display. c. Braille translation software and firmware Supports users who prefer to compose and review documents in Grade II braille (see appendix G for further discussion) but who need to transmit and receive information from sighted co-workers. This contracted form of braille is preferred by many braille users because it can be read more quickly than Grade I braille and because it results in less cumbersome braille documents. d. Braille printers Several braille printers are available to provide hard-copy braille documents. Typically, documents are converted into Grade II braille before they are embossed. e. Speech synthesizers Provide an auditory output capability that supports screen reading software.

143 f. Screen reading software Controls the speech synthesizer to allow the contents of the screen to be spoken in a well-defined and controlled manner and in conjunction with standard application packages. g. Keyboard enhancements Keycap replacements or labels on selected keys (home row, special functions) that provide keyboard orientation. In addition, non-visual status indicators for toggle keys, such as shift lock, can be provided by software or a light probe indicator. h. Optical character reader When used in conjunction with a speech synthesizer, provides for the auditory review of hard-copy information and for electronic storage to disk if desired. C. Accommodating Users with Hearing Impairment Since operating a personal computer is essentially a visual task, hearing impaired users currently do not experience significant difficulties with this technology. A hearing impaired individual might not be able to determine the drive status from the sound of the drive spinning, but the light indicator would signal the disk status. Some application programs beep, if a key outside the range of choices is depressed. This auditory information is often redundant, because the lack of change on the visual display indicates the same message. Application packages may begin to incorporate more auditory or spoken prompts in the future, but it is anticipated that equivalent visual prompts will also be available on the screen. Even though a computer modification is not likely to be required, the supervisor should still discuss with the hearing impaired employee what support structures or procedures may be necessary to perform the job. These discussions should focus on how to accommodate the Individual employee's communication needs relative to one-to-one communications, telephone calls, meetings, and training courses. Accommodation needs vary by the individual, the communication situation, and the functional job requirements. One of the most important aspects of accommodating a hearing impaired employee is determining the telecommunications requirements. Important considerations include the following: 1. Visual redundancy Ensure that important information conveyed by beeps or speech during computer-related tasks are also displayed visually for the user unable to benefit from the auditory information. If necessary, install a flashing light signal that echoes the beeps. 2. Interpreter When arranging an interpreter for a technical meeting or training course, be sure to request that the interpreter have a working familiarity with the technical - terms that will be presented. Also, a hearing impaired person may miss some information when looking away from the interpreter to take notes. Encouraging participants to share course notes can help to eliminate this problem. 3. Captioning When purchasing training tapes, obtain permission from the copyright holder to caption them if they are not already captioned. 4. Amplification The employee will know whether telephone amplification is beneficial, and if so, what type is most useful. Many hearing aids have a telephone setting that can amplify sound if an appropriate handset is used. The telephone company can provide a handset with the appropriate magnetic field intensity to be compatible with this type of hearing aid setting. Battery powered, portable handset amplifiers are available for staff traveling among various offices. The amplifier can slip over the handset of most standard telephones. 6

144 5. TDD For an employee who cannot use an amplified telephone, a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) should be available to support work-related needs. A TDD - permits a hearing impaired person to communicate over a standard telephone with another TDD user or through a relay operator to reach a non-tdd user. A standard personal computer can also be configured to function as a TDD; however, most TDDs do not support the interchange code of the PC (ASCII). Special hardware and software can be added to support the code used by most TDDs (Baudot). Enhancing a PC to serve a TDD function is becoming a viable option. A PC-based solution should reflect a user's requirements and allow call announcement and pick-up without exiting other PC application programs. TDDs that support Baudot only are considered obsolete technology. Additional information on TDDs is included in appendix E. 6. Federal Information Relay Service The General Services Administration provides a relay operator service to support government business calls between TDD and non- TDD conversing parties. The operator serves as an intermediary between the hearing impaired (TDD-equipped) caller In one direction and the non-tdd equipped caller in the other direction. This service is available to any federal employee as well as members of the public when calling a government office. Within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area the number is (202) v/tdd and outside the Washington, D.C. area the number is (800) vitdd. The service is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. EST, beginning May 1, A partial listing of federal agency TDD numbers is included in appendix F. 7. Signalling devices It should be determined which of the sounds in the individual's work area need to be translated into visual signals. After these sounds have been identified, signalling devices can be installed that provide visual signals, and sometimes vibrations that supplement the auditory signals of sounds such as a ringing telephone, malfunctioning equipment, or a computer beeping a warning message. 8. Electronic and voice mail Hearing impaired users will benefit from these capabilities as they become available. Electronic mail presents no barrier to communication because it is essentially a visual process. Voice mail may be a useful option for a TDD user who is able to speak. Spoken messages could be sent without the assistance of a relay operator. Repeated telephone calls are eliminated because this type of system continues to place the call until the message is received. A voice mail message can also be relayed to a hearing impaired person by a secretary in the same way telephone messages are usually handled. 9. Fax Sending hard copy documents or hand-written notes through a facsimile machine also provides a valuable alternative to telephone messaging for some communication situations. Facsimile is the electronic transmission of letters and pictures over regular telephone lines. Fax systems should provide line status information in a visual manner (either text display or status lights) for feedback to individuals not able to benefit from auditory status information due to hearing loss or a noisy environment. A PC card option may be a viable alternative to a stand-alone fax machine for individuals that usually need to transmit data that has been generated on a PC. A combination fax machine/telephone may also be an alternative to a stand-alone fax machine. D. Accommodating Users with Mobility Impairments There are a variety of accommodation solutions available for users with physical disabilities. As previously stated, the selection of a software or hardware enhancement product should be determined after consultation with the individual employee.

145 The environment around the computer should also be reviewed for barriers to access such as narrow aisles that don't allow wheelchair passage, or workstations with heights too high or low which may result in fatigue or an inaccessible condition. Access strategies and products include: 1. Keyboard enhancement programs Are for persons who have difficulties using standard keyboards. There are a number of low-cost (approximately $50) keyboard enhancement programs which provide one or more of the following functions: a. enter multiple keystroke combinations (e.g., CTRL + ALT + DEL or Shift + a letter) sequentially; b. ability to adjust or turn off the keystroke repeat function; c. store multiple keystrokes as a macro which can be executed by a single keystroke; d. remap keys to accommodate a user who is limited to the use of one hand; e. provide the equivalent of mouse functions on the keyboard, if a mouse cannot be used; f. provide a foot mouse, an intelligent keypad, or keyboard macros to reduce the number of keystrokes required; and g. adjust the sensitivity level of the keyboard so that only keystrokes made intentionally are input. 2. Keyguard a smooth surfaced template with holes corresponding to key locations. A keyguard iq placed over a standard keyboard and promotes keyboard accuracy by stabilizing the user's hand movements and preventing inadvertent multiple keystrokes. a Mouth stick or head stick assists an individual who is unable to use a keyboard with his hands. 4. Speech recognition supports an individual's use of spoken commands to supplement use of a keyboard. 5. Alternative input device allows users to send valid keystrokes directly to the computer. The device is selected and configured to take advantage of the user's most efficient means of input (e.g., optical headpointing, scanning, Morse code, etc.). 6. Optimal positioning Several solutions are available to achieve stability for mobility impaired users with coordination problems, such as (1)a chair with arm rests, (2)a workstation that is centered in relation to user and (3)a stable keyboard surface set up at an optimal working height and angle. 7. Hard Disk This type of disk serves to minimize difficulties associated with the handling of floppy disks. 8. Robotic Arm Voice activated robotic arm devices are available in conjunction with a work station, This unit allows a severely mobility impaired user to have voice control of the computer and the robotic arm to perform tasks such as loading diskettes, turning pages in a book, and answering the phone. Other environmental control systems may also be attached to this system. Ill. Providing End User Tools and Support A. Small Purchase Guidance for Accommodating Individual User Needs After determining the needs, performing the requirements analysis, and identifying the options to be added, it is recommended that a demonstration be arranged to ensure that the system works as intended in the host environment. COCA can assist in arranging a demonstration.

146 The actual costs of an accommodation vary according to the equipment selected. Most costs are in the range of $ (excluding the cost of the computer on which the add-ons are installed). Many accommodation add-ons are still not available in computer stores, or on the GSA Multiple Awards Schedule. A representative list of companies that supply accommodation addons is included as appendix 0. Several companies have distributors that provide on-site demonstrations. Some packages are available for 30-day evaluations, or package capabilities can be reviewed through inexpensive software demo versions which may be purchased from the manufacturer. It is important to ask vendors specific questions regarding actual needs and equipment configurations. Potential purchasers should also be sure to obtain information from the vendor about product support, training, upgrades, warranty, maintenance, compatibility, and the experiences of other users. COCA has had a great deal of experience in this area that can be shared by phone or visit. 1. General Purchase Considerations The following questions may assist in planning and minimizing oversights that might result in unnecessary delays. Compatibility/Usefulness a. Has the employee tried the package being considered? b. Was it demonstrated in conjunction with the application software used in the employee's office? c. Has the particular system configuration been discussed with the vendor to insure that the accommodation product will work correctly with the existing hardware and software? Configuration and Other Requirements d. Do you have the required number and type of expansion slots for any cards that will be added? e. Will the package support your current monitor (e.g., monochrome), or do you need a special color graphics monitor (e.g. CGA, EGA, or VGA)? If you have a computer with a chip (e.g., IBM AT) or a chip (e.g., COMPAQ 386), will the package still work? 9. Do you have enough serial ports? (Note: If you have a modem and an external speech synthesizer you will need two-serial ports.) h. What about noise level considerations? Braille printers and speech synthesizers are loud, and may be distracting to others unless a printer hood or earphones are used. i. Is the package memory resident? If so, how will this impact any other memory resident packages being used? (Note: Many commercially available memory resident programs must be loaded in a special sequence and sometimes interfere with each other.) j. Does the package have an on-line tutorial or help prompts? k. If the package is menu driven, is it possible to invoke an expert mode to bypass the menus once the end user becomes proficient? (Note: Menus tend to become cumbersome to some expert users.) 9

147 I. Will terminal emulation software be required? If so, does the terminal emulation software leave memory resident software intact or erase it from memory? If an accommodation solution(s) is memory resident you must use an emulation package that does not erase memory resident software. m. What does the clock speed of the personal computer need to be to adequately support the accommodation package (e.g. 8 Mhtz, 12 Mhtz, 16 Mhtz)? Installation n. Is technical support available within the agency and from the vendor? o. How difficult is it to install the package? p. Does the vendor offer a maintenance contract? If feasible, will a technical engineer be dispatched within 4 hours of a service call? q. Is loaner equipment included in the maintenance contract? (Note: Most computer accommodation equipment must be returned to the vendor for repair.) 'Raining r. Have the training requirements of both the end user and the technical support staff been addressed? s. Is documentation for both the accommodation package and the application package available in a format usable by the end user (e.g., braille, captioned training tapes)? 2. Capability Specific Purchase Considerations Large Character Display There are hardware or software based displays which significantly increase the size of characters by 2 to 15 or more times the original size. Large print displays take advantage of the graphics capabilities of the personal computer to produce text of varying sizes. The selection of font size and the color of the display is at the discretion of the user. Accommodation solutions vary. Some vendors use a monochrome monitor to provide regular text display, and add a graphics monitor for enlarged text. In this type of environment, the program works in either a tracking or a review mode. In the tracking mode, the large print display program follows the cursor so the text immediately to the left of the cursor appears on the graphics monitor. In the review mode, the large print display program temporarily takes control of the computer and allows the user to position a software window over the text to be enlarged and displays the selected text on the graphics monitor. Other vendors use a single graphics monitor and allow the user to flip back and forth from regular to enlarged display. Finally, some other vendors use their own special monitor in conjunction with a closed circuit television camera to allow printed material to be enlarged and appear on one half of the monitor with screen display on the other half. There are other variations of this technology but they all provide the same end result enlarged display. Some considerations in large character display are as follows: a. What level of magnification is required by the user? (Note: increasing the magnification decreases the amount of text that appears on the monitor. More effort is required to control and review the information because only portions of text are on the screen at any one time.) b. Does the user find reading easier when the text and background are colored for contrast (e.g., high intensity white on a blue background instead of green, amber, or white on a black background)? 10

148 c. Does the user need to compare hardcopy documents with text on the monitor? d. Does the user need to use both graphics and text-based software? e. Does the user need large print from.his printer to complement his work on the computer? (Note: appendix 0 contains a list of software programs that can produce large print using an off-the-shelf, dot matrix printer). f. Does the application program always use the computer's cursor? (Note: Some popular spreadsheet programs do not use the cursor but rather write directly to the screen to increase speed. Since some large character display programs query the cursor for the last updated screen position, their use with a spreadsheet program that does not rely on the cursor may prevent the large print program from maintaining a correct display.). Braille Printers Speed is the primary determinant of price for braille printers. Generally a personal braille system will average characters per second (cps). There are a number of vendors selling printers in this range. This speed is slow when you consider that low priced draft printers will produce cps in the draft mode and cps in the near letter quality mode. For a printer in this cps category you can expect to spend $2,500-4,000. For higher speed printers, the price increases dramatically. A cps braille printer can cost $12,000-15,000, and a 600 line per minute printer can cost over $37,000. The user with only a periodic need for braille can easily be accommodated with a low speed printer. High speed braille printers are typically used in an in-house braille production site for a number of users. In choosing a braille printer consider the following: a. Obtain a sample of the braille print for the end user to review. Each vendor makes his cells a little differently, and some braille may seem strange to the end user. b. Do research about the mean time between failures, and the retum/repair policy. Remember the printer is a mechanical device and, as such, is prone to breakdowns. c. Learn the size and weight of the braille paper to be used. The wrong weight of paper can cause dots to fade or lead to paper jams. d. Inquire about the method of set-up. Some braille printers require additional external devices to establish the communications interface. e. Inquire about the type of port to be used. Some printers provide only a serial port; others provide both a parallel and serial port. Be sure there are a sufficient number and type of ports on the computer to support all required equipment, such as modem, speech synthesizer, or ink-print printer. Speech Output Software programs for personal computers that control spoken output generated by a speech synthesizer are called screen reading programs. When personal computers were first available there were very few screen reading programs. Vendors designed and marketed complete systems for blind users. Soon they realized that these special programs did not allow for information exchange among co-workers in an office. Also, in many cases, these special programs were not as feature-rich as popular software. For this reason there was a migration to screen reading software which is used in conjunction with application software. Screen reading software resides in the computer's memory and provides a variety of review options. 11

149 There are several screen reading packages that can be configured with a number of speech synthesizers. Putting together a speech-based system that works is not difficult. Identifying the components with the highest value for a particular user, however, should not be done hastily. The solution chosen will have a long-term impact on how productively it can be used. The best solution can only be achieved through close consultation with the user. An important consideration in selecting a screen reading program is its relationship to the application software (e.g., spreadsheet, data base) with which it will be used. COCA is continually asked what should be procured first, the application software or the screen reading software. The majority of users must share and exchange information with others in the office. For this reason, it is to the disabled user's benefit to employ the same application software as all the other users. Therefore, the screen-reading package chosen should be the one that works best with the application programs used throughout the office. In those increasingly rare instances where an office has not standardized its software or where the user works in a standalone mode, the above guidance still applies. The application must be able to satisfy the user's requirements, including the support of communications or use of terminal emulation packages (used to access mini and mainframe computers). No matter how well the accommodation software works with the application package, if the application package cannot do what the user needs to accomplish, the accommodation solution cannot be considered a success. Adding screen reading software and a speech synthesizer might be considered in conjunction with a large print display enhancement for those individuals whose usable vision might be decreasing or for those who experience visual fatigue from using a visual output system exclusively. Common features of most screen reading programs are: a. The ability to speak the keystroke entered; b. The ability to read and spell individual words or an entire line; c. The ability to disengage from the host program and read or spell any or all lines on the screen; d. The ability to indicate capitalization, punctuation, colors, boldface, and inverse video; and e. The ability to set a window on the screen and read only the contents of the window. Speech Recognition Vision or mobility impaired individuals may have a need for their input to the computer to be vocal rather than from the keyboard. Speech recognition systems may be used to replace or augment keyboard input. Speech recognition systems may have a predefined vocabulary and allow user defined additions to the vocabulary. The vocabulary should enable a command or string of commands to be evoked using a single word or phrase. In many cases the user is required to train the system to recognize their particular voice for the words in the vocabulary. This is accomplished by repeating each word in the vocabulary to the system several times until it has properly learned to recognize the speech pattern for that particular word. This commonly encountered requirement for individualized voice training of the system enables individuals with significantly altered, but consistent, speech patterns to successfully train the speech recognition system to their voice. The speech recognition system can recognize the vocal commands of a user with a speech impairment with greater accuracy than individual listeners. The key to the successful use of the system is speech consistency. If an individual's voice changes significantly over the course of the day, several speech recognition packages offer the capability of storing several voice trained patterns. As the error rate for one voice pattern becomes unacceptable, the user would switch to their second voice pattern. 12

150 A speech recognition system includes either a stand alone microphone or a headset with an attached microphone. The systems are usually memory resident and compatible with the most commonly used personal computer software packages. Specific software compatibility. questions should be investigated prior to procuring a speech recognition system. Several of the speech recognition packages have predefined overlays of commands that support rapid vocabulary training for use with popular word processing, spreadsheet, and database application packages. Most packages allow the user to define additional commands and add them to specific vocabulary sets. There is a limit to the size of the active vocabulary set available to the user at any time. To make the functional vocabulary larger and run faster, some packages organize the vocabulary sets to correspond to the commands needed in a particular portion of the application. The speech recognition system operates faster since it does not compare speech patterns of words that will never be used in that application module. Some considerations in speech recognition are as follows: a. What application program(s) will be accessed using speech recognition? b. How large is the vocabulary needed? c. Does the package have pre-defined command sets for the application programs needed? d. How easy is it to add words to the vocabulary? e. Will the package allow several command sets to be stored for more than one voice? f. How much background noise can be present without adversely affecting the speech recognition? g. Is there an available slot in the personal computer for the speech recognition board? h. Can the factory-set board interrupts be changed if there is a conflict with other boards residing in the personal computer? i. Does the clock speed of the personal computer need to be set slower to be compatible with the speech recognition board? j. How quickly does the user's voice tire? 3. Justifying the Purchase of Accommodation Solutions The following is a summary of the procurement advice contained in the End User's Guide to Buying Small Computers published by GSA in August Once a decision has been made to procure a computer accommodation add-on, a justification is needed. Government ADP regulations make it clear that the degree of analysis and documentation supporting an acquisition should match the size and complexity of the need. Therefore, one to three pages should normally be sufficient to document the need and obtain approval for a computer accommodation add-on. The following points should be included in the justification: a. Problem Statement What problem will be solved by acquiring the computer accommodation add-on? b. Functions To Be Performed What applications (i.e., information processing functions) will be performed using the accommodation add-on? c. Justification Over the System Life What effectiveness and/or efficiency improvements are expected? 13

151 d. Records Management, Data Privacy, Security and Integrity Is the data to be maintained sensitive, and subject to specific legal and procedural controls? (Note: Typically, this is not a major issue in an accommodation because the work is done in a shared office environment). e. Organizational Implications What are the implications for training, in-house support, and continued shared use of the modified personal computer? f. Environmental Factors What are the impacts on space, power, and sound? g. Alternatives Is it possible to solve the problem using other means? If several alternatives meet the requirements for an individual user, which represents the lowest cost? (Note: This is probably the most important section related to the procurement of computer accommodation add-ons. It is very important that a thorough case be made for the specific components that are selected). h. Software and Hardware Requirements What hardware and software will solve the problem? What training, support, and maintenance is necessary? I. Configuration Selection Where can the required hardware and software.be procured? j. Post Installation Review When, how, and by whom will the benefits of the system be evaluated? This small purchase guidance reflects Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13 which may be used when purchasing individual accommodation products. This guidance currently applies to purchases of no more than $25,000. Conducting a small purchase procurement involves orally soliciting quotations from a reasonable number of manufacturers or dealers. For purchases under $1,000 telephone quotations from three qualified vendors is sufficient to make a purchase decision. For purchases between $1,000 and $25,000 the FAR states, "Contracting officers shall solicit quotations from a reasonable number of qualified sources to ensure that the purchase is advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered, including the administrative cost of the purchase" B. Guidance for Accommodating Individual User Needs During Agency-wide Procurement IRM managers have a new program requirement, as outlined in FIRMR Amendment 14 (appendix I), to incorporate electronic equipment accessibility into their overall acquisition planning. Electronic equipment accessibility is defined as the application/configuration of electronic equipment in a manner that accommodates the functional limitations of individuals with disabilities so as to promote productivity and provide access to work-related and/or public resources. The goal of accessibility is to provide equivalent access to information resources by nondisabled and disabled individuals. This includes access to data bases, applications programs, and communications capabilities. According to FIRMR Amendment 14, determinations of need and requirements analyses shall be conducted following the procedures set forth in FIRMR and in consultation with the handicapped employee(s).

152 FIRMR Bulletin 56, Electronic Equipment Accessibility for Employees with Disabilities (appendix J), provides guidelines for use in developing specifications, in conjunction with requirements determinations and employee consultation. The majority of the current accommodation hardware and software enhancements were originally developed for the MS- DOS environment. As a result, a wide variety of hardware manufacturers support access capabilities for a number of disability areas whether or not they are aware of it. This flexibility is important because within any category of disability, there is no single accommodation add-on that is the optimal solution for all individuals with that disability. Individuals with disabilities are accommodated most economically and effectively when their requirements are incorporated into overall agency specifications and-their training and technical support needs are similarly integrated with the needs of their co-workers. An individual user should always be provided with the opportunity, however, to waive a component/enhancement on contract, if it is determined that the contractor's offering is not suitable for his particular need or combination of needs. Agencies should also consider specifying in their contracts that the vendor provide systems engineering/consultation services to ensure that accommodation capabilities remain current with new technology. Experience is beginning to show that when acquisition planning includes the special needs of users with disabilities cost-effective, integrated, accommodation solutions to access problems are achieved that in many cases also serve as a catalyst to the introduction of well-designed technology innovations of benefit to all users. FIRMR Amendment 14, FIRMR Bulletin 56, and FIRMR Bulletin 48 (appendix K) contain current guidance on procurement policy. C. Technical Support Technical support is a key element in the accommodation process. Ongoing technical support is necessary during assessment of needs, purchase, and implementation. In addition, when agencies develop IRM acquisition plans, technical support personnel must be available to outline the functional requirements in solicitation documents to ensure continued and improved access to information resources by disabled users. Representatives of the agencies that comprise the GSA Interagency Committee for Computer Support of Handicapped Employees (ICCSHE) meet to exchange information on progress and problems in advancing Information Resources Management (IRM) activities to support handicapped employees. Half of the member agencies have completed internal directives establishing general policy and procedures for providing computer support to their handicapped employees. The directives establishing this responsibility within their IRM offices were modeled after an internal order that established a similar responsibility within GSA and also created a governmentwide Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA) (appendix L). GSA's COCA assists agencies as they establish technical support services for disabled employees and plan agency acquisitions to include accessibility requirements. COCA staff also respond to individual employee accommodation requests governmentwide through demonstrations and consultations at its technical resource center. COCA makes presentations at agency conferences and develops seminars to respond to specific agency requests. COCA has also established a working network of individuals with accommodation responsibilities in their respective agencies in order to support on-going information exchange and sharing of expertise. 15

153 D. Training Training is another key element of accommodation. Both the end user and the technical support personnel involved in the accommodation effort should receive training. The amount of training required varies with the individuals and the technology employed. Training may range from computer-assisted tutorials to formal instruction. The support personnel should be almost as familiar with the accommodation hardware and software as the end users. As agencies standardize hardware and software, agencywide procurements are becoming more common. Agency planners in charge of training should include employees with disabilities in the standard training courses offered. The only preparation unique to the disabled employees is some preliminary training on the new system using the accommodation add-on(s). This preliminary training will allow the employees with disabilities to focus on the applications training course itself rather than on the accommodation-related procedures. The Veterans Administration offers several introductory courses on the use of accommodation add-ons through its Microcomputer Training Program for Persons with Disabilities, Information Technology Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C For course information call (202) (appendix C). Training is also necessary for management personnel. The first line supervisor should be the primary focus of this training. The purpose of the training is to provide management with an appreciation of the accommodation taking place, the technology being utilized, and its relation to the other tasks in the office. This training should be an integral part of overall management training programs. COCA offers a training class for managers entitled "Managing Computer Accommodation for Users with Disabilities". In addition, COCA also offers informal introductory consultation/ training at its technical resource center at the GSA building, 18th and F Sts. N.W., Washington, D.C Consultations can be scheduled by calling (FTS or 202) Appropriate documentation is an important part of training. Whenever possible, documentation should be made available to the user in the most useful manner, whether this be braille, audio tape, large print, captioned tapes or electronic media. For example, a printed manual on a database package is virtually useless to a blind user. If documentation in a special form is required, management should take steps to secure such documentation after determining the accommodation requirements. 16

154

155 APPENDIX A REGISTRATION FORM MANAGING END USER COMPUTING FOR USERS WITH DISABILITIES (Please print or type all responses) Mail completed forms to: General Services Administration Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation 18th & F Streets, N.W., Room 2022 Washington, DC NAME: AGENCY: ADDRESS: SYMBOUMAILSTOP: CITY: STATE. ZIP: PHONE: PLEASE SEND ME UPDATES 1D PUBLICATION: Yes: No: COMMENTS: A-1

156

157 APPENDIX El ASSESSMENT OF COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NEEDS: MANAGER'S CHECKLIST YES NO Is there an agency-wide policy on end user computing equipment? Is the allocation of end user computing equipment based on an IRM plan? Has an assessment been made of the special needs of handicapped employees with regard to the introduction of end user computing equipment? Do you know how to obtain technical support to assist you and your handicapped employees with the selection of standard and special-purpose hardware and software? B-1

158 ASSESSMENT OF COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NEEDS: USER CHECKLIST YES NO Are you using end user computing equipment presently? Is your office scheduled to receive end user computing equipment as part of your agency-wide ADP five-year plan? Would your functional limitation affect your ability to use a computer with accessibility aids? Do you have a visual impairment that would affect your use of a computer? Do you have a mobility impairment that would affect your use of a computer or telephone? Do you have a hearing impairment that would affect your use of a telephone? If you are already using end user computing equipment, does your system accomodate your functional limitation(s)? Do you feel that changes could be made to your computer system that would make it easier for you to use? Are you using any special-purpose equipment or procedures designed to accomodate your functional limitation(s)? Are user guides and manuals available to you in a form that you can use? (braille, cassette) B-2

159 APPENDIX C GOVERNMENT SECTOR RESOURCES Resources within the Federal Government The following organizations provide computer accommodation information and support. within the Federal Government: 1) GSA Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA); 2) Department of Veterans Affairs Handicapped Employees Microcomputer Support Program; 3) Department of Commerce Committee on Resources for Electronic Accessible Technology to End Users (CREATE); 4) GSA Interagency Committee for Computer Support of Handicapped Employees (ICCSHE) and; 5) U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. An outline of the services and functions of these organizations follows.

160

161 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION CLEARINGHOUSE ON COMPUTER ACCOMMODATION What is COCA The Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA) is a demonstration and technical resource center in the Information Resources Management Service (IRMS) of the General Services Administration (GSA). COCA's mission is to assist Federal employers and employees with problems related to extending office automation technologies for productive use by employees with disabilities. COCA's computer specialists are available for consultation on all computer-related problems from procurement through implementation. COCA was established by GSA in What Services Does COCA Provide? provides demonstration of frequently used hardware/software and workstation furnishings to accommodate individuals with disabilities responds to computer accommodation requests for general information and researches specific hardware/software and communications problems associated with an employee's accommodation requirements provides ongoing consultative/technical assistance to agencies during planning, acquisition, and installation of individual and agency-wide office automation systems conducts workshops on computer accommodation procedures Who Can Request the Services? Equipment demonstrations and requests for assistance can be arranged for Federal employers and employees by contacting the COCA staff at FTS or (202) (Voice or TDD). Who Staffs COCA? The COCA staff is composed of computer specialists with backgrounds in computer accommodation, systems hardware and software, communications, and acquisition policy. Where is COCA Located? The COCA demonstration/resource center is located at the GSA, Central Office, 18th and F Streets, NW, Room 1213, Washington, DC What Are the Fees? There are no fees for technical demonstrations, information, or assistance. What Courses Does COCA Offer? COCA offers an introductory course on "Managing Computer Accommodation for Users with Disabilities" Advanced level courses can be arranged. Contact COCA staff for more information. C-2

162 Description of a COCA Course "Managing Computer Accommodation for Users with Disabilities" Understanding a reasonable computer accommodation for handicapped employees is the responsibility of every agency. Course participants will become familiar with the hardware and software most frequently used to ensure access to computer equipment by users with disabilities (e.g., speech synthesizers, braille printers, and modified or non-keyboard input devices). In addition, participants will learn how to document the requirements analysis and justification necessary to comply with GSA acquisition regulations. C-3

163 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEES MICROCOMPUTER SUPPORT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Office of Data Management and Telecommunications The Information Technology Center (ITC) is a facility which provides assistance to Department of Veterans Affairs employees using microcomputers. The Center offers classes, technical assistance and demonstrations to microcomputer users. The ITC offers a program for disabled Federal employees in the Department of Veterans Affairs to enable them to use personal computer technology in their work. Through interagency agreements the program is also available to employees of other Federal agencies who are disabled or work with the disabled. Program personnel are currently providing training for Federal employees who are visually and hearing impaired. There are plans to expand the scope of the program in the near future to Federal employees with physical handicaps. SERVICES The ITC provides a variety of personal computing support and educational services for handicapped individuals including the following: Training In addition to training in the use of Center equipment, the ITC also offers the following courses: Introduction to Microcomputing for the Visually Impaired, Operation of the Kurzweil Reading Machine and Microliteracy for the Hearing Impaired. Sign interpreters are provided by special arrangement for those individuals with hearing impairments. Introductory and advanced microcomputer training in the use of specific software (word processing, spreadsheets and database programs) are being developed. These will be provided upon request after completion of the Introduction to Microcomputing class. Training for those with physical handicaps can be arranged on an individual basis. Consultation The ITC staff is available for consultations on possible approaches to microtechnology problems regarding the use of available software and hardware and, when necessary, can also make referrals to other individuals or groups in order to solve specific problems relating to microcomputers in the workplace. Technical Support The ITC staff is prepared to answer questions of a technical nature concerning microcomputer hardware, software and its accommodation of various adaptive devices for handicapped support. Evaluation Site The ITC has been selected as an evaluation site for new technology by the National Technology Center of the American Foundation for the Blind.

164 LIBRARY. Literature - relating to personal computing and technology for the handicapped is available at the ITC library. This includes periodicals, reference manuals, and information materials provided by manufactures and other organizations dealing with handicapped individuals. Some books and magazines are also available in tape format. LOCATION The ITC is located in Room 237 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, Washington, D.C Hours are between 8:00 and 5:00, and the Center's phone number is Frequently Asked Questions About This Program Who May Participate in the Programs? Through interagency agreements, this program is available to employees of other Federal agencies who are either handicapped or who work with the handicapped. This program is open without cost to all Department of Veterans Affairs employees who are handicapped or who work with handicapped individuals in their job. Is the ITC a Job Placement and Counseling Facility? No, the lit is not a job placement and counseling facility. The program is designed to be an enhancement to Federal workers in their present jobs. The ITC is not equipped to provide job placement or rehabilitation counseling. How Much Does It Cost to Use This Program? Costs for participating handicapped employees from other Government agencies are specified in interagency agreements. There is no charge to Department of Veterans Affairs employees wishing to take these specialized classes or use the equipment. C-5

165 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES FOR ELECTRONIC ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY TO END USERS The Commerce Department's Committee on Resources for Electronic Accessible Technology to End Users (CREATE), established by the Assistant Secretary for Administration in 1988, is the Department's forum for assuring that Commerce employees with disabilities have equivalent access to the eictronic technology and automated systems essential to today's jobs. PURPOSE Assure that opportunities to use computers to streamline work, to access databases, or to enhance career advancement potential are open to everyone, including those with vision, hearing, or mobility impairments; and assure that electronic technology in use at Commerce accommodates the functional needs of all individuals. MEMBERSHIP Committee representatives are designated by these Commerce Department components or organizations supporting Commerce employees: Bureau of Economic Analysis Bureau of Export Administration Census Bureau Commerce Credit Union Economic Development Administration International Trade Administration Minority Business Development Agency National Institute of Standards and Technology National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration National Technical Information Service National Telecommunications and Information Administration Office of the Secretary Patent and Trademark Office United States Travel and Tourism Administration The Chairperson of CREATE is named by the Director of the Departmental Office of Information Resources Management. GOALS Provide policy direction for accessible electronic technology within Commerce. Identify information technology needs of Commerce employees with disabilites and recommend ways to satisfy those needs. Educate managers and employees to the wealth of available products and the ease of providing accessible technology. Explore ways to introduce computer technology to individuals with disabilities, providing expanded employment and career advancement opportunities within Commerce. C-6

166 ACTIVITIES Advocate the use of accessible technology to support the employment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. Develop Commerce policies and guidelines for computer accommodation. Sponsor demonstrations of computer technology accessible to individuals with vision,.hearing, or mobility impairments. Evaluate needs for accessible technology. Assist agency managers to assure that the needs of users with disabilities are identified during the requirements analysis and procurment planning phases of automated information systems development. Help Commerce employees and managers obtain technical advice, locate products, find training, and reach non-federal organizations with complementary missions. Serve as a clearinghouse for information on accessible technology and successful applications within Commerce. Provide liaison to the Federal-wide Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA). Support Commerce representation on the Interagency Committee for Computer Support of Handicapped Employees (ICCSHE). For more Information Call the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, or for MD service, ; or write: CREATE U.S. Department of Commerce 14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room H6060 Washington, D.C C-7

167 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR COMPUTER SUPPORT OF HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEES On March 3, 1984, the General Services Administration (GSA) established the Interagency Committee for Computer Support of Handicapped Employees (ICCSHE) in recognition that the "rapid development of microcomputers makes computer support of handicapped Federal employees both practical and economical for the Government, and that policies are required to manage such computers". The goal of ICCSHE is to advanced the management and use of microcomputer and related technology in order to promote the Productivity and achievement of handicapped Federal employees. ICCSHE advises GSA on Governmentwide policy for using computer technology to benefit handicapped employees. ICCSHE also sponsors activities to further Federal agencies' awareness of using computer technology to aid handicapped employees and to recognize the accomplishments of Federal agencies that promote computer support of handicapped employees. Membership ICCSHE is chaired by Leonard J. Suchanek, Chief Judge and Chairman of the GSA Board of Contract Appeals. The following departments and agencies are members of ICCSHE. Central Intelligence Agency Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Defense Department of Education Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of the Interior Department of Justice Department of Labor Department of State Department of Transportation Department of Treasury Department of Veterans Affairs Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Federal Communications Commission Federal Emergency Management Agency General Services Administration Library of Congress National Council on Disability National Science Foundation Office of Personnel Management President's Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities C-8

168 Committee Structure Committee representatives participate in one or more of the following four working groups to achieve ICCSHE objectives: Policy Guides and assists agencies to formalize their information technology support responsibilities. Advises GSA on Government-wide policy for information technology in support of disabled employees. Information Technology Initiatives Advances the recognition of exemplary information technology support initiatives and accomplishments of federal agencies. Identifies and promotes the development of information technology that accommodates the access requirements of individuals with disabilities. International Initiatives Facilitates information exchange in order to identify policy and technical issues of mutual concern and to promote the use of information technology by persons with disabilities. Symposium Management Sponsors an annual symposium to enhance knowledge in the public and private sectors of the value of information technology in the employment and productivity of disabled employees. For More information GSA Board of Contract Appeals, ICCSHE, 18th and F Streets, N.W., Washington, DC 20405, phone FTS or (202) or TDD FTS or (202) C-9

169 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, has published a series of Technical Assistance Guides (TAG) on a variety of disability related topics. Each TAG covers a specific topic and includes resource and reference information. A list of the TAGs published to date follows. Additional information or copies of the guides can be obtained by contacting: Coordination and Review Section Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice Washington, DC (202) (Voice) (202) (TDD) TAG : Interpreter Referral Services This TAG lists interpreter referral service information, both for the greater Washington metropolitan area and nationally. In addition, information is provided about the National Center for Law and the Deaf (NCLD) Newsletter. TAG : Telecommunications Devices for Deaf Persons (TDD's) This TAG gives some background information on the basic function of TDD's and lists some of the businesses around the country that manufacture and sell them. TAG : Obtaining Tape Recorded or Braille Transcriptions of Documents for Use by Visually-Impaired Persons This TAG lists resources in the Washington metropolitan area for tape recording and Braille transcription. It also recommends that persons interested in obtaining similar information for other areas of the country should contact the Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. TAG : Closed-Captioning This TAG gives basic information on closed and open-captioning and specifically discusses information about the National Park Services's captioning program and that of the National Captioning Institute. TAG : Sources of Information on Accessible Design, Disability Research, and the Provision of Services to Individuals with Handicaps This TAG provides Federal agencies with an annotated list of institutional sources in Washington, D.C., that either can provide technical assistance or have facilities for conducting research on accessible design, disability, and the provision of services to individuals with handicaps. TAG : Published Resources Concerning Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended and the Provision of Services to Individuals with Handicaps This TAG gives a partial listing of publications (directories, handbooks, legal reporting services, and newsletters), which concentrate in whole or in part on Section 504 issues. TAG : Access to Public Meetings This TAG provides information on steps that will enable hearing-impaired, visually-impaired and mobility-impaired persons to have access to public meetings. This TAG does not address the architectural accessibility of the facility in which the meeting is held. C-10

170 TAG-545-2: Assistive Listening Devices (ALD's) This TAG provides information on special devices that can be used to improve communication with hearing-impaired persons. It discusses the problems ALD systems are intended to solve or ameliorate and the costs, advantages and disadvantages of different ALD's. TAG : Access to Printed Information by Visually-Impaired Persons This TAG provides informs/ion on steps that will enable visually-impaired persons to have access to printed materials. TAG-546-1: The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and related Organizations This TAG provides recipients of Federal financial assistance and Federal agencies with information on employment of individuals with disabilitiess and other issues related to the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. TAG : Telephone Devices for Persons Who Are Hard-of-Hearing This TAG discusses technological devices that help persons who are hard-of-hearing effectively use the telephone. TAG : Coverage of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1988, as amended (Bafflers Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504) This TAG explains the requirements of the Barriers Act and Section 504 as they affect the accessibility of buildings for individuals with physical handicaps. This guide also provides information to assist recipients and Federal agencies in complying with the requirements of these statutes in light of their overlapping coverage. TAG : Section 504 Transition Plan and Self-Evaluation Information This TAG provides Federal agencies with information to assist them in completing the transition plan and self-evaluation required by their regulations implementing Section 504 for federally conducted programs. This TAG provides information about these requirements as they affect the non-employment programs and activities of Federal agencies. TAG : More Information About Telecommunication Devices for Deaf Persons (TDD's) In an earlier Technical Assistance Guide (TAG), the Department explained the basic function of a TDD and provided a partial listing of TDD manufacturers in the United States. This TAG provides more detailed information about TDD's such as installation tips, directory listings of TDD numbers, cost range, ordering of TDD's, important features of TDD's and staff training to operate TDD's. TAG : GSA's Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation The purpose of this TAG is to provide Federal agencies with information about an important resource that may assist them to solve problems related to their use of office automation technologies by individuals with disabilities. C-11

171 TAG : Open-Captioning of Videotapes The purpose of this TAG is to provide Federal agencies and recipients with an understanding of how open-captioning of videotapes can improve access to their programs and activities for hearing-impaired persons. This Guide also discusses how videotapes are open-captioned, and how open-captioning services are procured. Open-captioned of film is not addressed in this TAG. Closed-captioning has been discussed in a previous TAG. TAG : Architectural Accessibility Design Standards The purpose of this TAG is to explain design standards for architectural accessibility. Specifically, it provides information on their nature, examines how they are developed, changed, and imposed, and discusses the similarities and differences of the major design standards currently in use. C-12

172

173 APPENDIX D PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR RESOURCES The following are representative public and private sector resources; the list is not intended to be exhaustive or complete. 1. Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf 3417 Volta Place, NW Washington, DC Telephone: (202) (Voice and TDD) 2. American Council of the Blind,.Inc Vermont Ave., N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, DC Telephone: (202) American Foundation For The Blind National Technology Center 15th West 16th Street New York, NY Telephone: (212) Apple Computer, Inc. Office of Special Education Mariani Avenue, MS 23-D Cupertino, CA Telephone: (408) AT&T Special Needs Center 2001 Route 46 Parsippany, NJ Telephone: (800) (Voice) (800) (TDD) 6, Baruch College Computer Center for the Visually Impaired 17 Lexington Avenue New York, NY Telephone: (212) Blinded Veterans Association 477 H Street, N.W. Washington, DC Telephone: (202) & Braille Institute of America, Inc. 741 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA Telephone: (213) (Library) (213) (Institute) 9. The Carroll Center for the Blind 770 Centre Street Newton, MA Telephone: (617) D-1

174 10. Center for Technology in Human Disabilities at the Maryland Rehabilitation Center 2301 Argonne Drive Baltimore, MD Telephone: (301) Chicago Lighthouse 1850 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL Telephone: (312) Computerized Books for the Blind Research and Training Center on Rural Rehabilitation Services 33 Corbin Hall University of Montana Missoula, MT Telephone: (406) Computer Training and Evaluation Center Western Blind Rehabilitation Center Veterans Administration Hospital 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA Telephone: (415) ext IBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities IBM Educational Systems 4111 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA Telephone: IBM-2133 (Voice) or (404) (TDD) 15. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) West Virginia University 809 Allen Hall PO. Box 6122 Morgantown, WV Telephone: 800-JAN-PCEH (Voice and TDD) 16. Kentucky Department for the Blind Technical Services Unit 427 Versaillles Road Frankfort, KY Telephone: (502) National Association of the Deaf 814 Thayer Avenue Silver Spring, MD Telephone: (301) (Voice and TDD) 18. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Library of Congress 1291 Taylor Street, N.W. Washington, DC Telephone: (202) D-2

175 19. National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) 8455 Colesville Road Suite 935 Silver Spring, Md Telephone: (800) (301) (Voice and TDD) 20. Project on the Handicapped in Science American Association for the Advancement of Science Contact: Virginia Stern 1333 H Street, N.W. Washington, DC ' Telephone: (202) (voice/tdd) 21. Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) 1101 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 700 Washington, DC Telephone: (202) The Storer Computer Access Center Cleveland Society for the Blind 1909 East 101 Street Cleveland, OH Telephone: (216) a Tele-consumer Hotline 1910 K Street NW, Suite 610 Washington, DC Telephone: (800) (Voice & TDD) (202) (Voice & TDD) 24. Trace Research and Development Center on Communications, Control and Computer Access for Handicapped Individuals University of Wisconsin-Madison S151 Waisman Center 1500 Highland Avenue Madison, WI Telephone: (608) (Voice) (608) (TDD) 25. Volunteers For Visually Handicapped 4405 East West Highway, Suite 109-B Bethesda, MD Telephone: (301) Volunteers in Medical Engineering Contact: John Staehlin Mays Chapel Road Lutherville, MD Telephone: (301)

176 .1

177 What Is a TDD? APPENDIX E TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES FOR THE DEAF A Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) is a device that permits people with hearing and/or speech impairments to communicate over a standard telephone without an interpreter. To operate correctly, both the transmitting and the receiving parties must have compatible TDDs. Early versions of TDDs were also known as Teletypewriters (TTY). Who Uses TDDs? Members of the public who are deaf, hearing impaired, or speech impaired use TDDs to communicate over the telephone system with Government agencies. Government employees can also use TDDs to communicate with other employees as well as with persons calling from the private sector. Approximately 100,000 TDDs are currently in use in the United States, and the potential user population is estimated to be approximately 3 million people, excluding family members who would also use the TDD. How Is a TDD Used? Rather than talking into a telephone receiver, a TDD user types a message on the keyboard and receives a message on a display screen. To place a call, the user dials the telephone conventionally, places the telephone receiver on the TDD coupler (much like a computer modern), and observes the patterns of lights on the monitor. The patterns signal whether the line is ringing, busy, or has been answered. When the telephone is answered by a TDD user on the receiving end, the caller simply types the message and awaits a response. To receive a call, the user is alerted by a ringing and/or a flashing signal light. When a phone is designated to receive both voice and TDD-based communication, the receiving party can recognize an incoming TDD call by the presence of high-pitched beeps or the absence of a response to a voiced greeting. When an incoming call requires a TDD, the user places the telephone receiver of the telephone on the coupler, turns the TDD "on", and types out a greeting such as "Good morning, this is Jane Doe, GA". Note that the "GA" is a shorthand expression for "Go Ahead". The typical TDD user makes frequent use of these shorthand expressions in order to expedite communication. (The table of TDD shorthand codes lists the most frequently used expressions). The caller then responds and the conversation proceeds. El

178 What TDD Features are available? TDDs typically feature a keyboard, a single line character display, and a signal light that alerts a user to an incoming call. Additional features that are available include built-in printers, auto answering capability, memory to save and store messages and the capability to accept either Baudot or ASCII 300 baud transmissions. It is also possible to add a voice announcer option that says "Hearing impaired caller, please use TDD" when a call is initiated. Many units can operate on rechargeable batteries to meet portability requirements and include an AC charger/adapter capability. Direct connection to a telephone line is available in addition to connection through an acoustic coupler. How are TDD messages transmitted? TDDs transmit text information using two standard codes, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) and Baudot. A TDD that employs ASCII enables the individual to communicate with a personal computer (PC) user equipped with the proper modem as well as communicate with users of ASCII-based TDDs. Many TDDs continue to employ Baudot, the original teletypewriter code, however, even though it is not compatible with personal computers and limits communications to those individuals with Baudot-compatible devices. Many of the high-option TDDs or specially configured PCs support both ASCII and Baudot, switching to match the code necessary to support all incoming or outgoing calls. How should a TDD be selected? Individual users should determine the features necessary. TDDs typically range in price from approximately $200 to $600 depending upon the features required. Important selection considerations include portability, ability to support ASCII and Baudot codes, voice announcer, and auto answer and messaging. Baudot-only TDDs are rapidly becoming obsolete. In addition, general mass-market text messaging systems are currently being introduced to augment telephone use where phones are no longer the most efficient means of communication. These portable units or personal computer-based capabilities are ASCII-based and include auto answer and memory features that resemble high-option TDDs. A convergence of text messaging market for hearing impaired and non-hearing impaired individuals is anticipated in the coming years and will serve to greatly enhance the communications capabilities between the two groups. In addition, a personal computer can be configured to support a TDD function. Due to the current requirement for communication with Baudot-based TDDs, special hardware and software must be added to support Baudot conversion. A PC-based solution for TDD communications should reflect a user's requirements and allow call announcement and pick-up, or call initiation without exiting other PC application programs. Where should TDD numbers be listed? TDD numbers should be listed in agency Federal Register notices, agency publications, agency directories, and local community directories. Notification of new or changed agency TDD numbers should also be made to the Federal Information Relay Service at the General Services Administration (202 or FTS) v/tdd. The TDD telephone number should include the following notation after the number: v/tdd - to indicate both voice and TDD incoming calls TDD - to indicate TDD only incoming calls E-2

179 What are some additional sources of information regarding TDDs? The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf 3417 Volta Place, N.W. Washington, DC TDDNoice: (202) Deaf Telecommunications of Greater Washington, Inc. Capital Plaza Branch P.O. Box 2125 Hyattsville, MD TDDNoice: (301) Publishes a local TDD directory The National Association of the Deaf 814 Thayer Avenue Silver Spring, MD TDDNoice: (301) The National Information Center on Deafness Gallaudet University 800 Florida Avenue, N.E. Washington, DC TDD: (202) Voice: (202) Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. 814 Thayer Avenue Silver Spring, MD TDD: (301) Voice: (301) Publishes Telecommunications for Deaf, Inc. Directory of TDD numbers nationwide What are some TDD shorthand expressions? GA Go ahead SK Bye Bye HD Hold on PLS Please OIC Oh, I see CUL See you later U You O Question E-3

180 I

181 APPENDIX F FEDERAL AGENCY TDD NUMBERS Notations: v voice TDD = Telecommunications Device for the Deaf This directory is a partial listing of federal agencies that are known to have TDD numbers. If an agency or department is not listed, the Federal Information Relay Service should be used. The Federal Information Relay Service is a relay operator service provided by the General Services Administration to support government business calls between TDD and non-tdd users. The service is available Monday-Friday, 8 am - 7 pm EST. The numbers are: (202) vitdd Metropolitan Washington (800) v/tdd (beginning May 1, 1989) Notification of new or changed agency TDD numbers should be made to the Federal Information Relay Service. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board 330 C. Street, SW Room 1010 Washington, DC Central Intelligence Agency Handicapped Programs Manager Office of EEO 4600 Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA Commission on Civil Rights 1121 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, DC Consumer Product Safety Commission 5401 West Bard Ave. Bethesda, MD Defense Nuclear Agency Division of Personnel MPCV 6801 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA Department of Agriculture Central Employment & Selective Placement 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C Department of the Army Civilian Personnel Office Arlington, VA F-1 MD only 202/ v/tdd v/tdd v/tdd v/tdd vitdd v/tdd 202/ vitdd 202/ v/tdd 800/ TDD 800/ TDD 703/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ v/tdd

182 Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census Population Division Suitland and Silver Hill Roads Federal Building, Room 2030 Suitland, MD Department of Commerce Demographic Surveys Division Consumer Expenditures Surveys Programming Branch Suitland and Silver Hill Roads Federal Building, Room 2030 Suitland, MD Department of Commerce Employment Opportunities Listing 14th and Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, DC Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Automated Information Management Division Quality Control Branch Herbert C. Hoover Building Room 1848 Washington, DC Department of Commerce Law Library 14th and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Office of Personnel Administration Building Room Al23 Gaithersburg, MD Department of Commerce National Weather Service National Meterological Center World Weather Building Room 307 Suitland, MD Department of Commerce Office of the Secretary Office of Civil Rights Equal Employment Opportunity Programs Division Herbert C. Hoover Room 6012 Washington, D.C / v/tdd 301/ v/tdd v/tdd TDD 202/ TDD 202/ v TDD TDD 301/ TDD 301/ v/tdd 202/ vridd F-2

183 Department of Education Captioning and Media Services 330 C St., SW Washington, DC Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 330 C Street, S.W. Washington, DC Department of Education Office of Civil Rights 330 C Street, S.W. Washington, D.C Department of Education Office of Deafness and Communicative Disorders 330 C Street, S.W. Washington, D.C Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration 330 C St., SW Washington, D.C Region I-Boston, MA Region II-New York Region III-Philadelphia,PA Region IV-Atlanta, GA Region V Chicago, 11 Region VI-Dallas, TX Region VII-Kansas City, MO Region VW-Denver, CO Region 1X-San Francisco, CA Region X-Seattle, WA Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Parkiawn Building Rockville, MD / TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD TDD 615/ TDD 800/ TDD 212/ TDD 800/ TDD 215/ TDD 404/ TDD 800/ TDD 312/ TDD 800/ TDD 214/ TDD 800/ TDD 816/ TDD 800/ TDD 303/ TDD 800/ TDD 415/ TDD 800/ TDD 217/ TDD 800/ TDD 301/ TDD TDD F-3

184 Department of Health and Human Services Handicapped Employment Program 330 C Street, S.W., Room 2424 Washington, DC Department of Health and Human Services National Library of Medicine, NIH 8600 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights 200 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC Department of Health and Human Services Social Security Administration 4300 Goodfellow Boulevard St. Louis, MO Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office of Public Affairs 451 7th Street, S.W. Washington, DC Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Intergovernmental Relations 451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC Department of the Interior Arlington House Department of the Interior Catocin Mountain Park Thurmont, MD Department of the Interior Clara Barton House Department of the Interior Fredrick Douglas House 1411 W Street, S.E. Washington. DC Department of the Interior Glen Echo Park Missouri only: 202/ vftdd vitdd v/tdd 301/ TDD 202/ TDD 800/ TDD TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 703/ TDD voice 301/ TDD 301/ TDD TDD 301/ TDD F-4

185 Department of the Interior National Park Service Personnel Office Special Programs Branch 18th & C Streets, NW Washington, DC Department of Justice Civil Rights Division 320 1st Street, N.W. Washington, DC Department of Justice FBI Identification Division 320 1st Street, N.W. Washington, DC Department of Justice FBI Tours 320 1st Street, N.W. Washington, DC Department of Justice Office of Redress Administration 320 1st Street, NW Washington, DC Department of Justice Personnel 320 1st Street, NW Washington, DC Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C Office of Civil Rights Department of the Navy Civilian Personnel Office Washington, D.C Naval Research Laboratory Civilian Personnel Office Code Overlook Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC C1 Department of State PER/CCA Merit Promotion Rm 2429 Washington, DC / v/tdd TDD TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ v/tdd 800/ v/tdd v/tdd v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ v F-5

186 Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Admininstration 400 7th Street S.W. Washington, D.C Department of Transportation Employment Information Regulations-General Counsels Office 400 7th Street, SW. Washington, DC Department of the Treasury Telecommunications Center/Relay Service 15th & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC Department of the Treasury Bureau of the Public Debt 13th & C Streets, S.W. Washington, DC Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C Interstate Commerce Commission 12th & Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC Indiana only 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ TDD v 202/ TDD 800/ TDD 800/ TDD 202/ TDD Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC Barrier Free Design Office Personnel Office Environmental Protection Agency Civil Rights Office 401 M St., SW Washington, DC Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Personnel: Public Sector Employment 1900 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC Executive Office of the President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, DC Federal Bureau of Investigation Technological Office 9th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC Tour Information Interpreter Office 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202l TDD TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD TDD v/tdd F-6

187 Federal Communications Commission Consumer Assistance Office 1919 M Street, N.W. Washington, DC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 1776 F Street N.W. Washington, DC Federal Maritime Commission 1100 L Street, N.W., Room Washington, DC Federal Reserve Board 20th and C Streets, N.W. Washington, DC Federal Information Relay Service 7th & D Street, S.W. Washington, DC Federal Trade Commission Public Reference Branch 8th & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC General Services Administration Office of Personnel Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation Interagency Committee for Computer Support of Handicapped Employees 18th & F Streets, NW Washington, DC International Trade Administration Automated Information Management Division Interstate Commerce Commission Library of Congress 1st and Indepedence Avenue, S.E. Washington, DC Merit Systems Protection Board 1120 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC / TDD v/tdd 800/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD v/tdd 800/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD National Aeronautics and Space Administration Personnel Office 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC (Greenbelt Office) 202/ TDD 301/ v/tdd F-7

188 National Archives and Record Administration 8th & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC National Council on the Handicapped 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 814 Washington, DC National Endowment for the Arts National institutes of Health Merit Promotion Program 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD National Weather Service National Meteorological Center Office of Personnel Management EEO Division/internal 1900 E Street, N.W., Room 1 R-46 Washington, DC Personnel Job Information. Center President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities th Street, N.W., Suite 600 Washington, DC Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC Senate, U.S. Subcommittee on Handicapped 113 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC Senator Paul Simon Dirkson Senate Office Building Washington, DC Small Business Administration 1401 L Street, N.W. Washington, DC Smithsonian Institution Special Education Program 1st & A Streets, S.W. Washington, DC Tennessee Valley Authority 400 West Summit Hill Drive Knoxville, TN Tennessee only 202/ TDD 202/ v/tdd 0) v/tdd 202/ TDD 301/ TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd TDD 202/ v/tdd 202/ v/tdd TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ ODD 202/ TDD 800/ TDD 800/ TDD F-8

189 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division Personnel Office 650 Capitol Mall Sacramento, CA United States House of Representatives Washington, DC United States Information Agency Equal Opportunity 301 4th Street, S.W. Washington, DC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Division of Personnel Washington, DC United States Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza West, SW Washington, DC United States Senate Washington, DC / / TDD 202/ vitdd 301/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD 202/ TDD Walter Reed Medical Center Emergencies 202/ TDD Patient Services th Street, N.W. Washington, DC F-9

190 .

191 APPENDIX G BRAILLE AND PERSONAL COMPUTERS There are three kinds of braille available on personal computers: Grade I, Grade II, and computer braille. Grade I and Grade II existed long before computers* became available to the blind. Grade I braille features a one-to-one letter correspondence to English. There are some minor additions like the use of special symbols to indicate numbers and capitalization, but "cat" is still spelled in Grade I braille as "c a t" using three braille cells. (Note: A braille cell is a group of. six dots that when raised in combinations forms patterns to represent letters. ft is readily apparent that six dots are not enough to represent letters [upper and lower case], numbers, and punctuation; therefore, special symbols like those described above are required). Grade I braille is what appears on a braille terminal when it is connected to a personal, mini, or mainframe computer. Grade I braille is not the preferred form of braille for an experienced braille reader. Because a braille page contains a maximum of 1080 cells (27 lines of 40 cells) and is printed on very heavy paper to retain the impression, it can be seen that Grade I braille is both cumbersome and heavy. Most users prefer Grade II braille. Grade 11 braille is a shorthand form of braille in which contractions are used. For example "nation" is formed from the letters "n a" and the contraction for "tion". The use of Grade II braille assists the user in reading faster and reduces the size of the printed text. Computer braille is an addition to both Grade I and Grade II braille to represent the special characters unique to the computer. For example, a carriage return is represented by two cells which indicate a "control M", which is the computer code for a carriage return. G-1

192 )

193 APPENDIX H COMPUTER ACCOMMODATION PUBLICATIONS Books: 1. Personal Computers and the Disabled Peter A. McWilliams Book Thrift 45 W. 36 Street New York, NY , 416pp. Telephone: (212) Beginner's Guide to Personal Computers for the Blind and Visually Impaired National Braille Press 88 Stephen Street Boston, MA Telephone: (617) Available in ink print or tape 3. Rehab/Education ResourceBook Technology Series College-Hill Press Little, Brown, and Company 34 Beacon Street Boston, MA Telephone: (617) NOTE: The books are titled as follows: ResourceBook 1: Communication Aids ResourceBook 2: Switches and Environmental Controls ResourceBook 3: Software and Hardware ResourceBook 4: Update 4. Technology for Independent Living Sourcebook Alexandra Enders, editor Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America 1101 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC Telephone: (202) , 265pp.

194 5. Add-Ons: The Ultimate Guide to Peripherals for the Blind Computer User National Braille Press 88 St. Stephen Street Boston, MA Telephone: (617) Available in braille, inkprint, or tape. 6. Computer Access in Higher Education for Students with Disabilities The High-Tech Center for the Disabled of the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office 1109 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA Telephone: (916) Periodicals: 7. Computer Disability News National Easter Seal Society 70 E Lake Street Chicago, IL Telephone: (312) Closing the Gap P.O. Box 68 Henderson, MN Telephone: (612) H-2

195 APPENDIX I GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. 41 CFR PART 201-1, , and [FIRMR Amendment 14] ELECTRONIC OFFICE EQUIPMENT ACCESSIBILITY FOR HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEES AGENCY: Information Resources Management Service, GSA. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This regulation implements Pub. L , the "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986." The statute directed the Secretary of the Department of Education, through the Department's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the Administrator of General Services in consultation with the electronics industry to develop and establish guidelines for electronic equipment accessibility designed to ensure that handicapped individuals may use electronic office equipment with or without special peripherals. Initial guidelines were developed in 1987 to implement this Act. Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR) Bulletin 56, Electronic Office Equipment Accessibility for Employees with Disabilities, implements these initial guidelines. This regulation provides mandatory FIRMR coverage regarding office equipment accessibility. ft requires that determinations of need and requirements analyses be conducted for all automatic data processing equipment requirements to specifically determine the electronic equipment accessibility requirements of handicapped employees. For any procurement limited solely to providing electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees, an individual deviation from any FIRMR provisions that impede or obstruct the provision of technology for handicapped employees may be authorized within the agency under certain conditions. The objective of this regulatory guideline is to enable handicapped users to access and use electronic office equipment. EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective November 14, 1988, but may be observed earlier. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Truntich or Mary Anderson, Regulations Branch (KMPR), Office of Information Resources Management Policy, telephone (202) or FTS, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (1) The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that Federal handicapped employees are provided with the electronic equipment capability to access and use electronic office equipment. (2) A notice of proposed rulemaking regarding this action was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on July 14, All comments received have been considered. 1-1

196 (3) Changes made in 41 CFR Chapter 201 are explained in the following paragraphs. (a) In Part 201-1, is amended by adding a provision to cite the statutory authority for electronic office equipment accessibility, and is amended by adding a provision that allows FIRMR deviation authorization by agencies for electronic office equipment accessibility. For a procurement limited solely to providing electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees, if the FIRMR impedes or obstructs the provision of technology for handicapped employees, then this regulation provides that an agency designated senior official (DSO) (as designated in accordance with Pub. L ), or the DSO's authorized representative may authorize a deviation from FIRMR provisions that are not specifically prescribed by executive order or statute, and do not change the level of procurement authority delegated from GSA to the agency. The objective of this deviation authority is to expedite the procurement of resources acquired specifically for handicapped users to access and use electronic office equipment. (b) In Part , a new is added to provide that determinations of need and requirements analyses shall be made to specifically identify the needs of handicapped employees. It also establishes policies of equal access for handicapped employees. (c) In Part , is revised to provide that procurements of ADPE shall include requirements that ensure electronic equipment accessibility for handicapped Federal employees. It also indicates that procedures for expediting procurements limited solely to providing electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees may be available to the agency by deviating from FIRMR provisions that impede or obstruct the provision of technology for handicapped employees. (4) The General Services Administration has determined that this is not a major rule for the purposes of Executive Order of February 17, GSA actions are based on adequate information concerning the need for, and the consequences of the rule. The rule is written to ensure maximum benefits to Federal agencies. This Govemmentwide management regulation will have little or no net cost effect on society. It is therefore certified this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). List of subjects in 41 CFR Parts 201-1, , and Computer technology, Government procurement, Government property management, Telecommunications, Information resources activities, Government records management, Competition, Hearing and appeal procedures. PART FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS SYSTEM 1. The authority citation for Part continues to read as follows: AUTHORITY: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390; 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and Sec. 101(f), 100 Stat , 40 U.S.C. 751(0. 2. Section and are amended as follows: Authority. (c) * * * (6) Pub. L (29 U.S.C. 794d), The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986 regarding electronic office equipment accessibility Procedures * * * 1.2

197 (d) For a procurement limited solely to providing electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees, an individual deviation from the FIRMR may be authorized by the agency designated senior official (DSO) (as designated in accordance with Pub. L ), or the DSO's authorized representative. This deviation authority for handicapped accessibility is further limited to those FIRMR provisions that: (1) are not specifically prescribed by executive order or statute, (2) do not change the level of procurement authority delegated from GSA to the agency, and (3) do impede or obstruct the provision of technology for handicapped employees. Such a deviation may be made by the DSO or the DSO's authorized representative immediately upon documenting the procurement file relative to the obstructing provision. PART MANAGEMENT OF ADP RESOURCES a The table of contents of Part is amended by adding a new ; and the authority citation for Part continues to read as follows: Requirements for handicapped employees. AUTHORITY: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390; 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and Sec. 101(f), 100 Stat , 40 U.S.C. 751(f). 4. Section captioned "Requirements for handicapped employees" is added to Part to read as follows: Requirements for handicapped employees. (a) Scope. This section establishes policies and procedures for determining the needs of handicapped employees and analyzing requirements for electronic office equipment accessibility in the Federal procurement of automatic data processing equipment (ADPE). (b) Genera/. Pub. L directs that handicapped individuals be provided with electronic equipment accessibility to public information resources through the Federal procurement of electronic office equipment. ADPE, because it overlaps with electronic office equipment, provides that capability. (c) Policy. (1) Federal agencies shall provide handicapped employees and non-handicapped employees equivalent access to electronic office equipment to the extent such needs are determined by the agency in accordance with and the required accessibility can be provided by industry. In providing equivalent access to electronic office equipment, agencies shall consider: (i) Access to and use of the same data bases and application programs by handicapped and non-handicapped employees; (ii) Utilization of enhancement capabilities for manipulating data (i.e., special peripherals) to attain equivalent end-results by handicapped and non-handicapped employees; and (iii) Access to and use of equivalent communications capabilities by handicapped and nonhandicapped employees. (2) Federal agencies shall consider electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees in conducting determinations of need and requirements analyses for automatic data processing equipment. (d) Procedures. Determinations of need and requirements analyses shall be conducted following the procedures set forth in and in consultation with the handicapped employee(s). FIRMR Bulletin 56, Electronic Equipment Accessibility for Employees with Disabilities, provides guidelines for use in developing specifications, in conjunction with requirements determinations, to ensure electronic equipment accessibility for handicapped employees. 1-3

198 PART CONTRACTING FOR ADP RESOURCES 5. The table of contents of Part is amended by adding a new ; and the authority citation fr. r Part continues to read as follows: Contracting for electronic equipment accessibility. AUTHORITY: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390; 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and Sec. 101(f), 100 Stat , 40 U.S.C. 751(f). 6. Section is recaptioned and revised to read as follows: Contracting for electronic equipment accessibility. (a) Scope. This section establishes policies and procedures for procuring ADPE that provides electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees. (b) ADPE procurements shall provide electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees to the extent such needs are determined by the agency in accordance with and the required accessibility can be provided by industry. (c) Procedures. (1) Agencies shall use either small purchase procedures, GSA nonmandatory ADP schedules, or formal solicitations to acquire electronic office equipment accessibility. In making this decision, agencies shall consider the size and complexity of the procurement. (2) For any procurement limited solely to providing electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped employees, an individual deviation from any FIRMR provisions that impede or obstruct the provision of technology for handicapped employees may be authorized within the agency under certain conditions. The deviation conditions and procedures for expediting such procurements are found in Any such impeding conditions shall be quickly documented and handled within the agency to obtain the deviation if appropriate. DATED: September 30, 1988 Original signed by: RICHARD G. AUSTIN Acting Administrator of General Services 1-4

199 APPENDIX J GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Washington, DC September 30, 1988 FIRMR BULLETIN 56 TO: Heads of Federal agencies SUBJECT: Electronic Office Equipment Accessibility for Employees with Disabilities 1. Purpose. This bulletin establishes guidelines for the acquisition of automatic data processing equipment (ADPE) that provides electronic equipment accessibility for handicapped Federal employees and access to public information resources. 2. Expiration date. This bulletin contains information of a continuing nature and will remain in effect until canceled. a Background. a. In 1986, Congress re-authorized the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Pub. L , 29 U.S.C. 794d). Section 508, as incorporated into the Act, mandates (1) that guidelines be established to ensure that handicapped individuals may use electronic office equipment with or without special peripherals and (2) that agencies comply with these guidelines in the purchase or lease of electronic equipment. b. In consultation with special advisory committees, the electronics industry, Federal agencies, and the disabled community, the Department of Education (ED) and the General Services Administration (GSA) developed initial guidelines to comply with the statutory mandate. Entitled "Access to Information Technology By Users with Disabilities," these guidelines outline management responsibilities and functional specifications. This bulletin adopts and implements pertinent portions of the guidelines. This bulletin will be revised periodically: (1) to keep pace with technological advances; (2) to expand the information in this bulletin to include other types of office equipment; and, (3) as dictated by agency compliance with related provisions of the Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR). 4. Definitions. The following definitions are presented to provide a better understanding of this bulletin: a. "Electronic equipment accessibility" is defined as the application/configuration of electronic equipment in a manner that accommodates the functional limitations of individuals with disabilities so as to promote productivity and provide access to work related and/or public information resources. b. "Handicapped individuals or individuals with disabilities" means qualified individuals with an impairment(s) as Cited in 29 CFR (f) who can benefit from electronic office equipment accessibility. c. "Special peripheral" is defined in Section 508 of Pub. L as "a special needs aid that provides access to electronic equipment that is otherwise inaccessible to a handicapped individual." J-1

200 5. Introduction. Disabled individuals and non-disabled individuals should be provided equivalent access to electronic office equipment. Of all electronic office equipment, microcomputers have the greatest potential for assisting disabled employees. Many enhancement features, such as text enlarging and speech input and output, available on microcomputers today allow certain disabled individuals to accomplish previously impossible tasks. The inherent flexibility of microcomputers and their peripheral devices has allowed them to be adapted to meet specific needs of disabled individuals in the use of braille printers and keyboard replacement devices. Since microcomputers are flexible and readily available in the workplace, this bulletin addresses microcomputer capabilities as a means to improve productivity and employment opportunities for disabled individuals. This includes both the use of standalone microcomputer systems and the use of microcomputers used to access other computer systems (e.g., mainframes and minicomputers). 6. Management responsibilities. a. The agency designated senior official (DSO) for Information Resources Management (1RM), as identified in the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L ), or the DSO's authorized representative is the primary individual responsible for implementing this bulletin. The DSO or the DSO's authorized representative should keep executive agency managers informed of their responsibilities for ensuring electronic office equipment accessibility for employees with disabilities. This includes providing access for individuals with disabilities to Federal public information resources. The DSO or the DSO's authorized representative should monitor the progress being made toward achieving electronic equipment accessibility goals. The Triennial Review Program is one means of monitoring the progress being made in achieving accessibility goals. b. Agency managers should ensure that the requirements of users with disabilities are identified during the procurement planning and requirements determination phase so that these needs will be reflected in the procurement. Procurements should include the accessibility requirements resulting from the determinations of need and requirements analysis. A clear statement of requirements will afford industry the opportunity to offer effective, creative solutions. Additionally, technical support capabilities should be provided, either in-house or contractually, to install, maintain, and improve the access functionality required by employees with disabilities. 7. General considerations. a. In compliance with FIRMR , the needs of employees with disabilities should be determined and a requirements analysis for office equipment accessibility should be performed. Agency solicitation documents should address the needs of disabled employees by incorporating the appropriate functional specifications described below in paragraph 8 as well as any additional specifications determined to be necessary by the agency. b. Solutions to agencies' requirements may range from third-party hardware and software add-ons (e.g., layered solutions) to hardware "built-ins" and operating system enhancements. Layering is the inclusion of additional layers of software between the end-user and the operating system or application software. This often complex solution has both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages may include increased function and performance in some cases. Disadvantages may occur because additional layers can increase the cost or inhibit the ability to maintain software updates at the operating system level as well as increasing costs to train employees to utilize equipment at different sites within the agency. For these reasons, the use of layering as a solution for functional requirements for employees with disabilities should be selected only after careful analysis of its merits relative to that of "built-in" solutions. J-2

201 c. In an era of increasing dependence on screen graphics and graphic images, it is extremely important that information presented visually also be available electronically to allow the information to be extracted, translated, and presented in a non-visual form as limited by the state-of-the-art. The intent is to allow individuals with visual limitations to use these resources. d. To accommodate future employees and provide systems support for current employees (as referenced in FIRMA Bulletin 48), solicitations should request pricing (perhaps on an hourly call-in availability basis throughout the life of the contract) for the services of vendor systems engineers who will be available to advise, assist, and resolve any communications or interfacing problems in providing electronic office equipment accessibility for disabled individuals. Additional information, on providing support for disabled employees when replacing ADPE systems, can be found in FIRMA Bulletin 48. S. Managers determining accommodation strategies for an individual employee with a disability should consult the GSA handbook "Managing. End User Computing for Users with Disabilities" for more detailed guidance on the specific needs of the many types of disabilities and how best to satisfy these needs. To obtain advice on computer accommodation or a copy of the handbook, managers should contact the GSA Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA) by calling (202) or FTS, & Functional specifications. These specifications are organized by functional requirement into three categories: input, output, and documentation. This organization reflects the major areas that need to be addressed during agency acquisition planning and procurement. All the capabilities set forth in these specifications are currently available from industry in various degrees of functional adequacy except for access to screen memory for translating bit-mapped graphic images. a. Input. Access problems concerning the input interface to a microcomputer differ by the type and severity of the functional limitation of the employee. Some users with disabilities are capable of using a keyboard if it can be modified slightly. Other users with disabilities require an alternate input strategy. The following is an overview of common input alternatives, and other input functional requirements which should be considered: (1)Multiple Simultaneous Operation Alternative. Microcomputers have numerous commonly-used functions that require multiple, simultaneous striking of keys and/or buttons. Sequential activation control provides an alternative method of operation by enabling a user to depress keys or buttons sequentially. (2)Input Redundancy. Some programs require a mouse or some other fine motor control device for input. However, some users with motor disabilities cannot operate these devices. An input redundancy feature provides the functionality of these devices through the keyboard and/or other suitable alternative input devices (e.g., voice input). (3) Alternative Input Devices. The capability to connect an alternative input device can be made available to a user who is not able to use a modified standard keyboard. This feature supplements the keyboard and any other standard input system used. The alternative input capability consists of a physical port (serial, parallel, etc.) or connection capability that allows an accommodation aid to be connected to the system to augment or replace the keyboard. For example, an alternative input device can be customized as the most effective method of input (e.g., switches, eye scan, headtracking) for the user while supporting transparent hardware emulation for standard input devices (i.e., the keyboard and the mouse). (4) Key Repeat. A typical microcomputer generates repetitions of a character if that key remains depressed. This is a problem for users without sufficient motor control. A key repeat feature gives a user control over the repeat start time and rate by allowing either the timing parameters to be extended, or the repeat function to be turned off.

202 (5) Toggle Key Status Control. Microcomputer toggle keys provide visual feedback indicating whether a key is on or off. A toggle key status feature provides an alternative mode to visual feedback to show the on or off status of a toggle key. (6) Keyboard Orientation Aids. To orient a visually impaired user to a particular keyboard, a set of tactile overlays should be available to identify the most important keys. The tactile overlays can be in the form of keycap replacements or transparent sticky tape with unique symbols to identify the various keys. (7) Keyguards. To assist a motor disabled user, a keyguard should be available to stabilize movements and ensure that the correct keys are located and depressed. A keyguard is a keyboard template with holes corresponding to the location of the keys. b. Output. Auditory output capability, information redundancy, and monitor display should be considered as functional requirements. (1) Auditory Output Capability. The auditory output capability on current microcomputers is sufficient to beep and play music. However, some users with disabilities may require a speech capability. A speech synthesizer is required to generate speech on today's computers. The capability to support a speech synthesizer should continue to be available in future generations of computers or this capability may be internalized through an upgrade of the computer's internal speaker. The speech capability should include user adjustable volume control and a headset jack. (2) Information Redundancy. Currently, several programs activate a speaker on the microcomputer to provide information to the user. However, some programs do not have the capability to present this information visually to the hearing impaired UWE This feature provides information redundancy by presenting a visual equivalent of the auditory information presented. (3) Monitor Display. The requirement to enhance text size, reproduce text verbally, or modify display characteristics is crucial for some users with visual disabilities. To ensure that this access continues, the following capabilities are required: (a) Large Print Display. There should be a means for enlarging a portion of the screen for the low vision user. The process uses a window or similar mechanism that allows magnification to be controlled by the user. A user can invoke the large print display capability from the keyboard or control pad for use in conjunction with any work-related applications software. If applications software includes graphics, then enlargement of graphic displays should also be available. (b) Access to Visually Displayed Information. The capability to access the screen is necessary to support the speech and/or braille output requirement of many blind users. Currently, blind users are able to select and review the spoken or braille equivalent of text from any portion of the screen while using standard applications software. Third party vendors should continue to have access to the screen contents in a manner that can be translated and directed to any internal speech chip, a speech synthesizer on a serial or parallel port, or a braille display device. Information that is presented pictorially also needs to be available in a manner that, as software sophistication improves, it may be eventually translated using alternate display systems. (c) Color Presentation. When colors must be distinguished in order to understand information on the display, color-blind end users should be provided with a means of selecting the colors to be displayed. c. Documentation. The vendor should be responsive in supplying copies of the documentation in a usable electronic format to disabled Federal employees. J-4

203 9. information and assistance. Within 30 days after the publication of this bulletin, comments can be submitted to: General Services Administration KMPR, Project: 88.07B 18th & F Streets, N.W. Washington, D.C General inquiries about the contents of this bulletin or information concerning updates to this bulletin should be directed to Margaret Truntich or Mary Anderson, Regulations Branch (KMPR), telephone (202) or FTS, Susan A. Brummel of COCA, telephone (202) or FTS, , may be contacted for technical advice and assistance regarding the guidelines. Original signed by: PATRICIA A. SZERVO Commissioner Information Resources Management Service J-5

204

205 APPENDIX K GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, DC April 27, 1987 FIRMR BULLETIN 48 TO: Heads of Federal agencies SUBJECT: Continuity of Computer Accommodation for Handicapped Employees When Replacing Automatic Data Processing Equipment (ADPE) Systems 1. Purpose. This bulletin provides information and guidance to managers in the Federal Government regarding their continuing management responsibility when replacing existing ADPE systems to provide for the special computer accommodation needs of handicapped employees. 2. Expiration date. This bulletin remains in effect until canceled or superseded. 3. Background. a. Workstations for many Federal employees with sensory, cognitive, or motor impairments have been equipped with special peripherals and/or software that provide access to advanced computer technology primarily through personal computers. This accessibility is the necessary link that enables handicapped employees to function efficiently and effectively on the job. b. Unfortunately, handicapped employees may be at risk of losing their current levels of system access and functionality when agencies conduct procurements to replace existing ADPE systems. The loss is generally attributed to the ever increasing sophistication of newer ADPE. The increasing sophistication of ADPE is a significant problem to accommodation product developers who are generally small companies or individuals without access to the proprietary technical documentation of ADPE manufacturers. c. Agencies should pay particular attention to the needs of their handicapped employees to ensure the needs continue to be met. Under 29 CFR on reasonable accommodations, Federal agencies are required to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the agency. 4. Agency responsibilities. a. Computer accommodation functionality in ADPE system replacements can be achieved only if each agency willingly seizes the initiative. In performing determinations of need and requirements analyses (See FIRMR Section ) for ADPE equipment system replacement procurements, the special computer accommodation needs of handicapped employees should be expressly included. This management action is essential to enable handicapped employees affected by the system replacement effort to continue to perform as productive, valued employees. Federal agencies may want to use the following approach to addressing requirements in replacement solicitations for ADPE systems where there is documented need to provide computer accommodation for handicapped employees: K-1

206 (1)The solicitation should provide an inventory of the accommodation hardware (alternate input/output devices) and/or software that is being used with the ADPE system scheduled for replacement. Each accommodation item should be fully described with special attention paid to its salient characteristics. Offerors should be asked to submit a plan, the methodology, and unit prices that will ensure the continued "functionally equivalent or better" access and use of the proposed replacement system. (2) The solicitation should also request pricing (perhaps on an hourly call-in availability basis throughout the life of the contract) for the services of a systems engineer that will be available to advise, assist, and resolve any communications or interfacing problems implicit in providing computer accommodation access. - (3) Further, the solicitation should include a contract provision that permits the Government to install additional accommodation devices, peripherals, or software that are acquired from a third party. This provision should state that accommodation devices and/or peripherals may be added to the system being acquired without voiding the maintenance and warranty agreements of the contract if those devices or peripherals conform to the electrical specifications of the system and can be connected through the standard expansion slots or peripheral ports. The provision may also state that any additional modifications beyond those stipulated (in the requirements statement) are not permitted under the contract without the express permission of the contractor. b. In certain instances, the accommodation needs of an agency can be responded to more effectively and efficiently on an individual case-by-case basis rather than through total system replacement. Such requirements may be unique, limited in scope, or limited in size. Thus the small purchase procedures set forth in Part 13 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation should then be followed. 5. Information or assistance. Inquiries about the procurement aspects of this bulletin should be directed to Phillip R. Patton, Regulations Branch (KMPR), telephone (202) or FTS, The Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (See FIRMR Bulletin 42), telephone (202) or FTS, , may be contacted for technical advice and assistance regarding this bulletin. Original signed by: FRANK J. CARR Commissioner Information Resources Management Service K-2

207 APPENDIX L GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Washington, DC June 20, 1986 FIRMR BULLETIN 42 TO: Heads of Federal agencies SUBJECT: Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation - COCA 1. Purpose. This bulletin describes the services provided by the Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (COCA). The clearinghouse is an information resource center that assists any element of the Federal Government with projects using computer technology to accommodate disabled employees. 2. Expiration Date. This bulletin remains in effect until canceled or superseded. a Background. The Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation is an organization within the Information Resources Management Service (IRMS) of the General Services Administration (GSA). Computer accommodation is the acquisition and modification of end user computing equipment to minimize the functional limitations of employees in order to promote productivity and to ensure access to work-related information resources. The COCA staff is composed of computer specialists with background in computer accommodation, systems hardware and software, and communications. 4. Services provided by COCA. Upon request for assistance, the COCA: a. Responds to computer accommodation requests for general information on frequently used hardware/software and workstation furnishings to accommodate individuals with disabilities; b. Researches specific hardware/software and communications problems associated with employee's accommodation requirements; c. Provides on-going consultative/technical assistance to agencies during planning, acquisition, and installation of individual and agency-wide office automation systems; and d. Conducts courses on computer accommodation procedures through the GSA Training Center. 5. Information or assistance. Information or assistance may be obtained by contacting the COCA staff at: General Services Administration Applications Support Division (KGD) Washington, DC Voice or TDD: FTS or (202) Original signed by: FRANK J. CARR Commissioner Information Resources Management Service L-1

208 .

209 APPENDIX M GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Washington, DC September 10, 1985 GSA BULLETIN FPMR H-45 UTILIZATION AND DISPOSAL TO: Heads of Federal agencies SUBJECT: Transfer of specialized equipment used by handicapped Federal employees 1. Purpose. This bulletin is issued to publicize available procedures for the transfer of specialized equipment when a handicapped Federal employee transfers from one Federal agency to another. 2. Expiration date. This bulletin remains in effect until August 31, 1987, unless otherwise superseded or canceled. 3. Background. On June 20, 1985, the Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees (ICHE) adopted a resolution calling for the General Services Administration (GSA) to publish instructions that would permit Federal agencies to expedite transfers of furniture and/or equipment needed to provide reasonable accommodations for a handicapped Federal employee when that employee transfers between agencies. 4. Applicable items. Specialized furniture and/or equipment includes ergonomic chairs, orthopedic supports, modified workstations, audio amplifiers, and items of a similar nature procured or acquired in direct support of handicapped employees. These items are eligible for transfer with a handicapped employee to another agency provided the owning agency no longer has a requirement for the property in support of its mission. 5. Transfer procedures. a. Regulations governing the transfer of excess personal property are contained in FPMR Under FPMR (a), Federal agencies may effect direct transfers of reportable property with an acquisition cost not exceeding $2000 and nonreportable property with an acquisition cost of $25,000 or less. Such transfers do not require prior GSA approval if the property either has not yet been reported to GSA or, in the case of nonreportable property, has not been reserved for special screening by GSA. Agencies involved in transfers of handicapped employees may use direct transfer provisions for specialized equipment assigned to the employees or other standard procedures for excess transfers in FPMR b. In those cases where specialized equipment does not meet direct transfer criteria under FPMR (a), GSA will make every effort to facilitate transfers between agencies. Procedures are in place permitting agencies to prearrange transfers of excess property. Under these procedures, the agencies involved in the transfer of a handicapped employee may coordinate the transfer of specialized equipment used by the employee and send a Standard Form. 122, Transfer Order Excess Personal Property, to the appropriate GSA regional office. Approval of such transfer requests is normally automatic and a Standard Form 120, Report of Excess Personal Property, is not required in these cases. 6. Additional information. Any requests for additional information regarding these procedures may be directed to the applicable GSA Customer Service Bureau or the General Services Administration (FMU), Washington, D.C By delegation of the Assistant Administrator Original signed by: JAMES J. GRADY, JR. Director of Policy and Agency Assistance M -1

210

211 APPENDIX N CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS ON REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION Title 29, Section "a. An agency shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee unless the agency can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program. b. Reasonable accommodation may include, but shall not be limited to: 1) Making facilities readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; and 2) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or modification of examinations, the provision of readers and interpreters, and other similar actions. a In determining pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the agency in question, factors to be considered include: 1) The overall size of the agency's program with respect to the number of employees, number and type of facilities, and size of budget; 2) the type of agency operation, including the composition and structure of the agency's work force; and 3) the nature and cost of the accommodation." N-1

212

213 APPENDIX 0 REPRESENTATIVE ACCOMMODATION PRODUCTS This list of computer-based products compiled by COCA is not a definitive list of all computer_ accommodation hardware and software add-ons available in the marketplace; rather it is a growing collection of resources familiar to COCA. Inclusion of a product or service on this list in no way implies endorsement by the General Services Administration, the Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation, or their employees. Wherever possible we tiave indicated the equipment types that are compatible with listed products, as well as a range of prices for the products (or categories of products) offered by the various manufacturers. While we have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate as of the date of publishing, users of this information should be aware that products and prices are subject to change, and that up-to-date information is best obtained directly from the providers listed. Manufacturers of computer accommodation hardware and software add-on products who wish to be included in this list, or who wish to update current information are invited to submit product information, including prices, directly to COCA at the following address: GSA - IRMS Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation Room 2022, KGDO 18th and F Streets NW Washington DC

214 .

215 Appendix 0 COMPUTER-BASED PRODUCTS INDEX I. Input A. Keyboard Enhancements B. Alternative input Devices C. Optical Character Readers D. Speech...Input E. Braille Input Devices H. Output A. Speech Output screen-reading software B. Speech Output speech synthesizer C. Speech Output calculator D. Large Print Display E. Braille Output Display F. Braille Output printerlembosser G. Braille Output braille translation software H. Large Print Output III. Telecommunications A. Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf B. Portable Terminals C. Amplified Handsets D. Headsets E. Telephone Aids V. Other A. Robotic Devices

216

217 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS ; DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family I. Input COMPUTER-BASED PRODUCTS A. Keyboard Enhancements Compatibility/Prices Ability Systems Corporation PC 1422 Arnold Ave. Roslyn, PA Telephone: (215) key scanner with sip and puff or pneumatic joystick control $ Adaptive Communication Systems, Inc. Epson 354 Hookstown Grade Road Clinton, PA Telephone: (412) keyguards $24.95 $ switches $ $4, keylocks Alpha Software PC 1 North Ave. Burlington, MA Telephone: (617) keyboard macros $89.95 Arts Computer Products, Inc PC 145 Tremont St. Suite 407 Boston, MA Telephone: (617) keyboard configuration software $ keylock light indicators $39.95 Borland International 1800 Green Hills Road Scotts Valley, CA Telephone: (408) keyboard macro software PC 0-3

218 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Brown & Co., Inc. Box 2443 South Hamilton, MA Telephone: (508) foot pedal ComputAbility Corporation 101 Route 46 East Pine Brook, NJ Telephone: (201) keyguards 2. membrane keyguard kit a switches 4. keyboard and mouse emulations COPH Irving Park Road Chicago, IL Telephone: (312) keyguards Don Johnston Developmental Equipment P.O. Box 639 Wauconda, IL Telephone: (312) keyguards 2. switches Dvorak International 11 Pearl Street Brandon, VT Telephone: (802) alternative keyboard configuration PC $79.95 A $79.95 $ $ PC Keyguards: PC, A, Commodore 64, VIC 20 Switches: A $24.95 $89.50 $11.50 $ PC Extensions for Independence 757 Emory Street Suite 514 Imperial Beach, CA Telephone: (619) stick-on keylocks 0-4

219 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Fulcrum Computer Products 459 Allan Court Healdsburg, CA Telephone: (707) trackball and switch enhancements for CAD/CAM environment Genest Technologies, Inc Cadillac Ave. Building K-1 Costa Mesa, CA Telephone: (714) keyboard macros Hooleon Corporation Page Springs Road P.O. Box 201 Cornville, AZ Telephone: (602) custom keycaps Independence Microsystems 1612 Walnut Street #2N Berkeley, CA Telephone: (415) one finger keyboard input In Touch Systems 11 Westview Road Spring Valley, NY Telephone: (914) single hand keyboard use PC PC PC PC PC Mc Systems Inc Benton Drive Garland, TX Telephone: (800) (214) trackball mouse emulation ITC Electronic Bulletin Board Telephone: (202) key lock software Kinetic Designs, Inc Anatevka OlaIla, WA Telephone: (206) keyboard configuration/accommodation software 2. morse code input system PC

220 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Loyola College 4501 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD Telephone: (301) one finger keyboard input PC Maverick. Software, Inc. PC PA. Box 998 Melrose, MA Telephone: (617) keyboard macros Prentke-Romich Company PC, A, Commodore, 1022 Heyl Road Wooster, OH Franklin, TI, Atari Telephone: (216) (800) keyguards $ switches varies by type 3. alternate input devices $ Productivity Software International, Inc. PC 1220 Broadway New York, NY Telephone: (212) keyboard macro software $ keyboard reconfiguration (sticky keys) $9.95 RoseSoft, Inc. PC P.O. Box Bellevue, WA Telephone: (206) keyboard macro software $

221 Compatibility Codes: PC product is MS-DOS compatible; A product is compatible with Apple II family Technical Aids and Systems for A, PC, Commodore 64 the Handicapped, Inc. (TASH) VIC Gibson Drive Unit 12 Markham, ON Canada L3R 4CZ Telephone: (416) keyguards $44.00 $ keylocks $44.00 a switches Price Varies T.S. Micro Tech Inc Crenshaw Boulevard Hawthorne, CA Telephone: (213) add-on function keyboard PC Typewriting Institute For A, PC The Handicapped 3102 West Augusta Avenue Phoenix, AZ Telephone: (602) one-handed keyboard $ Unicorn Engineering Company 6201 Harwood Avenue Oakland, CA Telephone: (415) keyguards A Words+, Incorporated A, PC, Grid, Epson PO. Box 1229 Lancaster, CA Telephone: (805) keyguards $25.00 $ keyboard macros 0-7

222 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family B. Alternative Input Devices Bloorview Childrens Hospital Resource Centre 25 Buchan Court VVillowdale, ON M2J4S9 Canada Telephone: (416) miniature keyboard ComputAbility Corporation 101 Route 46 East Pine Brook, NJ Telephone: (201) alternative CAD interfaces 2. mini-keyboards Cybernetics 918 Rothowood Road Lynchburg, VA Telephone: (804) (804) alternative input system using scanner or morse code Designing Aids for Disabled Adults (DADA) 1076 Bathurst Suite #202 Toronto, ON, Canada M5R 3G9 Telephone: (416) serial or parallel alternative input device Don Johnston Developmental Equipment P.O. Box 639 Wauconda, IL Telephone: (312) alternative input using scanning or morse code DU-IT Control Systems Group, Inc Township Road #513 Shreve, OH Telephone: (216) computer work-station for severe mobility impairment 2. environment control functions PC A $ PC PC $ <eyguards: PC, A, Commodore 64, VIC 20 Switches: A PC 0.8

223 Compatibility Codes: PC product is MS-DOS compatible; A product is compatible with Apple II family EKEG Electronics Company, LTD PC, A, Commodore 64 PO. Box 46199, Station 'G' Vancouver, BC, Canada V6R 4G5 Telephone: (604) expanded keyboard $ intex Micro Systems Corporation P0. Box Birmingham, MI Telephone: (313) membrane keyboard stand alone or serial port connection to PC 2. keyboard speech output system In Touch Systems 11 Westview Road Spring Valley, NY Telephone: (914) miniature keyboard $ PC (SCAN, Inc. 125 Cambridge Park Drive PA. Box 2076 Cambridge, MA Telephone: (617) pointer system keyboard input 2. alternative CAD/CAM data entry Key Tronic PC PO. Box Spokane, WA Telephone: (800) Washington: (509) alternative keyboards $ Kinetic Designs, Inc Anatevka Dana, WA Telephone: (206) morse code input system PC LC Technologies, Inc Glenn Rose St. Fairfax, VA Telephone: (703) eye-gaze input system 0-9

224 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple H family Pointer Systems One Mill Street Burlington, VT Telephone: (800) (802) head pointing input system Polytel Computer Products Corp Oakmead Parkway, Suite 310 Sunnyvale, CA Telephone: (408) (800) configurable membrane keyboard to augment functions of standard keyboard Prentke-Romich Company 1022 Heyl Road Wooster, OH Telephone: (216) (800) alternate input devices Regenesis Development Corporation 4381 Gallant Avenue North Vancouver, BC V7G 11.1 Canada Telephone: (604) expanded keyboard 2. morse code input system a scanning input system Sentient Systems Technology, Inc Baum Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA Telephone: (412) eye-controlled input system Technical Aids and Systems for the Handicapped, Inc. (TASH) 70 Gibson Drive Unit 12 Markham, ON Canada L3R 4C2 Telephone: (416) various expanded keyboards PC $ PC $119 $195 PC, A, Commodore, Franklin, TI, Atari $ PC A, PC $ A, PC, Commodore 64 VIC

225 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A product is compatible with Apple II family Unicorn Engineering Company 6201 Harwood Avenue Oakland, CA Telephone: (415) expanded keyboard 2. large keyboard Words+, Incorporated P.O. Box 1229 Lancaster, CA Telephone: (805) expanded keyboards 2. alternate input device 3. optical pointer 4. morse code input World Communications 501 Glenmoor Circle Milpitas, CA Telephone: (408) word processing software optimized for use with alternative input devices Zygo Industries, Inc. PO. Box 1008 Portland, OR Telephone: (503) switches 2. scanning input device C. Optical Character Readers Adhoc Reading Systems, Inc. 28 Brunswick Woods Drive East Brunswick, NJ Telephone: (201) scanner that can direct output to an internal speech synthesizer Advanced Vision Research Inc Oume Drive San Jose, CA Telephone: (408) text and graphics scanner $ A, PC, Grid, Epson $ $ $30.00 $55.75 $ PC Price varies by type PC PC 0-11

226 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A product is compatible with Apple II family Dest Corporation 1201 Cadillac Court Milpitas, CA Telephone: (800) (408) optical character scanner Flagstaff Engineering 1120 Kaibab Flagstaff, AZ Telephone: (602) graphics and text scanner IBM Corporation Telephone: (800) desktop scanner Kurzweil Computer Products, Inc. 185 Albany Street Cambridge, MA Telephone: (800) (617) desktop optical character and graphics scanner 2. scanner with speech output Microtek Inc. 680 Knox Street Torrence, CA Telephone: (213) medium resolution scanner 2. menu driven scanner software Soricon Corporation 4725 Walnut Street Boulder, CO Telephone: (800) (303) hand held scanner PC.PC PC, PS/2 PC PC PC Totec Company, LTD Suite Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA Telephone: (703) OCR with speech output Truvel Corporation 1880 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 153 Torrance, CA Telephone: (213) text and graphics scanner 2. ability to scan pages up to 12" x 18" 0-12

227 Compatibility Codes: PC st product is MS-DOS compatible; A product is compatible with Apple 11 family D. Speech Input Dragon Systems, Inc. PC Chapel Bridge Park 90 Bridge Street Newton, MA Telephone: (617) speech recognition system $ IBM Corporation Telephone: (800) voice activated keyboard utility International Voice Products B Chambers Road Tustin, CA Telephone: (714) speech recognition system PC PC $ $ Key Tronic PC P.O. Box Spokane, WA Telephone: (800) Washington: (509) speech recognition keyboard $ Kurzweil Applied Intelligence PC 411 Waverly Oaks Road Waltham, MA Telephone: (617) speech recognition system $ MTI, Inc. PC NE 29th Place Suite 245 Bellevue, WA Telephone: (206) speech input system $

228 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family NEC America, Inc. 8 Old Sod Farm Road Melville, NY Telephone: (516) speech recognition 2. word prediction Power Var 2691 Dow Avenue Suite F Tustin, CA Telephone: (714) speech input/output hardware and software system Nab Command, Inc Sprinkle Road Kalamazoo, MI Telephone: (616) FAX: (616) speech recognition system PC PC PC Scott Instruments Corporation PC 1111 Willow Springs Drive Denton, TX Telephone: (817) speech recognition system $ Speech Systems Incorporated Oxnard Street Tarzana, CA Telephone: (818) speech recognition system Supersoft Box 1628 Champaign, IL Telephone: (217) speech recognition system PC PC Transceptor Technologies, Inc Jones Suite #105 Ann Arbor, MI Telephone: (313) Voice driven computer and communication systems 0-14

229 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Voice Connection Skypark Circle, Suite C Irvine, CA Telephone: (714) speech recognition system 2. CAD/CAM speech input 3. hand held computer with voice input system Votan 4487 Technology Drive Fremont, CA Telephone: (415) speech recognition systems Words+, Incorporated PO. Box 1229 Lancaster, CA Telephone: (805) speech recognition system A, PC $ (A) $ (PC) $ $ PC, Epson $ $ E. Braille Input Devices American Printing House for the Blind 1839 Frankfurt Ave. P.O. Box 6085 Louisville, KY Telephone: (502) Blazie Engineering 3660 Mill Green Road Street, MD Telephone: (301) braille note-taker and terminal PC, A, Macintosh $ $ Southland Manufacturing Co. 680 Bizzell. Dr. Lexington, KY Telephone: (606) Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (415) braille terminal 2. refreshable braille display PC $ $

230 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family II. Output A. Speech Output screen-reading software Adaptive Communication Systems, Inc. A 354 Hookstown Grade Road Clinton, PA Telephone: (412) speech output to augment communication $ American Printing House for the Blind 1839 Frankfurt Ave. P.O. Box 6085 Louisville, KY Telephone: (502) speech access system: Speaqualizer Artic Technologies 55 Park Street, Suite #2 Troy, MI Telephone: (313) screen reading software: Business Vision, Artic Vision, Crystal PC PC Arts Computer Products, Inc. PC 145 Tremont Street Suite 407 Boston, MA Telephone: (617) screen reading software $ $ Computer Aids Corporation PC 124 West Washington Boulevard Suite 220 Fort Wayne, IN Telephone: (219) screen reading software: $ Screen Talk Pro Computer Conversations, Inc Worthington Rd. SW Alexandria, OH Telephone: (614) screen reading software: Verbal Operating System PC $

231 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple 11 family Enabling Technologies 3102 S.E. Jay Street Stuart, FL Telephone: (407) reading software (includes synthesizer) 2. Enable Reader public domain software 3. screen reading software: VP Grassroots Computing P.O. Box 460 Berkeley, CA Telephone: (415) screen reading software: Video-Voice PC $ PC Henter-Joyce, Inc th Street North Suite #211 St. Petersburg, FL Telephone: (813) screen reading software: JAWS HFK Software 68 Wells Road Lincoln, MA Telephone: (617) Owerty family of speaking software HumanWare, Inc. Horseshoe Bar Plaza 6140 Horseshoe Bar Road Suite P Loomis, CA Telephone: (800) (916) laptop PC with built-in speech synthesis PC IBM National Support Center for PS/2 Persons with Disabilities P.O. Box 2150 Atlanta, GA Telephone: (800) Voice or TDD (404) (404) TDD 1. screen reader software emulation screen reading software $ Interface Systems International PC P.O. Box Portland, OR Telephone: (503) screen reading software: Freedom I $

232 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Kansys, Inc Ohio Street Lawrence, KS Telephone: (913) screen reading software: Provox Omnichron 1438 Oxford Avenue Berkeley, CA Telephone: (415) screen reading software: Flipper PC PC Personal Data Systems Inc. 100 W. Rincon, Suite 207 Campbell, CA Telephone: (408) screen reading system Power Var 2691 Dow Avenue Suite F Tustin, CA Telephone: (714) screen reading software Raised Dot Computing 408 South Baldwin Street Madison, WI Telephone: (608) screen reading software PC A, PC $ $

233 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Syn-Talk Systems and Services PC 70 Estero Avenue San Francisco, CA Telephone: (415) screen reading system $ $ Telesensory Systems, Inc. PC 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (415) SoftVert screen reading software $ VertPlus speech-access software $ a 3278 Vert screen reading software B. Speech Output speech synthesizer Adhoc Reading Systems, Inc. 28 Brunswick Woods Drive East Brunswick, NJ Telephone: (201) speech synthesizer that supports several languages: VoxBox AICOM Company 2375 Zenker Road Suite 205 San Jose, CA Telephone: (408) speech synthesizer: Accent Artic Technologies 55 Park Street Suite 2 Troy, MI Telephone: (313) speech synthesizers PC PC PC Blazie Engineering 3660 Mill Green Road Street, MD Telephone: (301) braille note taker with speech output. Computer Aids Corporation 124 W. Washington Blvd. Suite 220 Fort Wayne, IN Telephone: (800) (219) speech synthesizer $

234 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Digital Equipment Corporation A, PC CSS Support Continental Blvd MS: MK 01 Marrimack, NH Telephone: (800) DECtalk speech synthesizer $ intex Micro Systems Corporation A, PC P.O. Box Birmingham, MI Telephone: (315) speech synthesizer: Intex Talker $ $ Personal Data Systems, Inc. 100 W. Rincon, Suite 207 Campbell, CA Telephone: (408) Speech Plus, Inc. A, PC 1293 Anvilwood Avenue Sunnyvale, CA Telephone: (408) speech synthesizer: Call Text 5000, $ $ Prose 2020 Street Electronics Corporation 6420 Viareal Carpinteria, CA Telephone: (805) speech synthesizer: Echo PC, Echo PC2 A, PC $ $ Votrax International, Inc Rankin Drive Troy, MI Telephone: (313) speech synthesizer: Personal Speech System 2. Type-'N-Talk C. Speech Output Calculator Canon, U.S.A., Inc. 1 Canon Plaza Lake Success, NY Telephone: (516) speech output calculator A, PC $99.95 $ $ $

235 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Sharp Electronics Corporation Sharp Plaza Makway, NJ Telephone: (201) speech output calculator TARMAC, Inc. 71 North Market Street Asheville, NC Telephone: (704) speech output calculator D. Large Print Display Al Squared PC 1463 Hearst Drive, NE Atlanta, GA Telephone: (404) large print display software $ Arts Computer Products, Inc. PC 145 Tremont Street, Suite 407 Boston, MA Telephone: (617) large print display software $ Berkeley Systems 1700 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA Telephone: (415) large print display software Florida New Concepts, Inc. P.O. Box 261 Port Richey, FL Telephone: (813) (800) ext magnifying lens for monitor A, Macintosh $95.00 PC $189.95

236 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family HumanWare, Inc Horseshoe Bar Road Suite P Loomis, CA Telephone: (916) (800) Viewscan portable large print reading device with hand scan camera $ Viewscan Text System adds a notetakedwoni processor $ $ National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering Box T Hewitt, NJ Telephone: (201) large type word processing program - may be printed in standard or large type Optelec Optical and Electronic Applications Specialists 325 Ayer Road Harvard, MA Telephone: (508) large print software 2. closed circuit television Overseer Electronic Visual Aids Corporation 6826 Logan Ave., South Richfield, MI Telephone: (612) (612) Closed circuit television Pelco Sales, Inc. 300 W. Pontiac Way Clovis, CA Telephone: (800) (209) closed circuit television PC 0-22

237 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple H family Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (800) (415) large print display system VisionWare Software, Inc. PC. P.O. Box 1676 Brookline, MA Telephone: (508) large print display software $ VTEK, Inc. A, PC 1625 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA Telephone: (213) large print display system $ Washington Computer Services 2601 North Shore Road Bellingham, WA Telephone: (206) large print display software E. Braille Output Display Enabling Technologies 3102 Southeast Jay Street Stuart, FL Telephone: (407) braille screen review system Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (415) (800) braille screen review system PC, PS/2 PC All Hardware $ $

238 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family VTEK, Inc. PC, A 1625 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA Telephone: (213) braille screen review system $ Braille Output printerlembosser American Thermoform Corporation 2311 Travers Avenue City of Commerce, CA Telephone: (213) Ohtsuki braille/text printer Arts Computer Products, Inc. PC 145 Tremont Street, Suite 407 Boston, MA Telephone: (617) braille printer $ Enabling Technologies Inc. A, PC 3102 Southeast Jay Street Stuart, FL Telephone: (407) personal and production capacity braille printers $ HumanWare, Inc Horsehoe Bar Road Suite P Loomis, CA Telephone: (916) (800) Braille-n-Print braille and typed text from a Perkins Brailler $ Telesensory Systems, Inc. A, PC 455 N. Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (415) (800) braille printer $ VTEK A, PC 1625 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA Telephone: (213) braille printer $

239 Compatibility Codes: PC = product Is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family G. Braille Output braille translation software Arts Computer Products, Inc. 145 Tremont Street, Suite 407 Boston, MA Telephone: (617) braille translation software Computer Aids Corporation 124 W. Washington Blvd. Suite 220 Fort Wayne, IN Telephone: (219) (800) produces braille bar charts 2. braille translation software PC $ $ PC Duxbury Systems, Inc. A, PC, 435 King Street P.O. Box 1504 Littleton, MA Telephone: (508) braille translation software $ $ Enabling Technologies 3102 Southeast Jay Street Stuart, FL Telephone: (407) braille translation software PC intelligent Information Technologies Station A, Box W. University Urbana, IL Telephone: (217) braille translation software $ Raised Dot Computing, Inc. 408 South Baldwin Street Madison, WI Telephone: (608) braille translation software Roudley Associates, Inc. P.O Box 608 Owings Mills, MD Telephone: (301) braille translation software PC PC 0-25

240 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (800) (415) produces braille graphic images PC H. Large Print Output Arts Computer Products, Inc. PC Macintosh 145 Tremont Street Suite 407 Boston, MA Telephone: (617) large print for dot matrix printer $ large print for Mac printer $95.00 Softcraft, Inc. 16 North Carroll Street Suite 500 Madison, WI Telephone: (800) (608) large print for dot matrix printers Washington Computer Services 2601 North Shore Road Bellingham, WA Telephone: (206) large print software Worthington Data Solutions 417A Ingalls Street Santa Cruz, CA Telephone: (408) large print for dot matrix printer PC PC PC Ill. Telecommunications A. Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf American Communication Corporation 180 Roberts Street East Hartford, CT Telephone: (203) $

241 Compatibility Codes: PC product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family AT&T Special Needs Center 2001 Route 46 Suite 310 Parsippany, NJ Telephone: (800) (Voice) (800) (TDD) Audio Tone Company 2422 West Holly Phoenix, AZ Telephone: (602) $ Auditory Display Inc. 162 Schoolhouse Lane Mt. Laurel, NJ Telephone: (609) Cascade Medical Viking Drive Eden Prarie, MN Telephone: (612) (Voice' & TDD) 1. portable communicator communicates with TDD or PC 2. unit has built in voice synthesizer $ Hitec Group International, Inc S. Cass Avenue Suite 109 Darien, IL Telephone: (312) (Voice & TDD) Integrated Microcomputer Systems 2 Research Place Rockville, MD Telephone: (301) (Voice) (301) (TDD) Krown Research Inc West Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA Telephone: (800) (Voice & TDD) (213) Nationwide Flashing Signal Systems 8120 Fenton Street Silver Spring, MD Telephone: (301) (Voice & TDD) $ $ $

242 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Phone-TTY, Inc. 202 Lexington Avenue Hackensack, NJ Telephone: (201) (Voice) (201) (TDD) 1. modem and TDD emulator software for PC PC Potomac Telecom, Inc Rockville Pike Rockville, MD Telephone: (301) (TDD) (301) (Voice) Precision Controls Inc. 14 Doty Road Haskell, NJ Telephone: (201) (Voice & TDD) $ Selective Technologies, Inc. 10 BricIcetts Mill Road Hampstead, NH Telephone: (800) 635-HEAR (603) (Voice & TDD) Specialized Systems Inc Pioneer Avenue #3 Vista, CA Telephone: (619) $ $ (800) Ultratec Inc Normandy Lane Madison, WI Telephone: (608) (Voice & TDD) $ $ B. Portable Terminals HumanWare, Inc Horseshoe Bar Road Suite P Loomis, CA Telephone: (916) (800) laptop computer with speech synthesis $ typewriter with speech synthesis $

243 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A = product is compatible with Apple II family Text Lite Communications, Inc Cadillac Avenue Suite N4 Costa Mesa, CA Telephone: (714) Pocket size, full keyboard with built-in acoustic coupler and TTY/TDD function. On GSA Schedule GS00K87AG5386. C. Amplified Handsets AT&T Special Needs Center 2001 Route 46 Suite 310 Parsippany, NJ Telephone: (800) (Voice) (800) (TDD) Walker Equipment Corporation Highway 151 South Ringgold, GA Telephone: (800) (404) D. Headsets ACS Communications 250 Technology Circle Scotts Valley, CA Telephone: (800) (408) E. Telephone Aids AT&T Special Needs Center 2001 Route 46 Suite 310 Parsippany, NJ Telephone: (800) (Voice) (800) (TDD) $31.25 $39.95 $ $

244 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A product is compatible with Apple II family Nationwide Flashing Signal Systems, Inc Fenton Street Silver Spring, MD Telephone: (301) (Voice) (301) (TDD) $19.95 $68.95 Potomac Telecom, Inc Rockville Pike Rockville, MD Telephone: (301) (TDD) (301) (Voice) 1. Flashing signaling system Prab Command, Inc Sprinkle Road Kalamazoo, MI Telephone: (616) FAX: (616) speech controlled phone interface PC Precision Controls Inc. 14 Doty Road Haskell, NJ Telephone: (201) (Voice or TDD) 1. Telephone Ring Indicator $89.00 Scott Instruments 1111 Willow Drive Denton, TX Telephone: (817) software to support telephone access PC Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA Telephone: (800) (415) real time portable communications aid for deaf-blind users Ultratec, Inc Normandy Lane Madison, WI Telephone: (608) (Voice & TDD) 1. signaling devices 2. large visual TDD displays 0-30

245 Compatibility Codes: PC = product is MS-DOS compatible; A product compatible with Apple II family IV. Other Votan 4487 Technology Drive Fremont, CA Telephone: (415) software to support telephone access A. Robotic Devices Prab Command, Inc Sprinkle Road Kalamazoo, MI Telephone: (616) FAX: (616) speech controlled robotic arm with workstation PC PC 0-31

246 t

247 Miscellaneous ACT for MS-DOS 127

248 128 ACT for MS-DOS

249 High Tech Center Furniture List Stands, VDT, Work Surface, 60" X 30" X 26 1/2", Oak, Hon Model Stands, VDT, Work Surface, 48" X 30" X 26 1/2", Oak, Hon Model Stands, Printer, 30" x 24", Oak, Hon Model Desks, VDT, Work Surface, 60" X 30" X 29 1/2", Oak, Hon Model Chairs, Steno, Swivel, Gray, Hon Model Z36 Work Station, Electronically Adjustable, Bourroughs Model 190 ACT for MS-DOS 129

250 130 ACT for MS-DOS to

251 Notes ACT for MS-DOS 131

252 132 ACT for MS-DOS