Adaptive Technologies for Learning and Work Environments (Second Edition) / Edition 2

by Joseph J. Lazzaro

Overview

Lazzaro draws on the universal mainstream technology and tells how to match it with adaptive technology, allowing persons with disabilities to work side-by-side with nondisabled users.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838908044
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	08/28/2001
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 10.02(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	ix
	Introduction	xi
1	Personal Computer Hardware Basics	1
	Who Should Read This Chapter?	2
	Computer Hardware	2
	The Central Processing Unit	2
	Memory	3
	Input Devices	4
	Output Devices	6
	Storage Devices	7
	Expansion Slots and Circuit Cards	9
	Input/Output Ports	11
	Modems	12
	Portable PCs	13
	Notebook Computers	13
	Palmtop Computers	14
	Global Positioning Systems	14
	Selecting a Personal Computer	14
2	Driving the Computer from the Keyboard	17
	The Graphical User Interface	17
	Standardization	18
	Starting Windows and Basic Navigation	20
	Logging In	20
	Navigating with the TAB Key	21
	Selecting Objects with the Enter Key	21
	The Start Button Hot Key	22
	Switching from One Application to Another	22
	Menu Navigation	23
	Shutting Down Applications	23
	Native Accessibility Utilities	23
	Utility Manager	24
	Control Panel Accessibility Utilities	25
	Active Accessibility	26
	Accessibility Utilities across Platforms	26
3	Technology for Persons with Vision Impairments	28
	Speech-Synthesis Engines	28
	Sound Cards	29
	Screen Readers	29
	Screen-Reader Commands	31
	Narrator	32
	Magnification Systems	33
	Low-Vision Aids	33
	Large Monitors	33
	Closed-Circuit Television Systems	34
	Handheld CCTV Systems	34
	Head-Mounted CCTV Systems	35
	Magnification Software	35
	Magnifier	36
	Braille Systems	36
	Braille Basics	36
	Braille Translation Software	37
	Braille Printers	38
	Braille Displays	38
	Braille Note Takers	39
	Optical Character Recognition Systems	39
	Scanning Text into Your Computer	40
4	Technology for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing	42
	Text Telephones	43
	Cordless and Cellular Phones	43
	Text-Telephone Etiquette	44
	Text Telephones and the Americans with Disabilities Act	44
	Braille Text Telephones	44
	Telecommunications Relay Services	45
	Alphanumeric Pagers	45
	Instant Messaging	45
	Chat	46
	Fax	46
	Computer-Assisted Access	47
	Baudot/ASCII Modems	47
	Text-Telephone Software	48
	Visual Indicator Software	48
	Computer-Aided Transcription	48
	CART Reporting	48
	Computerized Sign Language Training	49
	Signaling Systems	49
	Captioning Systems	50
	Making Captioned Videotapes	51
	Electronic Amplification Systems	51
	Hearing Aids	52
	Assistive Listening Devices	52
	Telephone Amplification Systems	53
5	Technology for Persons with Motor Disabilities	54
	Adapted Keyboards	55
	Keyboard Keyguards	55
	Keyboard Modification Software	55
	Macros	56
	Key Modifier Software	57
	Built-In Access Features	58
	On-Screen Keyboard	59
	Alternative Input Systems	59
	Adapted Switches and Scanning Keyboards	59
	Morse Code Systems	60
	Word-Prediction Software	60
	Speech-Recognition Systems	61
	Speech-Recognition Hardware	61
	Training	62
	Speech on the Road	62
	Environmental Control Systems	62
6	Technologies for Persons with Speech Disabilities	64
	The Evaluation Process	64
	What Is an Alternative Communications Device?	65
	Word Prediction and Abbreviation Expansion	66
	Controlling a Communications Device	67
	Keyboards and Touch Screens	67
	Scanning Keyboards	67
	Controlling a Personal Computer	68
	Computers and Alternative Communication	68
7	Technologies for Persons with Learning Disabilities	69
	What Is a Learning Disability?	70
	The Evaluation Process	70
	The Individualized Education Program	71
	Deploying Technology	72
	Personal Computers	72
	Note Takers and Organizers	74
8	Foundations for Assistive Technology	75
	The Assistive Technology Specialist	75
	The Evaluation Process	77
	Sample Adaptation	77
	Low-Tech Solutions	78
	Confidentiality	78
	Training	78
	Classroom Training	79
	One-on-One Training	79
	Following Up	79
	Tutorials and Training Materials	80
	Technical Support	80
	Warranty Cards	80
	Consumer Groups and Special Interest Groups	81
	Online Help	81
9	Accessing the Internet and Intranets	82
	Why Make the Internet and Intranets Accessible?	82
	Definitions	83
	The Internet	83
	Intranets	83
	Hardware Requirements	84
	Adaptive Technology and Networks	84
	The World Wide Web	84
	Web Sites	84
	Web Browsers	85
	Internet Explorer	85
	Home Page Reader	85
	How Browsers Work	86
	Search Engines	87
	Web Content Accessibility Guidelines	87
	Web Site Validation	88
	Sharing Resources	88
	Electronic Mail	88
	Online Chat	89
	Newsgroups	89
	Instant Messaging	89
	Mailing Lists	90
10	Funding Adaptive Technology	91
	Cost-Saving Ideas	92
	Shareware, Freeware, and Demoware	92
	Other Ways to Cut Costs	92
	Personal Sources of Funds	93
	Family and Friends	93
	Lending Institutions and Credit Unions	93
	Credit Cards	94
	Government-Sponsored Sources of Funds	94
	The Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Program	95
	Medicaid	95
	Special Education	95
	The Social Security Administration's Pass Program	96
	The Assistive Technology Act of 1998	97
	Veterans Benefits	97
	Private-Sector Sources of Funds	97
	The Easter Seals Society	97
	The International Association of Lions Clubs	98
	Independent Living Centers	98
	Appendixes
A	Microsoft Windows 98 Keyboard Guide	99
B	Apple Macintosh Keyboard Shortcuts	114
C	Products for Persons with Vision Impairments	118
D	Products for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing	131
E	Products for Persons with Motor Disabilities	137
F	Products for Persons with Speech Disabilities	145
G	Products for Persons with Learning Disabilities	151
H	National Resources for Persons with Disabilities	156
I	National Toll-Free Phone Numbers for Persons with Disabilities	168
J	Key Provisions on Assistive Technology IDEA 1997	177
K	A Guide to Disability Rights Laws	180
L	RESNA Technology Assistance Project State Contact List	188
	Index	197

Editorial Reviews

This thorough treatment of adaptive technologies should serve as a primer for library science students, librarians, individuals with disabilities and their friends, family members, and co-workers. The information is presented in non-technical language in a clear, logical, step-by-step manner. Chapters progress through PC hardware basics, vision impairments, deaf, motor, speech, and general learning disabilities. Foundations for assistive technology (evaluation, training, and technical support), funding issues, and accessing the Internet and Intranets are followed by an extensive (100+ page) appendix and index. Over 200 assistive technology products are included in Appendix E, which lists product, type, class, platform, vendor, address, phone, fax, e-mail, and Web address. The reader will come away with an understanding of the myriad adaptive technology aids that exist to level the playing field for people with disabilities. Highly recommended. KLIATT Codes: P*—Exceptional book. 2001, ALA, 204p. index., Fontinha

KLIATT