Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Rev. 5/3/95.
WordPerfect Corporation
1555 N. Technology Way
Orem, Utah 84057
(801) 225-5000
System Requirements:
PC/MS-DOS machines
Description:
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.
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.
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.
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 ControlEnd.
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).
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.
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
To Scroll
up to top of previous page .......................
down to top of next page .........................
up to top of current page .....
down to bottom of current page
Press
PgUp
PgDn
Ctrl-Home Up Arrow
Ctrl-Home Down Arrow
To Insert
Press
Text Ins ................................................ (On/Off)
a line .................................................... Enter
To Erase
1 character left of cursor ........................
1 character above cursor ........................
word at cursor ..............
word to left of cursor ............................
Press
Backspace
Delete
Ctrl-Backspace
Ctrl-Backspace (cursor at
space beyond word to be
erased)
word to right of cursor ............................ Home-Delete
from cursor to right end of line ................ Ctrl-End
delete page ............................................. Ctrl -PgDn
S
ACT for MS-DOS
System Requirements:
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 1994.
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.
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:
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).
11
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
Notes:
14
Retail Cost
.50
Ai Squared
P.O. Box 669
Manchester Center, VT 05255-0069
(802) 362-3612
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.
15
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 Home
Alt End
Alt PageUp
Alt PageDown
Alt 5 (on numeric keypad)
16
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.
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.
17
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
Option
Mode
Track
Justify
Jump
Setting
Full
Cursor
Mouse
Highlight
Center
Margin
Command Switch
/zm
/tc+
/tm+
/th+
/jc
/jj m
Notes:
S
ACT for MS-DOS
19
20
(DOS)
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.
2.
3.
4.
To load the largest cursor available, type: cursor/aa at the drive prompt.
To load any other cursor, type: cursor/(any coordinates).
To look at other cursor options, type: cursor at the drive prompt, and use
the arrow keys to navigate around the grid.
Press the Space Bar to view the cursor with text.
Press Enter to select the cursor and exit.
Notes:
1.
2.
21
GW Micro
310 Racquet Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(219) 483-3625
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.
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
Down Arrow
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 Up Arrow
Alt R
reads to end
Alt C
reads bar
Ctrl \
Ctrl N
Ctrl X
Silence
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
6 or Right Arrow
5 or Center
Period or Delete
Plus
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
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
moves
moves
moves
moves
cursor
cursor
cursor
cursor
to
to
to
to
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
K
J
moves
moves
moves
moves
cursor
cursor
cursor
cursor
Ctrl Up Arrow
Ctrl Page Up
Ctrl Down Arrow
Apostrophe
Page Up
Left Bracket
Home
End
Ctrl Home
Ctrl End
Block Commands
P
R
T
Miscellaneous Commands
L
V
Grave Accent
Exit Commands
Escape
Alt Esc
Alt X
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
Ctrl L
Alt 0
OMNICHRON
1438 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 540-6455
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
31
Down Arrow
Alt Up Arrow
Alt J, K, L
Alt or Control
stops speech
Alt Y
32
Alt H
Alt F
Escape
J,KorL
M, Comma or Period
Up or Down Arrow
33
34
Shift U, I and 0
Shift J, K and L
Automatic output
F2
F5
F6
35
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
Punctuation toggle
Control F2
Not used
Control F3
Spell everything
Control F4
Control F5
Control F6
Control F7
Control F8
Control P3
Control F10
Alt F2
Alt F3
Alt F4
Alt F5
Not used
Alt F6
Not used
Alt F7
Alt F8
Alt F9
Alt F10
Shift F3
Blank announcement
Shift F4
Shift F5
Shift F6
Shift F7
Shift F8
Shift F9
Shift F10
Alt Control F3
Alt Control F4
F2
F3 Raise volume
F4 Lower volume
F5 Raise pitch
F6
Lower pitch
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
Using Flipper and WordPerfect
Basic reading commands
Ctrl Down Arrow
Ctrl Up Arrow
Alt Down Arrow
Ctrl Backspace
Delete
Backspace
Alt 7
Alt 8
39
10. As the highlighted word appears on screen, Flipper will announce it.
Repeat steps 5-9.
40
Flipper (DOS)
Publisher:
OMNICHRON
1438 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 540-6455
System Requirements:
Reading Commands
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
16/
Alt J, K, L
Alt Spacebar
stops speech
Alt Y
42
Alt H
Alt F
PAcape
J, K or L
M, Comma or Period
Up or Down Arrow
43
44
moves the cursor to cursor position at last exit from review mode.
Motion
Shift J, K and L
45
Automatic output
F2
F5
FB
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
46
Control Fl
Punctuation toggle
Control F2
Spell everything
Control F3
Control F4
Control F5
Control F6
Control F7
Control F8
Control F9
Click
Control F10
Cursor beeps
Alt F2
Alt F3
Alt F4
Alt F5
Keyboard echo off for special keys (Ctrl, Alt, Ret, Shft)
Alt F6
Alt F7
Alt F8
Alt F9
Alt F10
Shift F2
Shift F3
Blank announcement
Shift F4
Shift F5
Shift F6
47
Silent Autokey
Alt Control F2
Alt Control F3
Alt Control F4
F2
F5 Raise pitch
F6
Lower pitch
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 6Milable 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.
41
ACT for MS-DOS
49
50
F9
Control F6
Alt F10
Windows Defined
1
51
52
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.
53
54
Sound-Proof (DOS)
Publisher:
HumanWare, Inc.
6245 King Road
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 652-7253
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 SoundProof 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
55
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
Retail Cost $
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 slashX (/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.
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 800-426-7282. It is also
available from Microsoft Download Service at 206-936-6735. The file to
download is the DOS Supplemental Disk. This file is also available at
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/Softlib/MSLFILES/SUP622.EXE.
Filch (DOS)
Publisher:
Kinetic Designs
14231 Anatevka
Olalla, WA 98359
(206) 857-7943
System Requirements:
MS-DOS compatible computer
Description:
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.
57
have special keys latch when struck and then release after next
character is entered,
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 1 - 127. 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#
/m#
58
/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
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
HandiWORD v. 3.0
Publisher:
(DOS )
Retail Cost
$295.00
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.
61
62
/D(dict)
/E
/F(+/-)
63
/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
/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
65
parameter
C:
filch /t100
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.
66
Floppy Disk
Hard Disk
light
envi f
C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk
C:
light
envi f
A:
C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk
This is a standard batch file for a learning disabled student or anyone wishing
to work with Turbo Lightning running with WordPerfect.
67
2.
Floppy Disk
Hard Disk
flipper
C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk
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
light
cursor /aa
C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk
C:
zoomtext
light
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
cursor /aa
C:\wp51/wpp/nk
C:
zoomtext
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.
68
Floppy Disk
Hard Disk
flipper
filch /t100
C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk
C:
flipper
filch/t100
A:
C: \ wp51 \ wp/nk
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
flipper
cursor /aa
C:
wp/nk
C:
zoomtext
flipper
cursor /aa
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.
69
8.
Floppy Disk
Hard Disk
C:
filch /m1 /r24 /c77/r123 /c177
light
A:
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
70
71
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.
2.
Adapted Keyboarding
3.
Computer Access I
4.
Computer Access II
5.
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
73
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
Additional versions of this class can be created to meet these specific software
application needs or subject area needs.
75
76
Course 121r2CdigiSMI
77
any.
MODULE B/C:
MODULE D:
MODULE E:
78
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.
79
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.
81
410
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
*Note:
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.
83
leztawinlimEauthzet
None
84
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:
85
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:
B.
Turbo Lightning:
C.
Software for large text on computer screen and from printer for
low vision or learning disabled students.
D.
Flipper/DECtalk:
E.
Filch:
F.
86
Zoomtext Plus:
Screen reading and speech output for blind, low vision, learning
disabled or language impaired students.
Handiword
Week 5
Week 6
Word processing
File
Document
Word wrap
Edit
Format
Pagination
Spelling check
Data disk/program disk
87
Week 17
Course review
Week 18
Final exam
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:
S
ACT for MS-DOS
89
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
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.
91
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.
40
92
Outside Assignmentsz
410
93
Text/Supplies Required;
Student supplies own disks. Texts as required by type of computer access
project.
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.
95
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
Grading.
This course is offered on a Credit/No-Credit basis only.
97
98
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.
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.
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
101
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.
Floppy Maintenance
Within the lab environment, floppy disks tend to propagate very quickly. It is
i mportant 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
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:.
103
41,
Final Thoughts
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
Form A
S.S.#:
Date:
Letter
Grade: P/F
Disability:
Seizures:
Functional Limitations:
Yes
No
Poor
Adequate
Level:
If Yes, Type(S):
Software Used:
Keyboard Skills:
Good
Adaptations Recommended:
Zoomtext Plus
Cursor
Settings:
Filch
Settings:
Flipper
Handiword
Laptop
Mindreader
Powerpak
Settings:
Seebeep
Turbo Lightning
Wordperfect
Work with Lab Partner
Name:
105
Form B
Tuesday
8:00
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
8:00
106
Form C
2.
3.
4.
If you will be absent, please call the special resource center so we can
give your time slot to another student (phone number).
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
6.
7.
8.
If you bring in your own software it must first be checked in with the
staff.
9.
10.
available.
11.
12.
107
Form D
Date
NAME
108
TIME IN
TIME OUT
April 1995
Access DOS-DOS
(Software utility for keyboard control)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
No Charge
Product Title/Description
Close ViewMAC
(Provided with versions 6.0 and greater of the Macintosh
Operating System; Provides 2x to 16x degrees of magnification)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
No Charge
Product Title/Description
Cursor ProgramDOS
(Cursor definition program which allows the user to change shape
of cursor on screen)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
No Charge
Eradutlitleafacthatipa
Easy AccessMAC
(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)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
No Charge
Product Title/Description.
Filch-DOS
(Stops automatic key repeat function of DOS Computers)
Vendor Address
Kinetic Designs
14231 Anatevka Lane
Olalla, WA 98359
(206) 857-7943
Est. Price
89.00
Product Title/Description
Flipper-DOS
(Screen Reader)
Vendor Address
OMNICHRON
1438 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 540-6455
Est. Price
495.00
Product Title/Description
Han.diWORD-DOS
Vendor Address
Est. Price
295.00
Product Title/Description
inLARGE-MAC
Vendor Address
Est. Price
Product Title/Description
Mindreader-DOS
("Smart" wordprocessor with text compression)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
89.95
Product Title/Description
outSPOKENMAC
(Screen reader for Macintosh)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
Product Title/Description
SeeBeep-DOS
Est. Price
20.00
Product Title/Description
Thunder 7MAC
(An on-line spell check program with dictionary of definitions
thesaurus)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
99.95
Product Title/Description
Turbo LightningDOS
(On-line spelling checker and thesaurus)
Vendor Address
Borland International
100 Borland Way P.O. Box 660001
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(408) 461-9000
Est. Price
Product Title/Description
Vocal EyesDOS
(Screen reading program for blind with reading highlight
option for students with learning disabilities)
Vendor Address
GW Micro
310 Racquet Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(219) 483-3625
Est. Price
Product Title/Description
Vendor Address
Al Squared
P.O. Box 669
Manchester Center, VT 05255
(802) 362-3612
Est. Price
Hardware
Product Title/Description,
(Board level and free standing speech synthesizers for IBM &
compatibles)
Vendor Address
AICOM Corporation
1590 Oakland Road Suite B112
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 453-8251
Est. Price.
Product Title/Description
Vendor Address
Acrylic Art
1290 45th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 654-0953
Est. Price
145.00
Product Title/Description
Vendor Address
Artic Technologies
55 Park Street
Troy, MI 48083
(810) 588-7370
Est, Price
895.00
afthigtTiatMghiCriptian
DragonDictateDOS
Vendor Address
Est. Price
Product Title/Description,
Vendor Address
Prentke-Romich Company
1022 Heyl Road
Wooster, OH 44691
(216) 262-1984
Est. Price
1,195.00
Product Title/Description
Est. Price
1,995.00
Product Title/Description
Vendor Address
Est. Price
5,495.00
Product Title/Description
OsCaR
(Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software and
scanner)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
1,595.00
Product Title/Description
PC DECtalk DTC07-AA-DOS
(Advanced board level speech synthesizer)
Vendor Address
Est. Price
1,195.00
Product Title/Description,
Ransley Brailler-DOS
Vendor Address
Humanware, Inc.
6245 King Road
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 652-7253
Est. Price
995.00
Product Title/Description
Sound-Proof-DOS
(Screen reader for students with learning disabilities)
Vendor Address
Humanware, Inc.
6245 King Road
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 652-7253
Est. Price
Product Title/Description
Vista VGA-DOS
Vendor Address
Est. Price
2,495.00
Product Title/Descriptiork
Vista 2DOS
(On-screen print enlarger for IBM PS/2 computers)
2,595.00
Butte College
Supportive Services
1801 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield CA 93305
(805) 3954334
Cabrillo College
Mark Malangko
Donald Johnson
Frank Lynch
Louis Lucero
Richard Dunn
Bob Hughlett
Chabot College
Chaffey College
Melinda Matsuda
Sharlene Smith
Citrus College
College of Alameda
Marilyn Eng
Kerry Compton
College of Marin
Marie McCarthy
Arnett Caviel
Bruce Pelkey
Sandra Nightingale
Don Mast
Diane Ramirez
Susan Mindus
Cuesta College
Elizabeth Bacon
Martin Schuller
Lynn Frady
Cypress College
De Anza College
Christine Terry
Steven Sellitti
Terry Armstrong
Joseph Nqj ar
David Sanfilippo
El Camino College
Lucinda Aborn
Bill Cook y
Foothill College
Rosemarie Menager-Beeley
Janice Emerzian
Fullerton College
Christine Terry
Joy Cook
Grosssmont College
Hartwell College
Mimi Lee
Wayne Davis
Supportive Services
5500 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine CA 92720
(714) 559-3243
Melvin Wendrick
William Hewitt
Laney College
Katie Olsen
Carol Dalessio
Robin Adler-Goldsmith
Richard Springer
Chad Woo
Deborah Tull
Rick Scuderi.
Merced College
Special Services
6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills CA 91371
(818) 719-6430
Norm Crozer
Merritt College
Mission College
Loretta Bohl
Carol Toppel
Richard Marashlian
Carla Tracy-Weber
Celia Barberena
Ron Baker
Moorpark College
Jan Andriese
Special Projects
2208 Sequoia
Anaheim CA 92801
(714) 870-0930
Kaye Turley
Supportive Services
980 Fremont Street
Monterey CA 93940
(408) 6464070
Mayne Thornton
Oxnard College
Ellen Young
Palomar College
Ron Haines
Saddleback College
Special Services
28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo CA 92692
(714) 5824750
Jody Hollinden
Karen Andersen
Janet Shapiro
Emylu Weller
Zeke Garcia
Judith Schwartz
Shasta College
Sierra College
Disabled Services
5000 Rocklin Road
Rocklin CA 95677
(916) 781-0599
James Hir
' schinger
Taft College
Disabled Student Prog. & Serv.
29 Emmons Park Drive
Taft CA 93268
(805) 763-4282 ext 276
Jeff Ross
U.C. Davis
Disability Resource Center
170 South Silo
Davis CA 95615
(916) 752-3184
Maureen Brodie
Ventura College
Educational Assistance Center
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura CA 93003
(805) 654-6300
Orlene Bowers
Vista College
Disabled Student Prog. & Serv.
2020 Milvia Street
Berkeley CA 94704
(510) 841-8431 ext 251
Joe Bielanski
Yuba College
Disabled Student Prog. & Serv.
2088 North Beale Road
Marysville CA 95901
(916) 741-6993
Jay Simpson
508 Regulations
125
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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 202-523-1906 voicefTDD (FTS 523-1906) or via mail at
GSA, Susan A. Brummel, Director, Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation, Room 2022,
KGDO, 18th & F Streets, N.W., Washington, DC 20405.
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
Table of Contents
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. 99-506, 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 201-30.007 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.
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.
monitor.
b. Large Monitor (19"-25")Increases character size in proportion to monitor
dimensions.
f.
provides for the auditory review of hard-copy information and for electronic storage
to disk if desired.
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 redundancyEnsure 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.
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 programsAre 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.
6.
7.
8.
use of a keyboard.
Alternative input deviceallows 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.).
Optimal positioningSeveral 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.
Hard DiskThis type of disk serves to minimize difficulties associated with the
handling of floppy disks.
Robotic ArmVoice 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.
The actual costs of an accommodation vary according to the equipment selected. Most
costs are in the range of $5042500 (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 80286 chip (e.g., IBM AT) or a 80386 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.)
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
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 resultenlarged 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
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 20-40 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 150-200 cps in the draft mode and 30-50 cps in the
near letter quality mode. For a printer in this 20-40 cps category you can expect to
spend $2,500-4,000. For higher speed printers, the price increases dramatically. A
120-170 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
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
13
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 MSDOS 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
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 trainingcourses 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.
20420. For course information call (202) 233-5524 (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. 20405. Consultations can be scheduled by calling (FTS or 202) 523-1906.
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
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 20405
NAME:
AGENCY:
ADDRESS:
SYMBOUMAILSTOP:
CITY:
ZIP:
STATE.
PHONE:
PLEASE SEND ME UPDATES 1D PUBLICATION: Yes:
COMMENTS:
A-1
No:
APPENDIX El
ASSESSMENT OF COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NEEDS:
MANAGER'S CHECKLIST
YES
B-1
NO
B-2
NO
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.
C-2
C-3
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.
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. 20420. Hours are between 8:00 and 5:00, and the Center's
phone number is 202-233-5524.
lit
No, the
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.
C-5
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
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).
CREATE
C-7
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
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.
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.
C-9
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 20530
(202) 724-2222 (Voice)
(202) 724-7678 (TDD)
TAG-5-84-1: 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-5-84-2: 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-5-84-3: 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.
TAG5-5-84-4: 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-5-84-5: 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-5-84-6: 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-5-85-1: 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
C-11
C-12
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 20007-2778
Telephone: (202) 337-5220 (Voice and TDD)
2. American Council of the Blind, .Inc.
1010 Vermont Ave., N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: (202) 393-3666
3. American Foundation For The Blind
National Technology Center
15th West 16th Street
New York, NY 10011
Telephone: (212) 620-2051
4. Apple Computer, Inc.
Office of Special Education
20525 Mariani Avenue, MS 23-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone: (408) 996-1010
5. AT&T Special Needs Center
2001 Route 46
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Telephone: (800) 233-1222 (Voice)
(800)-833-3232 (TDD)
6, Baruch College
Computer Center for the Visually Impaired
17 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Telephone: (212) 725-7644
7. Blinded Veterans Association
477 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: (202) 371-8880
& Braille Institute of America, Inc.
741 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Telephone: (213) 660-3880 (Library)
(213) 663-1111 (Institute)
9. The Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02158
Telephone: (617) 969-6200
D-1
2a Tele-consumer Hotline
.1
APPENDIX E
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES FOR THE DEAF
What Is a TDD?
A Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) is a device that permits people with hearing
El
E-2
Hold on
PLS Please
HD
E-3
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) 708-9300 vITDD Metropolitan Washington
(800) 877-8339 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 20202
202/653-7951 v/TDD
245-1591 v/TDD
653-7848 v/TDD
653-7834 v/TDD
233-3248 viTDD
2021351-2316 v/TDD
202/376-8117 viTDD
202/225-1904 v/TDD
MD only
800/638-8270 TDD
800/492-8104 TDD
703/325-1102 v/TDD
202/447-2436 TDD
Department of Agriculture
Meat and Poultry Hotline
14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
202/447-3333 TDD
202/692-6775 v/TDD
F-1
Department of Commerce
Bureau of the Census
Population Division
Suitland and Silver Hill Roads
Federal Building, Room 2030
Suitland, MD 20233
301/763-5020 v/TDD
Department of Commerce
Demographic Surveys Division
Consumer Expenditures Surveys Programming Branch
Suitland and Silver Hill Roads
Federal Building, Room 2030
Suitland, MD 20233
301/763-4113 v/TDD
763-4389 v/TDD
Department of Commerce
Employment Opportunities Listing
14th and Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20230
2021377-5246 TDD
Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
Automated Information Management Division
Quality Control Branch
Herbert C. Hoover Building
Room 1848
Washington, DC 20230
202/377-0459 TDD
Department of Commerce
Law Library
14th and Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20230
202/377-5517 v
2021377-5691 TDD
377-5588 TDD
Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Office of Personnel
Administration Building
Room Al23
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
301/975-3014 TDD
301/427-4409 v/TDD
Department of Commerce
National Weather Service
National Meterological Center
World Weather Building
Room 307
Suitland, MD 20233
Department of Commerce
Office of the Secretary
Office of Civil Rights
Equal Employment Opportunity
Programs Division
Herbert C. Hoover
Room 6012
Washington, D.C. 20230
202/377-5691 vrIDD
F-2
Department of Education
Captioning and Media Services
330 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/732-1169 TDD
202/732-1177 v/TDD
Department of Education
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
202/732-1198 TDD
202/732-1191 v/TDD
Department of Education
Office of Civil Rights
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202
202/732-1467 v/TDD
202/7321686 TDD
Department of Education
Office of Deafness and Communicative Disorders
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202
202/732-1398 v/TDD
Department of Education
Rehabilitation Services Administration
330 C St., SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
202/732-1298 TDD
2021732-2848 TDD
Region I-Boston, MA
615/565-2637 TDD
800/223.6820 TDD
212/264.6095 TDD
800/264-6095 TDD
215/596-1295 TDD
404/331-2449 TDD
800/242-2352 TDD
Region VChicago, 11
312/353-1796 TDD
800/353-1796 TDD
214/767-2961 TDD
800/729-2961 TDD
Region VI-Dallas, TX
Region VII-Kansas City, MO
816/891-8015 TDD
800/758-2381 TDD
303/8446080 TDD
800/327-2135 TDD
Region VW-Denver, CO
Region 1X-San Francisco, CA
415/556-9891 TDD
800/556-9891 TDD
Region X-Seattle, WA
217/525-5611 TDD
800/399-5331 TDD
301/443.1970 TDD
443-1818 TDD
F-3
202/475-0073 vfTDD
475.0072 vITDD
475-0071 v/TDD
301/496-5511 TDD
202/472-2916 TDD
Missouri only:
800/325-0778 TDD
392-0812 TDD
202/426-0015 TDD
703/285-2620 TDD
557-0613 voice
301/492-6296 TDD
2021426-5963 TDD
301/285-2650 TDD
F-4
202/343-3679 v/TDD
343.4817 TDD
426-2364 TDD
Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
320 1st Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530
202/786-4463 v/TDD
Department of Justice
FBI Identification Division
320 1st Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530
202/324-2334 v/TDD
202/324.3553 TDD
Department of Justice
FBI Tours
320 1st Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530
Department of Justice
Office of Redress Administration
320 1st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
202/659-0213 v/TDD
800/548-0279 v/TDD
Department of Justice
Personnel
320 1st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
2021272-6098 v/TDD
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210
Office of Civil Rights
2021523-7090 v/TDD
202/692-2658 v/TDD
202/767-3030 v/TDD
202/647-7256 TDD
202/647-6131 v
Department of State
PER/CCA Merit Promotion
Rm 2429
Washington, DC 20250
F-5
202/366-2602 v/TDD
Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Admininstration
400 7th Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590
Department of Transportation
Employment Information
Regulations-General Counsels Office
400 7th Street, SW.
Washington, DC 20590
202/566.2673 TDD
377-9555 v
202/287-4097 TDD
Indiana only
800/428-4732 TDD
800/382.4059 TDD
202/274-1721 TDD
202/233-3248 v/TDD
202/233-3225 v/TDD
202/382-4565 TDD
202l634-7057 TDD
634-6565 TDD
202/456-6213 v/TDD
202/324-2333 TDD
Tour Information
Interpreter Office
F-6
324-3553 TDD
3243412 v/TDD
202/632-6999 TDD
2021898-3537 v/TDD
800/424-5488 TDD
202/452-3544 TDD
2021708-9300 v/TDD
800/877-8339 v/TDD
202/523-3638 TDD
202/566-0545 v/TDD
202/523-1906 v/TDD
202/786-9171 TDD
202/377-5588 TDD
202/275-1721 TDD
Library of Congress
1st and Indepedence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20540
202/287-6200 TDD
202/653-8896 TDD
F-7
202/426-1436 TDD
301/286-7918 v/TDD
202/523-0774 TDD
202/267-3232 v/TDD 0)
2021682-5496 v/TDD
202/496-7460 TDD
301/427-4409 TDD
202/632-6272 v/TDD
202/632-9513 v/TDD
202/653-9260 v/TDD
202/653-5112 v/TDD
653-5050 TDD
202/272-7065 v/TDD
202/224-6265 v/TDD
224-3457 TDD
202/224-5469 TDD
202/653-7561 TDD
202/653-7562 ODD
202/357-1696 TDD
Smithsonian Institution
Special Education Program
1st & A Streets, S.W.
Washington, DC 20560
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
Tennessee only
F-8
800/251-9342 TDD
800/362-9250 TDD
919/551-3039
202/225-1904 TDD
202/485-7157 viTDD
301/492-4626 TDD
202/268-2310 TDD
202/224-4049 TDD
202/224-4075 TDD
Emergencies
F-9
202/576-0153 TDD
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
APPENDIX H
COMPUTER ACCOMMODATION PUBLICATIONS
Books:
1. Personal Computers and the Disabled
Peter A. McWilliams
Book Thrift
45 W. 36 Street
New York, NY 10018
1984, 416pp.
Telephone: (212) 947-0909
Boston, MA 02115
Telephone: (617) 266-6160
Available in braille, inkprint, or tape.
Periodicals:
7. Computer Disability News
National Easter Seal Society
70 E Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Telephone: (312) 667-7400
P.O. Box 68
Henderson, MN 56044
Telephone: (612) 248-3294
H-2
APPENDIX I
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION .
41 CFR PART 201-1, 201-30, and 201-32
[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. 99-506, 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) 566-0194
or FTS, 566-0194.
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, 1988. All comments received have been considered.
1-1
(3) Changes made in 41 CFR Chapter 201 are explained in the following paragraphs.
(a) In Part 201-1, 201-1.102 is amended by adding a provision to cite the statutory authority
for electronic office equipment accessibility, and 201-1.403 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. 96-511), 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 201-30, a new 201-30.007-2 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 201-32, 201-32.202 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 12291 of February 17, 1981. 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, 201-30, and 201-32
Computer technology, Government procurement, Government property management,
Telecommunications, Information resources activities, Government records management,
Competition, Hearing and appeal procedures.
PART 201-1FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
SYSTEM
1. The authority citation for Part 201-1 continues to read as follows:
AUTHORITY: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390; 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and Sec. 101(f), 100 Stat. 1783-345, 40
U.S.C. 751(0.
2. Section 201-1.102 and 201-1.403 are amended as follows:
201-1.102 Authority.
(c) * * *
(6) Pub. L. 99-506 (29 U.S.C. 794d), The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986 regarding
electronic office equipment accessibility.
201-1.403 Procedures
* * *
1.2
(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. 96-511), 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 201-30MANAGEMENT OF ADP RESOURCES
a The table of contents of Part 201-30 is amended by adding a new 201-30.007-2; and the
authority citation for Part 201-30 continues to read as follows:
201-30.007-2 Requirements for handicapped employees.
AUTHORITY: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390; 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and Sec. 101(f), 100 Stat. 1783-345, 40
U.S.C. 751(f).
4. Section 201-30.007-2 captioned "Requirements for handicapped employees" is added to
Part 201-30 to read as follows:
201-30.007-2 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. 99-506 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 201-30.007 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 201- 30.007 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
(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 201-1.403. Any such impeding conditions shall be quickly
documented and handled within the agency to obtain the deviation if appropriate.
1-4
APPENDIX J
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Washington, DC 20405
FIRMR BULLETIN 56
TO:
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
Background.
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 workrelated and/or public
information resources.
b. "Handicapped individuals or individuals with disabilities" means qualified individuals
with an impairment(s) as Cited in 29 CFR 1613.702(f) who can benefit from electronic office
equipment accessibility.
c. "Special peripheral" is defined in Section 508 of Pub. L. 99-506 as "a special needs
aid that provides access to electronic equipment that is otherwise inaccessible to a
handicapped individual."
J-1
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. 96-511), 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 201-30.007, 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
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.
(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.
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
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. 20405.
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) 566-0194 or FTS, 566-0194. Susan A. Brummel of COCA, telephone
(202) 523-1906 or FTS, 523-1906, may be contacted for technical advice and assistance
regarding the guidelines.
J-5
APPENDIX K
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON, DC 20405
FIRMR BULLETIN 48
TO: Heads of Federal agencies
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 1613.704 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.
K-1
Information or assistance.
Inquiries about the procurement aspects of this bulletin should be directed to Phillip R.
Patton, Regulations Branch (KMPR), telephone (202) 566-0194 or FTS, 566-0194. The
Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation (See FIRMR Bulletin 42), telephone (202) 523-1906
or FTS, 523-1906, may be contacted for technical advice and assistance regarding this bulletin.
K-2
APPENDIX L
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Washington, DC 20405
FIRMR BULLETIN 42
TO: Heads of Federal agencies
L-1
APPENDIX M
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Washington, DC 20405
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
101-43.315. Under FPMR 101-43.315-5(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 101-43.315.
b. In those cases where specialized equipment does not meet direct transfer criteria under
FPMR 101-43.315-5(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. 20406.
By delegation of the Assistant Administrator
Original signed by:
JAMES J. GRADY, JR.
Director of Policy
and Agency Assistance
M -1
APPENDIX N
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS ON
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Title 29, Section 1613.704
"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
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 20405
0- 1
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 ........................................................................
0- 3
0- 8
0-11
0-13
0-15
H.
Output
A. Speech Outputscreen-reading software ...................................................
B. Speech Outputspeech synthesizer ...........................................................
C. Speech Outputcalculator .........................................................................
D. Large Print Display ....................................................................................
E. Braille Output Display .................................................................................
F. Braille Outputprinterlembosser ................................................................
G. Braille Outputbraille translation software ..................................................
H. Large Print Output .....................................................................................
0-16
0-19
0-20
0-21
0.23
0-24
0-25
0-26
III.
Telecommunications
A. Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf ..............................................
B. Portable Terminals .....................................................................................
C. Amplified Handsets .....................................................................................
D. Headsets ...................................................................................................
E. Telephone Aids ..........................................................................................
0-26
0-28
0-29
0-29
0-29
V.
Other
A. Robotic Devices ........................................................................................ 0-31
0-2
COMPUTER-BASED PRODUCTS
I. Input
A. Keyboard Enhancements
Compatibility/Prices
PC
$2850.00
Epson
Alpha Software
1 North Ave.
Burlington, MA 01803
Telephone: (617) 229-2924
1. keyboard macros
PC
$24.95$95.00
$195.00$4,995.00
$89.95
PC
$395.00
$39.95
PC
Borland International
1800 Green Hills Road
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Telephone: (408) 438-8400
1. keyboard macro software
0-3
PC
$79.95
ComputAbility Corporation
101 Route 46 East
Pine Brook, NJ 07058
Telephone: (201) 882-0171
1. keyguards
2. membrane keyguard kit
switches
4. keyboard and mouse emulations
COPH-2
2020 Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60618
Telephone: (312) 866-8195
1. keyguards
PC
Don Johnston
Developmental Equipment
P.O. Box 639
Wauconda, IL 60084
Telephone: (312) 526-2682
1. keyguards
2. switches
Keyguards: PC, A,
Commodore 64, VIC 20
$79.95
$120.00
$35.00--385.00
Switches: A
$24.95$89.50
$11.50$195.00
Dvorak International
11 Pearl Street
Brandon, VT 05733
Telephone: (802) 247-6020
1. alternative keyboard configuration
PC
0-4
PC
PC
Hooleon Corporation
Page Springs Road
P.O. Box 201
Cornville, AZ 86325
Telephone: (602) 634-7515
1. custom keycaps
PC
Independence Microsystems
1612 Walnut Street #2N
Berkeley, CA 94709
Telephone: (415) 845-4424
1. one finger keyboard input
PC
In Touch Systems
11 Westview Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
Telephone: (914) 354-7431
1. single hand keyboard use
PC
Mc Systems Inc.
3121 Benton Drive
Garland, TX 75042
Telephone: (800) 533-4822
(214) 494-3073
1. trackball mouse emulation
ITC Electronic Bulletin Board
Telephone: (202) 376-2184
1. key lock software
Kinetic Designs, Inc.
14231 Anatevka
OlaIla, WA 98359
Telephone: (206) 857-7943
1. keyboard configuration/accommodation software
2. morse code input system
PC
Loyola College
4501 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
Telephone: (301) 323-1010
1. one finger keyboard input
PC
PC
Prentke-Romich Company
1022 Heyl Road
Wooster, OH 44691
Telephone: (216) 262-1984
(800) 642-8255
1. keyguards
2. switches
3. alternate input devices
PC, A, Commodore,
Franklin, TI, Atari
$85.00-4100.00
varies by type
$1492.00
PC
$89.95
$9.95
PC
RoseSoft, Inc.
P.O. Box 70337
Bellevue, WA 98007
Telephone: (206) 454-7424
1. keyboard macro software
$130.00
0-6
A, PC, Commodore 64
VIC 20
$44.00$175.00
$44.00
Price Varies
PC
A, PC
Words+, Incorporated
PO. Box 1229
Lancaster, CA 93534
Telephone: (805) 949-8331
1. keyguards
2. keyboard macros
$650.00
$25.00$75.00
0-7
PC
ComputAbility Corporation
101 Route 46 East
Pine Brook, NJ 07058
Telephone: (201) 882-0171
1. alternative CAD interfaces
2. mini-keyboards
Cybernetics
918 Rothowood Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Telephone: (804) 384-1476
(804) 384-7538
1. alternative input system using scanner or morse code
PC
PC
$595.00
$40.00-250.00
Don Johnston
Developmental Equipment
P.O. Box 639
Wauconda, IL 60084
Telephone: (312) 526-2682
1. alternative input using scanning or morse code
1<eyguards: PC, A,
Commodore 64, VIC 20
PC
0.8
Switches: A
PC, A, Commodore 64
$350.00-975.00
$249500
PC
In Touch Systems
11 Westview Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
Telephone: (914) 354-7431
1. miniature keyboard
(SCAN, Inc.
125 Cambridge Park Drive
PA. Box 2076
Cambridge, MA 02238
Telephone: (617) 868-5353
1. pointer system keyboard input
2. alternative CAD/CAM data entry
Key Tronic
PO. Box 14687
Spokane, WA 99214
Telephone: (800) 262-6006
Washington: (509) 928-8000
1. alternative keyboards
PC
$159.00-4255.00
PC
0-9
PC
$1095.00
PC
Prentke-Romich Company
1022 Heyl Road
Wooster, OH 44691
Telephone: (216) 262-1984
(800) 642-8255
1. alternate input devices
PC, A, Commodore,
Franklin, TI, Atari
$119$195
$1492.00
PC
A, PC
A, PC, Commodore 64
VIC 20
$2995.00
0-10
$295.00-350.00
Words+, Incorporated
P.O. Box 1229
Lancaster, CA 93534
Telephone: (805) 949-8331
1. expanded keyboards
2. alternate input device
3. optical pointer
4. morse code input
World Communications
501 Glenmoor Circle
Milpitas, CA 95035
Telephone: (408) 262-2870
1. word processing software optimized for use with
alternative input devices
PC
$395.00$995.00
$30.00$55.75
$375.00
PC
PC
0-11
PC
Flagstaff Engineering
1120 Kaibab
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Telephone: (602) 779-3341
1. graphics and text scanner
.PC
IBM Corporation
Telephone: (800) 426-3333
1. desktop scanner
PC, PS/2
PC
Microtek Inc.
680 Knox Street
Torrence, CA 90502
Telephone: (213) 321-2121
1. medium resolution scanner
2. menu driven scanner software
PC
Soricon Corporation
4725 Walnut Street
Boulder, CO 80301
Telephone: (800) 541-7226
(303) 442-2800
1. hand held scanner
PC
PC
$995.00-4500.00
IBM Corporation
Telephone: (800) 426-2468
1. voice activated keyboard utility
PC
PC
$1010.00$5200.00
Key Tronic
P.O. Box 14687
Spokane, WA 99214
Telephone: (800) 262-6006
Washington: (509) 928-8000
1. speech recognition keyboard
PC
$995.00
PC
$6500.00
PC
MTI, Inc.
14711 NE 29th Place
Suite 245
Bellevue, WA 98007
Telephone: (206) 881-1789
1. speech input system
$700.00
0-13
PC
Power Var
2691 Dow Avenue
Suite F
Tustin, CA 92680
Telephone: (714) 544-9941
1. speech input/output hardware and
software system
PC
PC
PC
$8995.00
PC
Supersoft
Box 1628
Champaign, IL 61820
Telephone: (217) 359-2112
1. speech recognition system
PC
0-14
A, PC
$795.00-995.00(A)
$495.00-995.00(PC)
$1200.00$4800.00
PC, Epson
Words+, Incorporated
PO. Box 1229
Lancaster, CA 93534
Telephone: (805) 949-8331
1. speech recognition system
$995.00$2275.00
Blazie Engineering
3660 Mill Green Road
Street, MD 21154
Telephone: (301) 879-4944
1. braille note-taker and terminal
$895.00$945.00
$5495.00$9485.00
0-15
$2495.00
PC
Artic Technologies
55 Park Street, Suite #2
Troy, MI 48083
Telephone: (313) 588-7370
1. screen reading software:
Business Vision, Artic Vision, Crystal
PC
PC
$690.00$1895.00
PC
$395.00
PC
$550.00
0-16
PC
$2695.00
PC
Henter-Joyce, Inc.
7901 4th Street North Suite #211
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Telephone: (813) 576-5658
1. screen reading software: JAWS
HFK Software
68 Wells Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
Telephone: (617) 259-0059
1. Owerty family of speaking software
HumanWare, Inc.
Horseshoe Bar Plaza
6140 Horseshoe Bar RoadSuite P
Loomis, CA 95650
Telephone: (800) 722-3393
(916) 652-7253
1. laptop PC with built-in speech synthesis
PC
PS/2
$630.00
PC
$499.00
0-17
PC
Omnichron
1438 Oxford Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
Telephone: (415) 540-6455
1. screen reading software: Flipper
PC
PC
A, PC
$100.00$400.00
0-18
PC
$770.00$1500.00
PC
$495.00
$2400.00
PC
AICOM Company
2375 Zenker Road
Suite 205
San Jose, CA 95131
Telephone: (408) 922-0855
1. speech synthesizer: Accent
PC
Artic Technologies
55 Park Street
Suite 2
Troy, MI 48083
Telephone: (313) 588-7370
1. speech synthesizers
PC
Blazie Engineering
3660 Mill Green Road
Street, MD 21154
Telephone: (301) 879-4944
1. braille note taker with speech output
. Computer Aids Corporation
124 W. Washington Blvd.
Suite 220
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Telephone: (800) 647-8255
(219) 422-2424
1. speech synthesizer
$250.00
0-19
$4000.00-24000.00
A, PC
$345.00$2495.00
A, PC
A, PC
A, PC
$3225.00$3900.00
$149.00$249.95
C. Speech OutputCalculator
Canon, U.S.A., Inc.
1 Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
Telephone: (516) 488-6700
1. speech output calculator
$99.95$449.00
$395.00$900.00
0.20
PC
$495.00
PC
Berkeley Systems
1700 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
Telephone: (415) 540-5536
1. large print display software
A, Macintosh
PC
$690.00
$95.00
$189.95
$4295.00
$5600.00$6895.00
0-22
$500.00
VTEK, Inc.
1625 Olympic Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Telephone: (213) 452-5966
1. large print display system
A, PC
PC, PS/2
$269500
PC
AllHardware
$5495.00$9485.00
0-23
PC, A
VTEK, Inc.
1625 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Telephone: (213) 452-5966
1. braille screen review system
$3495.00
Braille Outputprinterlembosser
American Thermoform Corporation
2311 Travers Avenue
City of Commerce, CA 90040
Telephone: (213) 723-9021
1. Ohtsuki braille/text printer
PC
$1100.00-1500.00
A, PC
$2750.00-47500.00
HumanWare, Inc.
6140 Horsehoe Bar Road
Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
Telephone: (916) 652-7253
(800) 722-3393
1. Braille-n-Printbraille and typed
text from a Perkins Brailler
$875.00
A, PC
VTEK
1625 Olympic Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Telephone: (213) 452-5966
1. braille printer
A, PC
$3595.00
$2750.00
0-24
PC
$495.00$3500.00
PC
A, PC,
Enabling Technologies
3102 Southeast Jay Street
Stuart, FL 33497
Telephone: (407) 283-4817
1. braille translation software
PC
$495.011$895.00
$135.00
PC
PC
0-25
PC
PC Macintosh
Softcraft, Inc.
16 North Carroll Street
Suite 500
Madison, WI 53703
Telephone: (800) 351-0500
.
(608) 257-3300
1. large print for dot matrix printers
PC
PC
PC
$180.00
$95.00
Ill. Telecommunications
A. Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf
American Communication Corporation
180 Roberts Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
Telephone: (203) 289-3491
0-26
$199.00
Compatibility Codes: PC
$350.00
$1875.00
0-27
$299.00$475.00
$289.00
PC
$199.00
B.
$279.00$485.00
Ultratec Inc.
6442 Normandy Lane
Madison, WI 53719
Telephone: (608) 273-0707 (Voice & TDD)
$159.00$595.00
Portable Terminals
HumanWare, Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Road
Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
Telephone: (916) 652-7253
(800) 722-3393
1. laptop computer with speech synthesis
2. typewriter with speech synthesis
$2495
$1095.00
0-28
Amplified Handsets
AT&T Special Needs Center
2001 Route 46
Suite 310
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Telephone: (800) 233-1222 (Voice)
(800) 833-3232 (TDD)
Walker Equipment Corporation
Highway 151 South
Ringgold, GA 30736
Telephone: (800) 426-3738
(404) 935-2600
D.
$31.25
Headsets
ACS Communications
$39.95$275.00
Telephone Aids
AT&T Special Needs Center
2001 Route 46
Suite 310
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Telephone: (800) 233-1222 (Voice)
(800)-833-3232 (TDD)
$434.95
0-29
$19.95$68.95
0-30
$89.00
PC
Votan
4487 Technology Drive
Fremont, CA 94538
Telephone: (415) 490-7600
1. software to support telephone access
PC
IV. Other
A. Robotic Devices
Prab Command, Inc.
0-31
PC
Miscellaneous
127
128
Stands, VDT, Work Surface, 60" X 30" X 26 1/2", Oak, Hon Model 63371
Stands, VDT, Work Surface, 48" X 30" X 26 1/2", Oak, Hon Model 63351
Desks, VDT, Work Surface, 60" X 30" X 29 1/2", Oak, Hon Model 63471
129
to
130
Notes
131
132