Zachariah

Here at the University of Iowa, the College of Education has a computer lab
with over 70 computers (Macintosh and Windows mixed).  Eight years ago we
integrated assistive technology into a number of these
computers.  Currently we have nine computers which are specifically
A.T.  These A.T. machines have multiple functions including voice
recognition, screen magnification, scanning in reading software, and other
functions. All the other computers in the lab have some limited A. T.
software but can be made accessible if needed. The A. T. machines are
divided into two areas.  One area is on the side of the lab and in the open
environment of all the computers.  The other area is in a room of the
computers that allows for privacy or less distraction.

Currently students are using the for both voice recognition and screen
reading software.  With directional microphones students have not had a
problem with voice recognition and a crowded lab.  Also headphones or on
all computers in the lab eliminating many different applications sounds.

Responses from students who use the A. T. technology and general students
in the lab has been very positive.  It's not uncommon for student in the
lab to observe one of the A. T. machines being used and inquire about how
they could learn to use the machine for their own work.  In short I'm
saying that you can easily mix accessible and inaccessible computers in the
same lab.

But can be of any service to feel free contact me.

Respectfully yours

David Dawson

At 04:04 PM 9/22/2001 -0400, you wrote:
>I wonder if anyone has experience they would like to share in setting up
>large computer labs which include both Accessible and inAccessible
>machines.
>
>I am interested in how others deal with physical access as well as audio
>input and output in a large area with a lot of other things going on.
>
>It would be nice to just make all the machines Accessible but as we all
>know cost and licensing make this impossible at the moment.
>
>-----
>Life is too short to be small.
>Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
>zachariah cameron
>HelpDesk Analyst (Access Tech.)
>York University (h)
>Ph. (416)736-5800
>TTY (416)667-2031
>-----

Robert David Dawson, Ph.D.
Iowa Center for Assistive Technology and Educational Resources
N168 Lindquist Center
College of Education
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-5280