Since I'm part of the team proving the comprehensive library assistive
technology solution, called the AccessInfo System, I felt obligated to
weigh in on this one. We've looked at this question in some depth.

The sticky, inexpensive large print solution does work. However, even
moderately heavy use can cause the caps to fall off. They tend to need
replacement.

We considered the Big Keys keyboards for the AccessInfo System.
However, since they don't have a convention layout or straightforward,
familiar layout of the function keys, we've decided against them. They
are very confusing and slow productivity if you're at all used to a
standard keyboard.

We're going with a large print keyboard. We believe the functionality
and durability are what is needed in library situations, especially
where frequent use by a wide range of people with disabilities is
desired.

Please take a look at the AccessInfo System and the selection of
keyboads available on the market at http://www.assistivetechnologies.com
We aren't wedded to any particular hardware, software or approach. What
we deliver is accessibility.

Hope this helps!
Audrey

Audrey J. Gorman
Access for All
(630) 661-9062

> Another wonderful site for any computer accessories is :
www.infogrip.com
>
> It sounds like Valerie has a great suggestion, but you might also
want to
> consider Big Keys keyboard available at Infogrip.
>
> Donna Mae Wilson
> Assistive Technology Coordinator
> Western Carolina Center
> Morganton, NC 28655
> 828-433-2668
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Valerie Lewis
> Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 10:38 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Large Print Keyboards
>
>
> Hello Lindsay,
>
> You have a couple of options in this regard.  You can accomplish your
goal
> very inexpensively with self adhesive key cap covers that are
available
> through a variety of mail order companies.  These key cap covers are
sticky
> on the back and can be attached to any standard keyboard.  You can
purchase
> than with a white background and black lettering or a black
background and
> white lettering.  These seem to work very well for many people with
low
> vision.
>
> You can also purchase a large print keyboard.  They tend to be very
costly
> and some of them do not have the standard keyboard layout.  I have
found
> that this can be confusing to people who are use to using a computer
> keyboard.  It can also be confusing to beginners, because it looks
> "different" than other keyboards.
>
> I am the Administrator of Outreach Services and a library system in
New
> York.  I have been providing assistive technology demonstrations for
about 9
> years and I am legally blind.  I have seen the inexpensive method work
> rather well.
>
> The catalogs to check out are available from:
>
> LS&S GROUP (800) 468-4789
>
> ILA (INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS) (800) 537-2118
>
> You can call and request a catalog or they can probably give you info
over
> the phone.
>
> One of the large print keyboard companies that I am familiar with is:
>
> DATA CAL (KEYBOARD ENHANCEMENTS)
> (800) 453-7937
>
> I hope this information is helpful to you.
>
> Valerie Lewis
> Administrator of Outreach Services
> Long Island Talking Book Library
> Suffolk Cooperative Library System
> [log in to unmask]
> (631) 286-1600, x1365
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Lindsay-Erin
Beatty
> Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 9:37 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Large Print Keyboards
>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> It's capital budget request time here at our library, and I was
> wondering if anyone would care to comment and/or offer advice on the
> best kind of large print keyboard to purchase. I am interested in
> finding one that is of particular use to individuals who have contrast
> issues and/or low vision.  At this point in time, our library is just
> beginning to develop its services for patrons with special needs, and
> any information you could provide would be very gratefully accepted.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Lindsay-Erin Beatty
>

Audrey J. Gorman
Access for All
--
CoreComm Webmail.
http://home.core.com