Though partly dated, I thought this newsletter was packed with info
that may be of interest here.
Jamal
----------
accessAbilities
Technology for People Who Are Visually Impaired
Formerly the Micro Materials Update
1997-1998 School Year Issue
Volume 13, Number 1
American Printing House For The Blind
Inside This Issue (Table of Contents)
Funding Finds: Scholarships for College and Grant Resources--page 1, qq1
Transition Tote System--page 3, qq2
College: You can do it!--page 4, qq3
Internet Related Resources for Students, Parents, and Educators--page 7,
qq4
Career Opportunities at APH--page 8, qq5
Family Focus: Representation for Social Security Claims Now Available
On-Line--page 9, qq6
Introducing Louis--Formerly CARL ET AL--page 10, qq7
Windows Access Evolution--page 11, qq8
News, Views, and Muse--page 14, qq9
accessAbilities (ISSN 1081-518X) is published annually each fall as a
school year edition by the American Printing House for the Blind / P.O. Box
6085/ Louisville, KY 40206-0085
accessAbilities Editor--Venus Elder
Copy Editors--Laurene Scalf, Fred Otto
Contributing Writers--Sheryl Burgstahler, Venus Elder, John Hedges
Layout, Design, and Original Illustrations--Lisa Thurston, Scott Blome
qq1 FUNDING FINDS: Scholarships for College and Grant Resources
by Venus Elder
A conservative estimate of annual college costs for a full-time student
runs from $10,000 to $30,000; high-cost colleges can run from $40,000 to
$100,000. Many parents and students think that scholarships are only for
students with excellent grades, low income, or athletic skills. An example
of the numerous scholarships available to students include: handicapped
student scholarships, members of a church scholarships, scholarships for
"C" students, veterans' children's scholarships, scholarships for
minorities, and much, much more.
Though the majority of scholarships are from the federal government and
are merit-based and/or for students with low incomes, billions of dollars
are available to students from private-sector scholarships. Private-
sector financial aid often goes unused because parents and students do not
know how or where to apply.
There are organizations that research scholarship sources. The U.S.
Commission for Scholastic Assistance--College Bound supplies the public
with over 700 different private scholarship sources. Scholarship
information includes names/titles, addresses, application deadlines,
summaries, and the amount each scholarship pays.
Many scholarships pay the entire tuition; others can be applied towards
tuition, living expenses, and/or other fees. Most scholarships can be used
at junior colleges, career and vocational schools, four-year colleges,
graduate schools, or medical and law schools.
For information on obtaining these scholarship lists, send a self-
addressed business-size envelope to:
The U.S. Commission for Scholastic Assistance, P.O. Box 668, O'Fallon, IL
62269
NEC America Announces Grants
NEC Foundation of America (R) is offering grants totaling $235,000 to 11
organizations that demonstrate a common focus on science and technology
education and/or assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
Through these grants, NEC helps to ensure that individuals, regardless of
physical ability, have the skills to live an enjoyable and productive life.
"The grants underscore NEC's own corporate philosophy of enabling
individuals to fully develop their human potential," noted Kenjiro Nitta,
president of NEC Foundation of America. "We believe today's investment in
the scientific and technical education of young people represents an
investment in the twenty-first century," he added.
NEC Foundation of America was established in 1991 and endowed at $10
million by NEC Corporation, a global multimedia, computer, and
communications technologies firm. NEC's U.S. affiliates include NEC USA
(R), Inc.; NEC America (R), Inc.; NEC Electronics (R) Inc. and NEC
Technologies (R), Inc. NEC Foundation focuses on secondary level programs
with national reach that impact science and technology education, and
assistive technology for people with disabilities. Since its inception, NEC
Foundation has awarded 73 grants totaling $1.8 million.
For a copy of NEC Foundation Guidelines or more information, contact:
Sylvia Clark
NEC Foundation of America
8 Corporate Center Dr.
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 516-753-7021
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Web Address: http://www.nec.com
AT&T Supports Community Schools
For every dollar spent on qualifying AT&T residential phone calls, the
company will donate five learning points to an accredited K-12 school of
your choice. Schools can redeem the collected points for free computers,
software, and more.
Contact the AT&T Learning Points Program at 800-354-3800.
qq2 New From APH: The Transition Tote System: Get Your Act Together!
Preparing for college or work is easier if you have a method for organizing
your materials. Without a carrying case designed for the individual with
visual impairments you may find it difficult to take needed items to
college or work with you each day.
The Transition Tote Case is just such a product. With specific sections
designed for items a visually impaired individual may need (e.g., cane,
laptop computer or electronic notetaker, computer disks, braille books,
and bus schedules), the Tote Case is ideally suited for the busy user.
The Tote Case is one part of a larger product called the Transition Tote
System. This system is designed to assist young adults who are visually
impaired or blind as they explore and prepare for college or work. Basic
principles underlying the System include organizational skills, social and
self-advocacy skills, and personal responsibility.
What Is The Transition Tote System?
The Tote Case, available separately, is designed to accommodate assistive
technology such as laptop computers, floppy disks, notetakers, speech
synthesizers, and other specialized equipment.
The Student Kit consists of the Tote Case and an annotated resource
section and lessons that teach vital transition topics such as
organizational skills, self-awareness, work exploration, job seeking
skills, and job-keeping skills.
The 3 1/2 inch PC-formatted disk contains forms and checklists from the
Student Manual.
The Information Supplement for teachers includes adaptations to the
lessons for students who need additional structure, as well as
information on transition related topics and an annotated resource
section. It is available in regular print or braille.
To Order Transition Tote
Tote Case, 1-08202-00--$50.00
Student Kit, Large Type Version, 1-08200-00--$65.00
Student Kit, Braille Version, 1-08203-00--$TBA
Student Kit, Cassette Tape Version, 1-08201-00--$65.00
Informational Supplement, Braille Version, 5-08200-00--$TBA
Informational Supplement, Regular Print, 7-08200-00--$20.00
For detailed information on the product above, call for a free brochure:
1-800-223-1839.
qq3 College: You Can Do It!
by Sheryl Burgstahler
The following is a requested, condensed reprint from the April/May 1997
issue of the Closing the Gap Newsletter.
An increased awareness of the contributions and rights of individuals
with disabilities has expanded post-secondary education and employment
options for many people. There are, however, still special challenges that
people with disabilities face in pursuing academics and careers. Planning
ahead can help ensure success along the way.
If you are planning to attend college and pursue a career, it may be helpful
to plan your transitions from high school to college to career in three
phases:
-- preparing for college
-- staying in college
-- moving beyond college to a career
Technology can play a key role in your success through all three phases.
The transition to college
Computer and network resources are essential tools in many college and
work settings. Adaptive technologies make it possible for people with a
variety of disabilities to use these powerful tools. Take advantage of
opportunities in high school to learn about and use computers. Develop
skills in word processing, file management, and spreadsheets. Learn to use
the Internet for communication and information access.
Getting to college involves thoughtful preparation. Call the institutions
that you hope to attend to find out about entrance requirements. Talk with
teachers and school counselors. If you are not able to meet specific
entrance requirements during high school, consider attending a local
community college to obtain course requirements you are lacking.
Pre-College Testing
The grade point average (GPA) you obtain in high school may be an
important entrance consideration at the college you choose. Work hard to
earn the highest possible grades. If necessary, ask your parents or
guardians, school counselor, or teacher how you can get tutoring help in
areas where you are weak.
Pre-college examinations (e.g., SAT, PSAT) scores are also important for
acceptance into the college of your choice. Talk to a school counselor or
teacher about disability-related test-taking accommodations ahead of
time. Appropriate accommodations can help you maximize your results and
demonstrate your abilities to their fullest when taking an exam. If you
earn a lower score than you feel capable of, ask about the possibility of
re-taking the exam.
When sending an application to a post-secondary institution, you are
essentially sending a portrait of yourself, your grades, coursework,
recommendations, personal goals, and abilities. Take time to present a
full, positive picture of yourself. Before you send it to a college, have
someone proofread a draft and give you constructive feedback. Use your
computer to create an attractive format and print your final copy on a
high-quality printer.
Life in college is full of expenses, expected and unexpected. There are
resources that provide financial assistance or, in some cases, fully cover
costs such as tuition, books, rent, lab fees, adaptive technology, and
application fees. Start early and talk to teachers, counselors, offices of
disabled student services, financial aid offices, and undergraduate support
programs at institutions you wish to attend.
Resources are not the same at each post-secondary institution. Knowing
your needs and how they can be met is an important factor when selecting
a college. Check out the availability of computer and Internet access at
each school. Make sure that access is located in a building or room that is
accessible to you and have workstations with the adaptive technology you
need.
Staying in college
Your computer skills will serve you well when it comes to being more
independent and productive in college and beyond. Take advantage of the
computer and Internet training opportunities at the college or university
you attend. Free or low-cost noncredit training sessions can help you
perform writing tasks, statistical operations, and research. If you need
special accommodations, make specific requests in advance of the
training session so that the staff has enough time to make arrangements.
The disabled student services office on campus may be able to help you
get the accommodations you need if you have difficulties working out
arrangements with the training staff.
Self-Management
Being in college means managing a demanding schedule. It is important to
develop and utilize self-advocacy, self-management, and study skills.
Self-advocacy skills include knowing how to initiate action and interact
successfully with faculty, staff, and other students to obtain support
services necessary for your learning needs. If you require
accommodations, you are the one who must recognize the need, make the
initial contacts, and maintain the necessary actions to receive the
services needed.
Self-management skills include planning your academic and personal
schedule and developing and maintaining academic and personal routines
that are reasonable and manageable on a day-to-day basis. Take into
account your abilities and strengths as well as your disabilities. For some
individuals, strength and ability may vary daily; for them, flexibility is an
important factor. Use your computer to extend your strength and abilities.
You may find it necessary to utilize assistance from off-campus sources
such as rehabilitation offices. These resources can be steady and
continuous or merely temporary. In many instances, a service that
provides assistance requires ongoing attention. For example, to continue
receiving some services, updates on progress, status reports, and/or
renewal requests may be required. Factoring these requirements into a
regular schedule of activities will ensure continuity of services. Use the
Internet to plan library research, obtain information, and communicate
with instructors.
Moving beyond college
Working toward a career should begin early in your college life. Making
prudent choices academically (e.g., choosing a major, selecting
appropriate coursework, obtaining work experience) can assist you in
making your career choice. Seek advice from family members, teachers,
school counselors, and career guidance counselors when choosing a
direction that is best for you.
Employers like to hire people with relevant job experiences. People with
disabilities who graduate from college often do not have these
experiences. The cooperative education or career placement office at the
post-secondary institution you attend may have information about part-
time employment opportunities.
If job opportunities are not available through campus resources, look
outside campus for positions. In addition, make efforts to obtain other
relevant experiences, including volunteer work and self-study. Here's
where your computer skills may pay off financially. Setting up and
supporting World Wide Web sites, performing word processing tasks,
entering data, and using statistical programs are some of the many part-
time opportunities that can be found on and off campus. Part-time jobs
using technology look great on your resume!
Your Resume
To begin building a resume, make a list of all relevant work experiences
(paid and volunteer), academic experience, and relevant activities and
skills. Don't forget to list your experiences using technology; everyone
wants to hire someone with computer and networking experience these
days, regardless of career field. List the software packages you have used
and the types of Internet experience you have had. Seek advice from
campus career advisors for selecting appropriate styles and formats of
resumes, depending on the type of job for which you are applying. Produce
your resume on a computer and print it on a high-quality printer.
Networking
When it comes to finding a job during college or after, make use of your
contacts with individuals inside and outside of your area. Network through
professional organizations, friends, family, and coworkers, because it is
often who you know, as well as what you know, that will help you find
employment! Let people know about your skills, interests, and career
goals.
For more information contact: DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internet
Working, and Technology) at the University of Washington. DO-IT provides
free printed materials as well as a videotape, "College: You can do it!" for
$20. DO-IT, primarily funded by the National Science Foundation, can be
reached at:
DO-IT
4545 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-685-DOIT (Voice and TDD)
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Web: http://weber.uwashington.edudoit/
qq4 A Reality Check for the "Newbe" Internet User: Internet Related
Resources for Students, Parents, and Educators--by Venus Elder
Locating information becomes problematic these days if you don't have a
basic understanding of how to use a computer to "dial up" information. In
many cases, organizations and companies provide information and
resources only electronically. The day is approaching when many resources
or information will only be available on-line.
In an effort to aid our readers, we continue to provide tips about on-line
resources, much as we have done in previous issues. Read below to get
clued in!
Everything You Need to Know About the Information Highway: But Were
Afraid to Ask Kids
Everything You Need to Know About the Information Highway: But Were
Afraid to Ask Kids is a no-nonsense guide to going on-line and using
telecommunications services on your home computer. Written by Merle
Marsh, Ed.D. and edited by Sally Bowman Alden, this publication attempts
to ease parents' fears about telecommunications. It is published by the
Computer Learning Foundation in conjunction with a grant from Apple (R)
Computer, Inc. and is available for $5.95 plus shipping and handling.
Such questions as where to begin, necessary equipment, and looking for
activities for your children are a few of the topics covered. For additional
information or to order a copy, contact the Computer Learning Foundation.
Computer Learning Foundation
P.O. Box 60967
Palo Alto, CA 94306-0967
800-336-5191
$5.95 plus shipping and handling
Educator's Internet Funding Guide (TM) by Classroom Connect
Educator's Internet Funding Guide tells how to apply to government,
corporate, and foundation sources, and new techniques for developing an
effective grassroots fund-raising campaign. Included are do's and don'ts of
grant writing, guidelines for assessing your funding needs, and tips for
convincing potential funding sources of the importance of using the
Internet at your school.
A directory containing hundreds of funding sources for technology
projects includes: contact information, the size of grants awarded, types
of funding, subject areas funded, and more. Each grant source is cross-
referenced by type, grant amount, funding focus, location, and other key
areas.
The Educator's Internet Companion (TM) provides a listing of educational
resources on the Internet and directions on how to locate sites by subject
area or grade level.
Educator's Internet Funding Guide (TM), $44.95 softcover, over 200 pages
Educator's Internet Companion (TM) by Classroom Connect
$39.95 softcover, 289 pages, illustrated
Wentworth Worldwide Media, Inc., P.O. Box 10488, Lancaster, PA 17605-
0488
PW WebSpeak Browser & Real Audio 3.0
The Productivity Works' pwWebSpeak (R), a non-visual browser, is now
available with Real Audio 3.0 (R).
Real Audio 3.0 allows people to hear broadcast-quality sound over the
Internet using a 28.8 modem and near-CD quality over ISDN or LAN
connections, without requiring lengthy file downloads. Thus, Real Audio
makes possible high-quality extended broadcasts without requiring
extensive on-line time to download files.
The Productivity Works, 7 Belmont Circle, Trenton, NJ 08618
Phone: 609-984-8044
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Web Address: http://www.prodworks.com
qq5 Career Opportunities at APH
We are in the process of expanding our educational and technical staff
with the addition of four permanent full-time project leaders who will
direct our research and product development efforts in the areas of:
-- Adult Life
-- Assessment
-- Multiple Disabilities
-- Technology
These professionals will report to APH's Director of Educational Research
who reports directly to the President of APH. The project leaders in these
areas will have a major impact on the vision field by way of their
particular responsibilities and scholarly pursuits. Formal education should
be at the graduate level with appropriate experience.
To discuss these project leader positions or to request additional
information, call or fax Bob Novak, Personnel Director, at 1-800-223-
1839, 1-502-899-2239, or fax 1-502-899-2350.
--The popular "Ask Fred" feature will resume in the next issue of
accessAbilities.
qq6 FAMILY FOCUS: Representation for Social Security Claims Now
Available On-Line--by Venus Elder
Allsup Inc. (R), the first private national company to represent disabled
individuals before the Social Security Administration (SSA), now has a
home page. The address is http://www allsupinc.com and can be found
using key words such as disability, Social Security, and disability
management.
For the first time, potential Social Security disability claimants can
prequalify for Allsup representation by completing a simple on-line
screening questionnaire. After qualifying, prospective claimants can
download, print out, and complete Social Security Administration form
SSA--1696, appointing Allsup Inc. as their representative to begin the
process of qualifying for benefits. The SSA requires that a hard copy of
this form be completed and mailed to Allsup Inc.
Speed Up Qualifications
Claimants who rely on Social Security to handle their cases usually wait
at least two months for their initial file to be completed.
The advantage of on-line qualification is speed. Allsup already reduces the
time it takes to file for Social Security disability benefits by more than a
month because all medical and financial information is compiled within
three days of initial contact. By initiating the paperwork on-line, Allsup
officials expect to shorten the process even more.
The Allsup Website also gives computer users the most comprehensive and
up-to-date information on disability, representational services,
congressional reengineering, and other initiatives that can affect their
benefits.
Georgia Bartels, national products manager for Allsup, said Social
Security maintains its own home page, but it often contains difficult-to-
understand bureaucratic language.
"Individuals want to know all of the options available if they become
disabled and where their income will come from," Ms. Bartels said. "The
Allsup Web site is a readily available research tool with information they
can understand."
Allsup's home page also provides invaluable information to company
benefits managers responsible for their disabled workers.
Allsup Web Features
Included in the page are the following features:
--NEWS features the latest news about Social Security, Medicare, and
legislative issues.
--SERVICES explains how Allsup helps individuals obtain the benefits they
deserve and how Allsup helps companies pay only their fair share of
disability benefits.
--INSIDE ALLSUP provides details about the company and biographies of
key personnel.
For additional information contact:
Allsup Inc., 300 Allsup Place, Belleville, IL 62223-8626
Phone: 800-854-1418 or 618-234-8434
TDD: 800-405-8339
FAX: 6l8-236-5778
Web Address: http://www.allsupinc.com
qq7 Introducing Louis:
We have some exciting news to share! The American Printing House for the
Blind (APH) has once again upgraded the software and hardware for the
CARL ET AL Database of Books and Materials in Accessible Media. We have
named this upgraded system "Louis" as a celebration and continuation of
the work of Louis Braille. We are very pleased with the new changes, since
we feel they will make the database easier for current users as well as
open it up to a whole new set of individuals.
We currently are offering two ways to access Louis, the Database of Books
and Materials in Accessible Media: through the Internet and by direct dial-
in. Via the Internet, go to the APH web site at http://www.aph.org/ Choose
the link "Search Louis".
We are aware that some individuals do not have Internet access, or
perhaps their speech software does not work with Internet access. We are
also offering a direct dial-in interface to Louis for such situations. Free,
pre-configured telecommunications software and a toll-free line for
direct dial-in will be provided to those users. The software we have
chosen for telecommunications is CTE (known to individual users as
COMMO), a low overhead, user friendly telecommunications software
written especially for use with speech synthesizers. If you or someone
you know would like to receive this software, please mail or fax a written
request to Christine Anderson, Resource Services Manager, American
Printing House for the Blind. The fax number is 502-899-2363. This
access, just like the Internet access, will be free of charge.
We are very excited about the new system and hope you will be too. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Louis: Database of Accessible Materials for People Who Are Blind or
Visually Impaired
Find Louis on the APH Website: http://www.aph.org
qq8 Windows Access Evolution
by John Hedges
Nineteen ninety-seven has seen several developments in Windows
computing for blind and visually impaired users. Three areas will be
covered in this section: New technology, access software developments,
and training resources.
New Technology
The following highlights have important implications for future Windows
products and purchases:
The most notable has been the release of Microsoft Active Accessibility
1.0 (MSAA)--see http://www.microsoft.com/enable/ This technology is
now available for software developers to include in new versions of
applications and to include in revisions to screen review and other access
aids. Revision 1.1 of MSAA is planned for early 1998.
To add capability to the technology mix, Intel (R) has released new
processors, the Pentium (R) with MMX (TM) and the Pentium II with MMX
(TM). The "MMX" stands for "multimedia extensions" that are similar to
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) circuits found in some sound cards. The DSP
chip circuitry helps support the TextAssist (R) 16-bit synthesizer
software and improves performance. The newer MMX-capable systems
could support better text-to-speech (TTS) software solutions using a
general purpose sound card.
Conference News
WinHEC '97, the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference, highlighted
several new hardware initiatives that will change how the "PC" is defined
in the future.
There is a push to eliminate the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus
in 1998, which would render obsolete many existing internal synthesizers
and sound cards, not to mention modems and network cards.
A second change will significantly reduce the number of different
connectors on the box by providing a single Universal Serial Bus (USB)
chainable port type. This may affect alternative keyboards and mice.
Serial ports will also decrease, leaving serial modem and synthesizer or
braille display use in question. Converters will be available to support
existing serial devices.
New features for the next version of Windows 95, Windows 98, will be
inclusion of a basic screen magnifier program, and a "fast start" method
for desktop systems, similar to the "resume" option on current notebook
systems.
Access Software Developments
The screen review vendors continue to respond to the technology
juggernaut with revised products and new product initiatives. The market
seems to be thinning out the more successful companies from those
falling behind the technological edge. Here are some highlights:
Henter-Joyce (R) has released its new 32-bit version of JAWS (R) for
Windows (JFW) 3.0. The product features support for both hardware and
new software synthesizers that run only on Windows 95.
Henter-Joyce has also begun showing versions of a new Windows NT (R)
screen review program. This is based on the 32-bit version for Windows
95 and includes support for the text-based console mode of the Windows
NT Workstation. Demonstrations have shown good performance and access
capability.
The move to Windows NT is a major push by Microsoft, particularly in the
adult market, and the company is also pushing vendors to provide
acceptable and affordable access features and support to this platform.
The move to 32-bit or Windows 95 only applications, (versions that no
longer work on earlier Windows versions), is a significant help in making
the leap to Windows NT. Other companies have plans to introduce new
products that support Windows NT within the next year or so, including
MicroTalk (R) and Artic Technologies (R).
AI Squared
AI Squared (R) is now shipping the successor to its popular ZoomText (TM)
products for DOS and Windows. The new ZoomText Xtra will feature a total
of three modules. The first one is for screen enlargement and the second
for speech review of window content. This combined large print and
speech software will enable visually impaired readers to more easily use
speech and highlighting for "bulk" reading and reinforcement. The problems
of combining most screen review and ZoomText or similar large print
applications could thus be eliminated with this "level two" combination.
The third, as yet undemonstrated, module would be an integrated Windows
version of Visibility (R). The new scanning option would support forms as
well as OCR processing.
Microsoft
Internet Explorer (R) 4.0 has been released, with a suite of applications
and a Desktop Update. The new MSAA 1.1 was not available to provide
access features for HTML data and keyboard support in the initial release
of IE4. The blind and visually impaired should not install this new version
now, but continue to use IE 3.02. The application suite will be updated
later with MSAA to provide the needed accessibility. This political and
economic decision by Microsoft to omit access features from the initial IE
4 version may cause many difficulties and ill will in the disability
community.
The really interesting changes in the Windows 95 and NT 4.0 version--the
Desktop Update--will have to wait for the revised version to be made
available. This software suite will be a feature component in Windows 98,
and will incorporate MSAA 1.1 and an object database for Extensible
Markup Language (XML).
Moderate low vision may be able to take advantage of IE 4 now. The
configuration options for Internet Explorer 4.0 feature a Font button for
custom font sizes, a Color button for choosing custom settings, and an
Accessibility button for setting background imaging options.
Training Resources
The widespread use of Windows 95 for consumers and Windows NT
systems in businesses has had two main impacts for blind users: the need
for training materials and the need to make the transition from DOS to
Windows. The most interesting observation I have had regarding DOS users
has been their low use of multitasking and document management for non-
text only files in Windows.
The advantages of Windows need to be taught and demonstrated for blind
users to benefit from the new features. Productivity and transition to
work opportunities depend on mastering what is available. Here are some
current products and resources for learning Windows and Windows 95:
RNIB Training Package
The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) in the UK has a new
training package called Windows 95 Explained: A Guide for Blind and
Visually Impaired Users by Sarah Morley. This is a follow-up to the earlier
work, Window Concepts: An Introductory Guide for Visually Disabled Users
for Windows 3.1. The new guide is available in print, on IBM (R) disk, on
audio cassette, and in braille, with accompanying tactile and large print
diagrams. Each version of the Guide costs seven UK pounds (checks in
pounds sterling or credit card payment accepted). To order, contact:
RNIB Customer Services, P.O. Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS, UK
or by phone within UK: 0345 456 457
outside UK: +44 1733 370 777
fax: +44 (0)1733 371 555
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
OneOnOne Tape Tutorial
An adapted OneOnOne (R) tape tutorial is available from Ellison
Enterprises (R).
Contact:
Dave Goodson at 888-888-9533 or 800-424-8668,
Ellison Enterprises
5035 Geraldine
Lansing, MI 48917.
ShrinkWrap Audio Tutorial
ShrinkWrap Computer Products (R) is offering a Windows 95 tape tutorial
called "Removing The Screen." Produced by Peter Scialli, it is available on
standard cassette tapes. For more information call (800) 377-0774, or on
the Internet write to [log in to unmask]
U.S. Department of Education Projects
A grant from the U.S. Department of Education is funding a three-year
project to publish training modules called Project ASSIST With Windows.
These modules are tailored to (up to six) specific screen review programs
and productivity application package combinations. Produced through the
Iowa Department for the Blind, these tutorials will become available for
both Windows 3.1 and '95 over the coming months of the grant.
See http://www.blind.state.ia.us/assist/default.htm for the latest
content to download in Microsoft Word (R) or ASCII text. Other formats
may be available later, such as braille intermediate files or audio tape.
Currently the project is using JAWS for Windows (2.0) and Window Bridge
(2.3).
APH Tutorial
APH has the Opening Windows tactile and tape tutorial for Windows 3.1,
catalog number D-64510-00. Common keyboarding features for Windows
are highlighted.
Additional materials may be obtained from screen review vendors, but
quality levels may vary significantly.
qq9 NEWS, VIEWS, & MUSE:
disability-related world wide web sites
The Web uses hypertext to link words to information (text, audio, or
pictures) in other parts of the Internet. These sites may be of interest to
those concerned with telecommunications and disability. Sites without a
host organization are staffed by people belonging to that group.
Website: Accessible Web
Features: Accessible web design
Web address: http://www.gsa.gov/coca/wwwcode.html
Host organization: None
Website: Apple Disability Access
Features: Disability information
Web address: http://www.apple.com/disability.welcome.html
Host organization: Apple (R) Computer
Website: ATRC
Features: Issues related to accessibility
Web address: http://www.utirc.utoronto.ca/adtech/welcomelb.html
Host organization: Adaptive Technology Resource Centre, Toronto
University
Website: Berkeley Access
Features: Access to graphical user interfaces by blind people
Web address: http://access.berksys.com/
Host organization: Berkeley Systems Inc., Berkeley, California
Website: CALL
Features: Developments in communication and writing aids and associated
techniques
Web address: http://call-centre.cogsci.ed.ac.uk/callhome
Host organization: Communication Aids for Language and Learning Centre,
University of Edinburgh.
Website: Center for Assistive Technology
Features: General assistive technology access
Web address: http://cosmos.ot.buffalo.edu/aztech.html
Host organization: University of Buffalo
Website: COST 219
Features: European project on future telecommunication and for disabled
and elderly people
Web address: http://www.nta.no/cost219/frontpage.html
Host organization: None
Website: Disability Mall
Features: Commercial site about disability and related products
Web address: http://disability.com
Host organization: Evan Kemp Associated Inc.
Website: DO-IT
Features: Free special-needs transition and college-related resources
Web address: http://weber.u.washington.edu/~doit/
Host organization: University of Washington DO-IT program.
Website: EASI
Features: List of resources which give projects and documents regarding
accessibility in electronic format
Web address: http://www.rit.edu/~easi/easiem.html
Host organization: Equal Access to Software and Information project.
Website: IBM
Features: IBM products for people with a disability. Freeware can be
downloaded
Web address: http://www.austin.ibm.com/pspinfo/snshome.html
Host organization: IBM Corporation
Website: MedWeb
Features: List of servers concerning disability articles and databases
Web address: http://www.cc.emory.edu/whscl/medweb.disabled.html
Host organization: None
Website: MoBIC
Features: Orientation and navigation systems for blind persons
Web address: http://www.cs.uni-magdeburg.de/~mobic
Host organization: Tide MoBIC project.
Website: MOSAIC
Features: Access methods to the World Wide Web by disability, platform
or operating system
Web address: http://bucky.aa.uic.edu/#george
Host organization: National Center for Supercomputing Applications,
University of Illinois
Website: NIDR
Features: Programs, grant contact information and calendar events
Web address: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/programs.html
Host organization: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research
Website: O & M Project
Features: Orientation and Mobility certification
Web address: http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~jshouman/OandM/
Host organization: University of Texas
Website: Pandora
Features: Information about technology and disability
Web address: http://pandora.inescn.pt/
Host organization: None
Website: Rehabilitation Information System
Features: Special education research and rehabilitation
Web address: http//www.icdi.wvu.edu
Host organization: West Virginia - Research and Rehabilitation Training
Center (RRTC)
Website: SAVH
Features: Asian resources for the visually handicapped
Web address: http://biomed.nus.sg/vh/vh.html
Host organization: Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped
Website: SDRU
Features: Evaluation of technological developments for people with
sensory disabilities
Web address: http://phoenix.herts.ac.uk/psydocs/sdru/index.html
Host organization: Sensory Disabilities Research Unit at University of
Hertfordshire
Website: Trace Center
Features: Assistive technology research and product development for
special needs
Web address: http://trace.wisc.edu
Host organization: University of Wisconsin
Website: VAESS
Features: Voices, attitudes, and emotions in synthesized speech
Web address: http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/projects/vaess
Host organization: Tide VAESS project.
Website: Windows(R) Access
Features: Low-vision guide to using Windows 3.
Web address: http://ucunix.sanuc.edu/~hamilt/wintip31.html
Host organization: None
Website: World Friends
Features: For students with disabilities. Lists electronic magazines and
newspapers
Web address: http://hale.ssd.k12.wa.us/tony.www/world_friends.html
Host organization: None
accessAbilities (ISSN 1081-518X)--formerly the Micro Materials Update-
-is provided by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH),
Louisville, Kentucky; however, the views expressed are strictly those of
its authors and do not necessarily represent the findings, views, or
endorsements of APH.
Copying accessAbilities is permitted as long as appropriate credit is
given to APH.
Please contact the APH Technology Group about other software or
computer-related materials you'd like to see available from APH.
accessAbilities welcomes your submissions. Send articles, press
releases, or announcements to:
accessAbilities Editor/ Department of Educational Research/ P.O. Box
6085/ Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Note: Product trademarks are of their respective companies.
This newsletter is also available on cassette tape, on 3 1/2 inch IBM-
formatted disk, and in braille.
The print edition of this newsletter is printed on recycled paper.
American Printing House For The Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Phone: 502-895-2405
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Website:http://www.aph.org
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