Look 'n Feel >From the Disabled/Special Needs and Visually Impaired/Blind User Groups of The Boston Computer Society Jan/Feb '92 Volumne 2, Number 2 Inside Highlights of AT '91 From The Editor Computer Access with Speech MegaMeeting & MacAccess Left Handed Keyboards AT '91: Vendor's List Look 'n Feel Contributors Nancy Kellogg-Steele Jamal Mazrui Charlotte Corbett Special thanks to the Massachusetts Easter Seal Society for the photograph on page one. ========== Highlights of Assistive Technology '91 Assistive Technology '91 was held on September 26th, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. This was the second annual, statewide, cross-disability conference on assistive products for people with disabilities. This year's theme was "Independence Through Choices," with the idea that an informed consumer will be best suited to choosing products that promote independence. The conference featured booths from over 40 vendors representing assistive devices, services, and equipment for people with disabilities. Twenty workshops and product demonstrations were held over the course of the day. Workshop topics covered the utilization of assistive technology for communication, computers, recreation, funding, mobility, and work. Demonstrations of hundreds of products as simple as a dinner plate with suction cups to a computer operated by voice were provided to a diverse audience. The keynote address was given by Dr. Irving Zola, a professor of sociology at Brandeis University. An afternoon panel of individuals with disabilities shared their experiences with obtaining and using assistive technology. Over 300 people attended including individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers. The event was a cooperative venture of D/SNUG, the ADD-Tech and RES-Tech programs at Seaside Education Associates, the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Program, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the PROJECT TECH program of the Massachusetts Easter Seal Society and the Adaptive Computing Lab at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. On pages 9 - 11, you will find a list of vendors who exhibited their computer products. ========== Wizard of Oz & the Yellow Brick Road Editorial by Charlotte Corbett The road to finding computer access solutions can be compared to Dorothy's trip down the Yellow Brick Road. A calamity hits, a falling house as a result of a tornado, and you're no longer in Kansas. Munchkins tell you to see the Wizard of Oz, but the only suggestion they give you is, "follow the Yellow Brick Road." If Dorothy had traveled this road alone, how do you think she would have fared with wicked witches, flying monkeys, and poppy fields? These pitfalls do not only occur in cinematography, they occur in the real world, disguised as misinformation, lack of funding, and total frustration. Of course this all pre-supposes someone has pointed us to the correct path. The road to success for Dorothy was not what lay at the end of the Yellow Brick Road, it was the journey she took with her friends, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each member had a different end goal in mind, yet by working together through sharing experiences, laughter and tears they found their pot of gold (oops, wrong story). Members of the BCS have their own end goals. Whether it is reading the screen, using the keyboard, or learning how to use the computer, it is the journey that enriches us. If we do not deviate from the path, how can we learn about other opportunities out there? If we continue to be a group of users, with our only commonality being a subscription to "Look 'n Feel," how can we grow? Finding computer access solutions means changing our focus from a group of users individually seeking the Wizard of Oz to a users group travelling down the Yellow Brick Road. To accomplish this we must share our experiences, laughter, and tears. Participate in this newsletter. Send your questions, your access solutions, your thoughts and opinions. ========== Computer Access With Speech by Jamal Mazrui Based on a Workshop Presented at the Yankee Ingenuity Conference Portland, Maine, July 9, 1991 With the development of personal computers in the 1980's came the growth of adaptive technology as well. The "information age" has been especially relevant to blind and visually impaired people because information stored on computer is not intrinsically visual: the electronic "bits and bytes" can be output visually to a screen, but they can alternatively be output in synthetic speech, braille, or large print. While braille and large print access meet significant needs, speech access is the most popular because of its relatively low cost and usefulness to visually impaired persons whether or not they know braille or see enough to read large print. A speech access system consists of hardware, a speech synthesizer, and software, a screen reader program. The speech synthesizer produces audible robotic speech whenever the screen reader program sends it characters to pronounce. Various screen reader commands, executed by the blind user, allow different portions of the screen to be read. Rate, tone, punctuation, and other speech settings can be selected by the user to determine how text is read. Speech synthesizers range in price from about $250 to $1500, mainly depending on how human-like the voice sounds. Speech quality is not nearly as important as a first time listener might think: one gets used to the voice just like learning a foreign accent. A good mid-range synthesizer can be bought for about $500. Screen reader programs generally cost about $500 as well, making the cost of a good speech access system about $1000. Considering that this gives a blind user access to 95% of all IBM compatible software, it is a bargain! Four major applications are especially useful to blind computer users: DOS (the Disk Operating System), word processing, database management, and telecommunications. Although all text based (as opposed to graphics based) software can be accessed with speech, a wide range exists in how coherently and efficiently the screen reader can verbally convey the visual display of a program to the blind user. Software is thus referred to as more or less "speech friendly" depending on how much configuring of the screen reader is required to operate it in a practical manner. For example, having to execute four screen reader commands every time one wants to know what menu option is currently highlighted would not be practical to most users. DOS is used to manage the collection of files on a hard or floppy disk, including copying, renaming, and deleting files. Luckily, it is extremely friendly using the default settings of any screen reader. WordPerfect (by WordPerfect Corporation in Orem, Utah) is fortunately both the most popular word processor on the market and the most speech friendly, commercial word processor. Due to the intensiveness of word processing as an application (about 75% of all computer use), some word processors have been developed specifically to be friendly to blind users working with speech. With WordPerfect, however, one can take advantage of the sophisticated features of a commercial word processor without a big sacrifice in speech friendliness. This is partly because virtually all screen readers have added capabilities to make using WordPerfect as convenient as possible. The access problem facing a blind computer user may be divided into one of input and output. Without seeing the keyboard, what keys should I press to communicate to the computer? Without seeing the screen, what is the computer communicating to me? The input problem is readily solved by touch typing, memorizing the layout of the keyboard as any good typist doesQthere is no need to put braille or raised letters on keys. The output problem is addressed through a combination of methods by which the screen reader verbally communicates the most relevant portion of the screen at any given time. These methods may be termed review mode, cursor tracking, hot keys, and monitoring. Review mode is a way of interrupting the operation of the word processor or other application in order to execute commands to inspect the screen by line, word, or character or to search the screen for a particular word or phrase. Its drawback is that commands such as editing corrections cannot be sent to the application while in this mode, causing a delay in exiting review mode, making any changes, and then re-entering review mode to check that the changes occurred as intended. Cursor tracking is the automatic association of reading commands with application commands. For example, each time the down arrow key is pressed, the screen reader reads the line that the cursor lands on. Similarly with other application keys for which the relevant information to be spoken can be predicted. Hot keys are a way of reading portions of the screen without entering review mode. The screen reader may include hot keys for reading the whole screen, the line, word, or character under the cursor, or some user-defined "window" of the screen. Hot keys are usually combinations of the Alt or Control key with a letter of the alphabet, such as Alt-l to read the current line. Their drawback is in keyboard conflicts with the application, e.g., if it uses Alt-l to load a file. Monitoring is a way to telling the screen reader to be continuously checking a certain part of the screen for a specified change and then automatically executing a screen reader command if that change occurs. For example, most screen readers can be configured to monitor the status line in WordPerfect and then automatically read it if it changes. In this way, the function keys in WordPerfect are made speech friendly. Prompts such as "Document to be saved:" by pressing F10 are automatically read because they cause the status line to change. Some screen readers permit more precise changes to be monitored and more sophisticated responses to be enacted. Another application, database management, is common on computers because of the ease of searching, sorting, and summarizing data once entered with such software. The efficiency gains for a blind person are potentially greater since braille and tape means of storing data tend to be more cumbersome than print. If the database is not designed logically and maintained consistently, however, problems in data coherence and relevance can result that are harder to correct than paper files. In an effort to ensure database integrity and friendliness in a mailing list application, I developed a software package called "The Contact Tracking System" using the Foxbase programming language. It is intended to be powerful in features, visually, and speech friendly by default with any screen reader. Features include an unlimited number of names, address, and phone numbers; division of contacts into business, personal, or any other user-defined categories; mailing labels; envelope printing; and form letter generation. On-line help is available at any time by pressing the F1 key. Choices can be selected by pressing the first letter (e.g., 'a' to add a record) or by highlighting the choice with the arrow keys and then pressing Enter. Verbal output is intended to be optimum for maximum efficiency: not too much and not too little. Every time a different mode of the application is entered, a verbal summary of the full visual display is given. In an editing mode, each time the cursor moves to a different field, the name of the field and its current value are automatically spoken (e.g., "City: Portland"). Other database applications I have developed with the same user interface include a music library, home inventory manager, and information and referral systemQtracking organization, service, publication, and equipment resources available to the blind and visually impaired. These database applications are by no means the only route for effective speech access to databases by blind computer users. They are simply my best attempt, using my knowledge and experience, at designing speech and visually friendly systems. I am interested in developing other general use or custom built applications for individuals or organizations desiring this service. The fourth and final computer application I will discuss is telecommunications. The primary limitation of blindness, in my opinion, is the inability to readily read the printed word. Though it does not eradicate this problem, telecommunications can make considerable in- roads by enabling blind persons to electronically acquire a wide range of traditionally printed text, obtained from other computers also connected to a standard phone line by a simple modem. Computers at local as well as long distances now store and make available newspapers, government regulations, and vendor catalogs. Most have electronic mail capabilities as well, facilitating meetings and discussions by people with similar interests in remote locations. For blind persons, social as well as print barriers are reduced since their disability is not known online unless or until they wish to disclose it. Telecommunications software, fortunately, tends to be nearly as easy as DOS to access with speech. Once the software is configured, it takes only a few simple keystrokes to select, dial, and connect to another computer. Once connected, the screen reader easily intercepts and routes to the speech synthesizer a copy of all text being transmitted to the local screen by the remote computer. Unfortunately, learning to configure the telecommunications software is often a significant obstacle, much more so than actually accessing it with speech. A number of interrelated technical terms must be generally understood to diagnose and correct connection problems. A few hours of individual assistance from an experience user go a long way in jumping this learning curve. A comfortable and productive plateau is then usually reached by the self-reinforcing attractions of this new frontier. For more information on computer access with speech, contact: Jamal Mazrui Access Success 745 Somerville Ave., Apt. 2 Somerville, MA 02144 Phone: (617) 666-9856 ========== MegaMeeting VI & MacAccess March 28 & 29, 1992 The time is fast approaching for MegaMeeting VI. It promises to be the best MegaMeeting ever, sponsored by the Macintosh Users Group of the BCS and Computing Services of the University of Massachusetts at Boston. It will be held at the Clark Athletic Center of UMass/Boston's Harbor Campus. This year we will be featuring a dual track program of Macintosh related products in general and those for people with disabilities. Because the Macintosh is such a versatile and accessible machine, there is plenty of overlap between the two tracks. We're calling it MacAccess and will keep you posted these events & others. ========== Left-Handed Keyboards The Curative Workshop Rehabilitation Center in Green Bay Wisconsin asks, "about a keyboard designed for a left-handed typist." Keyboards come in many shapes, sizes, and layouts. The only reason for the standard keyboard design, called QWERTY, is tradition. Before the advent of the QWERTY design, fast typists using manual typewriters would have to stop their work and un-jam the keys, hence slowing down productivity. Today there are no mechanical justifications for the design, except for the slow learning curve required to learn a new keyboard layout. An alternative to the standard keyboard design is the DVORAK layout. The DVORAK keyboard is designed based on frequency of letter of usage and ease of reach. Below are four diagrams of keyboard layouts (QWERTY, DVORAK Simplified, DVORAK for left handed use, and DVORAK for right handed use). Although none of these are strictly designed for single handed use, you can see how much easier each layout is by visually typing the word "the." Creating a DVORAK layout can be accomplished many ways. Many popular macro programs allow you to redefine keys. The easiest method is to purchase software designed specifically to convert your keyboard, or to purchase a DVORAK keyboard. In most cases, software is cheaper than hardware. If you buy a keyboard you need to carry it around to each computer you use. The two companies listed below provide software to convert your QWERTY keyboard into a DVORAK. In addition, Dvorak International also provides information on software typing training for these keyboards and a listing of other companies that provide custom keyboards. Typewriting Institute for the Handicapped 3102 W. Augusta Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021 602-939-5344 Dvorak International 11 Pearl Street Brandon, VT 05733 802-347-6020 (diagram of QWERTY Layout)) (diagram of DVORAK Simplified) (diagram of DVORAK Left Handed Layout) (diagram of DVORAK Right Handed Layout) In addition to keyboards specifically designed for a left handed typist there are some other strategies and products which may be helpful. These are less complex than reconfiguring the keyboard, particularly if you don't have a person with a technical background to rely on. Tutorial programs which teach one handed typing skills on a standard QWERTY keyboard have been developed for children and adults. Following are two vendors to contact: Keyboarding for the Physically Handicapped Gregg/McGraw-Hill 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 800-262-4729 Keyboarding With One Hand Educational Electronic Techniques 1088 Wantagh Avenue Wantagh, NY 11793 800-433-8872 One Handed Typing Tutorial Innovative Computer Software 1388 Springwater Drive Fairbanks, AK 99712 One-Handed Typing Mr. Matthew Jones P.O. Box 82729 Fairbanks, AK 99708 Another strategy that might be helpful would be the use of a mini- keyboard. (Typically a mini-keyboard is 5 x 8 inches in size, each key 1/4 - 1/2 inch.) If the user has trouble reaching all areas of the standard size keyboard, but has good dexterity, can be used in conjunction with a mini- keyboard configuration or a one handed typing tutorial. Contact the following vendor for more information. TASH Inc. 70 Gibson Drive - Unit 12 Markham, ON L3R 4C2 Canada 416-475-2212 ========== If you have any questions, are searching for a particular product, or just need to know more about your computer, write: Look 'n Feel c/o D/SNUG The Boston Computer Society One Kendall Square Building 1400 Cambridge, MA 02139 ========== AT '91: Vendor's List Add-Tech Services provided include information and referral on assistive technology, individual on-site, at home or at work, consultation on assistive technology needs, and a monthly newsletter. Mellissa Chalmers P.O. Box 341 Lincoln Center, MA 01773 800-875-7990 Adaptive Communication Systems, Inc. Distributor of augmentative devices for speech impaired persons. ACS provides voice output devices, and computer access. Dewitt Zuse 62 Orchard View Road Guilford, CT 06437 203-453-4820 Articulate Systems, Inc. Voice Navigator II The voice user interface. Control any Macintosh application by voice, using spoken commands to execute any function normally performed with your keyboard and mouse. Voice Navigator II recognizes any voice, any accent, any language. Phyllis Cheng Articulate Systems, Inc. 600 West Cummings Park, Suite 4500 Woburn, MA 01801 617-935-5656 800-443-7077 CAST Inc. CAST, a not for profit organization, works with children and adults whose disabilities interfere with the full expression of their capacities for education, employment, or development. Assessment and training services are offered for individuals of all ages and with a wide range of special needs. Katie Barnes, P.T Tim Dubuque, M.Ed., O.T.R./L. 39 Cross Street Peabody, MA 01960 508-531-8555 Connecticut Rehabilitation Engineering Center A center for technology resources, its mandate is to examine technology service delivery models and to provide rehabilitation technology education and information to the public. Richard G. Cerna; Delmar Weston; Brian Pells 78 Eastern Boulevard Glastonbury, CT 06033 203-657-9954 Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership Center The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership promotes public awareness of assistive technology, increases access to information and training on assistive technology, and seeks to improve funding and resources related to assistive technology. It is a cross-disability project for all ages. Judy Brewer Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership Center Gardner 529, Children's Hospital 484 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 508-751-6344 Res-Tech Project Res-Tech is a federally funded research project which is studying the impact of generic assistive products on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilitites. James McCormack; Steve Tello P.O. Box 341 Lincoln Center, MA 01773 617-893-7990 Special Connections Special Connections is a subscription database and newsletter service to connect buyers and sellers of "nearly new" medical or assistive equipment. The database includes equipment for physically challenged children and adults, assistive communication devices, computers, hospital beds, vans and more. David Seltzer P.O. Box 6702 Holliston, MA 01746 508-429-3926 800-634-LINK Synergy, Inc.: Adaptive Technology Services/Adaptive Innovations Synergy, Inc. is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art computer technology to empower persons with disabilities. They provide assessment and training and develop innovative hardware and software. Dawn Russell, M.A., CCC-SLP; John Hachey; Emily Hoeffell, Ed.D. 66 Hale Road East Walpole, MA 02032 508-668-7424 TeleSensory TeleSensory's products meet a wide variety of needs for people with visual disabilities Q at school, at work, and at home. The TSI product line includes Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, computer magnification systems, speech systems for access to MS-DOS computers, braille systems, optical character recognition (OsCaR) systems, and Optacon tactile display system. Gayle Yarnell 101 South Main Street Randolph, MA 02368 617-986-6132 Zygo Industries Zygo Industries is a leading developer/manufacturer/distributor of augmentative communication aids worldwide. This conference will highlight its newest digital recording/playback devices for spontaneous interaction. Geraldine Reardon P.O. Box 1008 Portland, OR 97207-1008 800-234-6006 Tel/FAX: 603-427-0659 ========== This newsletter is a joint publication of the Disabled/Special Needs and Visually Impaired/Blind User Groups of The Boston Computer Society. All items are copyright 1991 The Boston Computer Society except where otherwise copyrighted. Mention of products, services, or organizations in no way constitutes an endorsement by D/SNUG, VIBUG, or the Society. We acknowledge all copyrights and reproduce them for editorial purposes only. Opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of D/SNUG, VIBUG, or the BCS. To join The Boston Computer Society, contact the Society at One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139-1562, (617) 252-0600. For information on reproducing material in this newsletter, please contact the Publications Manager, The Boston Computer Society, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139-1562.