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Resources for troubleshooting computers.

NVDA software enables blind and vision impaired people to use a computer by communicating what is on the screen using a synthetic voice or braille. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is the only screen reader for Microsoft Windows that is totally free, yet fully functional and portable. You can download it to your PC, or to portable media such as a USB stick which you can use with any computer at school, work - anywhere!

Apple Vis: http://www.applevis.com/ Target audience: Blind and low vision users of Apple IOS devices. Quality of information: The Apple Vis site is community based and relies heavily on feedback and posts from end users of Apple products and related apps. The information is not peer reviewed and resembles a blog or user forum. However, there is a hall of fame of apps that have been voted to be useful and accessible. Apple Vis is a good resource where a consumer can look up an app to read feedback and comments from other users before committing to purchasing the app.

"A community-powered website for blind and low-vision users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch." Lots of information about Apple apps, products, guides, etc.

Windows 7 includes accessibility options and programs that make it easier to see, hear, and use your computer including ways to personalize your PC

This University of Buffalo website provides a variety of tutorials on a number of different computer based products. This is a good website that can bring you in to certain computer products and provide a beginning tutorial.

This training opportunity is geared toward professionals learning how to integrate AT in the educational environment. Modules include AAC, Hearing, Mobility, Reading, The User Interface, Vision, Writing (including Computer Access). Also explores funding options.

The AbleNet Website offers free online educational opportunities for professionals in the area of Assistive Technology through AbleNet University. These live and recorded webinars can be accessed on the AbleNet Website under the Professional Development tab and include training in Communication, Switch Mounts, iDevices, Computer Access, Electronic Aids to Daily Living, Universal Design for Learning, and Curriculum.

The Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) is a non-profit agency that strives to bring assistive technology into the lives of North Dakotan's that need it irregardless of age, needs, or disability. Their goal is to help individuals bridge the gap between ability and disability using assistive technology (AT). IPAT provides training, public awareness, demonstration, and one-on-one consultation. The IPAT website provides information regarding the assistive technology tools that are available and the services that they provide.

Apple's Commitment to Accessibility For more than 20 years, Apple has provided new and innovative solutions for people with disabilities, allowing them to access - and enjoy using - the Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Apple includes assistive technology in its products as standard features - at no additional cost.

This website if for Tobii ATI which is an international assistive technology company that provides communication programs/applications for consumers with disabilities. The programs they produce are meant to provide a speaking device that tracks eye movement when it looks at a certain phrase on a screen. This mission is apparent with the tagline "Independence with an Eye" which is right next to the company logo in the middle of the homepage. The website it set up to provide information about all of the Tobii products and is meant to group their information into various links or tabs that a consumer would have to click through. However the website is very structured and neat it could provide too much information for a consumer. Tobii organizes the website to have a consumer move simultaneously through the tabs near the top to get a better understanding of their products and how it could assist a person with a disability. The Products tab is the clearest on the website since it group every product into a nice group and explains it's function. This is the section that could be the most appealing to a consumer because it shows the product logo, name, and functionality. This tab is best suited to show the consumer the basics of the product they are researching. As a whole the website is very expansive and fitting of an international company. If a consumer is hoping that a Tobii product can help them with an assistive technology need this website would provide lots of information but might not address specific, personal questions. It is a well designed website that provides a wealth of information that could be helpful to some consumers and overwhelming to others.

A review of freeware assistive technology aids for Windows computers. A free add-on for Microsoft Word (Office versions '97 through 2010,) WordTalk provides text-to-speech reading services. The info on this site is great. It highlights the freeware, gives a explanation of what it is and where to get it.