Group items tagged

Assistive Technology The term assistive technology encompasses a broad range of devices from "low tech" (e.g., pencil grips, splints, paper stabilizers) to "high tech" (e.g., computers, voice synthesizers, braille readers). These devices include the entire range of supportive tools and equipment from adapted spoons to wheelchairs and computer systems for environmental control. Assistive technology certainly includes computers, but it also refers to a number of other types of accommodations and adaptations which enable individuals with disabilities to function more independently. Computers are an important type of assistive technology because they open up so many exciting possibilities for writing, speaking, finding information, or controlling an individual's environment. But computers are not the only avenues to solving problems through technology. There are many low tech (and low cost) solutions for problems that disabilities pose. Examples of inexpensive, low tech solutions include wrist splints, clip boards for holding papers steady, or velcro tabs to keep positioning pads in place.

"ABCya! is the leader in free educational kids computer games and activities for elementary students to learn on the web. All children's educational computer games and activities were created or approved by certified teachers. ABCya! educational games are free and are modeled from primary grade lessons and enhanced to provide an interactive way for children to learn. ABCya! games and activities incorporate content areas such as math and reading while introducing basic computer skills. Many of the kindergarten and first grade games are equipped with sound to enhance understanding."

"Voice4Me is designed as a quick and simple way to bring speech to users who have difficulty speaking. When the user clicks on a picture, the computer responds by reading the text assigned to the picture. For example, if the user clicks on a picture of a moon, the computer may respond by saying "I am tired, it is time for bed." Voice4Me allows the settings to be customized with pictures and text to meet the needs of the user. Also, there is a blank text box for the user to type a few sentences at a time for the computer to read."

"So, is AAC about the technology or not? This paper presents a broad picture of technology as consisting of both hard and soft technologies. The article supports both types of technology as necessary for successful AAC implementation. For many individuals, hard technologies are necessary to support expressive communication. High-tech hard technologies have many options, but only a few fundamental principles, with truly unique new characteristics rarely being introduced. What does change, however, is the platform upon which the AAC devices are built. Originally, AAC devices were based on simple electronic circuits, then specialized computers, and, finally, general computers. Most recently, smart phones and pad computers have been used as the platform for AAC device functions. In this paper, I contend that it is not the technology that is critical; rather, it is our ability to take advantage of that technology for the benefit of people with complex communication needs."

The CFL program's ambitious goal is to make modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom so that every child has the opportunity to be educated to his or her full potential. Note: Schools and educational nonprofit organizations do not pay for excess computer equipment they receive through the CFL program, however, the recipient is responsible for the shipping and handling costs, as well as refurbishing costs.

What is BLiNK Eye Tracking? BLiNK is a one of a kind wireless eyewear that contains a tiny camera and a special invisible light that tracks where your eyes are looking. BLiNK is portable, lightweight, and clips on to any eyewear. All for under $200. BLiNK is a real time-saver. Imagine flying through your daily computing tasks twice as fast. Select items with laser precision instantly. Multi-task with brilliance and ease. Just wirelessly link BLiNK to your computer and within seconds, your eye movements are turned into cursor control. BLiNK captures everywhere you look. A pointer skates across the screen just like your existing mouse. To click, simply gaze for a moment, blink, or tap your keyboard. Use BLiNK to browse the web, write an e-mail, or update your Facebook status; hands-free. Imagine blasting away opponents in a videogame with just a glance. BLiNK was inspired by disabling diseases like ALS. Go to Our Story to learn more. BLiNK can be used in research, marketing, sports, and sciences. Visit Eye Tracking to learn about eyegaze and eyetrackers and  BLiNK details the possibilities. Click details to learn more about the technology that makes it all possible.

"The first-of-its-kind Freehand™ from AbleNet provides computer access simply by touching fingers together on a special glove. "

Camera Mouse is a free program that enables you to control the mouse pointer on your computer screen just by moving your head. Camera Mouse is designed to help a person who cannot use his hand to control the mouse but who can voluntarily move his head. To use Camera Mouse 2009 you need a standard USB webcam (for example, a Logitech Pro 9000) and a Windows Vista or XP computer. Camera Mouse 2009 is easy to learn and easy to use. And, Camera Mouse 2009 is absolutely FREE.

"I asked, "What are the differences between the approaches at Grand Valley and Stanford, and those at California and Ohio State?" (oops, I'm sorry, "THE Ohio State"). And I asked, "Which school is doing the best job?" I'll leave that question for all of you... but I will suggest that there is a vast difference between providing accessible computing in one place and providing it wherever all other students can access computing. A very big difference."

"These interactive games are extremely flexible and accessible. Using the standard settings, all Nanogames will play like typical computer games. Experienced gamers without disabilities will be able to play them comfortably. However, unlike most computer games, Nanogames are extremely flexible and if the player needs to use alternative controllers, or needs the games to be much slower or easier to play then Nanogames can do that too - easily."

"TechMatch is a free resource for clinicians, care providers, and educators. It matches clients and students who have cognitive impairments with computer technologies most likely to meet their needs. TechMatch includes a comprehensive assessment questionnaire that makes it easy to find the right computer technology. It produces a printable pdf report that summarizes the findings and offers clear and straight forward advice about the strengths and weaknesses of each potential technology. "

"Mindwave Mobile is the world's least expensive research-grade EEG headset available. It interfaces with mobile devices (iOS and Android) and your desktop computer and can be used to play a variety of games, brain trainers, and educational apps. It's the ultimate introduction into the world of brain-computer interface. Can you control a game with only the power of your mind?"

"Click-N-Type is an on-screen virtual keyboard designed to provide computer accessibility to anyone with a disability that prevents him or her from typing on a physical computer keyboard. As long as the physically challenged person can control a mouse, trackball, touch screen or other pointing device, this adaptive software keyboard allows you to send keystrokes to virtually any Windows application or DOS application that can run within a window. "

"Text input via speech. Typing without a keyboard now very easy! You say - he writes! A new approach to the input texts on the computer. All you need is a microphone and the correct pronunciation. Voicenote - increasingly popular application for Google Chrome™. It allows typing on a computer, by dictating text to the microphone."

"My name is Carly Fleischmann and as long as I can remember I've been diagnosed with autism. I am not able to talk out of my mouth, however I have found another way to communicate by spelling on my computer. (and yes that is me typing on the computer by myself) I used to think I was the only kid with autism who communicates by spelling but last year I met a group of kids that communicate the same way"

WebAnywhere is a non-visual interface to the web that requires no new software to be downloaded or installed.It works right in the browser, which means you can access it from any computer, even locked-down public computer terminals.WebAnywhere enables you to interact with the web in a similar way to how you may have used other screen readers, such as JAWS or Window-Eyes,

"Like most people, we have a handful of sites we check every time we get on the internet. Checking these sites usually involved navigating to the sites manually or going through the browser's bookmarks/favorites menu. The problem with the latter approach is that you can't access these favorites on different computers unless you install some sort of plugin. With Tizmos, you can open your browser on any computer"

"This Wikispace is set up as a centralized place for educators to: * Learn the benefits of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how to implement UDL in their classroom. * Access a list of resources, tools and instructions on how to use free internet tools in the classroom for all learners. * Learn how to access/use/set-up free internet teaching tools and resources to apply to all learners for their classroom as well as, computer applications /software built into to the computer such as Word, Sound Recorder, PowerPoint, Paint, etc. "

MITS Freedom Stick 1.0 The MITS Freedom Stick is the result of global collaboration and the leadership of Ira Socol. The design and primary technical work was all done by the Regional Support Center - Scotland North and East. We are extremely grateful for their time, effort, and generosity. Much of the support for our "Americanization," localization, and development of the accessible Firefox Browser came from the Mozilla Corporation, and Mozilla Education. The MITS Freedom Stick is designed to provide students with information and communication access on any computer using a Windows or Linux operating system. When you insert the USB Flash Drive into the computer the LearnApps software should load giving you a menu in the toolbar on the lower-right corner of the screen.

"Simtrix's new computer mouse A New Zealand company creates an intelligently-designed lap-top device to save the mouse from extinction. Simtrix's Grant Odgers talks about his new species of cutely designed lap-top mouse that nestles into the tips of your fingers."