Guidebook describes personal computer adaptations for individuals with
disabilities 

"Adaptive Technologies for Learning and Work Environments" 
Second Edition
By: Joseph J. Lazzaro
Published by the American Library Association http://www.ala.org

Adaptive Technologies For Learning And Work Environments, Second Edition, is
a comprehensive guide describing how to select, install, and support
assistive technology for persons with disabilities. The text covers
adaptations for Windows, Macintosh, and Unix computer platforms, and shows
how to operate PCs using keyboard commands and shortcuts. The book spotlights
built-in accessibility utilities found on personal computers, and is a solid
guide to facilitate accessible learning, working, and independent living.
This completely revised edition breaks down the latest hardware and software
for making information technology accessible for all!  From desktop,
notebook, and hand-held pcs, to the internet, the book details in lay
terms-the latest advancements in assistive hardware and software, how to
select the most appropriate solution, how to implement them, and how to
provide vital training and technical support. Detailed chapters identify
assistive technology for persons with visual, hearing, motor, speech, and
learning disabilities. An entire chapter is devoted to public and private
sector funding sources, and extensive appendices are packed with resources to
help you locate agencies and organizations that support adaptive technology.
New to this edition are entire chapters on keyboard commands, built-in
accessibility utilities, and internet/intranet accessibility. A detailed
chapter uncovers the secrets of pc hardware, software, and peripherals,
showing you the basics that you'll need to know in order to work with many
different forms of adaptive equipment. The text spotlights more than 275
adaptive products: screen readers, screen magnification software, braille
printers and displays, scanners, voice command and dictation systems,
alternative input systems, TTYs, on screen keyboards, alternative
communication systems, word predictors, and other solutions. This
indispensable reference will give librarians, educators, administrators,
human resource staff, and people with disabilities inside information and
expert guidance on the many forms of assistive technology. 

Below is the table of contents as it appears in the book. 

1 Personal Computer Hardware Basics
Who Should Read This Chapter?
The Central Processing Unit
Memory
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Expansion Slots and Circuit Cards
Input/Output Ports
Modems: Analog, Cable, and DSL
Portable PCs
Notebook Computers
Palmtop Computers
Global Positioning Systems
Selecting a Personal Computer

2 Driving the Computer from the Keyboard
The Graphical User Interface
Starting Windows and Basic Navigation
Logging In
Navigating with the TAB Key
Selecting Objects with the ENTER Key
The Start Button Hot Key
Switching from One Application to Another
Menu Navigation
Shutting Down Applications
Native Accessibility Utilities
Utility Manager
Control Panel Accessibility Utilities
Active Accessibility
Accessibility Utilities across Platforms

3 Technology for Persons with Vision Impairments
Speech-Synthesis Engines
Sound Cards
Screen Readers
Screen-Reader Commands
Narrator
Magnification Systems
Low-Vision Aids
Large Monitors
Closed-Circuit Television Systems
Handheld CCTV Systems
Head-Mounted CCTV Systems
Magnification Software
Braille Systems
Braille Basics
Braille Translation Software
Braille Printers
Braille Displays
Braille Note Takers
Optical Character Recognition Systems
Scanning Text into Your Computer

4 Technology for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of  Hearing
Text Telephones
Cordless and Cellular Phones
Text-Telephone Etiquette
Text Telephones and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Braille Text Telephones
Telecommunications Relay Services
Alphanumeric Pagers
Instant Messaging
Chat
Fax
Computer-Assisted Access
Baudot/ASCII Modems
Text-Telephone Software
Visual Indicator Software
Computer-Aided Transcription
CART Reporting
Computerized Sign Language Training
Signaling Systems
Captioning Systems
Making Captioned Videotapes
Electronic Amplification Systems
Hearing Aids
Assistive Listening Devices
Telephone Amplification Systems

5 Technology for Persons with Motor Disabilities
Adapted Keyboards
Keyboard Keyguards
Keyboard Modification Software
Macros
Key Modifier Software
Built-In Access Features
On-Screen Keyboard
Alternative Input Systems
Adapted Switches and Scanning Keyboards
Morse Code Systems
Word-Prediction Software
Speech-Recognition Systems
Speech-Recognition Hardware
Training
Speech on the Road
Environmental Control Systems

6 Technologies for Persons with Speech Disabilities
The Evaluation Process
What Is an Alternative Communications Device?
Word Prediction and Abbreviation Expansion
Controlling a Communications Device
Keyboards and Touch Screens
Scanning Keyboards
Controlling a Personal Computer
Computers and Alternative Communication

7 Technologies for Persons with Learning Disabilities
What Is a Learning Disability?
The Evaluation Process
The Individualized Education Program
Deploying Technology
Personal Computers
Note Takers and Organizers

8 Foundations for Assistive Technology
The Assistive Technology Specialist
The Evaluation Process
Sample Adaptation
Low-Tech Solutions
Confidentiality
Training
Classroom Training
One-on-One Training
Following Up
Tutorials and Training Materials
Technical Support
Warranty Cards
Consumer Groups and Special Interest Groups
Online Help

9 Accessing the Internet and Intranets
Why Make the Internet and Intranets Accessible?
Definitions
The Internet
Intranets
Hardware Requirements
Adaptive Technology and Networks
The World Wide Web
Web Sites
Web Browsers
Internet Explorer
Home Page Reader
How Browsers Work
Search Engines
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Web Site Validation
Sharing Resources
Electronic Mail
Online Chat
Newsgroups
Instant Messaging
Mailing Lists

10 Funding Adaptive Technology
Cost-Saving Ideas
Shareware, Freeware, and Demoware
Other Ways to Cut Costs
Personal Sources of Funds
Family and Friends
Lending Institutions and Credit Unions
Credit Cards
Government-Sponsored Sources of Funds
The Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Medicaid
Special Education
The Social Security Administration-s PASS Program
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998
Veterans Benefits
Private-Sector Sources of Funds
The Easter Seals Society
The International Association of Lions Clubs
Independent Living Centers

Appendixes

Microsoft Windows 98 Keyboard Guide
Apple Macintosh Keyboard Shortcuts
Products for Persons with Vision Impairments
Products for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Products for Persons with Motor Disabilities
Products for Persons with Speech Disabilities
Products for Persons with Learning Disabilities
National Resources for Persons with Disabilities
National Toll-Free Phone Numbers for Persons with Disabilities
Key Provisions on Assistive Technology IDEA 1997
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
RESNA Technology Assistance Project State Contact List

An accessible html version of the text on cd-rom is available separately to
support users with disabilities. The text is readable with any standard
browser that supports HTML files. 

About the Author 

Joseph J. Lazzaro is project director of the Adaptive Technology Program at
the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind in Boston, which provides
rehabilitation engineering services and consulting on assistive technology.
The program provides assistive technology free of charge to consumers, and
provides evaluations, system installation, training, and technical support
for blind or visually impaired consumers. He is also author of Adapting PCs
for Disabilities, published by Addison Wesley, and has written for Byte, the
New York Times, IEEE Spectrum, Windows, MIT Technology Review, Computer
Shopper, LAN Technology, and other publications. He is an online instructor
with EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) a group dedicated to
providing online training and resources on assistive technology. He is also a
member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy writers of America, and has
published fact and fiction in Analog, Artemis, and Absolute Magnitude
magazines. He maintains a web site at http://www.joelazzaro.com. 

You can order print or CD-ROM copies of the book at the American Library
Association web site at http://www.ala.org or by calling 800/545-2433, press
#7 for the Order Department. The book is also available from Amazon.Com.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/083890615X/qid=996510304/sr=1-23/ref=sc_b_23/107-6777474-0586900
