Report from CSUN March 16-19, 1994 Los Angeles, CA Susan Mistrett MISTRETT@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu My first visit to the Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, sponsored by the California State University at Northridge (CSUN) was worth every minute getting there (tough to leave Buffalo in March) and every cautionary note from friends about the probability of "aftershocks". This assistive technology conference was well attended, with a wide range of attendees, topical presentations and vendors. Many presentations were enhanced by contributions from the real experts- the users of many of these technologies. This is a very well organized conference with hotel staff trained and comfortable with the needs of persons with disabilities, a keynote breakfast, a personal planner included in the program to help sort through the sessions and even a "thank you" gathering for presenters - nice touches. Pre-conference sessions were 3 hours in length providing in-depth topical discussions on a variety of issues. The opening session focused on the information highway which is more "constructed" than we think, yet efforts are being made to avoid the "road blocks" to accessibility which lie ahead. Access not only referred to the ability of all persons to interact freely and completely within the internet by incorporating the use of text, audio and refreshable braille captioning, but also to its access by all persons, regardless of cost, and to all school programs. The exhibit hall competed with the presentations for the attendees' attention. The following is a sampling of the products shown and is not intended to be a complete description - you need at least a week to get through the two exhibit halls! Donna Heiner from Michigan reported on vendor products she found at the Closing the Gap conference in October, 1993. As many of the same vendors attended both conferences, the following is a compilation of her report and what I saw at CSUN. Her contact information is: Donna Heiner, Ed.S., Director Living and Learning Resource Technology Center 601 W. Maple Lansing, MI 48906 MACINTOSH APPLICATIONS ... FOR KIDS First Connections: The Golden Book Encyclopedia from Hartley (800/247-1380) redefines the word "encyclopedia." Available on Macintosh CD-ROM, this interactive resource includes online audio instructions, a built-in notebook, 1,500 articles, and 2,700 color images. The MacInterface (Dunamis 800/828-2443) for the PowerPad provides PowerPad and switch access to Hypercard stacks. A unique feature, "Gestural Encoding," allows an entire motion on the PowerPad surface to be recognized as a specific input. Marblesoft (612/755-1402) announces "A Trip to the Zoo," an exploratory play program for preschool children. Students use a mouse, TouchWindow, or a single-switch to explore each area of the city zoo. K.C. & Clyde star in "Fly Ball," a CD-ROM adventure from Don Johnston Inc. (800/999-4660). Part of the "Ukandu" series of interactive software, the program is designed to promote literacy, and accommodates a variety of learning styles and disabilities. Automatic button and word scanning options require a Macintosh Switch Interface for single switch access. Distributed in the U.S. by Don Johnston, JOKUS Software has developed several new CD-ROM programs for the Mac. "Workshop" introduces letters and numbers through a series of enjoyable activities. "Vidur Viking," an arcade game designed for switch users, helps train concentration and timing skills. The DJ, Inc. booth also offered custom desktops to be used with wheelchairs or within any environment, developed by MYDESC [(800) 469- 3372]. Particularly interesting was the flip top storage desk with dual ball-joint supports for easy shifting. Applications were examined for securing and using portable computers. The IntelliTools booth offered several innovative, inexpensive products to ensure easy, customized access to (almost) any software program. "Overlay Maker" for IntelliKeys (IntelliTools 800/899-6687) is available for Macintosh and Apple II computers. Customized overlays can be designed and printed for the IntelliKeys keyboard. A utility program, "Overlay Maker" makes possible the creation, design and printing of IntelliKeys overlays as well as providing for the sharing and extended use of customized overlays. Upgrade for Overlay Maker 2.1 is available for $20 with proof of purchase. ClickIt! (IntelliTools- $69.95) provides a way to interact with point and click programs without a mouse. By creating "hot spots" on your screen, the user can then select an area with a single switch by cycling through the "hot spots" or by incorporating the "hot spots" onto an IntelliKeys Overlay. These setups/overlays can be automatically sent when a program is launched. This eliminates the need for setup time! Available May, 1994. IntelliPics (IntelliTools) allows for the creation of customized software programs, incorporating pictures, sounds and animation. As flexible and easy to use as other IntellliTools products. Look for it in May, 1994 Edmark (800/362-2890) continues to develop new software for the TouchWindow. In "Thinkin' Things" (Macintosh and MS-DOS) , Oranga Banga and Feathered Friends help students develop analytical and problem-solving skills. Apple's PlainTalk is available for Don Johnston Inc. (800/999- 4660) products. Upgrades for MacinTalk II and MacinTalk II Pro are offered for "Write:OutLoud," "Co:Writer," and Ke:nx at $25 each. IntelliTalk or IntelliPics (IntelliTools) Pro Voice upgrade is $20 for all four voices. To use the Pro Voices you need: System 7.0 or higher, at least 4 MB RAM to use the compressed voices, or 5 MB to use non-compressed voices and at least 5.1 MB of hard disk space to install all four voices. R.J. Cooper [(800) RJCOOPER] introduced several new products: CrossScanner (interface for switch use on mouse programs), SAM (mouse/switch adaptation), 101 Animations and RadSounds (software programs). ... AND FOR ADULTS Voice input has come to the Macintosh! "Power Secretary" from Articulate Systems (617/935-5656) features discrete word recognition an vocabulary of 120,000 words. "Power Secretary" automatically displays alternate choices for spoken words, and requires a 040 class Macintosh and System 7.0 or greater. MS-DOS APPLICATION PROGRAMS Dr. Peet's Talk/Writer for DOS from Hartley- $79.95 (800/247-1380). This dedicated word processor with speech output uses the Echo II or Digispeech speech synthesizer. IntelliTalk (IntelliTools- $39.95) for DOS is now available and works with common speech synthesizers. Both program eliminate the need to purchase expensive screen reader and character enlargement software for the IBM. Ideal for children in inclusive educational settings with access to IBM computers! "JDN Shorthand," an abbreviation package from TASH, Inc. (905/686-4129), speeds up input by allowing the individual to replace common words with single keystrokes. ACCESS-I from WorkLink Innovations (510/937-9347), a powerful battery operated PC designed for wheelchair use, supports many input methods. Through its optional Universal Access System, remote access of host computers, including Macintosh, IBM compatible, NEXT, or workstations, is possible. Access-I utilizes 24 volt DC power from wheelchair batteries and fits into a weatherproof Chairpac mounted on the back of a wheelchair. Instant Access is an expanded keyboard with scanning and laser light pointing capability. No additional hardware or software is required for either the Macintosh or MS-DOS version. From Innocomp (800/382-8622), Instant Access is compatible with standard keyboards and plugs directly into the keyboard port. Origin Instrument's (214/606-8740) HeadMouse replaces the standard desktop mouse for individuals who cannot use their hands. The device consists of a wireless optical sensor which tracks a miniature (0.006 inches thick) target attached to the user's forehead or glasses. HeadMouse emulates the Microsoft Mouse and operates under Microsoft Windows. An intelligent keyboard with 60 special application keys, the VersaKey for Macintosh or PC computers allows the user to record and recall keystrokes. Wagers Business Systems (612/644-3830) also distributes the SY-101 CopyHolder, an automated copyholder with switch controlled line advancement. WINDOWS, ANYONE? Access Technologies (317/465-1275) offers "SofType," an on- screen keyboard for Microsoft Windows, and J.A.M., an alternative input interface for joystick and switch control of the graphical keyboard. SofType features word completion and an autoselect ("dwell") mode. Prentke's (800/262-1984) "KeyREP" and "WiVox" offer capabilities to enhance productivity. "KeyREP," a rate enhancement program, provides word prediction and abbreviation-expansion. Working with any keyboard and Windows applications, the program features a prediction window which follows the insertion cursor. "WiVox" provides support for voice output of text in Windows 3.1 applications. Although not designed as a screen reading program, "WiVox" does provide additional auditory feedback of the visual presentation. "HandiWord for Windows" (MSI 800/828-2600) provides rate enhancement for applications running under Windows 3.1. With built-in sticky-key option, selectable font size, and sizable prediction window, the program requires less than 80K memory. PRODUCTS OF INTEREST TO STUDENTS AND ADULTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS Artic Vision (313/588-7370) continues to develop quality products for individuals with visual impairments. For the "connoisseur," the Artic Ultra Pack combines access to DOS and Windows with DECtalk 4. TransBook, an Artic Transport plus a talking book system, features removable memory cards for data storage. TransBook performs all of the functions of Artic Transport, and can also be used separately for data access. A new low cost portable speech/screen access system, SPIRIT contains many of TransPort's most-used features. Available through Recording for the Blind (609/452-0606), "BookManager" information retrieval software gives quick and comprehensive access to books on disk which are in BookManager format. Soon to be available will be law books and college texts. VisAbility (Ai Squared 802/362-3612) software turns a PC compatible and a scanner into an intelligent magnification and reading system with capabilities of many CCTVs: eight levels of magnification from 1X to 32X, full-screen and windowing display modes, selectable foreground and background colors, and form filling. SeeTec's (800/462-3738) CCTV systems offer a choice of color, positive (black on white), or negative (white on black) displays of either flat or three-dimensional objects. Each system comes with cables and switch box for VCR use. The SeeTec research system, designed to work with most microscopes, allows several individuals to view the enlarged material at the same time. "Magic" enlarges text and graphics program screens up to 12X and is compatible with many mainframe terminal emulation programs. Coming Soon! Berkeley Systems (510/540-5535), the makers of "outSpoken" for the Macintosh, announce the forthcoming release of "outSpoken" for Windows. The new program includes keyboard control of mouse movements; complete access to windows, menus and dialog boxes; user-controlled levels of feedback; and identification of graphical controls. According to Berkeley, the program is compatible with over thirty speech synthesizers and all DOS screen readers. Optelec's (800/828-1056) newest product is a personal video magnifier, the Bright Eye. Portable and compact, Bright Eye utilizes a handheld scanner and a headset display. The Spectrum Jr. CCTV features two color reading for display in twenty foreground/background color combinations. Its enhanced reading mode reduces image blur when the reading material is moved. MetaVOICE (Adaptek Systems 800/685-4566), a voice output module for Kurzweil VOICE, allows individuals with a print disability to use voice input. Kurzweil VOICE is a multi-tasking, speaker independent voice recognition system. A talking, palmtop computer, Keynote Companion (HumanWare 916/652-7253) functions as a portable information management system for people who are blind. Weighing 1.2 lbs, Keynote Companion incorporates a word processor, spelling checker, calculator, diary, address list manager, and E-mail terminal. No additional screen reading software is necessary. TeleSensory's (800/227-8418) "ScreenPower Speech" software for MS-DOS computers works in conjunction with computer magnification, braille displays, and scanners. "ScreenPower Speech" is both command-driven and menu-driven, and is compatible with several synthesizers, including DECtalk PC. AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION ORCCA Technology, Inc. (606/268-1635) presents the ScanLite, a switch- operated communication device which can be used for assessment and training in simple applications as well as in transitioning to more sophisticated scanning options. Activated by radio-remote or direct switch, the unit can be used with the following application accessories: flexible linear array, toy activation board, linear picture board, object board, assessment easel, and sound-picture board. New for Prentke's (800/262-1984) Liberator, the Infrared Pointing System provides fast, direct access. Included in the system is automatic or manual entry of selections, adjustable horizontal and vertical sensitivity, and macros which can be stored under specific head movements. System 2000/Versa from Words+ (800/869-8521) combines the NEC UltraLite Versa, the Words+ CommPac, and the EZ Touch screen to create a touch accessible color dynamic display. We also found several software applications which looked to use a portable computer as an augmentative communication system. GUS, a multimedia speech system, uses a Windows compatible personal computer. GUS, from GUS Communications (604/224-6699) requires a minimum 386SX, Microsoft Windows 3.1, VGA graphics, and a Sound Blaster compatible sound device. User input is through any MicroSoft Mouse compatible pointing device. User-defined symbols may be individually drawn or copied from any PC-compatible symbol set. Both digitized speech from any recordable voice and synthesized speech are possible. $795 includes GUS speech system, onscreen keyboard, speech synthesizer, symbol selector and special mouse/switch. Speaking Dynamically by Mayer-Johnson - $299.00 [(619) 550-0084], makes talking, multi-level communication boards to run on the Macintosh. Key selection can be made using the mouse, joystick, head pointer, keyboard or single switch. The company is currently investigating the use of the Troll Touch PB- which integrates touch screen technology into the PowerBook (Troll Touch - (805 295-0770)). Talk:About, by Don Johnston, Inc. ($490) offers levels of conversation through Mac computers. Levels include beginning small talk, novel sentences, extended talk and farewells. Available Spring, 1994. Designed for individuals who are able to communicate through typing, the ABOVO (413/594-5279) Personal Communicating Device is a portable, handheld electronic device specifically designed for facilitated communication. An optional remote display capability and PC-download feature are available. From Consultants for Communication Technology, Meta4 is an AAC system which turns PC compatibles into a communication device. Designed for non- speaking individuals who have perceptual and/or physical difficulties, Meta4's page display has controllable font style, size, and color. A portable AAC device, the Pocket Talker from Attainment (800/327-4269) records and plays 5 messages. The CarryCom is now available from The Great Talking Box Co. (800/361- 8255). A compact palmtop MS-DOS computer, the CarryCom has the features of a much larger communication device. The Ke:nx Communication CD, a selection of icon collections and setups for Ke:nx 3.0, provides on screen communication displays for voice output communication. The upgrade, which supports recently improved text-to- speech, increases the capability for AAC on Macintosh computers. Don Johnston Inc. (800/999-4660) From InvoTek (501/575-7659) comes WolfKey, computer access through the Wolf. WolfKey requires a keyboard emulating interface, such as the AFC or Ke:nx, or a game-port for joystick training software. WolfKey also supports access to the Wolf with up to 9 switches. The Talking Eyepoint Board allows a facilitator to overlay voice output for individuals who use eyepointing as a means of communication. New for the DynaVox (Sentient Systems Technology, Inc. 800/344-1778), "DynaWrite" is a multi-line text editor with word prediction. Combined with DynaSyms, the application DynaCard enables even preliterate symbol users to compose written messages. ActionVoice (Ability Research, Inc. 612/939-0121), a portable AAC device with digitized output, also offers switch closure outputs for activation of single switch devices, such as toys or appliances. "Macaw Words" (Zygo 800/234-6006) for the Macintosh downloads pre-recorded vocabulary and sounds to a Macaw. Vocabulary can be recorded and individualized or be created from generic vocabularies available for adult and child voices. "Express 1000" (Access Technology 317/465-5) augmentative communication software is based on multimedia technology and Microsoft's Windows interface. Speech panels contain from 1-36 selections, each of which may be assigned a graphic, an audio clip, and a link to another speech panel. Any alternative input device that emulates a mouse, Access Technology's J.A.M., or single switch may be utilized. The amount of digitized speech is limited only by available hard disk space. Phonic Ear, Inc. (707/769-1110) has developed two new applications for the Vois 160 with PALLS software: PALLSXPRESS for spellers and Growing with PALLS for pre-readers. INTERESTING PRODUCTS PROXi (Madenta Communications Inc. 800/661-8406) combines a computer with hardware and software for environmental control. Any access method which controls the computer can provide interaction with "virtual" devices on the screen of the computer. For example, to dial the telephone with PROXi, the individual may command "dial phone" or move a cursor to the on-screen image of a telephone. From Adaptech (800/723-2783), the Personal Pager provides wire-less, switch activated paging of caregivers. An Adapted Musical Keyboard and a Gigantic Musical Mat Kit are available from Exceptional Computing (904/331-8847). The Quarter Hour Watch from Zygo (800/234-6006), a time aid designed for people with cognitive limitations, enables individuals who cannot use a standard time piece to become independent in planning activities and meeting obligations. The LightBeam from Ability Research, Inc. (612/939-0121) is a battery- operated light pointer for use by persons who can use head pointing for communication or computer input. This non-laser device functions as a pointer for the LightSwitch or as alternative input to the ACS EvalPac. The InvoTek (501/575-7659) Sound Activated Switch, available in two versions, has three adjustable settings. Special features include an external microphone, "scream detector," and access to the InvoTek Independence VoicePhone. From Innocomp (800/382-8622), the BlinkSwitch replaces any single switch and detects voluntary eye blinks. It remains activated as long as the individual's eye is closed.