Here is a conference report on the 1993 Closing the Gap by Donna Heiner CLOSING THE GAP REVISITED October 21, 1993 Minneapolis, Minnesota After a three year hiatus, I returned to Closing the Gap's annual conference, "Microcomputer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation." An assistive technology conference which has become an annual event for many, the "Gap" provides an unparalleled opportunity for professional learning and networking. In its eleventh year, the conference drew over 1,600 individuals from more than 20 nations. Two days of pre-conference sessions allowed for in-depth investigation on specific areas of interest for both novices and experienced "techies." The "Gap" officially opened with that favorite event of all conference-goers -- a free meal. While we munched our muffins and slurped our coffee, Arjan Khalsa announced an exciting new partnership between IntelliTools, Broderbund Software, and Hartley Courseware. Broderbund and Hartley, publishers of software programs appropriate for use with general and special education students, will provide IntelliKeys overlays with teacher editions of selected programs. We were pleased to see that Michigan educators were represented -- as attendees and as presenters. "A Powerful Partnership: Alliance for Technology Access" Bob Hill, Living and Learning Resource Technology Centre "Technology for Individuals with Low Incidence Disabilities: An Outreach Model that Works!" Donna Heiner and Bob Hill, Living and Learning Resource Technology Centre "Wolfing Around: Wolf CAPS Make It Easier" Judy Arkwright, Wayne County RESA "The Parrot on the Go..." Kathleen Powell, Jo Brighton Skills Center, Trenton "Good Junk + Creativity = Great Low End Technology" Lynne Rocklage, Eastern Michigan University "Integrating Reading with Middle School Students: A Reverse Inclusion Program" Gail Brandt and Judith Haught, Lansing School District As always, the exhibit floor competed with the presentations for attendees' attention. The following represents a sampling of the products offered by vendors; it is not intended to be a complete description of all vendors and products. 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. "Overlay Maker" for IntelliKeys (IntelliTools 800/899-6687) is available for Macintosh and Apple II computers. A utility program, "Overlay Maker" makes possible the creation, storage, and printing of IntelliKeys overlays. 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 will soon be available for Don Johnston Inc. (800/999- 4660) products. Upgrades for MacinTalk II and MacinTalk II Pro will be offered for "Write:OutLoud," "Co:Writer," and Ke:nx. ... AND FOR ADULTS Voice input has come to the Macintosh! "PowerSecretary" from Articulate Systems (617/935-5656) features discrete word recognition and a vocabulary of 120,000 words. "PowerSecretary" automatically displays alternate choices for spoken words, and requires a 040 class Macintosh and System 7.0 or greater. MS-DOS APPLICATION PROGRAMS "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. GUS, a multimedia speech system, turns a Windows compatible personal computer into an augmentative communication system. 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. 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 317/465-1275) 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. CTG CONFERENCE QUOTES... "In our lifetime, speech recognition technology will change the way people work." Janet Baker, Dragon Systems "The Alliance for Technology Access was born out of a desire to demonstrate how technology can be used by everybody to transform limitations into opportunities." Jackie Brand, Alliance for Technology Access "Without an enabling tool which makes one capable of being productive, it is unreasonable to expect that individual to be productive." Joy Zabata "Communication is the most important thing you or I will ever consider." John Powell "Oh, no! Not another paradigm shift!" Unknown attendee RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES The Special Needs Project (805/683-9633) carries books about disabilities. For new books on assistive technology, call and ask for the ATA List. The 11th Annual TAM Conference on Special Education and Technology, "Technology -- the Equalizer," will be held in conjunction with the St. Paul Winter Carnival February 3-5, 1994. Presented will be the latest research, development, and technology applications for individuals with disabilities. For more information, contact Liz Lahm, Program Chairperson at 703/993-3670. DO-IT with technology? The University of Washington is recruiting students with disabilities into the sciences through Project DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology). Activities include a no- cost summer program for both attendees and personal care attendants, access to Internet, and loan of required technology as necessary. The Project distributes publications and videotapes for those who wish to create similar programs. Interested students in the Northwest region should contact DO-IT, University of Washington, Mail Stop JE-41, Seattle, WA 98195 206/685-DOIT. UPDATES Daedalus Technologies Inc. is now located at 2491 Vauxhall Place, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 1Z5. The new phone number for Tash, Inc. is 905/686-4129. SOME REFLECTIONS UPON RETURNING HOME The pace of new product introduction continues to increase. Most of the products mentioned here were new or upgraded since last March's CSUN Conference. The opportunity to spend time talking to vendors of assistive technology products is a valuable part of conference attendance. Many vendors and vendor representatives have become friends as well as professional colleagues; we exchange technical assistance and new product information along with updates on our lives and children. It's interesting to see how some of the pioneering companies (Don Johnston, Inc., Prentke-Romich, Raised Dot Computing, Access Unlimited) have grown from small family businesses to leaders in the field. Other companies have disappeared,