TUNING IN TO THE 21ST CENTURY THROUGH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LISTEN TO THE MUSIC RESNA '94 June 17-22, 1994 Nashville, Tennessee Review by Donna Heiner, Ed.S. Nashville, Music City, USA. Grand Ole Opry...country music...Dolly Parton...line dancing...Ryman Auditorium...Music Row...and the many sounds of Assistive Technology. That was RESNA '94.. Attended by over 1500 individuals, the 17th annual RESNA conference was an opportunity to learn, share and network with professionals,vendors, and consumers. In addition to the traditional instructional courses, scientific platform and interactive sessions, RESNA has expanded to include the Tech Act Projects funded under P.L. 100-407. Special sessions showcased Tech Act Projects, their project activities, and issues concerning the implementation of a consumer-responsive technology-related assistance program. Sunday's Opening Ceremony highlighted the Everest and Jennings Distinguished Lecturer: Bob Williams, Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, UW Department of Health & Human Services. A graduate of George Washington University, Bob was born with cerebral palsy and uses an AAC device to communicate. Bob William's eloquent lecture was a tribute to the power of words and to the technology he employs. He described himself as a craftsperson who uses words to create, speaking of assistive technology and the "power, potential and dreams deferred...of the gap between promise and everyday reality." He illustrated the "transformational properties of what we call technology" with the personal saga of a young woman with cerebral palsy, who cried when she was told that she would finally get a device that would allow her to communicate with speech. "For people like Kathy, the greatest crippler is not the absence of a device, but the underestimation of her abilities." On the exhibit floor, vendors provided an opportunity for participants to get acquainted with the exhibitors, obtain hands-on experience with products, and to ask technical questions. Because RESNA is a multidisciplinary organization, a full range of assistive technology, including wheelchairs and other devices for independent mobility, was present. The following information represents those products which caught the attention of the authors, and is a personal response to that eternal question "Well, what did you see interesting at RESNA this year?" AUGMENTATIVE/ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION Jennifer Angelo, Ph.D., OTR, has developed a Scanning Assessment Tool which will help clinicians compare differences between various scanning modes. A final version will be ready in August, 1994. Jennifer Angelo, Ph.D., OTR, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261. Magic Laboratories' VoiceBachs Speech System is a new computer-based AAC device. It includes two components: a LynnTablet 1100 with 16 line LCD and a QWERTY keyboard and the VoiceBachs computer. Included as pre-loaded software is notebook, phrasebook, datebook, sound effects, and Quicktyper, a user- expandable predictive dictionary. Magic Laboratories, Inc.: 800/368-MAGIC. Talk:About, a new Macintosh conversation program for non-speaking persons, will soon be available from Don Johnston, Inc. The program provides real- time conversational capabilities. Don Johnston: 708/526-2682. ADAPTED COMPUTER INPUT/OUTPUT: MS-DOS and WINDOWS DWELL PICK For Windows is a public domain program which has an adjustable length time-out mode. It replaces the mouse button activation required by some Windows applications. Jeff Burnet: 509/335-1937. IBM's Personal Dictation System for OS/2 boasts an impressive ability to change the spoken word into speech. It does, however, require dictation into a dictation window, and does not yet allow direct input to the application program. IBM Corporation: 800/825-5263. Kurzweil's VOICE FOR WINDOWS presented RESNA participants with the first voice recognition system for WINDOWS which allows direct dictation into and navigation through Windows-based applications. Kurzweil: 800/380-1234. According to the developers, the Datahand system, an ergonomic keyboard, increases user comfort and reduces repetitive movement. Harrington Arthritis Research Center 602/254-0377. Shown in prototype form and in development overseas, a new keyboard will provide a prediction window mounted between the two sections of a split keyboard. When available, the keyboard will eliminate the necessity for word prediction users to glance at the monitor for the prediction list. INFORMATION RESOURCES Stay up-to-date on information on assistive technology. A free ABLEDATA CD- ROM or diskette for DOS or Windows) will be provided with each new subscription to Exceptional Parent Magazine. Exceptional Parent: 800/247- 8080. The Reliable SOURCE is an extensive computerized information system designed for AOTA members. Components include: databases, conferences on specific subjects, and E-Mail. AOTA - the Reliable SOURCE 301/948-9626. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE: MACINTOSH Picture Cue Dictionary, First Money, and Spending Money enable individuals with speech or learning difficulties to practice real-life skills on a Macintosh computer. Programs are Touch Window compatible. Attainment Company: 800/327-4269. PRODUCTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEARING DIFFICULTIES HARC Mercantile, Ltd. offers a number of products for persons with hearing difficulties. HARC offers packaged solutions of communication and alerting products for hotels ACCESS, a table/reading lamp-alarm clock-telephone ring signaler, is a multi functional product. HARC 800/445-9968 For individuals and companies requiring an assistive listening system, AUDEX carries a line which includes infrared wide area systems, transmitter and receiver accessories, and speciality products. AUDEX 800/237-0716. ERGONOMICS AND SEATING "Prescriptive Seating for Wheeled Mobility, Volume 1: Theory, Application, and Terminology" by Diane E. Ward is designed for the seating novice and occupational and physical therapists who work with seating teams. HealthWealth International, 6200 Equitable Road, Kansas City, MO 64120. The flagship product from Kinetic Rehab Instruments is a wheelchair mounted electromechanical arm, the Helping Hand. Kinetic Rehab Instruments, Inc.: 617/829-4212. Two new products are available for little people: an adjustable desk chair and a lounge recliner. Crafted by a consumer who is also a rehabilitation engineer, chair and recliner can be customized with a variety of optional extras. Adaptive Living 716/235-7270. "A wheelchair is not simply something a child needs to use; it is an extension of his or her personality." "Wheelchairs for Children," ABLEDATA Fact Sheet #22, explains the basis of selection considerations, wheelchair components, and lists current companies along with model specifications. NARIC 800/227-0216. An adjustable mounting system for communication devices or laptop computers, the new MYDESC Communication Mount features quick release, swing away, and tilting and leveling adjustments. RHAMDEC 800/MYDESC. The Modu-Tray for wheelchairs consists of a tray and interchangeable inserts for customization. Barney Bell 615/870-3245. RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Fellowships and Assistantships are available for Master's, Doctoral, and postdoctoral studies in AAC at Purdue University. Lyle L. Lloyd, Ph.D. 317/494-7333. Don Johnston Incorporated offers on-site training in KE:NX, the Macintosh interface that lets people with physical or cognitive limitations access their computers. DJDE 800/999-4660. "Seating & Mobility for People with Disabilities," the Eleventh International Seating Symposium will be held February 16-18, 1995, at the Pittsburgh Hilton and Towers, Pittsburgh, PA. The symposium will include scientific and clinical papers, in-depth workshops, panel sessions, and an extensive exhibit hall. Jill Bebout, Conference Coordinator: 412/647-8218. ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS Danmar Products, Inc. has developed a line of quality wooden toys. The activity systems are manufactured for learning experiences that are educational and age appropriate, and are shipped with resources for program application. Danmar Products, Inc. 800/783-1998. Franklin Learning Resources announces several new hand-held electronic reference systems. The Language Master + Math functions as pocket dictionary and calculator. The Speaking Spanish Master now speaks both Spanish and English. The Digital Book System reads matchbox sized cartridges storing reference materials. Franklin Learning Resources 800/525-9673. TIGER Communication systems offers the SUAble Keyguard for the Franklin LM- 6000 with the Probing Answer keypress tool. The Stealth Binder allows easy transportation and use of Franklin keyboards. TIGER communication System, Inc. 800/724-7301. RESNA According to its president, Greg Vanderheiden, "RESNA is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. Its purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals." Its members include educators, rehabilitation professionals, and consumers. RESNA '95, RECREAbility - Recreation and Ability: Explore the possibilities, is scheduled for June 9-14, 1995 in Vancouver, Canada. For information on becoming a member of RESNA or to be placed on the mailing list for RESNA '95, contact RESNA 703/524-6686. 8/94 Donna Heiner, Ed.S. Christine Abbey Living and Learning Resource Centre 601 W. Maple Lansing, MI 48906 This publication is available in alternate formats. This document has been made available through an IDEA State Initiated Grant awarded to the Living and Learning Resource Centre by the Michigan State Board of Education. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Michigan State Board of Education or the U.S. Department of Education, and no endorsement is inferred. This document is in the public domain and may be copied for further distribution when proper credit is given. For further information or inquiries about this project, contact the Michigan Department of Education, PO Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909.