Introducing
Information Technology and Disabilities
Tom McNulty, Editor
Abstract: This introductory article sets forth the scope of the e--journal and invites article submissions.
Building an
Accessible CD-ROM Reference Station
Rochelle Wyatt and Charles Hamilton
Abstract: This case study describes the development of an accessible CD-ROM workstation at the Washington Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Included are descriptions of hardware and software, as well as selected CD-ROM reference sources. Information is provided on compatibility of individual CD-ROM products with adaptive technology hardware and software.
Abstract: In 1991, The Royal Blind Society (Australia) and Deen Systems, a Sydney-based software development company, undertook a major overhaul of RBS information systems intended to enhance access to RBS client services as well as employment opportunities for blind and vision impaired RBS staff. This case study outlines the steps taken and principles followed in the development of a computer user interface intended for efficient use by blind and vision impaired individuals.
The
Electronic Rehabilitation Resource Center at St. John's University (New
York)
Bob Zenhausern and Mike Holtzman
Abstract: St. John's University in Jamaica, New York, is host to a number of disability-related network information sources and services. This article identifies and describes key sources and services, including Bitnet listservs, or discussion groups, the UNIBASE system which includes real-time online conferencing, and other valuable educational and rehabilitation-related network information sources.
The Clearinghouse on Computer Acommodation (COCA)
Susan Brummel and Doug Wakefield
Abstract: Since 1985, COCA has been pioneering information policies and computer support practices that bene fit Federal employees with disabilities and members of the public with disabilities. Today, COCA provides a variety of services to people within and outside Government employment. The ultimate goal of all COCA's activities is to advance equitable information environments consistent with non-discriminatory employment and service delivery goals.
Job
Accomodations
Joe Lazzaro, Department Editor
K-12 Education
Anne Pemberton, Department Editor
Libraries
Ann Neville, Department Editor
Online Information and Networking
Steve Noble, Department Editor
Campus
Computing
Daniel Hilton-Chalfen, Ph.D., Department Editor
ITD Technotes: Speech Synthesis
Alistair D. N. Edwards
Abstract: This is the first in a series of ITD articles on the basics of adaptive technologies. In simple, non-technical language, the author provides a brief introduction to synthetic speech technology which is currently used by individuals with speech and/or visual impairments.
Project Link: Consumer Information for Persons with Disabilities
William C. Mann, OTR, Ph.D.
Abstract: Project LINK, established in 1993 at the Center for Assistive Technology at the University of Buffalo in New York, is a free information service to help people learn about assistive devices. Many people with disabilities are not aware of the wide variety of available assistive devices, or they lack information on where to obtain them. At the same time, companies marketing assistive devices have difficulty reaching people who most need their products, as listings of people with disabilities are confidential. Project LINK bridges the information gap between the people who purchase assistive devices and the companies which make and/or sell them.
C-Note: A Computerized Notetaking System for Hearing-Impaired Students in Mainstream
Post-Secondary Education
Andrew Cuddihy, Brian Fisher, Rick Gordon
and Elizabeth Schumaker
Abstract: Computerized notetaking is an effective tool being used by hearing-impaired students at lectures and seminars in mainstream classes in colleges and universities. This article describes C-Note, a program that provides significant benefit over existing computerized notetaking. C-Note -- developed by a computer programmer who is a student with a hearing impairment and a learning specialist -- allows communication between the student and the notetaker, independent use of linked computers, and production of hard copy notes from each. The C-Note system architecture is described in detail. Advantages of the system for the student with a hearing impairment are discussed.
Job Evaluation
Frank DiPalermo
Abstract: The task of evaluating the job site for a disabled employee can be a complex one, but breaking down the job into its individual components can simplify the evaluation procedure. This article describes the requirements and process used to evaluate, design and implement workplace strategies and technology for a new employee who has a disability.
Assistive Technology
Funding in the Workplace
Steven B. Mendelsohn
Abstract: Many employers are unaware of the funding sources available for adaptive technology in the workplace. In this article, Steven B. Mendelsohn discusses some of the potential sources of funding.
An Innovative Interdisciplinary Program: Rehabilitation Engineering Technology
Darlene Miller, Associate Professor
Rehabilitation Engineering Technology
Abstract: The United States currently faces a shortage of rehabilitation professionals with expertise in engineering technology. The need for rehabilitation engineering technicians, in particular, has been recognized in the wake of new legislation that ensures the civil rights of persons with disabilities and highlights a need for their improved access to rehabilitation services and assistive devices. Responding to this national need, Vermont Technical College (VTC) was the first educational institution in the country to offer an associate's degree program in Rehabilitation Engineering Technology. The curriculum, which focuses on applied science, production, problem-solving and assistive technology modification, promises to produce skilled technicians who can offer a range of specialized products and services to persons with disabilities. As an innovative program, VTC's new Rehabilitation Engineering Technology (RET) program has gained national notice and sparked considerable interest. Other institutions interested in establishing similar programs are eager for information about program content and curriculum.
Job Accomodations
Joe Lazzaro, Department Editor
K-12 Education
Bob Zenhausern, Department Editor
Libraries
Ann Neville, Department Editor
Online Information and Networking
Steve Noble, Department Editor
Campus Computing
Daniel Hilton-Chalfen, Ph.D., Department Editor
What's Next in Adaptive Technology: MagNum--A Digital Recording Personal Assistant
Dick Banks
Abstract: The MagNum, a device which utilizes digitized recording technology, takes the technology of the recorder one step further by providing the user with an efficient means of accessing notes, books, and other recorded information. This article describes MagNum, a digital recording device which offers many valuable features to the user of recording technology. The present state and future possibilities of digital recording technology are described. While the author is very impressed with the MagNum, this is not a scientific review of this product, and this article should not be taken in and of itself as an endorsement of this or any other product.
Ten Years of Computer Use by Visually Impaired People in Hungary
Terez Vaspori and Andras Arato
Abstract: This survey is written by the developers of BraiLab, a talking computer family. The authors present an overview of computers and aids based on micro-processing systems used by blind people in Hungary in the past decade. The paper discusses various devices in use in Hungary in the past decade, and the impact of these devices on the education, work and everyday life of visually impaired individuals. Finally, the authors identify some of the tasks looming on the horizon.
Rehabilitation and Remediation in Educational Disability:
The Use of the Direct Access Reading Technique
Sheila Rosenberg and Robert Zenausern
Abstract: Educational disabilities are treated very differently from sensory and physical disabilities in at least two distinct ways. The first centers around the way the individual is typically held responsible for the disability. The child is told, "Try harder!" or "Don't be lazy!" No one would think to tell a child with a visual, hearing or mobility impairment to try harder to see, hear or move; rather these children are given support and encouragement. Individuals with physical disabilities are given rehabilitation; that is, they are taught alternative ways to approach the tasks that are affected by the disability. Individuals with educational disabilities are given remediation; that is, more and more practice in precisely what they cannot do. The need to "cure" is given more emphasis in educational disability than physical disability where the stress is on adaptation. The purpose of this paper is to isolate two specific disabilities that are the primary cause of reading disability and to show how a rehabilitation approach can have a profoundly positive effect on this ubiquitous problem.
ITD Technotes: Braille Displays
Gerhard Weber
Abstract: Transitory Braille displays provide access to PCs but the displays are different from speech output. Braille is a notation tracking a cursor, and reading the screen and routing are accomplished by the fingers moving across raised dots. This article describes the technology utilized by transitory, or refreshable, braille computer displays.
Review: Financing Assistive Technology, A Bimonthly Newsletter
Yolanda Thompson
Departments
Job Accomodations
Joe Lazzaro, Department Editor
K-12 Education
Bob Zenhausern, Department Editor
Libraries
Ann Neville, Department Editor
Online Information and Networking
Steve Noble, Department Editor
Campus Computing
Daniel Hilton-Chalfen, Ph.D., Department Editor
Math and Science Symposium at Recording for the Blind
Richard Jones
Abstract: Computer technology is revolutionizing our world. The last advance in information dissemination of this magnitude was the printing press. Revolutions have never been defined as fair or predictable, and this revolution is no exception. This article will describe computer technology's promise of access to information for individuals with disabilities - a promise that is becoming vague and ephemeral as the benefits of this technology become an essential part of the definition of professional competence. Next, this article will discuss some of the reasons for the revocation of technology's promise of access to information for individuals with disabilities. In the subsequent sections this article will describe a remarkable gathering of experts from around the world at Recording for the Blind headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey on May 14-15, 1994. The goal of this group was nothing less than reformation of a revolution.
AsTeR: Audio System for Technical Readings
T. V. Raman
Abstract: The advent of electronic documents makes information available in more than its visual form; electronic information can now be display-independent. In this article, the author describes a computing system, AsTeR, that audio formats electronic documents to produce audio documents. AsTeR can speak both literary texts and highly technical documents (presently in La)TeX) that contain complex mathematics. Visual communication is characterized by the eye's ability to actively access parts of a two-dimensional display. The reader is active, while the display is passive. This active-passive role is reversed by the temporal nature of oral communication: information flows actively past a passive listener. This prohibits multiple views - it is impossible to first obtain a high-level view and then "look" at details. These shortcomings become severe when presenting complex mathematics orally.
Audio formatting, which renders information structure in a manner attuned to an auditory display, overcomes these problems. AsTeR is interactive, and the ability to browse information structure and obtain multiple views enables active listening.
This article describes a system for producing audio renderings. Print is not the ideal medium for describing such renderings, (and ASCII is an even poorer one!). RFB members can acquire an audio formatted version of the author's thesis, (this article is a slightly edited version of the first chapter) rendered by AsTeR, from Recording for the Blind (RFB order number FB190). Non-RFB customers may request a two track (standard commercial format) tape of AsTeR examples. Requests should be addressed to info@RFB.org; ask for Raman's Math Examples Tape.
A Graphical Calculus Course for
Blind Students
Albert A. Blank, Professor
Computer Science Department, 1N215
College of Staten Island, CUNY
2800 Victory Boulevard
Stat
en Island, NY 10314-6600
Karen Luxton Gourgey, Director
Computer Center for the Visually Impaired
Baruch College, CUNY
17 Lexington
Avenue, Box 515
New, York, NY 10010
Michael E. Kress, Professor
Computer Science Department, 1N215
College of Staten Island, CUNY
2800 Victory
Boulevard
Staten Island, NY
Abstract: The study of advanced mathematics is prerequisite to higher education in technical or scientific subjects. For students interested in pursuing technical careers, mastery of the calculus is fundamental. For blind and visually impaired college students, the graphical nature of the calculus poses a formidable hurdle to independent access. In this article, the authors describe an innovative method of producing accessible tactile materials for the study of the calculus.
Ensuring Usability in Interface Design:
A Workstation to Provide Usable Access to Mathema
tics for Visually Disabled Users
Helen Cahill and John McCarthy
Department of Applied Psychology
University College, Cork, Ireland
Abstract: This paper presents an account of the formative evaluation of a multi-media "MATHS" workstation which is being developed to provide usable access for blind and partially sighted students reading and manipulating mathematical expressions. We argue that there is a crucial difference between notions of accessibility and usability in interface design.
Traditionally, assistive technology has been concerned with providing access to disabled users. However, unless such access embraces usability, it does not necessarily overcome the access limitations imposed by the user's disability and provide usable access. Therefore, it is essential that interface designers recognize the difference between the traditional design concept of accessibility and the more user-centered design concept of usability. The MATHS workstation is being designed with a concern for usability. In this paper, the broad context of usability is introduced. The processes of measuring usability according to ISO9241 (CD) and the development of the MATHS workstation usability requirements specification according to ISO9241 (CD) are presented. (Ed. note: These code numbers refer to a draft software usability standard prepared by the European Commission Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly People. They are defined more fully in the text of this article.)
We hope that this account of the application of a usability standard to the development of the MATHS workstation will be valuable to other assistive technology designers.
Mathtalk: Usable Access to Mathematics
Robert D. Stevens and Alistair D. N. Edwards
Department of Computer Science
The University of York
Hesli
ngton, York UK YO1 5DD
Abstract: This paper describes the design of the user interface to the Mathtalk program, which aims to give visually disabled readers an active reading of standard algebra notation. The paper introduces the themes of enhancing external memory and control of information flow as the guiding principles behind the design of the user interface. Fast and accurate control of the information flow is vital for active reading. Mathtalk uses structured browsing functions and a specially developed command language to achieve this active reading. Finally, an audio glance called algebra earcons is introduced that enables readers to get a high-level view of an expression and plan the reading process.
The Use of Laser Stereolithography to Produce
Three-Dimensional Tactile Molecular Models
for Blind and Visually Impaired Scientists and Students
William J. Skawinski, Thomas J. Busanic, Ana D. Ofsievich,
Victor B. Luzhkov*,
Carol A. Venanzi and Thomas J. Venanzi **
Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and En
vironmental Science,
New Jersey Institute of Technology.
*Institute o
f Chemical Physics, Chernogolovka,
Moscow Region, Russia 142432
**Department of Chemistry, College of New Rochell
e,
New Rochelle, NY 10805
Abstract: Laser stereolithography, a rapid prototyping process that produces three-dimensional plastic models from the images created in certain computer aided design (CAD) programs, has been used to fabricate tactile molecular models for blind and visually impaired individuals. The process uses a computer-controlled laser to cure and solidify a light-sensitive, liquid polymer in the shape of the image. The models can be customized and used for educational and research purposes. Several models built using four different scales are described. Surface textures are varied to allow atom types to be distinguished.
Computer Based Science Assessment: Implications for Learning Disabled Students
David D. Kumar
College of Education, Florida Atlantic University
2912 College of Education, Davie, Florida 333
14
Abstract: Computer technology can be invaluable for assessing learning disabled students in science since it opens up opportunities for developing innovative assessment tools in science education. The nature of computers as information processing tools, the role of computer technology in user-friendly interactive learning environments, and the possibility of designing instructional tools to meet individual needs of students, make computers potentially powerful tools for assessment. Computer-based assessment applications used in science, such as Computerized Adaptive Testing, Figural Response Item Testing, Computer Simulations, and Anchored Assessment can be appropriated for assessing students with learning disabilities.
Books for Blind Students: The Technological Requirements of Accessibility
William A. Barry, John A. Gardner, and Randy Lundquist
Department of Physics, Oregon State University
Weniger
Hall 301, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
Abstract: This paper describes three new developments that hold great promise for improving the accessibility of scientific literature for people who are visually impaired or who have significant vision-related learning disabilities. All rely on the availability of information in high-level electronic form. A brief review of methods for storing high-level information and an example of their use in printing Dotsplus documents are given.
Increasing the Representation of People with Disabilities in Science, Engineering and Mathem
atics
Sheryl Burgstahler
Assistant Director-Information Systems
Computing & Communications, University of Washington
JE-25, Seattle, WA 98195
Abstract: There are three main factors that cause individuals with disabilities to be under-represented in science, engineering, and mathematics fields: preparation of students with disabilities; access to facilities, programs, and equipment; and acceptance by educators, employers and co-workers. Technology can have a positive affect on all of these factors and help open doors to new areas of study and employment. This paper explores the role of information technology, describes a campus program designed to positively influence each of the factors, and makes a series of recommendations for action.