Rochelle Wyatt and Charles Hamilton
Washington Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
821 Lenora Street, Seattle, Washington 98129
INTRODUCTION
The Washington Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped created a CD-ROM reference station to provide access
to reference materials. The project tests commercial CD-ROM
products in conjunction with adaptive technology and provides
ways for patrons who cannot read standard print to use reference
materials and obtain hard copy in accessible formats. We are
pleased to share some of the experiences, observations and
recommendations that have come out of this project. In this
article, we will discuss the hardware and software used and
provide information on vendors when the products described are
not widely available. The prices listed are what was paid at the
time the products were purchased. Keep in mind that prices change
very quickly.
The CD-ROM station is located in our lobby, an area easily
accessible by the public. Patrons are encouraged to come and try
it out, although we will assist patrons in obtaining information
if they are unable to drop by. The station is frequently used by
the staff for reference work or just for fun.
The original plan for the CD-ROM station was to build a
system that library patrons with little or no vision could use
without assistance. To that end, we put together a menu system
that would guide patrons through the process of using the CD-ROM
products and producing output in regular print, large print and
Braille. At the touch of any key, patrons are welcomed to the
library and provided with information on how to use the system.
They can choose to view the screen's standard text mode, to
enlarge the screen text from 1.4 to 12 times standard size, or to
access information via voice synthesis. Creating menus is a
simple process using DOS batch file techniques. By using multi-
disk CD-ROM changers that treat each CD as a separate disk, we
were able to develop batch files that open each program
without requiring any physical swapping of CDs.
We also developed online help for each menu item. Help
batch files display text files that describe using a CD-ROM or
accessibility product, step by step. These files are adapted
from the manufacturer's documentation, and have been expanded to
discuss accessibility issues for each product. Printed copies of
this help information is also available at the station in regular
print, large print and Braille.
In order to provide users with several choices of hard copy,
the system is set up with a a Braille embosser as well as a laser
printer that can produce standard and large print. Both are
connected via an automatic data switch. Through a free utility
called PRN2FILE, we have redirected all printing into a specific
file. When users "print" while in the CD-ROM products, the
information they want is saved to this file. Upon exiting the
program, users are presented with a menu that offers them the
choice of printing in regular print, large print or Braille.
Making a print choice is as easy as responding with one key after
being prompted for a choice. Each menu choice sends the
appropriate code to the data switch and the appropriate setup
string to the printer. Then it automatically prints the file.
The main accessibility problems seem to be related to
interactions between the speech software and the search programs
used by the CD-ROM products. Each program has a different format
and a different way to access the information. None of the
programs were set up to be used with screen access, so some work
better than others.
Because of the limitations of accessibility products,
and because some patrons are not comfortable using computers, we
developed a job description and advertised for volunteers to
assist patrons in using the station. To date, we have five very
qualified and enthusiastic patron/volunteers who assist others
three days a week.
EQUIPMENT
Description
Micro computer - 486 33Mhz
130 megabyte SCSI hard drive (We have used only 60
megabytes of this space to date)
4 megabytes of RAM (memory) (We are now using 8
megabytes, which mainly increases the speed of
applications under Microsoft Windows)
5.25" floppy drive
3.5" floppy drive
Video Card
OAK VGA with 512K memory
Monitor
NEC Multisync 6FG 21" 1024 X 768 This is a high resolution,
flat screen monitor. This size is probably overkill, especially
when using a screen enlargement program, but it's a real
attention-getter.
Microsoft-compatible mouse
Screen-enlargement program users can use the mouse with many
of the CD-ROM products, in Windows, and to navigate in the
magnified screen.
CD-ROM drives
Two Pioneer DRM-604X CD-ROM changers (each changer holds six
CDs). They are daisy-chained together and attach to a SCSI
interface card inside the computer. The Pioneer CD changers are
expensive, but worth it. They allow us to have 12 different
programs available, without having to load and eject CDs. This
certainly makes it easier for the patrons, as well as the less
technically-sure staff. They also have an easy-to-use feature
that disables the magazine eject, helping to prevent the CDs from
walking out the door.
Laser printer
Panasonic KX-P4430. This printer is used for both large
print and regular print.
VersaPoint Braille printer/embosser from TeleSensory Systems.
VersaPoint
TeleSensory Systems, Inc.
455 North Bernardo Avenue
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
1-800-227-8418
DECtalk PC voice synthesizer
The DECtalk speech synthesizer is, by far, the most
understandable, flexible, and expensive of the speech hardware
with which we are familiar. It features seven different voices;
an internal dictionary that allows it to recognize and correctly
pronounce a large number of words; and the ability to control
talking speed, emphasis, use of punctuation and spelling. On the
downside, the product has a reputation for being difficult to
install, although it was pre-loaded by the vendor when we bought
the computer. It uses unusual interrupt and port address
settings, which may create problems when adding additional
peripherals. The documentation is skimpy, at best.
DECtalk PC
Digital Equipment Corporation
1-800-343-4040
Surge and spike protector
Started with two Isobar protectors--barely enough outlets to
plug all the equipment into. We now use a console-type protector
(the Isobars are plugged into this), which has a master switch
that turns everything on and off.
Emco Autoswitch
This is used to make it easier for patrons to print
materials in the format they prefer. They do not have to
manually set the switch; through the batch files, the computer "knows" where
to send the information.
Cost
HARDWARE
Price (each) Total
486/33 Micro computer, including: 2,100.00 2,100.00
4 MB RAM
Maxtor 130 MB SCSI hard drive
1.2 and 1.44 floppy drives
SCSI controller card
16 bit VGA card with 512K RAM
Mouse
Keyboard
Autoswitch box
6' parallel printer cable
One surge suppresser
MS - DOS
Panasonic KX P4430 Laser Printer 955.00 955.00
Pioneer 6 disk changers 1,465.00 2,930.00
NEC 6FG 21" SVGA Monitor 2,635.00 2,635.00
DECtalk PC 1,680.00 1,680.00
Stereo headphones 17.00 17.00
Versapoint Braille Embosser 4,500.00 4,500.00
Delivery and Installation of all
products was included
One year on-site service 500.00 500.00
HARDWARE TOTAL: $13,852.00 $15,317.00
SOFTWARE
Operating System Software
Operating System
MS DOS 5.0
Memory Management Program
QEMM 6 from Quarterdeck. Memory management is a must, since
the CD-ROM drives, the DECtalk and the sound card all require
drivers for operation. This product has worked very well and is
fairly easy to use.
Quarterdeck Office Systems
1-800-354-3222
Print Redirection program
PRN2FILE is a freeware program that redirects output from CD
programs to a file that is then automatically formatted and
output in Braille, large print, or regular print, depending on
which format is selected.
Batch File Enhancer
KEY-FAKE is another freeware program that allows keystrokes
to be sent from batch files to the CD-ROM software programs.
Communication Program
PC-VT is a shareware communication program that allows us to
turn the CD-ROM station into an accessible terminal for the
library's Online Public Access Catalog. The program also allows
transfer of data between the station and our Kurzweil Personal
Reader.
Accessibility Software
Screen Enlargement Program
MAGic Deluxe. We tried several screen enlargement programs,
and found MAGic Deluxe the easiest to use (it has been compatible
with every piece of software we've tried, including Windows
programs). Also, it was less expensive than the other screen
enlargement programs we tried. We can provide a free working
demo copy of this software (it's fully functional, but only lasts
20 minutes before one needs to reboot to use it again).
Microsystems Software may still provide free demos, too.
MAGic Deluxe magnifies screen text and graphics from 1.4 to
12 times normal size. It includes programs for DOS and Windows.
The program is extremely easy to set up and use. Simple hotkeys
allow users to magnify and change sizes. Once magnified, users
can move around the screen with the mouse or the arrow keys. The
program also has a "pan" function that moves across the screen
line-by-line. The display can be stopped and started, and the
display speed can be changed.
The program operates smoothly with the CD-ROM products and
was less expensive than some other magnification programs. The
only problem we've experienced with this program is an occasional
lockup when the screen is magnified while changing from a text to
a graphic screen. We recommend that users return to unmagnified
mode before displaying a picture or other graphic. Some patrons
have requested being able to magnify a portion of the screen
while the rest remains unmagnified. This feature is included in
the Windows version of MAGic.
MAGic Deluxe
Microsystems Software Inc.
600 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701-5342
(508) 879-9000
Braille Translation Program
Hot Dots 3.0. Correct translation to Braille requires
manual manipulation by skilled Braille transcribers. Any
computerized program will make errors of translation and of
format. Generally, though, Hot Dots appears to do a fairly good
job of translation for short pieces of text of the sort found in
most reference materials. It will not work very well with tables
and other complicated formats. We have added a disclaimer to
Braille materials explaining the limitations of electronic
translation. Although output may not be formatted perfectly, it
has met our patrons' needs without any complaints. We've heard
that Hot Dots' big sister, Mega Dots, is even better.
Hot Dots
Raised Dot Computing
408 South Baldwin Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 257-9595
or
TeleSensory Systems, Inc.
455 North Bernardo Avenue
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
1-800-227-8418
Screen Reader
The most consistent problems that we have encountered in
setting up the CD-ROM station seem to be related to the software
packages needed to read screen text aloud. We have tried three:
VOS, Jaws and Flipper. All three have their advantages and
disadvantages. We ended up using VOS because it worked with the
hardware and software we have. (At this writing, we are waiting
for an upgrade to Flipper that is supposed to be compatible with
the version of DECtalk we have.) Those with simpler systems may
wish to use a different program, since VOS is somewhat difficult
to operate, and its documentation is sometimes confusing and not
well-written.
Many of the difficulties encountered can be traced to the
CD-ROM software rather than the speech software. The following
types of programs are likely to create difficulties when using
speech:
- Programs that do not use a standard cursor to show screen
location. Many menu-oriented software packages let users move
around the screen using the arrow keys, and use reverse video or
different screen colors to display the active choice. While most
screen reading programs can be set up to read, say, only the box
with white letters and a red background, setting such parameters
for each CD-ROM program separately is a difficult and time-
consuming task. Several of our blind users have preferred to
learn the appropriate keystrokes by rote ("RIGHT ARROW twice,
then DOWN ARROW once, then ENTER") and, as one user said, "take
on faith" that they are in the right place.
- Programs that make heavy use of the function keys. Several
of the speech programs that we tried use the function keys to
adjust the synthesizer. If the CD-ROM software wants to use the
same function keys, conflicts may arise. At the least, the user
must press another key combination to "pass through" the
keystroke to the CD-ROM software.
- Programs that do not use display in text mode. Even programs
that do not run under Windows are beginning to use a graphics
mode to display text. Most screen programs cannot read screens
that are not displayed in the DOS text mode.
In conclusion, voice synthesis can be extremely useful, but
it is limited, not easy to learn, and it sometimes leads to
system conflicts. If your budget permits, and your users read
Braille, refreshable Braille displays are an expensive, but
easier-to-use, alternative.
Raised Dot Computing
408 South Baldwin
Madison, WI 53703
608-257-9595
System Software Costs
SOFTWARE: Price
Flipper $395.00
Hot Dots $350.00
Screen Magnification (MAGic Deluxe) $225.00
MS DOS (came with the computer)
QEMM memory management software $68.33
__________
SOFTWARE TOTAL: $1038.33
IV. EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE ADD-ONS, ORDERED LATER
1. Four extra megabytes of memory. CD programs are memory
hogs. Although the programs work as is, we are hoping that with
the memory management program, we'll be able to increase the
speed and efficiency of the computer and continue to add CD
products.
2. Command Center surge protector, so that we can turn
everything off with one button.
3. Braille translation program. Originally we had thought that
computer Braille would do just fine. It will work, however,
patrons often must be taught how to read it, if it is unfamiliar
to them. The new Braille translation programs (especially the
upgraded version of Hot Dots, called MegaDots) are so easy to
use, that it is worthwhile to offer the patrons Grade 2 Braille -
and it saves on expensive Braille paper!
4. Media Vision Pro Audio Studio 16 sound card. This will
allow patrons to hear the sound produced by the multimedia
products, such as Groliers Encyclopedia. There is also a Windows
screen access program, called PROTALK, that allows users who are
blind or visually impaired to access Windows programs using a
standard sound card instead of the specially designed voice
synthesizers.
5. Security cables to connect the equipment to the furniture.
Although this won't stop a serious thief from using wire cutters
and hauling something off, it should prevent the quick snatch.
6. Shareware DOS screen saver.
7. Glare screen. See the furniture section for a discussion of
screen glare and placement.
8. Large print overlay for the keyboard. Data-Cal (1-800-
223-0123) makes overlays that are high quality and adhere well,
but the print is not all that much bigger than the original size,
at least for letters and numbers. Where such labels would be
most useful--for example, on special keys like the backslash--
print size is not all that different, or the key's function is
abbreviated rather obscurely, like "P/U" for Page Up. We have
used these labels sparingly, for the same reason as the Braille
labels, see below.
9. Braille overlay for the keyboard. We've tried making our
own, but can't seem to get them to stay on the keyboard very
long, so we ordered the overlays from Data-Cal. These labels are
placed on top of the large print ones. We've been warned by
Braille users not to put Braille labels on every key--only those
keys that help orient and on the keys that seem to be in a
different place on each keyboard. Apparently, having too many
labels is very distracting. A major shortcoming of the Data-Cal
Braille labels is that the set lacks labels for some important
keys, like the backspace, backslash, and tab. In addition, the
shift key is labeled only with the Braille capital sign (dot 6),
which is not very helpful.
10. Flipper screen reading program to replace VOS. VOS
conflicts with many of the CD programs and the technical support
for VOS has been pretty much non-existent. As mentioned earlier,
we are awaiting an update to Flipper that will work with the PC
version of DECtalk.
11. Headphones for sound output.
12. A library site license for PC-VT Terminal Emulation
software. This has been our favorite communication software for
accessible stations. It has been easy to use and is transparent.
This is the software that allows the PCs to talk to the VAX. We
simply hook the same cable that would go to a VT220 (RS232, 25
pin with the same pin configuration) to a serial port on the PC,
load PC-VT and voila, another terminal.
FURNITURE AND SYSTEM LOCATION
Description
The furniture we chose was very expensive and by no means
the only option. We chose the MayLine Hamilton Single Pedestal
Workcenter over the less expensive options for several reasons.
This computer desk meets ADA recommendations for wheelchair
accessibility. It has an easy-to-use power switch for height
adjustment, rather than a hand crank that would require more
strength on the part of the user. It is also well-built and
large enough to hold all the peripherals attached to the
computer.
MayLine/Hamilton Single Pedestal Workcenter 30" X 60"
surface; 16" D X 60" L rear shelf including 36" shelf
support.
MayLine/Hamilton
The Mayline Company, Inc.
619 N. Commerce Street
P.O. Box 728
Sheboygan, WI 53082-0728
(414) 457-5537
Cost
MayLine/Hamilton Single Pedestal Workcenter: $1,500.00
Ergonomic Chair: $150.00
System Location and Setup
Beside the usual considerations for location in a public
facility -- security, visibility, etc. -- libraries should
consider other factors when selecting a location for an
accessible workstation. One that turns out to be of great
importance, particularly to low-vision users, is lighting. Due to
physical accessibility and power availability considerations, we
placed our station so that users are facing large display
windows. The outside light proved to be very distracting, so we
put a wall hanging behind the monitor to block light from the
sides. The glare screen has proved not to be very popular. Many
users prefer to remove it because it decreases the amount of
light displayed on the screen. Instead, we turned off a light
directly above the screen which caused much of the glare.
CD ROM PRODUCTS
Some issues to consider when selecting software:
- Software interfaces have changed considerably in the last
few years. The increasing popularity of graphic user interfaces
(GUIs) on Macintoshes and in Microsoft Windows have both
advantages and disadvantages for large print users -- and
overwhelming
disadvantages for speech users. For this reason, we have
selected only CD-ROM products that display in text mode.
- Since GUIs require the user to read and move about the
screen in a non-linear fashion, large-print users find that the
cursor or active choice is often not visible. On the other hand,
GUIs such as Windows can be set up to increase screen print size
without the use of a separate large-print program.
- Some users find mice and other pointing devices difficult to
use. The mouse cursor can be hard to see, even for those with
normal vision.
- Screen-reading programs that can read aloud screens that
display in graphics mode have just recently become available, and
are not yet reliable. In general, we recommend CD software that
does not run under Microsoft Windows or that displays in graphic
mode rather than text mode. We also recommend CD products that
are not totally menu-oriented, that is, if they use menus and a
mouse, they also have equivalent keyboard commands that are easy
to locate and use.
Descriptions
ABLEDATA 1992
This product is a database of products for people with
disabilities. The database can be searched by product name,
manufacturer and function. As of this writing, the 1993 edition
of this database is due momentarily. ABLEDATA is menu-driven,
with menus in different parts of the screen depending on location
within the program. Speech programs must be set to locate
highlighted text so that users can navigate correctly.
ABLEDATA
Information Systems
2701 University Avenue
B1-374
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-2309
Bible Library
This program proves that a CD is only as good as its search
software. Even without the additional complexities of large
print or speech synthesis, the Bible Library is extremely
difficult to use. It is necessary to use the online help at just
about every step. Reviews indicate that the recently-produced
New Bible Library has an improved interface; we have not yet
tested it.
CD-BLND (the catalog of the National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped)
The version we tested is a prototype. Regular issues are
expected soon and prices have not yet been set. This program is
somewhat disappointing for speech users. To search, the user
fills in a form, moving from field to field (author, title,
subject, etc.) using the TAB key. The active field changes color
on the screen, and our speech program could not locate the active
field. Speech users must take on faith that they are in the
right place or re-read the screen once they have filled in a
field.
Other problems that we have encountered: As with World of
Poetry, heavy use of the function keys may cause interference
between the speech program and the search program. Occasionally,
speech users began hearing garbage characters not displayed on
the screen if they read too close to the bottom of the screen.
If a user leaves the program for several minutes, the screen
becomes unreadable, necessitating a restart of the program.
CD-BLND
Reference Section
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
(202) 707-5100
Countries of the World
Family Doctor
Great Literature Personal Library Series
Total Baseball
World Fact Book
These five CDs use the same search software, called
DiscPassage. Menu-oriented, it uses changes in screen colors to
indicate the active screens, which can lead to some difficulties
in navigation using speech. Generally easy to use.
Electronic Home Library
This program, which includes full texts of literary
classics, has an unusual interface. When a user presses the up
or down arrow while in a list, the list moves up and down while
the cursor remains stationary. The advantage of this setup for
speech or large-print users is that they can continue to read the
same line while navigating.
Granger's World of Poetry
This program is generally easy to use, although some users
prefer screen colors that are easier on the eyes. World of Poetry
makes heavy use of the function keys, as do many speech programs,
which can cause conflicts.
The New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, 1992 Edition
Although this program is menu-oriented, its keyboard
shortcuts are easy to understand and use. Navigation is
relatively easy. Printing works well. This program has been a
hit with large-print and speech users.
Discs not currently being used:
CD-NewsBank
We tested this product, which includes news articles
covering national and international issues and events, and found
it to be generally compatible with the speech and large-print
programs. We did not purchase it because of its high cost and
because many other libraries have similar products available.
Prices vary widely, depending on the number of subjects included
and the frequency of updates.
CD-NewsBank
NewsBank, Inc.
58 Pine Street
New Canaan, CT 06840-5426
(800) 762-8182
Guinness Disk of Records
This disk, although not requiring Windows, is completely
graphical in nature. It is useless with speech, and is extremely
slow to display. We removed it for these reasons.
Poem Finder
This product has somewhat more citations than the Granger
World of Poetry, but it does not include poem texts or
quotations, as Granger does. Patrons seem to appreciate
immediate access to the actual texts. In addition, Poem Finder's
interface is less than intuitive, so we have removed it in favor
of Granger's.
Regional Economic Information System
This disk is published by the U. S. Department of Commerce
and takes the prize for having the most difficult interface of
any of the CD products we tried. A Commerce staffer told us that
most users take the raw data and import it into spreadsheets for
further manipulation and that the department doesn't really
expect the interface to be used very much. The disk has some
very interesting data on income, unemployment and the like, but
between the interface and the difficulties encountered in
printing tables in large print or Braille, we decided to remove
the disk.
Regional Economic Information System
U. S. Department of Commerce
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Regional Economic Measurement Division (BE-55)
Washington, DC 20230
(202) 254-6630
Cost
ABLEDATA
Two-issue subscription (one year) $50.00
Microsoft Bookshelf (DOS Edition) $130.00
Includes American Heritage Dictionary,
Bartletts Quotations, Columbia Concise
Encyclopedia, Columbia Quotations,
Rogets Thesaurus, World Almanac
Total Baseball $49.90
Countries of the World Encyclopedia $395.00
Columbia Grangers World of Poetry $699.00
Great Literature Personal Library $39.95
Groliers Multimedia Encyclopedia $400.00
Multimedia World Fact Book $29.95
Family Doctor $59.60
Electronic Home Library $79.95
Library
Bible Library $69.99
Not using:
CD-NewsBank prices vary
Guinness Disc of Records $49.00
Poem Finder $300.00
Regional Economic Information System $35.00
VII. CONCLUSIONS
Notwithstanding some accessibility limitations, this project
has been very well received, and has been worth the effort it has
taken to put the station together. For many of our patrons, CD-
ROMs are the only way that they can have access to reference
materials.
We have been able to provide additional assistance to our
patrons through the use of volunteers. Patrons who do not have
basic familiarity with computer operations, and others who cannot
easily use the system without assistance, can be helped by
volunteers who are asked to:
- assist patrons in using the system, use the CD-ROM products
to conduct searches and print materials for patrons who cannot
visit in person,
- maintain and upgrade the system, the online and printed
instructions, and assist the library staff with special projects
that can be simplified using this technology.
A description of this volunteer position is included as Appendix
B.
As an additional benefit, the CD-ROM station has been used
for experiments with a number of technologies. With a simple
hard-wired connection to our mainframe computer and a terminal-
emulation program, the station has been turned into an accessible
terminal for our Online Public Access Catalog. We were also
fortunate enough to have a Kurzweil Personal Reader (a device
that scans printed materials and reads them aloud) donated to the
library. This has been attached to the CD-ROM station via a
serial cable that allows us to scan printed material, send it to
the computer, and print the results in regular print, large print
or Braille. We can also take electronic texts and convert them
to audio tape via the Kurzweil. Finally, we have used the CD-ROM
station to make electronic texts available. An increasing number
of books are available in electronic form and may be read by our
patrons at the CD-ROM station.
FUNDING
The acquisition of the hardware for this station was funded
through gift funds from Seattle Public Library (our
administrative agency). The CD-ROM products were funded by the
Friends of Seattle Public Library. The Americans with
Disabilities Act focus on accessibility issues makes community-
based funding of accessible technology an appealing project for
service groups and grant proposals.
For more information, feel free to contact Charles Hamilton
or Rochelle Wyatt at the Washington Library for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped, 821 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98129;
telephone: 206-464-6930; Internet: wlbph@guest.nwnet.net. We
will be happy to discuss this project with you.
APPENDIX A. LETTERS TO VENDORS
Following are letters requesting bids from vendors. These
are not the actual letters that were sent out. We have to go
through Seattle Public Library's Finance Office for this process
now, so the information was added to their boilerplate before
being sent to vendors. We wanted one vendor to provide, install
and set up everything (except furniture) so we wouldn't have
problems with one vendor blaming another if one product didn't
work with another. We chose the accessibility products and sent
out product information to the vendors. The vendor who won the
bid learned the access software and did a great job of setting
things up and troubleshooting compatibility problems.
FURNITURE
Request for Bid Letter
The Washington Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
would like to purchase a computer desk for its accessible CD-ROM
workstation. The desk must be accessible by individuals using
wheelchairs. Mayline Hamilton has a line of computer furniture
that meets the ADA specifications for accessibility. The model
that we are interested in purchasing is:
Mayline-Hamilton
Single Pedestal Table with power height adjustment,
26" to 41"
Catalog No: 12560
30"D X 60"L work surface, 16"D X 60"L rear shelf. Includes
36" shelf support.
Please include in your bid, as a separately priced item, a fully
ergonomic task chair with the following:
Pneumatic height adjustment (16" - 21")
Single lever backrest pivot/seat tilt
Backrest height adjustment
Padded seat and full backrest
Armrests
Please include freight and shipping and state sales tax. We
would appreciate hearing from you by Wednesday, August 12. If you
have questions please feel free to call me at 464-6930.
Rochelle Wyatt
EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Request for Bid Letter
The Washington Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
will provide an accessible CD-ROM reference station to its
patrons who are print handicapped. In order to do so we need to
purchase the equipment, programs, furniture and miscellaneous
items needed to provide this service. In this Request for Bid we
are asking for bids on the hardware, software and furniture
portion that will form the base unit (software reference programs
will be purchased separately). I have listed what we feel are
the required components on the enclosure. Any additional
components required to make the system function effectively may
be added. Please detail the additional components with complete
descriptions and prices, separate from the items listed.
The total price must reflect a complete, operating system
(keyboard, power supply, cables, connectors, etc.) and all parts
must function together. All components must be new and must be
repairable using standard, nationally recognized parts. Unit
must be 100% compatible AT.
Selection shall be based on the following:
Component quality and reliability
Price
Completeness of package
System warranty
Ability to provide in-house service for the first year
Priority will be given to vendors who are able to provide the
most complete package. Washington Library for the Blind will
provide information on the preferred products and their vendors,
for accessible items such as the Braille printer/embosser, the
speech synthesizer, accessible software and the wheelchair
accessible table, etc. in order to assist vendors in bidding on
the whole package. More than one configuration option may be
submitted.
Prices quoted must be good for at least 90 days from date of bid.
Please respond by July 1, 1992.
If you have questions, please call me at 464-6930.
Thank you,
Rochelle Wyatt
Computer Operations
Washington Library for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped
APPENDIX B. TECHNOLOGY MENTOR: VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Technology Mentor
DEPARTMENT: Readers' Services
GOAL OF POSITION: To provide technical assistance to patrons
using WLBPH's CD-ROM reference station and to assist patrons in
using adaptive technologies.
FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
Provide in-person, individual assistance to patrons wishing to
search and reproduce information stored on CD-ROM.
Train patrons in use of CD-ROM station.
Record comments, difficulties, and recommendations of patrons for
system improvement and pass these on to staff.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
Experience in operating IBM-compatible computers necessary.
Experience in using CD-ROM software, screen magnification
software, and/or screen reading (talking) software very helpful.
Ability to explain technical information simply and to work
patiently with those unfamiliar with computers and adaptive
technology.
Ability to interact in a helpful, friendly and professional
manner with patrons and staff, in person and by telephone.
Ability to evaluate, record and communicate problems and
recommendations for improvement.
TIME COMMITMENT:
At least one four-hour shift per week during regular business
hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday) by arrangement, for
six months. Ability to keep same schedule each week very
helpful.
WORK SITE: WLBPH
SUPERVISOR: Charles Hamilton, Program Coordinator.
