Vol. 4, No. 1, Jan/Feb 1996	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
	PDF Version (for printing) Text Version

What's New at Closing the Gap

by Ed Salisbury
Kent/Sussex ATRCs

It's now January and the annual Closing the Gap (CTG) Conference has come and gone. Each year CTG hosts a five-day conference focusing on computer technology for special education and rehabilitation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With over 150 educational sessions and an exhibit floor containing over 75 vendors, CTG is a valuable resource for consumers, parents, educators, and rehabilitation professionals. Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to take five days out of their busy schedule and fly to Minneapolis. For those unable to attend, here are highlights of new assistive technology products now available.

The Tracker by Madenta Systems is a state-of-the-art wireless head pointer that works with desktop and portable computers, and even Sega and Nintendo video game systems. Similar to the HeadMouse by Origin Instruments, the Tracker consists of a transmitter/receiver unit that sits on top of the computer monitor and a small reflective dot worn on the forehead of the user. The advantages of the Tracker include its small size-making it easy to mount on a laptop computer-and an adjustable transmitter that eliminates the need to tilt the monitor or person for proper positioning.

Ablenet has introduced its new and improved BIGmack and SpeakEasy Communication Aids. The new BIGmack also has an On/Off switch which prevents activation during transport. The new SpeakEasy is not only smaller and lighter, but has double the recording time. The SpeakEasy contains two jacks for attaching toys or appliances to be activated with the message. With an On/Off switch and easy program messages, the SpeakEasy truly lives up to its name.

The AlphaSmart Pro is a portable keyboard with LCD display that allows students to type and store up to 64 pages of text. The AlphaSmart can then be plugged into either an IBM or Macintosh computer using the existing keyboard cable. Data is then sent by a single keypress into any word processor for formatting, editing, and printing. This small, lightweight keyboard is excellent for note-taking where a laptop computer may be too expensive or cumbersome or when several students need to use the classroom computer at the same time. At a price of only $250, the Alpha Smart is an excellent alternative to costly and fragile laptop computers.

For those who would like a touch screen for their computer monitor but don't want the glare and hassle of calibration, Troll Touch imbeds touch sensitive overlays into 14", 17", and 20" monitors as well as laptop computer LCD screens. Currently, touch screens only support up to 15" monitors and require recalibration anytime they are removed from the monitor. Two problems have been present in laptop computer touch screen technology. First, the user was unable to close the laptop with the touch screen attached. Second, securing the touch screen on a monitor that is opened and closed constantly required far more Velcro than there was space to accommodate.

H.K. EyeCan Ltd. has introduced the next step in eye tracking technology. The Visionkey can be used as a stand alone communication system or interfaced with the computer for full keyboard emulation. Consisting only of an eyeglass mounted camera, virtual monitor, and interface box, the Visionkey is lightweight, easy to use, and totally portable.

For more information on any of the above products, contact your local ATRC or call Ed Salisbury at (302) 739-6885.