Vol. 7, No. 1 Winter 1999	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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What's New at Closing the Gap

by Ed Salisbury, AT Specialist, Kent County ATRC

The annual Closing the Gap Conference is now just a memory, leaving two AT Specialists with a wealth of knowledge and an overwhelming stack of product literature. Mike Meyreles and I attended the week-long conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota to learn about the latest and greatest in assistive technology. After recovering from a week of "technology overload," I thought it only proper to share with the readers of The AT Messenger a few of the new and exciting products available for people with physical disabilities.

Several products have been added to the long list of on-screen, or virtual, keyboards available to those who cannot access the standard computer keyboard. On-screen keyboards, especially for Windows, have traditionally lacked customization capabilities. The REACH Interface Author from Applied Human Factors and Clicker 3 from Crick Software take virtual keyboards to a new level. Both applications require a Windows95 computer with a sound card. As implied in the REACH software's title, these programs more closely resemble authoring environments than simply a method for alternate keyboard access. For example, key locations on the virtual keyboards can easily be rearranged, sized, and even linked to other grids of key locations. With the ability to easily add graphics, sounds, and commands, grids can be created not only for computer access, but for augmentative communication and literacy development as well. Each program contains software- based speech synthesizers that work with the computer's sound card to provide high quality speech output. Features of both applications include a single switch scanning option as well as direct selection with a mouse or mouse alternative, while leaving the standard keyboard active for others who may need to use the computer. For poor spellers and slow typists, word completion and abbreviation expansion are included with the REACH software. Both products range in price from $200 to $300.

For those who want access to the computer but are unable to use the keyboard and mouse, EyeTech Digital Systems has introduced the Quick Glance System. The Quick Glance System allows total mouse access to Windows95 and any Windows95 application simply through eye movement. A small camera mounted on the computer's monitor tracks the eye to determine where the user is looking, and the system moves the mouse pointer accordingly. When one is ready to make a selection that would usually be accomplished through mouse click, he or she uses a slow eye blink or activates an external switch. Text input can be achieved using one of the many voice dictation programs or an on-screen keyboard like those mentioned earlier in this article.

Many people who have wanted a touch sensitive display on their 17" monitors have had no other choice but to purchase a new monitor modified with a touch sensitive membrane or spend a considerable amount of money having their monitor similarly equipped. Educational Technology Associates has introduced a touch screen similar to Edmark's TouchWindow called the Magic Touch. The Magic Touch is available for monitors as small as 13" and as large as 17". Prices for this item range from $200 to $300 depending on platform and monitor size.

Intellitools has introduced a new age appropriate software program for teenagers developed by Inclusive Technology, UK. The SwitchIt! Arcade Adventure combines arcade-like graphics and sounds into a single switch accessible activity. With five levels of game play ranging from cause and effect to true arcade game play, the software is suitable for people with a variety of abilities and cognitive levels. This $50 CD ROM game for Macintosh and Windows can provide hours of entertainment for teenagers with disabilities and their peers as well.

Texas Team Captures AbleNet's Inclusion Award

During the Closing the Gap (CTG) Conference, AbleNet recognized Candy Justa and "Team Heather" for creative inclusion practices surrounding Heather, a three-year-old with severe and profound physical and cognitive disabilities. In seeing the staff's determination to include all students in every activity, Heather's classmates also have enthusiastically taken steps to provide Heather with the right equipment for their many activities together.

In earning AbleNet's fourth Inclusion Award, Justa's school received a $500 gift certificate for AbleNet products and $500 cash toward attending the CTG Conference.

AbleNet is seeking applicants for their 1999 Inclusion Award. Teams can self-nominate or be nominated by other teachers and parents for outstanding creative use of simple technology to effectively achieve stated goals and impact the quality of life for those involved. In 1999, three teams (of two or more persons) will be recognized for their efforts with AbleNet gift certificates. The first place winner will receive financial support to attend the CTG Conference. For more information contact: Shirley Thompson

AbleNet, Inc.

1081 Tenth Avenue SE

Minneapolis, MN 55414

800-322-0956 in US and Canada

612-379-9143 (Fax)

http://www.ablenetinc.com/

Customer Service@ablenetinc.com