Guide: Access Technology, a Review of Computer Adaptive Technology for People with Disabilities: New Horizons Un-Limited

Guides: Access Technology - A Review of Computer Adaptive Technology

The purpose of this guide is to provide information for people with disabilities who are 18 to 59 years of age, and does not necessarily offer information specifically for the elderly.

New Horizons Un-limited assumes no responsibility in guaranteeing the services, programs or conditions as described. If you are interested in a resource listed below, call or contact the resource to verify the current situation. Evaluate information and make your own decisions when using this review.

Access Technology - A Review of Computer Adaptive Technology

(Updated August 31, 2016

This guide, written by New Horizons Un-Limited staff, reviews computer access solutions by locating and reviewing computer hardware, software and related technologies designed for the specific needs of people with disabilities. Our vision is to bring about awareness within the community of the benefits technologies have to offer them and increase the number of people with disabilities accessing technologies.

The following adaptive computer equipment is used by various computer training centers for people with disabilities.

Trackballs

These trackballs center the ball on the device. This positioning is the most applicable for people with certain disabilities.
The shapes work for left- and right- handed users and all hand sizes.

Logitech Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
6505 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, CA 94555
(800) 231-7717 Sales
(510) 795-8500 Main

Trackman Marble US$29.95
Includes free download of software to enhance the use of this trackball.

System Requirements

PC

Windows7 and up

USB or PS/2 port

MAC

Mac OS X 10.5 or later

USB
Ambidextrous trackball design, broad palm area and gentle curves keeps your hand comfortable and supported all day—whether you use your right or left hand.
Stable base, your hand stays comfortable all day long.
Convenient button controls, buttons let you easily move forward and backward when you're surfing the Web.
Fingertip-based control, you’ll enjoy fast, accurate cursor movement with just a move of your finger.
Visit Logitech's website and use the search bar at the top right hand corner, or use the products tab.

Kensington Technology Group
800-535-4242

Orbit Optical Trackball US$29.99

System Requirements

PC and Mac compatible, Compatible with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS

All-day comfort
Less desk space than a mouse
Optical technology delivers superior precision cleaning required
Ambidextrous design for left or right-handed users
USB connection delivers instant plug and play use

Pretorian Technologies LTD
n-Abler Trackball US$350

The n-Abler Trackball is an adaptable trackball designed to address the needs of computer users with limited hand control, motor skill difficulties, poor hand-eye coordination, lack of manual dexterity and involuntary muscle spasms. PS2 and USB compatible.

Touch screens

Touch Screens Inc.
445 N. 1660 West Circle
St. George, Utah 84770
435-673-5455
800-753-2441

Touch screens

Installs, works and acts like a mouse. Select and move words and objects simply by touching. The mouse can be used at the same time. Attaches to most computer monitors for touch screen input. Also operates from the desk top as a graphics table for drawing, tracing and touch pad input.

Touch Window

Provides touch screen monitors size ranging 4" to 82"
Prices range from $400 to $13,000
Optional Protective Overlay-Sheets (10 sets acetate) US$20
Stylus Pen (quantity 10) US $20
9 to 25 pin Serial Adapter US $10
Velcro attachment

Magic Touch

13" to 15" size US$362
17" size US$374
19"-21" size US385
Hanging clip attachment or velcro

For more information on touchscreen visit TouchWindows Website and search by category, or sear the google search tool located in the upper left corner.

Screen Maginifier, Screen Readers

ZoomText is the most popular as it is easy to use. The cost is high, however, it is used in many computer-training centers. This software reads text from any Windows application.

AiSquared
130 Taconic Business Park RD
Manchester Center, VT 05255
(802) 362-3612
Fax: (802) 362-1670

There are two versions available - ZoomText Magnifier, which will enlarge and enhance everything on your computer screen with perfect clarity, making all of your applications easy to see and use; and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, which includes all the great features of ZoomText Magnifier, and will additionally read aloud anything on your computer screen. Sit back as email, documents, and webpages are read aloud to you right through your computer's speakers, letting you relax your eyes even more.

Head Pointers

Zygo Industries, Inc.
Customer Support Department
31805 Temecula Parkway, Suite 162
Temecula, CA 92592
(888) 321-6006
zygo@zygo-usa.com

AD-1, 2 and 3 Standard Pointer US$245.00

These head-worn pointers represent a significant design advancement in providing efficient pointing from a psychologically and cosmetically sound perspective: the chin. AD Head Pointers have also just been upgraded to include a brand new tip so they can be used with iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, as well as other touch screen tablets including Android and all other AAC dynamic display devices.

The AD-1 Standard Pointer * is fully adjustable; capable of being individually fitted to head sizes from 20-25 inches in circumference.
The AD-2 "Tiny Tot" Pointer has all the characteristics of the AD-1, but is specially sized for small heads from 17-20 inches in circumference. The headband has a rear strap adjustment and the yoke assembly is sized for smaller heads.
The AD-3 Standard Pointer (with rear strap closure) is a "gap filler" between the AD-1 and AD-2.

Speech Recognition Software

Speech Recognition Software Programs are not necessarily used in computer training lab settings as it takes time for the user to learn the program and the program to recognize the individual voice. Training the program to understand nuances in an individual's pronunciation takes too much time in the lab setting. These programs are best used on the personal computer. Speech Recognition Programs often cost more and require larger RAM, faster processors and hard drive space. When using speech recognition programs, get a high quality headset and plug it into the sound card in the back of the computer rather than in the microphone jack on the front.

Scan Soft Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred 8 or 9 by Nuance Communications

Speech recognition software that can be used for dictating, editing, surfing the Internet, creating letters and e-mails, but also can control applications. Dragon is pretty comprehensive, but is limited to Windows application. The application will learn dialog quickly or can analyze your style of writing to learn your speech quickly. Headset with microphone is included. Connect microphone to external microphone port rather than internal. Dragon Naturally Speaking is a popular speech recognition software. For more information, contact Nuance Communications, Inc. from the link above.