AT Focus A Publication for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Form the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University Volume 8, Issue 1 - Fall 2005 In this Issue page 1 On Screen Keyboards and Word Prediction page 2 Glossary, Web Contest page 3 WiViK 3.0, OnScreen with CrossScanner page 4 ScreenDoors 2000 & MagicCursor, WordQ, Co:Writer 4000 page 5 EZ Keys, Gus Word Prediction, DyslexiWrite page 6 Demo Diary, Fall Mini-Series, Related Websites page 7 New Local Branches, Contact PIAT On-Screen Keyboards and Word Prediction An on-screen keyboard, as its name would suggest, is an image of a keyboard on the computer screen. To use the keyboard, the computer user moves the pointer to a key using a mouse, touchscreen, trackball, or other pointing device, and then clicks to make a selection. For those who cannot click, some on-screen keyboards have a "dwell" feature. Many on-screen keyboards can be resized, moved around on the screen, or customized with colors. Some allow the user to change the arrangement of keys on the keyboard, and some include word prediction and/or speech output. Computer users are already familiar with on- screen input because we often click on commands on-screen to make selections for other functions on the computer. Word prediction software reduces the number of keystrokes needed to type words and sentences. As characters are entered by using a keyboard (either standard, alternative, or on-screen), a list of words is suggested based on the letters that have been entered, and the user chooses the desired word. This software may be useful for anyone who has difficulty with typing or spelling, including people who are slow typists or who find typing fatiguing or painful. This issue of AT Focus showcases some on-screen keyboards and word prediction software available from PA's Assistive Technology Lending Library. An on-screen keyboard, as its name would suggest, is an image of a keyboard on the computer screen. To use the keyboard, the computer user moves the pointer to a key using a mouse, touchscreen, trackball, or other pointing device, and then clicks to make a selection. For those who cannot click, some on-screen keyboards have a "dwell" feature. Many on-screen keyboards can be resized, moved around on the screen, or customized with colors. Some allow the user to change the arrangement of keys on the keyboard, and some include word prediction and/or speech output. Computer users are already familiar with on- screen input because we often click on commands on-screen to make selections for other functions on the computer. Word prediction software reduces the number of keystrokes needed to type words and sentences. As characters are entered by using a keyboard (either standard, alternative, or on-screen), a list of words is suggested based on the letters that have been entered, and the user chooses the desired word. This software may be useful for anyone who has difficulty with typing or spelling, including people who are slow typists or who find typing fatiguing or painful. This issue of AT Focus showcases some on-screen keyboards and word prediction software available from PA's Assistive Technology Lending Library. Glossary of Terms Scanning - Items on the computer screen are highlighted, one after the other in a sequence, until the user activates a switch to make a selection. Dwell - Instead of clicking or activating a switch, the cursor stops on the chosen on-screen item, and the item is automatically chosen after a set amount of time has elapsed. Text-to-speech - The ability of a computer to convert text into spoken words. Abbreviation expansion - Pre-programmed words and/or phrases are retrieved by using one or two keystrokes. For example, "sy" could be entered as an abbreviation, and every time "sy" is typed, the software translates it into the pre- programmed message, "Sincerely yours." Web Accessibility Contest Students from Pennsylvania elementary, middle and high schools are invited to compete in the 2005-06 Web Design Contest for K-12 Schools sponsored by the Institute on Disabilities. The school with the best accessible website wins a digital video camera; winning schools in each catagory will receive a digital camera. The contest runs September 6 through December 16, 2005. For more information,Contact Ann Dolloff at800-204-7428 or adolloff@temple.edu, or visit http://adainfo.org/accessible/it. On-Screen Keyboards WiViK 3.0 The WiViK on-screen keyboard provides access to any Microsoft Windows application as an alternative to a standard computer keyboard. Any pointing device or up to six switches can be used as input. Keys are accessed by point and click or dwell selection with pointing device. Switch scanning can be configured as automatic, inverse/step or directed and pattern of scanning movement (item, row/column, quadrant). Other features are word prediction, abbreviation expansion (using integrated WordQ word prediction software) and speech output. Scanning keyboard layouts include commands that apply scanning to menus, scroll bars, resizing and moving windows, menu selection, and cursor position. Supports Windows NT, 2000 and XP. A free 30-day demonstration version is available at www.wivik.com/downloads/downloads.html. Inventory Code: CA-SW-WIVIK; Cost: $400; Prentke Romich Company (US Distributor), 800-262-1933, info@prentrom.com, http://www.prentrom.com OnScreen with CrossScanner OnScreen has many features. The word prediction feature allows sort options, the ability to add words from external files, and save different word lists. Visual enhancements include Zoom Key, which magnifies the key being pointed to, and Highlight Key, which highlights the key pointed to for additional feedback. There are text-to-speech options, which include audio feedback, repeat, and speak word typed (upon word completion). The keyboard and key functions can be rearranged. Other options include dwell capability and programmable keystroke macros. Keyboard layouts include ABCD, QWERTY, DVORAK (3 kinds), and over 40 international styles. CrossScanner is the software that scans through the OnScreen keyboard so that the user can operate the computer with a switch interface. This software can also be customized, with features such as acceleration through the IconWindow, toggle FingerScan direction, speed controls, scan area settings, active window scan, and numerous other options. A standard four-function calculator with memory is also included, and information from the calculator can be sent right into the current document or field. OnScreen with CrossScanner works with Windows 95 or higher, and uses minimal system resources. Inventory Code: CA-SW-KEY; Cost: $200; IMG, Inc.: 800-889-0987, sales@imgpresents.com, http://www.imgpresents.com(free demo download available). ScreenDoors 2000, Magic Cursor ScreenDoors' key features include a resizeable keyboard with alternate layouts, word prediction, and the ability to "float" over all other Windows programs. There are over 100 options for customization, including scanning and dwelling. Magic Cursor enables the user to perform all mouse button actions by dwelling, and is completely adjustable. ScreenDoors 2000 and Magic Cursor are both available from the Lending Library, but must be borrowed as part of the Tracker 2000 bundle. Use with Windows 98 or higher. The software is available for sale separately. Inventory Code: HW-TRACK; Cost: $1700; Madentec: 877-623-3682, sales@madentec.com, www.madentec.com (free demos available). WordQ WordQ is word prediction software that is used along with standard word processing software to provide assistance with spelling, grammar, and reading. The text-to-speech feature can be used to echo typing by letter, word, or sentence. There is also a text-reading mode, where text can be highlighted and spoken word-by-word. WordQ can be used with Windows 95 or higher. Inventory Code: CA-SW-WORDQ; Cost: $170; Quillsoft Ltd. 866-629-6737, mailto:admin@quillsoft.ca, www.wordq.com (free 30-day trial available). Word Prediction Software Co: Writer 4000 Co:Writer is used in conjunction with word processing software. As soon as the user begins typing, Co:Writer combines spelling, grammar rules, context clues, user history and letter cues to provide grammatically correct word choices. The FlexSpell feature accommodates users who spell words as they sound, and the word list will reflect the correct spelling. In addition to the standard dictionary, there are also topic dictionaries that provide vocabulary specific to different topics. By using the Topic Dictionary Toolkit, teachers (or users) can create their own topic dictionaries related to curriculum or current events. The background and text colors in the Co:Writer window can also be changed to accommodate the needs of the user, and there are also settings for text-to-speech output. Co:Writer 4000 can be used with Windows 95 or higher, and Mac OS 7.6.1 and higher. Inventory Code: CA-SW-COWRW; Cost: $290; Don Johnston Incorporated: 800- 999-4660, info@donjohnston.com, http://www.donjohnston.com EZ Keys EZ Keys is designed as a speech output tool for computer users who cannot speak, but it can also be used by speaking users who need adapted computer access. When a user begins typing a word, EZ Keys displays the six most frequently used words beginning with those letters, and the user selects a word from the list. The program also learns the user's word patterns and displays the last six words used in conjunction with the previous word, so a selection can be made from that list. The vocabulary can be modified to include new words. There is also an abbreviation expansion feature. The Lending Library's version has voice output, but a "no voice" version is also available from the company. EZ Keys can be used with Windows 95 or higher. Inventory Code: CA-SW-EZ; Cost: $1400; Words+: 800-869-8521, info@words- plus.com, http://www.words-plus.com (free demo download available). Gus Word Prediction This software was originally developed to be used for communication purposes, and therefore includes speech output. The main featuresof this program are word completion, word prediction and abbreviation expansion. Word completion means that as the user types, a list of choices is displayed based on the letters entered, and a word is selected from the list by pressing the corresponding function key (F1-F9). This program learns new words as they are typed and learns the user's vocabulary. After the user is finished entering a word, the word prediction feature displays a list of words that normally follows the word just typed, based on the user's own vocabulary. The Lending Library kit includes a Gus Mouse, a mouse that has openings to plug in one or two switches, eliminating the need for a switch interface box. Use with Windows 95 or higher. Inventory Code: CA-SW-GUS; Cost: $800; Gus Communications, Inc.: 866-487- 1006, admin@gusinc.com, http://www.gusinc.com (free demo download available). DyslexiWrite A CD containing a free, 60-day full demo version of DyslexiWrite, writing software for use by people with dyslexia, is currently available from your ATRC. This program includes features such as word suggestions, spell check, and voice output. The demo can also be downloaded from the company's website: http://www.secondguessusa.com. DyslexiWrite is coming soon to the Lending Library inventory. Demo Diary AT device demonstration available through PIAT "Guided exploration" of AT devices is available upon request by Pennsylvanians with disabilities, family members and others. These sessions will provide an opportunity to "sample" different AT devices, to discover how they work, understand the similarities and differences and how people with disablities can benefit from them at home, work or school. Contact Ann Dolloff at 800-204-7428 or at adolloff@temple.edu Registration form at http://disabilities.temple.edu Fall Mini-Series Free presentations on: Communication Through Technology and Partner Strategies Presented by Yvonne Gillette, PhD November 9, 2005 - Pittsburgh November 10, 2005 - Valley Forge Collaboration Skills for Inclusive Education Teams Presented by Patrick Anthony Schwarz, PhD December 7, 2005 - State College Session time for all locations: 9:30 am to noon. CEUs available. Registration information: Contact Mung Mei Lui 215-204-1356 (voice) / e-mail: mungmlui@temple.edu Related Websites https://www.gusinc.com/scanning.html If you are unfamiliar with the concept of scanning and switch use, this web page "Switch/Scanning Explained" gives a great one-page overview of scanning. There is also a short video showing several different kinds of switches and how they work. http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/usingkeyboard.aspx This is the link for Microsoft's tutorial for the onscreen keyboard that is included with Windows XP. http://www.lakefolks.org/cnt/ This is the website for Click-N-Type, a full-featured on-screen keyboard and word prediction program that can be downloaded for free. This is not a demo version; it is the full, freeware version. Other on-screen keyboards with free demo downloads: http://simplypowerful.com/software/keyboard31.html Website for Simple Powerful Technologies, developers of SPT Mouse Keyboard 3.1, and Keyboard 2000, both on-screen keyboards. http://www.ahf-net.com/ Website for Applied Human Factors, developers of REACH on-screen keyboard and other programs. They provide free 30-day demos of most of their programs Welcome! New Local Branches Guy & Mary Felt Manor 110 East 4th Street Emporium, PA 15894 Contact: Patty Becquet Voice: 814-486-3827 / Fax: 814-486-4857 / Email: ashwit@alltel.net County: Cameron Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital Outpatient Center 1503 Lansdowne Avenue Darby, PA 19023 Contact: Kristin Sears-Kopp Voice: 610-237-5783 / Fax: 610-237-4292 County: Delaware Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY) E-mail: atlend@temple.edu http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend Editor: Sandra McNally smcnally@temple.edu 215-204-3370 PA's Assistive Technology Lending Library is funded by the Commonwealth of PA, with partial support from the US Dept. of Education (through PA's Initiative on Assistive Technology) and through the contributions of AT vendors, manufacturers, and users of the Lending Library. This publication is available in alternate formats, by request. Items added to Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library, July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005 Inventory Code Name Loan Time (weeks) Repl. Cost Communication: Augmentative Communication AC-ADVOCATE Advocate Communication Device 8 $1,387 AC-MINAUG-PP Mini-Auggie - Point to Pictures 8 $1,610 AC-SUPAUG Super Auggie w/Boardmaker SD Pro 8 $3,584 AC-CHAT40 ChatBox 40 8 $850 AC-CHAT40-XT ChatBox 40 XT 8 $1,135 AC-DV4 DynaVox DV Series 4 8 $7,076 AC-DVXDV4-KG DynaVox DV4 Keyguard Set 8 $988 AC-MT4 Dynavox MT Series 4 8 $6,479 AC-DVXMT4-KG DynaVox MT 4 Keyguard Set 8 $520 AC-TALK iTalk 2 Communicator 8 $119 AC-LINK+ Link Plus 8 $2,605 AC-MIGHTY Mighty Mo 8 $2,995 AC-MIGHTY-KG Mighty Mo Keyguard Set 8 $520 AC-MINI-MO Mini Mo 8 $2,695 AC-MINI-MO-KG Mini Mo Keyguard Set 8 $520 AC-SAM Say-It SAM Communicator w/Words+ 8 $3,032 AC-SW-BB-MAC Communication Board-Builder for Mac, ver 3.0 8 $129 AC-SW-BB-WIN Communication Board-Builder for Win: OS Win95 or later, ver 1.3.2 8 $169 AC-SUPER SuperTalker Communication Device 8 $340 AC-ALBUM Talking Photo Album 8 $29 AC-VANTAGE Vantage w/headpointer, 15 & 45 loc, & CC 8 $6,500 Communication: Braille Notetakers NT-PK-NOTE Braille Note PK, 18 cell 4 $4,745 NT-BRAIL24 Brailliant 24 Cell Portable Braille Display w/Win-Eyes 4 $3,425 NT-BRAIL40 Brailliant 40 Cell Portable Braille Display w/Win-Eyes 4 $5,410 NT-FOCUS-40-F Focus 40 Refreshable Braille Display 4 $3,320 NT-FOCUS-80-F Focus 80 Refreshable Braille Display 4 $6,645 Communication: Notetakers NT-NEO Alphasmart NEO 6 $260 Communication: Reading: Auditory Output RD-BOOK Book Port Electronic Reading Device 4 $395 RD-PLEX Plextor PlexTalk Daisy Portable Recorder 6 $895 Communication: Reading: Magnifier: Portable CCTV RD-LAPMAG Laptop Magnifier - 15" 4 $98 RD-MAGNI-F MagniLink MLS Student CCTV Reader for WinXP & USB 2.0 required 4 $3,600 RD-READER MyReader Portable CCTV 4 $4,745 Communication: Reading: Magnifier: Stand Alone CCTV RD-APEX Aladdin Apex 17" Flat Panel CCTV 4 $2,995 Computer Access: Hardware: Alternate Mouse/Pointing System CA-EYEGZ- PORT/SD Eyegaze System, Portable with Boardmaker, LC Technologies 8 $15,650 HW-BTRACK BigTrack Trackball 6 $79 HW-LAZEE LaZee Mouse Pro Hands Free Computer Mouse 6 $1,295 HW-TRACK-PRO Tracker Pro 6 $945 Computer Access: Hardware: Portable Computer HW-TABLET Tablet PC + Win XP 6 $2,046 HW-THINK-R51 IBM Thinkpad R51 Win 2003 6 $1,544 Computer Access: Hardware/Software: Screen Magnification/Screen CA-SW-JAWS JAWS 6.0 Screen Reader, Win 95, 98, Mil, XP; preloaded by ATLL 6 $375 Computer Access: Hardware/Software: Voice Input Systems CA-SW-DRAGON- PREF8 Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred, v.8, Win CD 6 $170 CA-SW-DRAGON- PROF8 Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional, v.8, Win CD 6 $479 Control: Positioning, Mounting MT-DVX-TUSB DynaMount TUSB Quick Release Base 8 $128 Control: Switch SH-RIBBON-F Ribbon Switch #58700 by Tash 4 $90 SH-SCATIR-F SCATIR Switch Kit w/Tash Telephone & Mounting Arm Assessment Kit 4 $2,050 Education: Education Tool Kit for Inclusion ED-LoTTIE-COLOR LoTTIE Colors Kit 4 $350 ED-LoTTIE-KIDS LoTTIE Kit for Little Kids 4 $390 ED-LoTTIE-MATH LoTTIE Kit for Math 4 $385 ED-LoTTIE-PAPER LoTTIE Special Papers Kit 4 $325 House/Personal: Low Vision HP-VOICE-IT Voice-It-All Money, Voice, Color Identifier 2 $270 House/Personal: Misc. Household HP-ADALAP ADALAP Lap Desk, Tray, Rod Holder 4 $328 House/Personal: Time Management HP-12-TIMER Time Timer - 12", TT#2 4 $30 HP-8-TIMER Time Timer - 8", TT#1 4 $25 HP-PER-TIMER Time Timer - Personal, TT#4 4 $25 House/Personal: Time Management: Medication Reminders HP-MED-READY MedReady Locking Medication Dispenser 4 $155 HP-PL-ALARM Pill Box Timer-Clock w/vibrator 4 $35 House/Personal: Time Management: Palm Pilots HP-JOGGER Jogger System 4 $998 AC-MINAUG-RM Mini-Auggie - Remind Me 8 $1,610 Professional Training HP-LASER Training LaserCane & Telemetry System, Model NT-2000 4 $3,490 HT-DISPLAY Display Panel - 3-section, Table Top 2 $260 TL-LINKER TTY Linker for use with TTY's 2 $20 1