Buying a new computer for your organization, business, or classroom?

Suggestions for an ADA accessible computer workstation.

This computer workstation is accessible to individuals with visual, physical and reading disabilities.

COMPUTER Windows compatible computer and printer with current operating system (Windows XP), common office software (Microsoft Office) and internet access. The monitor must be at least 21 inches to support computer users with vision impairments who use screen enlargement software. External speakers for hearing impaired users. Minimum specifications: Processor: Pentium 4 Memory: 256 MB DDR SDRAM or more Monitor: 21 inch or larger Hard Drive: 40 GB or larger CD-ROM drive, modem or network connection, keyboard, mouse, printer

$1,199

Example: Gateway 500S with 21 inch monitor, Microsoft Office, sound system and speakers, expansion slots, modem

ALTERNATIVE KEYBOARD IntelliKeys™ is an alternative keyboard that provides a means of physical, visual, and cognitive access to the computer for people with a wide range of disabilities. To use the IntelliKeys™, simply choose the proper cable and plug IntelliKeys™ directly into the keyboard port of a Macintosh or PC-compatible computer. Slide in an overlay and you’re up and running. Each standard overlay has a bar code that is instantly recognized by IntelliKeys™. This alternative keyboard allows individuals with disabilities to easily type, enter numbers, navigate onscreen displays, and execute menu commands. People who use switches to access the computer can choose from two built-in programmable switch jacks. IntelliKeys™ works with all software.

$395 Example: IntelliKeys™ Classic w/6 overlays

If the software runs with a regular keyboard or mouse, it will work with IntelliKeys™. Six keyguards for the Intellikeys™ Classic can be purchased separately for $250.

ALTERNATIVE MOUSE The Penny & Giles Trackball Plus is an easy, comfortable alternative input device for individuals who find the mouse or trackpad difficult to use. The Plus series offers more adaptive controls with buttons for click and drag, double click, drag, horizontal/vertical movement and cursor speed control. Requires only 2 1/4 oz. pressure for the buttons. The trackball is 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

$415

SCREEN ENLARGEMENT AND SCREEN READING SOFTWARE ZoomText Xtra is an easy to use software program that magnifies the display of word processors, spreadsheets, databases, on-line services and more on the computer screen. Powerful zoom windows let you configure the screen. Select a full-screen zoom window to maximize the viewing area, or a partial-screen zoom window to see the normal screen and it’s magnified view simultaneously. Up to six zoom windows can be displayed at the same time, each monitoring a different area of the screen. Magnify your screen from 2x to 20x.

$595

ZoomText Xtra, Level 2 provides complete access to Windows programs and is a fully integrated magnifier and screen reader. Designed especially for low-vision screen reading, it speaks all Windows components, echoes typing and speaks multi-page documents. If you are choosing to use a laptop, please note that sound cards on laptop computers are often incompatible with Zoomtext Xtra and voice activation software. Avoid incompatibility problems by selecting a laptop that has a soundcard identified as compatible with the software. The vendor or the manual will make such recommendations. Zoomtext Xtra is compatible with the desktop system recommended. NOTE: ZoomText Xtra is an easy to learn product that will meet the needs of individuals with vision impairments. However, until Level III of ZoomText Xtra is available, an individual who is blind will need access to a screenreader (see the following description for JAWS ).

JAWS FOR WINDOWS 95/98/ME & XP HOME JAWS for Windows works with your PC to provide access to today’s software applications and the Internet. With its internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays, providing unmatched Braille support of any screen reader on the market. A training tutorial is included. JAWS supports Internet Explorer with special features: links lists, frames lists, forms mode, reading HTML tables and graphic labels and more.	$850
VOICE ACTIVATION SOFTWARE Dragon Naturally Speaking 6 Preferred allows individuals with physical disabilities and other who want to increase their productivity by using voice activation software. Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred allows the user to use the computer completely hands free by eliminating the need to use the keyboard or mouse when operating most DOS and Windows-based applications such as word processors, databases, financial packages, online services and spreadsheets. Naturally Speaking Preferred 6.0 lets you launch programs, edit and format text files and perform commands. This software requires Microsoft Internet Explorer		$164
5.0 or higher and comes with a ScanSoft-approved noise-canceling headset microphone. Training and support are available through your regional Assistive Technology Access Site.
AN ACCESSIBLE DESK The Pneumatic Lift Height Adjustable Workstation easily adjusts to a comfortable seated height for all ages and sizes with the touch of a paddle. The workstation features a pneumatically adjustable keyboard and top shelf for your convenience. The keyboard adjusts from 20-3/4" - 28-1/2"; the top shelf adjusts from 24-3/4" - 32-1/2". The keyboard also slides in and out for comfort. Other features include a security rail for equipment safety, an adjustable left or right CPU holder and casters for mobility. Easy assembly. Overall 32-1/2"H x 31-1/2"W x 31-1/2"D. Top shelf 31-1/2"W x 19-3/4"D. Desks of this type are available in many office furniture supply stores.	$269

The following items make all print material in your setting accessible to individuals with vision impairment or reading difficulties.

SVGA/CCTV The Optelec ClearView 317 is an integrated video magnifier with a custom designed 17 inch monitor that sits securely and tilts for comfortable reading. The table is large enough to accommodate a large book or magazine, and includes wrist rests to reduce fatigue. The front controls are activated with the thumbs and fingers so the user does not have to take his hands off the table when reading. The table has a brake that can lock the table in place to

$1,895

make writing easier. The controls includes instant focus, fingertip zoom, location marker (to help users find their place on the page) and photo, reading, and reverse reading modes.

OPEN BOOK UNBOUND

Reading software that accepts input from a scanner, allowing the user to listen to printed documents read out loud. Scan single page letters or bills for immediate reading, or scan entire manuals or books in batch mode, and save for reading later. With recognition accuracy up to 99.9%, Open Book Unbound is able to read typewritten, typeset, laser print, draft and letter quality dot matrix, and other computer print. As words are “spoken they are highlighted on the monitor for those with reading disabilities. Open Book Unbound is not compatible with some scanners. To avoid compatibility problems, select a scanner that is recommended by Open Book Unbound.

Open Book software: $995

HP scanner: $299

DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer: $995

For more information, contact your Assistive Technology Access Site at:

800-KAN DO IT (526-3648)