From: Kelly Pierce
Subject: computer user network news
or on cassette tape, or in Braille) to Cindy Brown at Blind Service
Association. The
deadline for the next issue is Wednesday, August 6, 1997 at noon. This is
soon, but we
know you can do it! The newsletter cannot come out on time unless you get
your articles
in.
Then, on the evening of August 6th, we will have our first meeting of
the re-
constituted All-Write team. We hope you'll join us if you have ideas for the
newsletter
and/or talents to lend us.
By the way, we're still looking for editors for FYI. We're happy to
announce that Nate
Branson has answered the call for editor of Personal Profiles. We will look
forward to his
contributions.--Cindy Brown, editor.
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THE RIGHT STUFF: HOW TO CHOOSE ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Part Two
by Kelly Pierce
In my last article, I explained why adaptive technology (AT) users need
to be
informed consumers. I suggested that end users consider the strengths of
their support
system and use a team to help in making a technology decision. I suggested,
further, that
it is best to find the simplest solution and to approach the technology issue
in a general way.
Blind persons and those with other disabilities should constantly ask
questions about how
the technology will work for them, no matter who pays the bill. They need to
make sure
it fits them.
But, how is that done? By simply asking yourself, the team (described
in the
previous article), other users, and the equipment vendors questions and
continuing to ask
until there is a satisfactory answer. Here are some questions a consumer
should ask to
make sure a device will help accomplish the desired goals.
Are there any limitations or risks? Users often see the benefit of AT,
but don't
bother looking at the other side. While the AT may help you do what you want
to do, it
may also limit other aspects of your life. For example, a user is
considering purchasing an
adapted laptop computer to write letters and reports, access the Internet,
and translate
material into formatted braille. He should also know that laptop computers
are delicate,
break down regularly, have a shorter life span, and cost much more than
desktops. While
it may improve productivity by permitting work to be done in transit or in
many locations,
the repair problems could cause added expense and lack of access. Does that
mean a
laptop is not a good product? Not at all, it just means that the user will
need to measure
the pluses and the minuses. Maybe he will want to have a good desktop
computer before
buying a laptop. Perhaps he might buy a Braille 'n Speak, which is
lightweight, solid, and
reliable. However, using a Braille 'n Speak requires being quite familiar
with Braille. This
does not make it a bad product, but, like most AT, has its limitations for
some users.
Is it comfortable to use? Have you ever worn a shirt a half-size too
small? If you
have, when it was time to wear it again, you probably thought twice about it.
If there was
another clean shirt in your closet, the small one would just sit there. The
same applies to
any AT you use. If it is not comfortable, you will eventually discard it.
Better to speak up
during the assessment process than wait until it's over and the device is in
the closet, and
you're no closer to your goal than before you started.
May I have a trial period to see if it works for me? Let the buyer
beware. Don't
get caught in the trap of thinking you have to purchase the device outright
before you know
you can operate it. Insist on a trial period. Most reputable vendors will
allow you to rent
the device for a month or two and then apply the rental payments toward the
purchase.
Others have a 30-60 day return policy on the device if it does not work for
you. And
before deciding on any device and taking it home, spend some time with
it--hands on. This
means using the product yourself, not just observing someone else using it,
for an extended
period such as 90 minutes. Try doing the things you would likely do with the
product, not
just some highly refined test. For example, try writing and editing a
business letter with a
Screen reader. Then try using several other similar products in this way as
a comparison.
It's not uncommon for a person to be able to use a device in a computer
lab, but not
be able to adapt it to the real world. You may find that the speech and
braille equipment
may work flawlessly in a demonstration, but it can't be used on your job or
with the other
equipment that you purchased. Compatibility problems are common. It's not
until you try
it in the real world that you can be sure the device will work for you.
Training considerations. Is it ready to use? Imagine this. A user
receives his
adaptive technology. The box is dropped off and the delivery person leaves.
The user did
not ask about setup procedures or support. He gets as far as opening the
box, but he
doesn't know how to set the device up. By asking this question ahead of
time, a user can
eliminate these problems once the device arrives.
This scene is played out most often when consumers buy AT primarily on
the basis
of price. While saving money is important, consumers who put much of their
energy into
aggressively seeking a competitive price may not realize that setup,
installation, basic
training, and initial customer support are as important in getting the
product to work for
them as the benefits of the product itself. So, consider price as just one
of many factors to
think about. Also, inform yourself about the track record of the
manufacturer and dealer.
The cheapest price may have its tradeoffs. Consider these when confronting a
slight
difference in price.
What skills do I need to learn? Let's suppose a blind student decides
that a specific
computer and software package are just what he needs to help him benefit from
his
educational program. However, he doesn't know how to touch type. He will
need many
skills before the device really helps.
How does it work? The device you are trying out may seem simple enough
to use,
but it may have taken the evaluator three days to program it so that you
could use it. Ask
about setup, what you will need to know about it, what other functions it
has, and how you
can access them.
What about training? Will the person who conducts the assessment also
provide your
training? Do you have a good rapport with him? Will the training come from
the sales
representative? Is there a 24-hour support line available should you need
it? How long
will that be available to you? Are training tapes included as part of the
purchase price?
If not, where could one get them? What do other end users think about their
quality? Is
the manual available on cassette or in braille? If not, how will you learn
how to use some
of the basic functions of the product?
Some screen reader companies produce information on how to use their
products
only in print and on computer diskette. Disk manuals can be very helpful,
providing in-
depth information. However, blind end users have difficulty getting started
with the
product, when the product itself is required to read the disk or the printed
material in order
to learn to use it.
Is training included in the purchase price? Wow! What a shock to learn
you're
responsible for training, when you assumed it was included in the price!
Unfortunately,
sometimes it's not.
Also, decide who needs training. Certainly the user will need it, but
what about
others? Teachers, supervisors, computer department people, family members,
co-workers,
and roommates are just a few examples of others who may need to know the
device as well
as or better than the user.
Access Considerations. Where can I use this adaptive technology? Think
about what
uses you have for a specific device. If you will use it in multiple
settings, how well will it
travel? Is there room for it in the different locations? If it's noisy,
will it disturb others
around you? Will it need to be reprogrammed to accommodate the different
settings? If
so, who will do that? An external speech synthesizer, offering greater
mobility than an
internal one, may present compatibility problems when it is used with certain
kinds of
hardware, such as scanners. You don't know things like this unless you ask.
Is it bulky?or heavy? Imagine all the settings you will be using the
device in and
consider how portable it really needs to be.
Can I use it indoors and out? Climate changes can affect how a device works.
If you will
be operating the device at an outdoor newsstand and it starts to rain you may
need to be
concerned about this issue. Ask!
What is the battery life? Battery life is a HUGE issue when considering
AT. If you
don't stop to ask this question PRIOR to the purchase, you may have a
non-functioning
device when you need it. If the device requires recharging after every three
hours of use,
and you will use it twice that amount of time, you'll need to carry extra
batteries. Batteries
eventually wear out. Find out how soon you will need new ones.
Can you plug it in, and is there a power source where you want to use
it? You can
often conserve battery life by "plugging in." So, think about the places you
can hook your
AT to an electric outlet. To conserve battery life, you may need to sit next
to the wall
outlet in the classroom.
Finally, it's important to remember that often the best technology
solution is a simple
technology solution. Prior to purchasing any device, consider how additional
training or
environmental adaptations can meet your needs.
In the next installment I will discuss consultation resources,
guarantees and
warranties, maintenance and repair, rental/lease plans, and economic
considerations. Join
me then.
(Kelly Pierce is the Disability Specialist at the Cook County State's
Attorney's Office.
He assists witnesses and victims who have disabilities in navigating the
criminal court
system. He is also the coordinator of the Computer Network's Lynx Squad.)
--------
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
submitted by Anna Byrne
Dedicated to the technologically challenged:
1. Computers are not intelligent--they only think they are ...
2. Windows: just another pane in the glass!
3. The definition of an upgrade: Take old bugs out, put new ones in.
4. My software never has bugs; it just develops ... random features.
5. I hit the control key, but I'm still not in control!
--------
FYI
The National Braille Press has just come out with the Braille edition of
The Ten-
Minute Guide to Windows 95 (3 volumes) $13.99. NBP's Al Gayzagian in the
introduction,
"We have added some extra value to the Braille edition by describing the
screens as
well as writing keyboard commands for most mouse commands. But not all. We
give you
enough information to help you figure out how to perform many of the actions
yourself."
Other technology-related NBP materials include, Windows from the
Keyboard,
WordPerfect 6.0 Reference Card, The AltaVista Search Revolution, 1997 Blind
Community
E-mail Directory, The Computer Braille Code Made Easy, Quick Start with Lynx,
Braille
Labels for Disks, etc. For further information, and/or to get on the mailing
list, contact the
National Braille Press Inc., 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, Ma 02115.
(800) 548-7323
E-mail: orders@nbp.org
www: http://www.nbp.org
The following radio and TV shows may be of interest to our readers:
Sundays--11:00 AM, "TV.com," ABC, channel 7 in Chicago;
Sundays--3:30 PM, "Life on the Internet," Channel 20 in Chicago;
Sundays--4:00 PM, "Computer Chronicles," Channel 20 in Chicago;
Tuesdays--9:00 PM, "Real Computing," WDCB, 90.5-FM, Glen Ellyn;
Fridays--8:30 PM, "Computer Chronicles," Channel 20, Chicago;
Saturdays--2:00 PM, "CNN Computer Connection," CNN (Cable News Network).
--------
TREASURES
Planning on upgrading to a Pentium and wishing for a home for your 486?
Got a Braille 'N' Speak classic you aren't using any more? an old
synthesizer? an out-of-
date, beginner-ready copy of a computer tutorial?
List what you've got in the Treasures column, the Computer Network's home
for
wonderful things that their current owners have used and loved and don't need
any more!
Anna Byrne is your contact person. You can reach her by leaving your name and
phone
number on the BSA voice-mail line, and be sure to indicate you want to speak
to Anna
Byrne. That number is: 312-458-9006.
FOR SALE:
TYPE 'N SPEAK IN EXCELLENT CONDITION (1995 VERSION) WITH
CASSETTE MANUAL; $1,000.00 or best offer.
and
Braille copy of JOB ACCESS WITH SPEECH, version 2 (1991 edition), 2
volumes;
$10.00 or best price.
For either item, contact Marc Marino,
e-mail: london@ripco.com
phone: (708) 730-1984.
--------
DATES TO REMEMBER!
All meetings take place at BSA's offices at 22 West Monroe in Chicago.
Thurs., July 24, 1997, 6:00-8:00--Computers for Dummies (presentation
or
beginners); ninth floor.
Thurs., July 31, 1997, 6:00-7:30--open house for new members; ninth
floor.
Sat., Aug. 2, 1997, 10:00-12:30--seminar: Don Davia (Department of Human
Services)
on his agency's responsibilities for adaptive technology, including how the
laws have
changed, student issues regarding technology, responsibilities for job
accomodations and
retention; ninth floor (all are urged to attend).
Wed., Aug. 6, 1997, noon--deadline for newsletter articles! eleventh
floor, c/o Cindy
Brown.
Wed., Aug. 6, 1997, 5:30-7:30--All-Write (newsletter) meeting; ninth
floor; (for all
who have ideas about and want to help out in any way with this newsletter).
Wed., Aug. 13, 1997, 5:30-7:30--cognoscentae (governing board) meeting;
ninth floor
(all welcome).
Thurs., Aug. 14, 1997, 6:00-8:00--Lynx squad meeting; ninth floor.
Thurs., Aug. 28, 1997, 6:00-8:00--Computers for Dummies (presentation
or
beginners); ninth floor.
Thurs., Sept. 4, 1997, 6:00-7:30--open house for new members; ninth
floor.
Sat., Sept. 6, 1997, 10:00-12:30--seminar: Henter Joyce presentation of
Windows 95;
ninth floor (all are urged to attend).
Wed., Sept. 10, 1997, 5:30-7:30--cognoscentae (governing board) meeting;
ninth floor
(all welcome).
Thurs., Sept. 11, 1997, 6:00-8:00--Lynx Squad meeting; ninth floor.
---
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