From: Kelly Pierce 
Subject: how to choose assistive technology
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.  As this article suggests,
consider price as just one of many factors when considering some
kind of AT.  Consider the past track record of the manufacturer
and dealer when getting your AT.  The cheapest price may have its
tradeoffs.  Consider these when confronting a slight difference
in price.  The difference could mean a long-lasting partnership
with an adaptive technology specialist or someone literally drops
the device on your doorstep and runs.
  
What skills do I need to learn?  
Let's suppose a user and his team decide a specific computer and
software package is just the thing to help a student benefit from
his educational program.  However, he does not know how to touch
type and has never used a computer alone before.  He will need
many skills before the device really helps.  Until that day
comes, the team needs to have alternate plans in place.  The
student needs to become proficient in using the technology.  By
asking this question, you ask the team to consider  the
technology's appropriateness and any learning curve the user may
need to get comfortable with a device.
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 set up, what you will need to know
about it, what other  functions it has and how can you access
those too.
Where do I get 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 someone 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 product 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 device is required to read the disk or the
printed material to use the product.  
Is training included in the purchase price? 
Wow, what a shock to learn you're responsible for training, when
you assumed the price included it.  Unfortunately, some don't ask
ahead of time.  
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, or better than the user.
Access Considerations.
Where can I use the AT?  
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 there?  Is it noisy?  Will it disturb others
around you?  Will it need to be reprogrammed to use it in
different settings?  Who will do that?  Will that limit the use? 
An external speech synthesizer offers greater flexibility.  You
can stash it in a backpack and use a friend's computer as well as
your own.  However, their might be compatibility problems when it
is used with certain kinds of hardware, such as scanners.  You
doesn't know things like this unless you ask.  
Is it bulky?  
A device that works well in a stationary setting, may be just
fine, unless you need to lug it to the library twice a week. 
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 or out?  
How does moisture affect functioning?    
Climate changes can affect how a device works.  If you will be
operating the device at the bus stand 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, obviously get extra batteries.  But if
you don't ask, you won ' know.  Batteries eventually wear out. 
Find out how soon you will need new ones.
If powered, can you plug it in, or 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.  For example, consider sitting next to the
wall outlet when you take a laptop to class.  You will have more
battery life for times when no outlet is convenient.
Repair and Maintenance.
Is it reliable?  
The best place to get this information is to ask other users. 
They have experience with the device, its quirkiness, features
and reliability.  To find other users, contact the Blind Computer
User Network or join an e-mail discussion list.  There are more
then 70 blindness-related mailing lists on the Internet.  For a
list of these with descriptions, go to
http://www.hicom.net/~oedipus/blist.html.  to obtain this list by
electronic mail, send an e-mail message to
listserv@malestrom.stjohns.edu and leave the subject line blank. 
In the body of the message type:  get blist info.  This file is
more than 200 kilobytes in size.  For just an index or listing of
all the mailing lists, send an e-mail message to the address
above with the command "get blist short"  
Some blindness organizations offer product reviews.  For example,
the National Federation of the Blind (410-659-9314) offers many
product reviews on a floppy disk for $5.  Whatever you do, state
clearly that you want to find someone who has used the device. 
Remember that the vendors and manufacturers sell products. 
Consequently, this makes them not necessarily candid resources
about product reliability.  In my next article, I will present
some questions to ask and points to consider in choosing an
adaptive technology specialist, vendor, or dealer.
What is the life expectancy?  
Nothing lasts forever and at some point your AT will reach the
end of its natural life.  Knowing the life expectancy of a device
will help you decide if it's time to repair or replace the
device.  Funding sources should also be aware that eventually
replacing the device is far more cost effective or efficient than
repairing it.
What is average use?  
All technology has a lifespan.  Not all devices can be used
constantly. Find out what the manufacturer considers an average
amount of use for the device.  For example, you plan to purchase
a device and anticipate using it eight hours a day.  However,
average use is an hour a day.  The device is going to wear out
much quicker than usual.  Again, if you don't ask, you don't
know.  ASK!
What does the guarantee/warranty cover?  
Some manufacturers provide a  bumper-to-bumper  warranty, others
provide a sort of "cash and carry/as is" coverage for their
device.  Finding out what the guarantee/warranty covers after the
purchase, is too late.  Remember to ask and read the fine print. 
Stores and dealers are required to read every word of contracts,
purchase agreements and warranties to consumers with print
impairments, including the blind.  It is your right under law
(including the ADA and local accessibility ordinances) to receive
this accommodation.  You will not get it unless you ask!
What is the service record of 
the manufacturer/vendor?  
Again, to be a good self advocate, you must check the
sales/service record of the manufacturer and vendor of the
device.  You could find a device that works very well for you,
but unfortunately, other users have had nothing but problems with
the vendor's reliability with follow-up and regular maintenance. 
Unless you ask other people who have worked with them, you don't
know.  
Is repair service convenient?  
Find out where the device will need to go for maintenance and
repair.  If you need to send it to outer Mongolia, it's going to
take a long time to get there and get back.  Perhaps another
device can do the same job and repairs will be closer.  Also,
find out if the vendor has loaner equipment available while your
device is in the shop.
What is considered regular maintenance? 
You may be able to perform some of the maintenance yourself. 
Other maintenance may need specialized training.  Interpoint
braille embossers sound wonderful until the end user learns that
unlike single-sided braille printers, these require regular
cleaning by someone who can take the device apart and put it back
together again.  Apparently so much paper dust is generated that
the braille appears distorted and hard to read.  Find out what
kind of maintenance your device needs and to prolong the life of
the device, follow the directions carefully.
Financial.
Financial issues often scare people away from devices.  They
think, "I'd love to have that, but I could never afford it." 
Don't get caught in that mind set.  Often going through the
process of finding out exactly what you need will provide the
documentation that a funding source needs to purchase the device
for you.  You may also find out that other funding sources are
more appropriate than the one you originally thought.  Further,
it is up to the consumer to do the homework.  Understand the
reasons of why state rehabilitation agencies or the Program to
Achieve Self Support allows people to obtain adaptive technology
is just as important as the process for obtaining assistance.  
What is the total final cost?  
Some devices come all in one piece, others come with add-ons that
will up the cost of the device.  Be sure to get the total cost of
the item with all the add-ons you need.  Are there package deals? 
Will you need a specifically designed mounting system?  Will you
need two battery packs instead of one?  Do you need a backup
system?  What about software needs?  It's frustrating to finally
get the device and then find out that you need another item to
make it work for you.
Are there training costs?  Is training 
included in the purchase price?  
If you don't ask these questions prior to purchase, you may find
training costs will make the device unattainable.  Purchasing it
and being unable to use it because you lack training is a
discouraging experience.
Who will fund maintenance and repairs?
Imagine how you will feel if your device needs repair, and you
find out that you are responsible for the cost of repairs and you
didn't know it.  Ask before the purchase!
Are rental/lease plans more cost effective?  
If you are going to use the device on a short term basis, you may
want to consider renting or leasing options.  It's also a good
idea to try out the device before you invest much money in it. 
Most reputable dealers have rental/lease options that either will
let you apply the money toward the purchase price, or offer a
30-60 day return policy.  You'll need to ask so you know the
specific details of the  trial  period.  
If you are working with a vendor that does not allow that type of
option, look elsewhere.  They may not be there after the purchase
if they are so stiffly uncompromising prior to it.  Look for my
next article to discuss issues in selecting a vendor or dealer.
Will I need to change 
devices or upgrade soon?  
If you are gaining or losing skills because of the type of
disability you have (such as a loss of vision), consider how much
time you will be using the device.  Measure these factors into
the equation about whether the device will work, really work, for
you.  
Will I get a trade-in/upgrade allowance?  
With the rapidly changing world of technology, things you
purchase may be obsolete in a year.  As long as the device still
works for you, that's fine.  However, you need to realize that it
will have very little market value if you need another device or
decide to upgrade.
Parting Words
Blind computer users and technology consumers with disabilities
of all kinds must become  advocates for their own needs.  Relying
on professionals to figure out what you need  means you will not
get the best device for you.    Use professionals to help figure
out the kinds of devices that will help you perform certain
tasks; however, the consumer alone will ultimately decide if a
device works.   If you are not comfortable with a device for any
reason, speak up, loud and clear!  It will be better in the end
if you express your opinions prior to the purchase.  Complaining
to a funding agent that a device doesn't meet your needs months
after the fact, is upsetting and disheartening for the funder and
often does not change the situation for the consumer.  
Finally, it's important to realize that often the best technology
solution is a  simple-tech  solution.  Consider how additional
training, learning new skills, or environmental adaptations can
meet your needs prior to purchasing any device.  Training and
environmental changes are long lasting and usually don't require
ongoing repair and maintenance.  However, these aren't the answer
for all the barriers blind people face.  After deciding that
training or an environmental change won't work, AT may be the
most practical option; however, always keep in mind that the AT
solution should be appropriate for the task and meet your need as
well as your own sense of who you are.  Stay connected.  the next
article will give great ideas to consider in choosing an adaptive
technology specialist.  Watch for it!
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Your evaluator and dealer 
How good is the person evaluating or selling the product?  One
way to minimize the problems associated with training, repair,
reliability, and hidden costs is to choose an evaluator, trainer
and dealer who is experienced and knowledgeable about blind
computing.  These can be different people or the same person.  If
someone other than the user is buying the AT, such as a state
vocational rehabilitation agency, school district, or employer,
an evaluation will likely be necessary.  This is to find out if
the user can benefit from the AT and what specific skills,
devices and training will be needed for the person to reach his
goal in getting technology.  Evaluations are often conducted when
someone exercises legal rights found in the Rehabilitation Act,
the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, saying that adaptive technology will
allow them do a job on par with the sighted or to fully
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