Tech Update
Technology moves at a fast pace. Stay on top of the developments. Check here often to learn about new products, services, or laws involving assistive technology.
Note: Clicking on any of the following links will open a new window.
ETTAC is a preview center for several products:
SoftTouch Products. SoftTouch has been a leader in developing software with Universal Access features such as, switch scanning and alternate keyboard options for children with disabilities to increase language and literacy skills. Included in their product line are software programs for developing cause/effect, enhancing phonemic awareness, demonstrating cognitive concepts through assessment options, and accessing books in electronic format. For more information about their products go to http://www.softtouch.com or please call ETTAC to schedule a time to look at it.
Crick Software. Crick Software is the developer of Clicker 5, a supportive writing tool for individuals with disabilities, including text-to-speech and graphic supports. Clicker 5 includes Universal Access features and allows for customization with graphics from the library or other digital media. Additional grids for use with Clicker 5 products are available for download from their website. Additional products include Find Out and Write About thematic units to enhance writing. Planet Wobble is an exciting and innovative tool for early readers. ClozePro develops comprehension skills. Wordbar and Penfriend are word prediction and dictionary programs for use with word processing software. For more information about these products, go to http://www.crickasoft.com.
Slater Software. Slater Software products include Picture It and PixWriter, in addition to other support materials. Picture It and PixWriter also have Spanish language built into the products. These products are designed to help students understand print, using picture supported text with text-to-speech. For more information go tohttp://www.slatersoftware.com.
Don Johnston, Inc. Don Johnston, Inc., is the leader in learning intervention resources. They have developed products to support struggling readers and writers for over 25 years. Their products address every area of literacy including word study, reading and writing. Their website includes valuable resources and tools for educators to better assist their students while making sure they are meeting curriculum standards. More information is available at http://www.donjohnston.com.
Able! How One Company's Disabled Workforce Became the Key to Extraordinary Success
New! From BenBella Books, Able! How One Company's Disabled Workforce Became the Key to Extraordinary Success, by award-winning author Nancy Henderson Wurst. For more information, go to www.benbellabooks.com and to www.nancyhendersonwurst.com . For additional articles on hiring people with disabilities, check out the October, 2005 issue of Exceptional Parent, Southwest Airlines Spirit, and the August, 2005 issue of Southern Living. You might also check out an archived appearance of the author broadcast on WXRL 1300 AM in Buffalo, NY at http://www.disabilitynewsradio.com/past_shows.htm (scroll down to June 16 and click "listen.")
Blue Rose Videos Offers Rentals for Visual ImpairmentsBlue Rose Videos is a unique video rental service designed for people with visual impairments. This company stocks nearly 200 commercial video titles, all complete with narratives that describe what other people can see on the screen. Each film is sent to you through the mail and is returned the same way. If you are certified to receive Free Matter for the Blind, there is no mailing charge. To join Blue Ridge, you pay a one-time membership fee of $20. The first video rental is free, and additional videos cost $3 plus tax. After 5 paid rentals, the 6th one is free. For more information or to join Blue Rose Videos, go to www.bluerosevideos.com or email info@bluerosevideos.com.
The U.S. government has a comprehensive web site that provides online access to information and resources for people with disabilities.
Here is an excerpt from the site:
DisabilityInfo.gov is the Bush Administration's latest step toward a citizen-centric Federal government. It is a comprehensive online resource specifically designed to provide people with disabilities with the information they need to know quickly. With just a few clicks, the portal provides access to disability-related information and programs available across the government on numerous subjects, including civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology, transportation, and community life.
The following products are now available for preview at ETTAC:
Waves of Words: Augmented Communicators Read and Write
ISAAC Series: Volume 3
The challenges confronting individuals with severe communication disabilities are chronicled in Waves of Words: Augmented Communicators Read and Write. The focus is on the strategies that teachers, therapists and individuals who rely on augmentative communication from around the globe have used to produce ultimate success in the struggle to learn to read and write. Ten well-told tales describing in detail techniques that can be used to assist individuals to develop literacy skills. Edited by Karen Erickson, David Koppenhaver, and David Yoder. Includes a chapter written by Alice Wershing, ETTAC staff and Chris Hughes, ETTAC Vocational Rehabilitation Client.
Order information available at http://www.isaac-online.org/whatsnew.shtml
A free, statewide service designed for individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-disabled to communicate with individuals who can hear or who do not use a text telephone (TTY) to communicate. Since the service uses regular telephone lines, no special equipment is needed (other than a TTY for a TTY user).