Cerebral Institute of Discovery - Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is a broad category that encompasses any device
that enables one to participate in an activity they otherwise wouldn't
be able to experience. Some of the many items of interest are software
that allows or enhances the use of a computer, sensory augmentating
devices, and mobility aids. The recent exponential growth of computing
technology has lended greatly to this field and new systems are being
developed all the time. Below are a variety of links to some of the
more well-known device manufacturers and retailers and to some of the
computer hardware and software manufacturers that are leading the way
in computer accessibility research. Please note that the Institute is
not endorsing any of these products; we are only pointing the way to more
information.
WWW Resources
WoodLake Technologies Inc.
http://www.woodlaketec.com/index.
html
WoodLake Technologies Inc. provides assistive technology and
communication solutions, including delivery, installation, and training
services.
IBM's Home Page Reader for Windows
http://www-3.ibm.com/able/
The Home Page Reader is a talking
web browser for the blind and visually impaired. More than just a screen
reader, it interprets html and can accurately speak text in tables, columns,
and forms as well as describe graphics. It uses a 10-key numeric keypad
interface. A male voice reads text while a female voice reads links.
Features include a fast-forward skim, spoken online help, email, and a simple
method for saving Web page bookmarks. More information
is available through the IBM Special Needs Systems group at 800-426-4832
in North America.
Sun Microsystems' Enabling
Technologies Program
http://www.sun.com/tech/access
A very good site leading off describing the AccessX Java class enabling
interaction with assistive devices. It goes on to a section with lots
of excellent references, with designing for accessibility as the focus.
Apple K-12 Education
Disability Resources
http://www2.apple.com/education/k12/disability/
A mostly public relations site with links to various Apple assistive products.
Buried within are a few gems.
Disability Accessibility:
A Pragmatic Approach
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990613.html
An excellent article by author Jakob Nielsen of AlertBox fame covering the
essentials of design with accessibility in mind.
Assistive
Technology On-line
http://www.asel.udel.edu/at-online/assistive.html
Links to a wide variety of sites and organizations supporting the research
and use of assistive devices. Of particular note are the sections on
Augmentive Communication, Learning Technologies, and Sensory Aids.
Adaptive Computers Systems Home
Page
http://www.adaptive-computer.com:80/
Manufacturers of a virtual keyboard, html creation tool, and a browser/
windows helper.
LC Technologies, Inc.
http://www.eyegaze.com/
Creators of a sophisticated eyetracking device and associated development
kit.
Isaac
http://www.cosys.com/
ISAAC is a wearable assistance system from Cogent Technologies that is
designed for people with a wide range of cognitive disabilities. It can
assist by providing steps needed to perform certain tasks, information
needed for being independantly mobile, reminders of regular tasks such
as taking medication. It can also simply store textual, graphical, and
verbal information for later recall.
Virtual Assistive Technology Center
http://www.at-center.com/
"Putting computers within reach of people with disabilities." Shareware
archives, links to other AT sites, books, and their newsgroup.
Don Johnston Home Page
http://www.donjohnston.com/
No, not the marital aid company; the leading software and assistive
technology manufacturer and dealer in North America.
East TN Technology Access
Center
http://www.korrnet.org/ettac/
Serving the greater Knoxville area, ETTAC provides training, information,
evaluations, and an assistive device loaning program.
MindDrive Hardware and Software
http://www.other90.com
Control your computer with your thoughts!
RJ Cooper's Special Needs Home Page
http://www.rjcooper.com/
RJ makes software and adaptive hardware products for people with special needs.
Plus, he makes the CooperCar for kids!
The Rick Shaw - A bicycle trailer
for the physically challenged
http://www.inter.ab.ca/rickshaw
A brother and sister developed a well-built bicycle trailer for their brother,
Rick, that detaches and becomes a functional wheelchair. It looks like a really
great device, but it only comes in an adult size.
Rifton Equipment
http://www.bruderhof.com/rifton/
Rifton is another manufacturer of equipment for people with disabilities.
They have been around since 1977 and make fine, durable products.
Holston Cybernetics -> Brain Computer Interface (BCI) / Neurocybernetics
Research
http://holston.rjlsystems.com/neurocybernetics/bci_resources.html
The most extensive list of BCI related sites we've found. Learn all the
different ways our brains can control computer equipment.
Mailing Lists on the Net
Assistive Technology Listserv: send a message to the address
cmatlick@wvwise.org. The body of the
message should contain the line "sub atech". Send messages to the list at
atech@wvwise.org. (info dated 1/98).
Books of Interest
Click on the image or title to read a summary or order the book
Monday, 12-Apr-2004 07:30:07 EDT
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Cerebral Institute of Discovery
