Adaptive Computers

Computers for people with disabilities: stiff joints, small hands, arthritis, and the blind and visually impaired

New computer software can help people with Kniest, Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia, Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia and related conditions: joint problems, vision problems, hard of hearing, and dispropotionate short stature.

• Custom Keyboards: design a keyboard for your hands
  
• Computers where you do not have to type – voice recognition software
• Sofware for the blind and visually impaired – talking browsers

Custom Keyboards

• A computer keyboard that can be custom configured for your hands: http://www.lakefolks.org/cnt/
  
• List of custom keyboards
  
• On-screen Keyboard, automatic word completion, phonetic typing, and other adaptive keyboards to speed up typing and save wear-and-tear on your hands: http://www.ahf-net.com
  
• An example of a one-handed keyboard: http://www.hallogram.com/bat/index.html
  
• Not sure where to start? Consult an occupational therapist

Computers for the blind using speaking browsers:

• If you are just starting to look for Voice Recognition Software, this is the place to start: http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/voicerecog.html. A comprehensive page listing different voice recognition softwares, and question lists to help you find the software that is right for you. This lists products for Macintosh and PCs,
  
• Computing Out Loud is intended to “help people using speech recognition software, whatever the variety, and to do so without the filters of vendors. We have our own filters, of course, so please read critically.”
  
• JAWS from Freedom Scientific technologies is one of the oldest speaking browsers for the blind.
  
• “Next Generation Technologies is a leading technology consultancy providing technology services to the professional community since 1993. Our extensive technology experience includes customized assistive technology (AT) solutions.” http://www.ngtvoice.com/products
  
• The NatSpeak Info pages by Joel Gould contains a wealth of information about Dragon NaturallySpeaking, much of which you will find nowhere else. http://www.synapseadaptive.com/joel/welcomeapage.htm
  
• “Recognizing the Potential of Speech Recognition for Secondary Students with Disabilities” http://www.edc.org/spk2wrt has useful resources, but the web site is no longer updated. The listserv, http://www.edc.org/spk2wrt/spk2wrt.html, however, is active.

Voice Recognition Software
computers where you do not have to type

• If you are just starting to look for Voice Recognition Software, this is the place to start: http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/voicerecog.html. A comprehensive page listing different voice recognition softwares, and question lists to help you find the software that is right for you. This lists products for Macintosh and PCs,
  
• A FREE “how-to” book about speech recognition software: http://www.sayican.com/bookpr1.html. This book also has sections on avoid repetitive strain injury and taking care of your voice. You can also sign up for their free newsletter.
  
• Reach Interface: http://www.ahf-net.com/reach.htm
  
• Computing Out Loud is intended to “help people using speech recognition software, whatever the variety, and to do so without the filters of vendors. We have our own filters, of course, so please read critically.”
  
• Dragon Dictate, http://www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking, is voice recognition software used by some of our members. A free video about Dragon Dictate: http://www.sayican.com/video7.html
  
• Via Voice, http://www-306.ibm.com/software/voice/viavoice, is another voice recognition software.
  
• See http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/tech/voicerecog.html for more voice recognition products.
  
• The NatSpeak Info pages by Joel Gould contains a wealth of information about Dragon NaturallySpeaking, much of which you will find nowhere else. http://www.synapseadaptive.com/joel/welcomeapage.htm
  
• “Next Generation Technologies is a leading technology consultancy providing technology services to the professional community since 1993. Our extensive technology experience includes customized assistive technology (AT) solutions.” http://www.ngtvoice.com/products
  
• “Recognizing the Potential of Speech Recognition for Secondary Students with Disabilities” http://www.edc.org/spk2wrt has useful resources, but the web site is no longer updated. The listserv, http://www.edc.org/spk2wrt/spk2wrt.html, however, is active.

Voice activated light switch http://www.dynamic-living.com/voice_activated_switch.htm