Spring 2002
Volume XI, Issue 2
A.T. Life Reporter
A Newsletter about Assistive Technology for People with
Disabilities
Universal Accessibility And New Mexico Schools
Is there a way for schools to provide access to computers and the Internet
for students with diverse abilities?
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR),
with the U.S. Department of Education, considered this question when they
set the stage by funding new initiatives supporting universal electronic
and information technologies (E&IT) accessibility. Information system
professionals often do not consider computer display issues such as screen
appearance, font size, and mouse controls when designing secure workstations
for users with disabilities. To involve Information Technologists in the
universal access process requires a keen understanding of both the potential
users' needs and the technological advances and pitfalls that exist in
the various software solutions, electronic environments and operating
systems. In many instances, only minor adjustments to networks are necessary
to allow users to set their own personal preferences. However, there are
still other complex issues with no simple solutions confronting persons
with disabilities as well as network managers on a daily basis.
To address these issues, NMTAP has established the CASA Network to work
with the Southwest Disability and Business Technology Assistance Center
(DBTAK) to provide coordination of information resources and technical
assistance for K-12 and post-secondary schools in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma,
Louisiana and Arkansas. The CASA Network partners with schools and other
Tech Act States to address these E&IT issues. Wendy Wilkinson, the
Director of the Southwest DBTAC, who has a significant disability herself
and is an attorney with expert knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, is leading these efforts.
Bill Newroe, is the NMTAP coordinator for the CASA Network, and Julie
Roybal assists Bill as the Management Analyst/Technology Specialist. Alan
Klaus and Lorie Gulley of NMTAP are assisting the state with implementing
universal accessibility for E&IT in the schools Along with Bill, Alan
and Lorie are currently working with Steven Sanchez, Instruction and Learning
Technology Director, and Michelle Lewis, the Program Coordinator for Educational
Technology to provide technical assistance and training regarding E&IT
accessibility and universal design to benefit all students, staff and
administrators in New Mexico Public Schools.
Acceso Universal y Esculas de Nuevo México
¿Hay alguna manera de que escuelas provean acceso a computadoras
y a la red electronica para estudiantes con abilidades diversas?
El Instituto Nacional de Investigación sobre la capacidad y rehabilitación
(INIIR), con el departamento de educación de los Estados Unidos
consideran esta pregunta cuando sentaron el escenario fundando nuevas
iniciativas apoyando electrónicos universales y tecnologias de
información y acceso (E&IT). Profecionales de sistemas informativos
casi nunca consideran asuntos de despliegue como la apariencia de pantalla,
formato de letras, y control de ratón cuando deseñan modulos
de trabajo para usuarios con discapacidades. Para integrar a tecnologos
de información en el proceso de acceso universal se requiere un
entendimiento absoluto de ambos, de los usuarios potenciales y los avances
tecnológicos y trampas que existen en las varios soluciones de
software, ambientes electrónicos y systemas de operación.
En muchas ocaciones, solamente se requieren ajustes menores a redes de
comunicación para dejar a los usuarios a sentar sus preferencias
personales. Cabe constatar que todavía quedan otros asuntos muy
complejos sin soluciones simples como el confrontar a personas con discapacidades
tanto como confrontar a gerente redes de comunicación diariamente.
Para tratar estos asuntos, NMTAP ha establecido la red de comunicaciones
CASA para colaborar con el centro de discapacidad y tecnología
asistente del suroeste (DBTAK) para proveer coordinación de recursos
de información y asitencia técnica para los grados K-12
y escuelas pos-secundaria en Nuevo México, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana,
y Arkansas. La red de comunicaciones CASA se asocia con escuelas y con
estudios de leyes tecnológicas para tratar los asuntos de EXIT.
Wendy y Wilkinson, la directora de DBTAC del suroeste, quien tiene una
discapacidad muy significante y quien es un abogado experta en el articulo
de "Americanos con discapacidad", conlleva estos esfuerzos.
Bill Newroe, el coordinador para la red electrónica CASA, es asistente
tecnólogo certificado, y también está coordinado
el programa de accesso de carrera NMONE. Julie Roybal ayuda a Bill como
la gerente analista/especialista en tecnología.
Lorie Gulley y Alan Klaus de NMTAP estan trabajando con el estado
para implementar accesos universal es para E&IT en las escuelas y
junto a Bill, actualmente estan colaborado con Steve Sanchez, director
de tecnología instruccional y educativa para proveer ayuda técnica
y entrenamiento correspondiente al acceso y diseño universal de
E &IT para beneficiar a todos los estudiantes, personal y administadores
en las escuelas públicas en Nuevo México.
Rio Rancho Family On The Road Again
Todd McKinstry, an 11-year- old Rio Rancho fourth grader with Duchennes
Dystrophy, a progressive type of muscular dystrophy, began using a new
power wheelchair last fall. As would be true for most of us, the McKinstry
family car could not accommodate the large electric wheelchair and Todd
was unable to get out and about with his family. (continued on next page)
Fortunately, Todd's parents, Brian and Melissa, knew about NMTAP and contacted
Caroll Cadena for assistance. Caroll steered the McKinstrys to the NMTAP/Wells
Fargo Financial Loan Program which provides low interest, guaranteed loans
to qualified applicants wanting to purchase assistive technology.
According to Melissa McKinstry, "Caroll was wonderful,"
and the McKinstrys were able to get an $8,000 loan for a 1992 Ford Econoline
adapted van. Now Todd can travel with his parents to visit his aunts,
uncles and grandparents in Alamagordo. "It's really been great for
all of us," said Mrs. McKinstry.
The Latest in AT Equipment Boosts ABLE Inventory
If you're a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, look to NMTAP for
help with The Assistive Bank of Loanable Equipment (ABLE) recently
purchased many new AT devices for its inventory. Below is a list of the
latest in technology that is now available for loans to New Mexico students
with disabilities and to clients of DVR. Following the description of
each AT device is a website address that you can contact for more information
on the product.
In addition to the items listed below, our inventory includes many other
devices. For a complete listing, visit our website at www.nmtap.com.
Alternative Keyboards/Navigation
AlphaSmart 3000 - full-size, full-feature portable keyboard that
helps students learn traditional keyboarding skills easily. http://www.prentrom.com/speech/alpha.html
DATALUX Space Saver Keyboard - features a gradual elevation from
front to back and includes features such as: auto-repeat, multi-key rollover,
caps, numbers and scroll lock. http://www.datalux.com/keyboards/desk.asp
Keyboard Labels - makes letters, numbers and function keys more
visible. https://https.kinetic.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
EasyTalk - is a simple, lightweight communication device available
with 8 to 32 minutes of speech, can be configured to 1 - 40 active areas,
has eight levels with maximum of 320 messages, and has scanning options
as well as a rechargeable battery.
ChatBox - voice output communication devices, combine pictorial
images with the latest technology to enable people who cannot speak to
communicate easily and quickly with their families, friends and others.
http://saltillo.buyol.com/Group/UYDWK4C3FIXBBFUU.htm
ENKIDU Handheld Portable IMPACT - a flexible AAC device with
keyboard which combines a large keyboard (80% of full size) with a touchscreen.
http://www.enkidu.net/enkidu_handheld.html
LightWRITER SL 35 - small portable text-to-speech communication
device designed for people with speech loss and for progressive conditions.
Includes a laptop computer-sized keyboard and two screens, one facing
you, and one facing the person or people you're talking to. http://www.zygo-usa.com/sl35c.htm
MessageMate 20/70 - are hand-held communication devices that
allow the user to speak a variety of recorded messages simply by pressing
a key. http://www.words-plus.com/website/products/hand/mm.htm
Books & Resource Materials
Teacher's Guide to the Four Blocks - The Four Block model incorporates
comprehension, decoding, phonics, whole language, writing and reading
for enjoyment.
Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write - to help you
gain more information so you can understand and use the Four Block model
in your setting.
Book of Possibilities: Elementary & Secondary Editions -
filled with ideas to make learning more inclusive for students with severe
disabilities. Featuring a general information section about what simple
technology is and how to use it.
More information on all of these text resources are found at: https://https.kinetic.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi.
Computer Software
Stages Software Solutions for Special Needs - an assessment tool
which identifies and describes the seven levels of the Stages framework
from cause and effect to functional learning and written expression. http://www.assistivetech.com/p-stages.htm
EvaluWare - this software tool helps teachers and clinicians
identify the best computer access and AAC setup displays for an individual.
http://www.assistivetech.com/p-stages.htm
E Z Keys version 2.50a - software which allows your AAC communication
software to work with the Windows operating system on your PC. http://www.words-plus.com/website/products
L&H Dragon Naturally Speaking® Preferred (Version 5) -
Voice Recognition software that takes in input from a microphone, or external
device and translates it to text. http://www.lhsl.com/naturallyspeaking/
IntelliMathics - a multi-featured tool that makes manipulatives
accessible to students and supports almost every area of your math curriculum.
http://www.intellitools.com
Environmental Controls
PowerLink 3 Control Unit - Environmental control system for students
who are unable to perform an entire activity independently. https://https.kinetic.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi
Hearing Technology
Microloop II - Loop technology that produces a high quality amplified
reproduction of the original speech signal that is ideal for classrooms,
meeting rooms, automobiles (with optional auto kit) and TV viewing. http://harriscomm.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=1279&CATID=10
Pocketalker Pro- a small personal amplifier for one-on-one communications
and TV listening, the Pocketalker helps reduce background noise making
it easier to hear in noisy situations. http://harriscomm.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=941&CATID=10
Switch Controls
All-Turn-It Spinner & Accessories - This switch-activated
spinner helps to include students with disabilities in regular classroom
activities. https://https.kinetic.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi
Visual Technology / Software
Braille Note 32 - is a portable notetaker that offers maximum
reading speed, and 32 cell display features touch cursor routing for instant
editing. http://www.humanware.com/E/E1/E1F.html
JAWS - for Windows is a "screen reading" program that
allows blind computer users to control their computer via audio feedback..
User can read almost every page on the Internet and select the amount
of information they want read to them. http://www.keyalt.com/vissoftware.htm
Window-Eyes - is a stand alone screen reader. Automatically labels
may application graphics, hot keys, and drop-down menu control. http://www.keyalt.com/vissoftware.htm
ZoomText - is a screen reading and magnification software that
allows the user to see and hear text at different levels. http://www.keyalt.com/vissoftware.htm
Miscellaneous
Voice Recording Pen - a pen that writes plus records speech for
instant playback and features up to ten seconds of recording time divided
between two messages. http://www.attainmentcompany.com
Talking Calculator - is a calculator that not only shows numbers
like regular calculators but also announces numbers.
Rez-Tech 2002 Draws Crowds to Navajo Nation
In early April, over 200 participants including persons with disabilities,
their family members, as well as professionals working in the field attended
Rez-Tech 2002, a conference put on by the Navajo-ABLE Consortium. The
conference was the brainchild of, and came together only through the hard
work of representatives from the Consortium loan banks including: Kevin
Reeves and Melissa Yoakam, therapists from the Window Rock Unified School
District, Paula Seanez and Marilynn Freeland from the Navajo Office of
Special Education and Rehabilitative Service (OSERS) in Window Rock, Pauline
Boisselle from the St. Michael's Asso-ciation for Special Education (SMASE),
Pam Bell of Disability Ser-vices, Inc. in Gallup, Kathy McWhorter of Navajo-ABLE,
and Beth Pifer of Project ASSIST in Tuba City.
With nationally known keynote speaker, Caroline Musselwhite, Ph.D., concurrent
sessions in AT applications, a hands-on computer lab, vendor displays,
and AT demonstrations, the conference brought to the Navajo Nation for
the first time a real taste of the possibilities in AT for students with
disabilities. Many thanks go to those Consortium members listed above
for making Rez-Tech 2002 such a success.
Comments from DVR Staff Enhances WIT Program Planning
Alan Klaus, Program Manager of the new Whatever It Takes (WIT) grant,
is busy soliciting feedback from area DVR offices about how best to serve
people with disabilities in need of transportation services. The WIT program
will provide transportation services to individuals who are employed,
seeking employment, or receiving vocational rehabilitation services. WIT
will also employ drivers-for-hire to provide transportation services to
and from the clients home and worksites.
In late March, Alan met with DVR Supervisor Terri Douglass and her staff
from the DVR Area IV District Offices and reported to the group that a
top priority of WIT is to focus on DVR clients who reside in geographic
areas in which public transportation is not accessible and/or available.
Staff was asked what transportation issues their clients faced and ways
WIT could help. The major issue that arose concerned lack of transportation
services for DVR clients in distant and remote communities as individual
DVR counselors may provide services to 5 or more communities spread out
over 50 to 100 miles or more.
One example cited was from a counselor who served clients from the Midway,
Dexter, Hagerman, and Lake Arthur communities which also requires off-road
access. Another DVR counselor commented that he knew of two clients interested
in training for drivers-for-hire and potential small business or employment
out-comes. In summary, most of the DVR Area IV Staff anticipated that
WIT services are definitely needed and will be heavily utilized in their
areas of the State. For more information on WIT, call Caroll Cadena or
Alan Klaus at 1-800-866-2253.
Navajo-ABLE Featured in National Magazine Story and Navajo Times
NMTAP's Kathy McWhorter and Navajo-ABLE were featured in the March 2002
edition of "Advance for Directors in Rehabilitation" magazine.
Entitled "Missed Chances," the article discusses the obstacles
that Kathy and others have faced with bringing assistive technology to
students on the Navajo Nation. Communication issues, the vast, rugged
distances between homes on the reservation, and access to funding are
just a few of the barriers reviewed in the article. The article ends with
an appeal for more professionals to consider working with the Navajo to
bring the same services other communities enjoy to the Navajo Nation.
In addition to the national exposure that the program received in "Advance"
magazine, a full page report on Rez-Tech 2002 appeared in April in the
"Navajo Times", complete with five photos.
Kathy is concluding her work with NMTAP this spring as the grants for
both the Navajo-ABLE and LAPTOP programs end on June 30, 2002. Look for
an article in our summer newsletter from Kathy as she reflects upon the
impact that these programs have had upon the Laguna and Acoma Pueblos
and the Navajo Nation.
Attention New Mexico Teachers and Therapists
NMTAP is now lending out AT equipment during the summer from its ABLE
Loan Bank to special education teachers and staff whose schools have Cooperative
Agreements with NMTAP. This special offer is for those teachers and therapists
who want "hands-on" experience with assistive technology for
students with disabilities. For more information, please call us at (800)
866-2253 and ask for Lorie Gulley.
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