Research Activity: Assistive Technology Devices Websites

• OK-Writer Word Processing for Kids (MAC OS X)
Syndicomm: Making Your Computer Work for You;http://www.syndicomm.com/mac/ok-writer/index.html

This website promotes the use of a software called, OK-Writer, which is targeted for use by young children. OK-Writer is a type of word processor that is created to aid children in writing stories by allowing their creativity soar, with the utilization of friendly features unavailable from regular word processors. It is designed to appeal to children evident with its colorful, attractive, and visible icons displayed all around the window page for convenient access or navigation. These icons also make jolly sounds when clicked to entertain and instigate the child in trying out as many icons as possible. Although it is targeted for use by young children, it still includes the basic features of a word processor such as spell-checker, style, and font icons. It also enables children to listen to what they have written with the inclusion of a text-to-speech feature. Other easy-to-use features are also included. OK-Writer may be downloaded from the website or may be purchased for $150.00 for installation at any Macintosh computers.

• ReadPlease
Software that Lets Your Computer Talk; http://www.readplease.com/#

This website is an informative website that alerts visitors with the use of a text-to-speech software that is compatible with Windows-based operating systems called, ReadPlease. Accommodations for visitors that have visual impairments and non-English speakers are available at the top right corner of the home page. The text becomes larger and more convenient to read with a click for the low vision icon, and it also converts into different languages from English to Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Acquiring an insight about the credibility of the software and whether it is appropriate to use for a certain disability becomes conveniently possible through user manifestations—display of the comments and reviews from previous and current users found on the right corner of the page. This software does not only read any text visible on your screen but also allows page-zooming, translating, and converting files into mp3/wav files. The website’s navigational icons found on the left corner of the page include an overview of the products, downloads, orders, registration codes, and contact information.

• Accessibility
VoiceOver; http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/

This website provides a more in-depth overview of the VoiceOver, which is a feature available in Mac computers. VoiceOver is a text-to-speech program designed to aid Mac users with low vision or blind. Included in its development is a new voice called, Alex. Alex is a more sophisticated voice program in comparison to other text-to-speech programs designed to sound as realistic as possible. Alex’s speech varies depending on location and on concepts introduced in previous sentences. Alex’s voice is also created to resemble that of a person instead of a computer reciting text. It is even able to emit the sound of breath for a more realistic ambiance based on the appropriateness, the structure of the sentence recited, the gap since the last breath, and the estimated time until Alex finishes speaking. VoiceOver also accommodates users who use Braille by allowing efficient access with a USB Braille. It also provides a versatile Braille panel on its screen for users who do not have USB Braille and have low vision. Apart from an in-depth overview of this program, the website also touches and discusses further more on its other features such as the use of USB, instructions and manuals, translations, etcetera.

• Snappy-Dresser
Regain Your Independence in a Single Snap; http://www.snappy-dresser.com/about_us.shtml

This website features the snappy-dresser, a low-tech assistive technology devise represented by a family-owned and operated company in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The snappy-dresser was inspired by a woman born with a physical disability as an agency for her daily life-skills activities such as getting dressed, using the bathroom, and reaching for or picking up items. The snappy-dresser comes with detachable and replaceable parts for specific utilizations most convenient for picking up fallen items. It is also portable so that users can carry it with them all the time wherever they may go. Two demonstration videos are posted on the website for adjusting and detaching and replacing the handles.

• SnapFiles
Zac Browser: Zone for Autistic Children; http://www.snapfiles.com/screenshots/zacbrowser.htm

This website features the Zac Browser, a revolutionary browser designed to appeal to users with Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. From this website, two screenshots of a Zac Browser was displayed. Similar to Mac desktops, the docs or the functional icons are located underneath the screensaver. The designs are bright and attention-grabbing which are perfect for users with Autism to capture their focus. Students with Autism like to explore and this browser includes a variety of interactive features such as games and music. It also looks fun and easy to navigate with its appropriate and visible icons. The Zac Browser is a freeware and is available for download from the website. Users may also write comments.