1. Assistive Technology for Computer and Print Access
ADA Trainer Network
Module 7d
Assistive Technology for Computer and Print Access
Linking AT to Types of Disability
The slides in this section will present some examples of AT which people with different types of disabilities may use when appropriate to their needs and their work functions. Workplace scenarios will follow each set of example AT. Prompt participants to brainstorm possible AT accommodations based on the information in the scenario.
Trainer’s Name
Trainer’s Title
Phone
/Website Address

2. Disclaimer
Information, materials, and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance, and are neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA. The Northeast ADA Center is authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide information, materials, and technical assistance to individuals and entities that are covered by the ADA. The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

3. Your Concerns and Dilemmas
“Based on what you know right now about requesting or implementing assistive technology as a reasonable accommodation, what is your greatest concern or dilemma?”
This activity opens the module by allowing participants to identify their own concerns, challenges, and dilemmas around accessible technology. The activity involves two parts. In the first part of the activity, participants are given note cards upon which they will complete a sentence that is shown on the slide. The second activity occurs toward the end of the session when participants use what they have learned to address their concerns and apply what they have learned during the session.
Instructions for this activity:
Give each participant a blank note card
Show the above slide
Tell the participants that the activity is anonymous so they should not write their names on the cards
Ask participants to answer the question above on the note card (they do not have to write the question out)
Collect the cards and tell participants that the cards will be used later in the session
Ask participants to answer this question on an index card that you provide to them. Ask them not to write their names or use any other identifying information. After giving them a few minutes to write down their answers, collect their cards and let them know you will revisit them later in the session.

4. Blindness: Assistive Technology Tools
Task
AT Tools
Use personal computer for:
Word processing
Internet access
Etc.
Text-to-Speech Software
Refreshable Braille Display
Braille printer
The Column on the right represents tasks for which that people who are blind might use a computer. The column on the left represents possible AT solutions for people who are blind. There is a picture in the corner of the slide of someone using a Refreshable Braille Display.
Mention to the audience that audio output/screen reading technology is an inexpensive solution for people who are blind to access written content. Note that while Braille is an important tool for people who are blind to read and write in the workplace, not everyone learns Braille. Therefore, the individualized process of identifying accommodations is important for all people who request accommodations, even if the solution seems immediately apparent from previous experience.
This is only a SMALL sample of AT available for people who are blind.

5. Blindness Task AT Tools Read print materials Scan and read systems
Audio recordings
Take meeting
notes
Braille notetaker / input device
The Column on the right represents tasks for which that people who are blind might use a computer. The column on the left represents possible AT solutions for people who are blind. There are pictures on the slide of a scanner and a Braille note taker. People who are blind are able to scan printed materials using a desktop scanner so that they can access information electronically. This technology has limitations and will not always accurately translate the information from printed form to digital form. As a result, when possible, it is advisable to provide electronic versions of documents to people who are blind or who have other disabilities. If someone who is blind wants to read a book or longer document, they can sometimes access audio recordings of files. These may come in the form of MP3 files, CD’s or even audio tapes. In order to take meeting notes, people who are blind might use a braille note taker. If they don’t use Braille, they may use a standard laptop, record a meeting with a digital recorder, or ask the event organizer to share the minutes of a meeting.

6. Lucille What would be a reasonable accommodation?
Administrative Assistant in Student Services Office at a medium-sized college
Lucille is blind and uses JAWS, a screen reader to access the computer
Student and employee information is recorded and stored in an online application called PeopleSoft
$500,000+ was spent installing and customizing PeopleSoft for college
Not all PeopleSoft forms are accessible to JAWS but PeopleSoft developers designed them to be accessible for WindowEyes (another screen reader product, $800)
PeopleSoft is used by hundreds of colleges and businesses
There may be more than one appropriate answer.
The accommodation process should involve a discussion between the employee and employer to explore and agree on the best solution for both parties.
Possible accommodations include:
If Lucille agrees to learn WindowEyes, the college would purchase a copy of WindowEyes and provide time and/or resources to assist Lucille in learning this new screen reader. This is likely the most expedient solution.
College could document the features of PeopleSoft that are not accessible using JAWS and request that the company make changes to the software to make it accessible with JAWS (many others JAWS users benefit too, including students who may need to interface with this application)

7. Low Vision: AT Tools Task AT Tools Use personal computer for:
Word processing
Internet access
Etc.
Screen magnification software
Text-to-speech software
Large print key labels
The Column on the right represents tasks for which that people who have low vision might use a computer. The column on the left represents possible AT solutions for people who have low vision .
Many people with low vision use large screen monitors as they are relatively inexpensive solutions and allow for the user to magnify all content displayed. Screen magnifiers allow a person who has low vision to magnify an image on the screen. Some commonly used technology, such as Microsoft word, has a magnifier built-in to the system for limited magnification. If someone requires a great deal of magnification, products such as ZoomText ( or MAGic Pro ( can be used. Text-to-Speech software can also be used by people who have low-vision. It allows them to listen to the contents of the screen as opposed to reading it. When typing, it can be difficult for someone who has low vision to see the keys, large print key labels make this task easier and help to avoid eye strain.

8. Low Vision: AT Tools Task AT Tools Read print materials
Digital video recorder
Scan and read systems
Audio recordings
The Column on the right represents tasks for which that people who have low vision might use a computer. The column on the left represents possible AT solutions for people who have low vision . There are two pictures on this page, one of a digital video recorder and a second of a scan and read system. People who have low vision may have difficulty with printed materials. When reading large print materials, some people with low vision will request large print documents. Some choose to scan printed materials using a desktop scanner so that they can access information electronically. This technology has limitations and will not always accurately translate the information from printed form to digital form. People who have low vision may also choose to use a Digital Video Recorder to magnify printed documents. This technology is a camera that sends an enlarged version of what is on the paper to a computer monitor. When possible, it is advisable to provide electronic versions of documents to people who have low vision or who have other disabilities. If available, some people with low vision will choose to use audio recordings of documents.

9. Bob What would be a reasonable accommodation?
Bob is a sales representative and travels frequently
Bob has low vision
Bob uses operating system features to increase the text size on his computer
Submitting information for expense reimbursement is done online using a form that was developed by the company’s web development team
The text on the expense form web page is a fixed 10 pt. font
Bob attends monthly staff meetings
A printed meeting agenda and other materials are provided to all meeting participants at the meeting
Agenda and materials are printed in 12 pt. font
There may be more than one appropriate answer.
The accommodation process should involve a discussion between the employee and employer to explore and agree on the best solution for both parties.
Possible accommodation approaches:
Scenario 1: Expense Reimbursement form
Bob’s manager could request that the web development team modify the expense reimbursement form to increase the text size or add a feature that would allow the user’s to select a text size that works best for them.
The company could purchase screen magnification software for Bob which would increase the entire form regardless of the font size specified in the web page.
Scenario 2: Staff Meeting materials:
The agenda and other materials could be sent out ahead of time to Bob so that he could read them on his computer with an enlarged print.
Bob could request that materials for staff meetings be printed in large print.

10. Mobility Impairments: AT Tools
Alternative mouse device
Alternative keyboard
Adjustable-height desk
Adjustable keyboard tray
Stand/lean stools
Keyboard access devices
People with mobility disabilities use a variety of tools depending on the nature of their disability. There are several pictures on the screen that represent examples of this technology. There are many alternative mousing devices available, many don’t require that the individual move the mouse in order to move the pointer on the screen. This technology is helpful for those who have fatigue issues in their hands and arms or who lack the ability to perform coordinated fine motor movements. Alternative keyboards give people options on the type of keyboard they use. A picture on the slide illustrates a standard keyboard that has a key guard to help someone who is unable to hold there hands above a keyboard when typing. There are many options available in keyboards including enlarged keyboards, micro keyboards, on-screen keyboards and many more. Adjustable-height desks allow a user to alternate between sitting and standing during the course of a day. There are also many other options available for position when working at a computer, such as the wrist supports depicted on the slide. Stand and lean stools allow people to alter their position between sitting and standing very easily. For those who are unable to access a keyboard with their hands, alternatives are available such as the mouth stick and head pointer pictured here. With the wealth of potential solutions that are available, it is critical that the employer speak with the individual to determine what technology might help them to perform their job effectively and efficiently.

11. Lee What would be a reasonable accommodation?
Tracks inventory for a large auto parts supplier
Lee has limited hand motion as a result of a repetitive motion injury
Lee cannot use a standard mouse
Inventory tracking software was developed
in-house
The software contains forms which require the mouse to select items in lists
There may be more than one appropriate answer.
The accommodation process should involve a discussion between the employee and employer to explore and agree on the best solution for both parties.
Possible accommodations:
Lee can request that the IT group rewrite those portions of the inventory tracking software that currently require a mouse. Ideally Lee would work with the IT group to identify inaccessible features of the software so that future software development would be made accessible from the start.

12. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing: AT Tools
Task
AT Tools
Use personal computer
Communication
Web access
Instant messaging systems
Operating system accessibility features
Make telephone calls
TTY
Web conferencing systems or video relay
Telephone amplification device
Participate in webcasts and teleconferences
Real-time captioning
The Column on the right represents tasks for which that people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing might use a computer. The column on the left represents possible AT solutions for people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.
People who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing can set up their computers operating system to provide visual notifications of s or calendar appointments as opposed to audio reminders. For example, Microsoft offers SoundSentry to deliver visual warnings. ShowSounds is another Microsoft program that converts audio notifications to visual notifications. Many people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing appreciate instant messaging technology on both the computer and on phones. Not only does IM facilitate communication, but it also provides an easy solution for discussing work related matters and socializing at work between all colleagues. Technology such as Skype and video relay allow people who use sign language to make telephone calls in their native language as opposed to using voiced English. A TTY is a specialized telephone that allows people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing to type into a phone and receive typed messages from the person they are calling. People who are Hard-of-Hearing can increase the volume of their calls using telephone amplification devices. In order to participate in webcasts or teleconferences, real time captioning is usually used. This requires a live captionist to type the contents of the meeting as it occurs.

13. Deb What would be a reasonable accommodation?
Deb is a cook at a McDonald’s restaurant
Deb has significant hearing loss
McDonald’s requires all employees to complete 4 hours of training videos each year
Videos are not captioned
Videos are available on DVD, VHS or on the Web
There may be more than one appropriate answer.
The accommodation process should involve a discussion between the employee and employer to explore and agree on the best solution for both parties.
Possible Accommodations:
Deb can request that the videos be captioned. This could stand to benefit many other employees too, including those for whom English is not their primary language, people with some types of learning disabilities.
Deb can request an interpreter for the videos. Although this may not be the ideal solution since it may be difficult to watch the video while also watching the interpreter.

14. Cognitive Disabilities: AT Tools
Task
AT Tools
Use personal computer
Computer with voice output (converts text to speech)
Voice recognition software
Read print materials
Audio recordings
Scan and read systems
Organize time and materials
Tape recorder
Smartphone aps
People with cognitive disabilities may use a variety of technologies to access the computer depending on the nature of their disability.
The Column on the left represents tasks for which that people who have cognitive disabilities might use a computer. The column on the right represents possible AT solutions for people who have cognitive disabilities. Text-to-Speech is helpful for people who have trouble accessing written materials on a computer screen. If you have trouble spelling or writing, voice recognition software such as Naturally Speaking allows you to speak what you want to write into the computer. This technology is also helpful for people who tire easily when typing. Audio recordings and scan and read systems are useful for many different types of disabilities, including people who have cognitive disabilities. People who have cognitive disabilities may need assistance with organization tasks. Tape recorders allow for the creation of reminders of things to do as do programs such as Remember the Milk and calendaring functions on personal computers or smart phones. People with cognitive disabilities may also use PDA’s or smart phone aps to create a checklist of complex tasks to ensure that all steps are completed in order.

15. Brenda What would be a reasonable accommodation?
Brenda works in order processing for an online computer retailer
Brenda has a learning disability in reading
She receives all of her orders electronically but her reading is so slow that she often falls behind in her order quotas
There may be more than one appropriate answer.
The accommodation process should involve a discussion between the employee and employer to explore and agree on the best solution for both parties.
Possible accommodations:
Brenda can request software to assist with reading the material. (There are many text-to-speech software products. She will need to experiment with them to see which one works best with the format of the information she is using).

16. Closing: Remember your cards?
Question:
“Based on what you know right now about requesting or implementing assistive technology as a reasonable accommodation, what is your greatest concern or dilemma?”
This activity can have two variations.
Facilitator-led. When running short on time, simply read the cards in front of the whole group and ask participants to brainstorm possible ideas/solutions to the problem or dilemma described on the card. Read as many cards as time allows.
Small-group work. If time allows, break participants into small groups. Shuffle the cards so that, as much as possible, participants are not working with their own cards. Hand out cards to small groups, giving out the same number of cards as people in the group. Then, direct each small group to:
Choose one or two cards that, for any reason, stand out. Perhaps this is a situation similar to one they have experienced; perhaps this is a very interesting problem; perhaps this is a problem many people have experienced.
Using what was learned during the session, brainstorm possible ways to address the concern, problem, or dilemma.
Ask small groups to report back to the large group by summarizing the card and their ideas for solutions.

17. Employment and Disability Institute
Northeast ADA Center
Employment and Disability Institute
Cornell University
Dolgen Hall Room 201
Ithaca, New York
Toll-Free : (NY, NJ, PR, USVI)
Telephone
Fax
TTY
Web
The contents of this presentation were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Conclude by reminding participants that the training materials were produced by the Northeast ADA Center in collaboration with the National ADA Network. Remind them of the free and confidential technical assistance and other services available from your local ADA Center and from the ADA Centers throughout the country.