February / March 2000

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Richard: This month Bill and I dig into upgrading Macintosh software, hardware, and peripherals and the issues that come with doing this, and two Macintosh shareware programs we find interesting and useful.Bill: Have I got a deal for you!I recently decided it was time to upgrade to Macromedia Director 7.0, the multimedia authoring software that I use to create my single switch software. I've been using version 4.0 of Director for a few years now and I thought I was living on borrowed time. Sooner or later version 4.0 just wasn't going to work with the latest system software.

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When computers first entered United Kingdom (UK) schools at the start of the 1980s, it was perceived early on that pupils with special educational needs (SEN) stood to benefit significantly. One of the first new peripherals to make an impact in special education was the touch-sensitive overlay board, the Concept keyboard; so-called because a pupil could enter a whole ‘concept' into the computer with a single press. Mainstream early educators took up the success of the overlay board at the time and within a decade, its use was widespread in schools.

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It is commonly believed that before we can talk about technology-enhanced instruction, we must first define the intended learning outcomes. In the previous column (Closing The Gap, December 1999/January 2000), we examined issues and resources related to defining what students need to know and be able to do in order to achieve high academic standards. Indeed, deciding what we want students to learn is a critical first step in the technology integration process.After the teacher has articulated an instructional goal, attention turns to locating appropriate technology, media, and materials and then obtaining reviews about each product.

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Until recently, it had been difficult to locate software programs that included characters of multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds. But now, software designers are incorporating many more multicultural aspects into their programs to appeal to a wider audience. Educators and parents who are searching for inclusive software to enhance the social studies curriculum for diverse classes or families will find the following software titles worth a try.

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How the Stages philosophy began"My child can press the switch reliably. Now what?" "Our learner can use an alternative computer keyboard to access a computer. What software would help her keep up in school?"As the software specialist at the Abilities Expo for 10 years and as an assistive technology specialist for 18 years, I often heard questions like these from people who are new to the assistive technology field.

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Someday all people all over the world, regardless of their disability, will have a voice! Having a voice creates many opportunities for inclusion, independence, and participation. .

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The unique needs of the children we serve often spark the development of strategies and solutions that can benefit a wider range of student needs. This is made possible when professional collaborations bring together the resources of different programs and use the potent technology tools now available in many schools. This synergy of need and technology resulted in the development of an on-line reading program for a child with literacy and communication needs.The case of JoshJosh is a 9-year-old student with multiple and complex needs.

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Hand held electronics for learningGameBoy Color (Nintendo: 800-255-3700) Probably the best known of all hand held electronic game systems, GameBoy Color is now available in many different colors that play previously released GameBoy games along with many new ones that are specifically designed for learning. GameBoy Color measures approximately 3 x 5 inches and has small cartridges that snap into the top. There are two separate buttons and a cross-shaped button with four directional arrows on it.

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The newly revised Storytime Book and CD is now available. Save hours of time coloring and collecting photos! A definite must for any preschool or early childhood program. This book is an excellent resource for early childhood classrooms that want to promote beginning literacy skills with young preschool children.

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Adaptivation, Inc., has introduced the Sequencer and Chipper, both voice output communication aids using digitized speech. The Sequencer utilizes sequential messaging, allowing a series of messages to be recorded and played back in the correct order. It also has two levels so more than one activity or message sequence can be stored at the same time.

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textHELP Systems Ltd announces the launch of textHELP! Read& Write Version 4. This software package is designed specifically for individuals with reading and writing difficulties.During research, textHELP's technical team listened to suggestions made from a wide range of people directly involved in both education and special needs, and in doing so this version improves significantly on all of the existing features of Read& Write.An advanced phonetic spelling engine has the ability to solve the most complex pattern of spelling errors and the user has the option to correct their spelling errors as they type or on completion of their written work.A new two stage proofing process allows the user to proof their written work by first color-coding all their spelling errors and then color-coding all homophones thus ensuring that they have used words in their correct context.The two new main changes to the software for P.C include a new thesaurus and word wizard to assist those searching for a particular word(s). Definitions and sample sentences within this feature provide additional support whilst making it enjoyable to use.The prediction facility now has a new interface as the cursor can now follow the text as the User types making it easier to view.

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Speed Drill Software has released SpeedDrillMath 2.7 for Windows 3.x, Windows 95/8, NT and 2000, a learning tool designed to build proficiency in basic math skills.SpeedDrillMath allows the user to practice math skills by generating problems that have been designed to target the individual's level of understanding. It helps identify strengths in an individual's math skills, and it can be used to generate problems that emphasize the mathematical relationships that need additional work and practice.SpeedDrillMath is simple enough to be used at home by parents who would like to help their children learn math but may lack confidence in their own math skills. It is also versatile enough to be used by teachers with different classes of students, all learning at different levels.Teachers can create individual accounts for each student and may also setup their own lesson plans by saving templates of account configurations.

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The DaeSSy Mounting System is comprised of various components for wheelchair mounting of computers and communication devices. There are five standard mounting assemblies available, which are adaptable and adjustable.1. The Rigid Mount (DRM1) – provides a simple and secure, yet adjustable, support structure.2.

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Express Yourself of Minnesota, Inc. (EYM) has produced a professional and educational 30 minute videotape on overcoming barriers to independent living through self-advocacy. It provides an overview of communicative exchanges between verbal individuals and those who use augmentative communication devices.See first hand how these communicative interactions impact the lives of these individuals, magnify their self-esteem, enhance their assertiveness, and instill a sense of belonging.

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"Let me grab a piece of paper and pencil." A statement we've all made when someone calls with information that needs to be written down, nowadays often while we are on the computer. With increased use of the computer, both at home and work, we are constantly jotting down file names, web addresses or other information for reference.If you can find a usable piece of paper quickly, you usually can't find a pencil or pen. If you do locate a pencil or pen, many times it won't write.That problem has been solved forever with the Ergo Write Mouse Pad from Solve-It! Marketing Co.

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Magni-Cam is a light-weight, hand held electronic magnifier which connects in minutes to any television set to provide enhanced reading ability for those with low vision. Introduced in 1990 by Innoventions, Magni-Cam is a proven reading aid for those with Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopathy, and other low vision conditions helped by electronic magnification.Now available in the TRIAD Color model. The TRIAD has three modes of operation; pure, clear, sharp color; Black and White with image enhancement; and color with enhanced color.

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The JamCam 2.0 digital camera is the go-anywhere digital camera that makes taking pictures easy, fun and economical. No film or developing costs.The camera has been adapted so that a single switch plugged into the 1/8-inch switch jack can be used to take pictures. The normal operation of the camera is not affected by the adaptation.Snap pictures at home, at school, on vacation or on the job and then transfer your photos to the computer.

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Scan-A-Word is a complete computer add-on system consisting of a lightweight wand scanner, scanner holder, patented software, sound card, multimedia speakers, headphones, instructional video, and product manual.How does Scan-A-Word work? The student passes the wand scanner over the text being read. The words are then displayed on the computer monitor, and with the click of a button, the words are spoken through the speakers. Scan-A-Word recognizes 100 characters per second and reads words, phrases, and whole pages.In addition, you're given the choice of predetermined voices ..

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These days, just owning a Macintosh sets you apart from the crowd. You like to think your own thoughts, go your own way. Chances are you often find yourself burning with new ideas, but your fingers can't keep up with your brain, right? No problem.

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KidAbility: Children's disability awareness video educates and entertainsAccording to The Gallup Youth Survey, conducted by The George H. Gallup International Institute, only 46 percent of youths say that schoolmates with disabilities feel only "somewhat welcome" and another 17 percent say they "don't feel too welcome." KidAbility, a newly released video, was created to provide a great opportunity to understand and improve the lives and conditions of individuals with disabilities.Produced by Edit Point of Central New York, Inc., KidAbility is designed to introduce children to other children with disabilities and equip them to feel more comfortable. It is crafted to foster sensitivity and acceptance towards people with disabilities.Children host this video and educate the viewer, as well as themselves, about the 54 million Americans with disabilities.

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Dynamo, full-featured digitized speech deviceSunrise Medical, Inc. has announced the release by its augmentative communication division, DynaVox Systems, of a new device that aids non-speaking individuals. Called Dynamo, it is the first full-featured, digitized speech device to offer a dynamic display screen, thereby greatly expediting conversation.Introduced during the fall of 1999 in Minneapolis at Closing The Gap's annual conference, Dynamo incorporates touch-screen technology with software that allows individuals to create and organize their own communication pages.

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LifeMate Systems, Inc is a company with a new product line designed specifically to enhance the lives of people suffering with limited mobility. These devices were originally designed and built, with love, for a family member who was permanently paralyzed and unable to speak after a massive stroke.He could blink his eyes and move his head slightly, which limited communication to nodding his head, while someone pointed to a spelling board. This was incredibly slow and difficult for all.A lightpointer was the next attempt at communication.

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Full-screen magnification programWith much enthusiasm, 76-year-old retiree Aaron Beckwith recently visited Ai Squared, a computer software development company. Beckwith wanted to meet in person the creators of BigShot Magnifier, a full-screen magnification program. Designed for computer users with focusing problems caused by routine eyestrain and poor vision, the Windows-compatible system is suitable for personal and professional use.Beckwith had read a review of BigShot dated August 24, 2000 in the computers and technology section of AARP Bulletin.

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Technology for Language and Learning announces a delay in the publication of its new collection of public domain/shareware on CD-ROM. So many new and exciting programs and set-ups have been discovered that the collection will now be published as a 2 CD-ROM set and should be available in Spring, 2000. Each CD-ROM will contain over 600 MB of programs - single switch; cause and effect; keyboard bangers (press any key); early learning; math; coloring books; Blue's Clues programs; utilities; scanning programs; set-ups for specialized programs like IntelliPics, Overlay Maker, Click It!; full activities from commercially available programs; games like Go Fish, Chess; even arcade-type programs with the Rugrats& Reptar.

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How much time do you spend trying to track down information about effective assistive technology (AT) practices? Or, looking for the address and phone number of a vendor? Or, exploring whether or not someone else has already created an assessment procedure that could be modified for use in your organization?Most people will agree the World Wide Web has revolutionized the way we go about looking for information. However, as an assistive technology leader in your school district or agency, have you noticed how some searches still leave you empty handed? Despite the availability of tremendous information resources on the Web, the AT profession has yet to validate the information in ways that sort the wheat from the chaff.Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone who really understood all the demands placed on AT Coordinators created a resource to help manage the information an AT Coordinator needs to know? To help fill this void, Closing The Gap is pleased to announce a new project, "The Closing The Gap Essential Bookmark Collection for AT Coordinators." The purpose of the project is to solicit input from assistive technology specialists throughout the world about the information demands they encounter in their work and how specific Web resources facilitate their work. Project planners envision the project will result in a bookmark collection that AT Coordinators can access to locate the very best of the best Web sites related to technology and disabilities.Closing The Gap readers are invited to participate in the project in one of two ways.

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Parents and teachers anywhere in the country have direct and instant access to experts for information and guidance about learning differences and disabilities. The new Schwab Foundation for Learning offers personal contact with specialists who can provide answers to individual questions and concerns over the phone or the Internet.The Schwab Foundation for Learning is the first and only resource to provide one-on-one access to learning disabilities experts and personalized responses regarding learning differences. While general references on learning disabilities are available on-line through a handful of Web sites, the Schwab Foundation for Learning is unique in offering customized information and individual responsiveness from professional resource consultants, librarians and information specialists.These experts help parents and teachers understand learning problems, find the resources most appropriate for their specific situations, and work together to help their children and students succeed academically.

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