http://www.broadenedhorizons.com/gamingvoicecontrol.htm
I ran across this site for voice control for gamers on the ATA listserve. The author is a quadriplegic who has solved a number of computer access problems, including how to enjoy computer, online, and console gaming without the use of hands. He also has chin and tongue controllers.
All this just in time for Christmas.
Keep Looking Up!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
My Big Move to UCP
I'd like to thank my colleagues at the Idaho AT Project for helping me land a full-time position with United Cerebral Palsy of Idaho as the Coordinator for the Assistive Technology Lending Library, and as a consultant for AT assessments. I can't tell you how great it is to be working with Kathy Griffin, ATP, our Program Director and a walking encyclopedia of AT. You can contact me toll-free at 1-888-289-7133 (8:30-4:30 MST), or via email: mmann@ucpidaho.org.
And here is a big preview of what's to come in 2009. United Cerebral Palsy of Idaho is going to become an independent non-profit organization! This will allow us to provide services in a larger region than in the past. Stay tuned for our new name and website.
Keep Looking Up!
And here is a big preview of what's to come in 2009. United Cerebral Palsy of Idaho is going to become an independent non-profit organization! This will allow us to provide services in a larger region than in the past. Stay tuned for our new name and website.
Keep Looking Up!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Low Reading Level, High Interst E-Books for Free
http://tarheelreader.org
A common problem for students who are delayed in reading is that books written in simple language are written for a much younger audience. Books that interest them are too hard, but books they can read aren't very interesting. I give credit to Nora Jehn of the Idaho Assistive Technology Project for finding this great website. They have hundreds of stories for teens at very easy reading levels.
Keep Looking Up!
A common problem for students who are delayed in reading is that books written in simple language are written for a much younger audience. Books that interest them are too hard, but books they can read aren't very interesting. I give credit to Nora Jehn of the Idaho Assistive Technology Project for finding this great website. They have hundreds of stories for teens at very easy reading levels.
Keep Looking Up!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Assistive Technology for Math
http://itcnew.idahotc.com/DNN/Training/AT4Math/tabid/942/Default.aspx
The Idaho Training Clearinghouse has just added an online audio-visual presentation I prepared for the Idaho AT Project called "Assistive Technology 4 Math". This 30-minute presentation reviews some of the many resources for teaching and learning math for those students who struggle for whatever reason. Be sure you are ready to take some notes, this is a resource-rich presentation that covers beginning concepts to higher math, and how to get professional help with a student when you need it.
Keep Looking Up!
The Idaho Training Clearinghouse has just added an online audio-visual presentation I prepared for the Idaho AT Project called "Assistive Technology 4 Math". This 30-minute presentation reviews some of the many resources for teaching and learning math for those students who struggle for whatever reason. Be sure you are ready to take some notes, this is a resource-rich presentation that covers beginning concepts to higher math, and how to get professional help with a student when you need it.
Keep Looking Up!
Friday, October 10, 2008
New Use for an Old Product
The Virtually Indestructible Keyboard, $24.99
www.grandtec.com
This keyboard was designed for medical labs and wet environments. It is a flat flexible keyboard sealed in silicone that we sometimes recommend for people who drool. I don't particularly like using this keyboard myself because the action of the keys is "squishy" and slows me down, but it has come in handy for some clients because of its extremely low profile.
I did an assessment for a woman this week who is preparing to return to work after an injury to her neck and brain. After trying out all the latest ergonomic keyboards, I set her up with this one, because the keyboard is only a few millimeters thick, and she could rest her arms on the desk to reduce fatigue in her neck. The big surprise was that with this keyboard, she was able to type without looking at her fingers for the first time since her injury.
Apparently the "squishy" feel of the keys provided her with enough additional tactile feedback for her to feel where her fingers are on the keyboard better. For people with head injuries, extra feedback can make a real difference.
Keep Looking Up!
www.grandtec.com
This keyboard was designed for medical labs and wet environments. It is a flat flexible keyboard sealed in silicone that we sometimes recommend for people who drool. I don't particularly like using this keyboard myself because the action of the keys is "squishy" and slows me down, but it has come in handy for some clients because of its extremely low profile.
I did an assessment for a woman this week who is preparing to return to work after an injury to her neck and brain. After trying out all the latest ergonomic keyboards, I set her up with this one, because the keyboard is only a few millimeters thick, and she could rest her arms on the desk to reduce fatigue in her neck. The big surprise was that with this keyboard, she was able to type without looking at her fingers for the first time since her injury.
Apparently the "squishy" feel of the keys provided her with enough additional tactile feedback for her to feel where her fingers are on the keyboard better. For people with head injuries, extra feedback can make a real difference.
Keep Looking Up!
Monday, October 6, 2008
AT Expo in Pocatello Oct. 28-29, Holiday Inn
Here's the Agenda:
Tuesday Oct 28
8:30 Introductions
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
8:45 Intro to Assistive Technology for Children with Learning Disabilities
Mike Mann, ATP
10:00 AT for Students with Cognitive Impairments
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
11:00 Panel Discussion: Idaho AT Reutilization Project
Dean Neilson & Valeria Johnson, LIFE, Inc.
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
Sr. Anthony Marie Greving
Area Agency on Aging
1:00 AT For Math
Mike Mann, ATP
2:15 Universal Design for Learning
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
3:30 Adjourn
Wednesday, Oct 29
8:30 Introductions
8:45 Demonstration of Word-Prediction Software
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsy
1:00 AgrAbility Training for Physical and Occupational Therapists
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsey
2:00 Disability Services: Eastern Idaho Technical College & Idaho State Univ.
Irene Jones and Todd Devries
3:00 Adjourn
If you want a seat, contact 1-800-IDA-TECH or www.idahoat.org.
Keep Looking Up!
Tuesday Oct 28
8:30 Introductions
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
8:45 Intro to Assistive Technology for Children with Learning Disabilities
Mike Mann, ATP
10:00 AT for Students with Cognitive Impairments
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
11:00 Panel Discussion: Idaho AT Reutilization Project
Dean Neilson & Valeria Johnson, LIFE, Inc.
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
Sr. Anthony Marie Greving
Area Agency on Aging
1:00 AT For Math
Mike Mann, ATP
2:15 Universal Design for Learning
Ron Seiler, IATP Director
3:30 Adjourn
Wednesday, Oct 29
8:30 Introductions
8:45 Demonstration of Word-Prediction Software
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsy
1:00 AgrAbility Training for Physical and Occupational Therapists
Kathy Griffin, ATP, United Cerebral Palsey
2:00 Disability Services: Eastern Idaho Technical College & Idaho State Univ.
Irene Jones and Todd Devries
3:00 Adjourn
If you want a seat, contact 1-800-IDA-TECH or www.idahoat.org.
Keep Looking Up!
Monday, September 22, 2008
New Writing Support Keyboard
www.writelearning.com
The "Fusion" by Advanced Keyboard Technologies, Inc.costs $239.00 and is a significant upgrade from the popular "Alpha-Smart" and "Neo" line of keyboards in use in many schools. I just got mine for the demonstration center, and I know the teachers in the schools I'm visiting are going to want this.
This is a lightweight, battery powered keyboard with an LCD screen that supports large fonts, word highlighting, text-to-speech, and word prediction. It also has a typing instruction program in it called "Perfect Form" for students who do hunt and peck typing.
Files can be saved onto a compact flash memory card, and there is a cool flash to USB adapter so you can move files to a computer that has no flash drive. If your printer has an infrared port, you can print directly without any kind of hookup. This is a real time-saver, and there are no parts to lose.
Having word-prediction and text-to-speech in a portable keyboard allows a student who uses these technologies to move from room to room through the school without needing computer access in every classroom. This is a big deal for students in Junior High and High School who rely on these assistive technologies to access the curriculum.
Keep Looking Up!
The "Fusion" by Advanced Keyboard Technologies, Inc.costs $239.00 and is a significant upgrade from the popular "Alpha-Smart" and "Neo" line of keyboards in use in many schools. I just got mine for the demonstration center, and I know the teachers in the schools I'm visiting are going to want this.
This is a lightweight, battery powered keyboard with an LCD screen that supports large fonts, word highlighting, text-to-speech, and word prediction. It also has a typing instruction program in it called "Perfect Form" for students who do hunt and peck typing.
Files can be saved onto a compact flash memory card, and there is a cool flash to USB adapter so you can move files to a computer that has no flash drive. If your printer has an infrared port, you can print directly without any kind of hookup. This is a real time-saver, and there are no parts to lose.
Having word-prediction and text-to-speech in a portable keyboard allows a student who uses these technologies to move from room to room through the school without needing computer access in every classroom. This is a big deal for students in Junior High and High School who rely on these assistive technologies to access the curriculum.
Keep Looking Up!
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