There are a number of additional resources that support reading. These can be divided into tools that change the way text is presented on screen, amending the font, colors, style etc and tools that are designed to be applied to the text as additional tools. to amend the style of text include RapidSet (from fxc Software) Allows quick and easy changing of the background and font colours Washer(from fxc software) renders everything underneath its window in a grey scale format, thus addressing a high proportion of colour blindness issues. ssOverlay (tints the screen a single colour which can help people with reading problems) Solutions that add extra tools to the computer to support reading include (a reading ruler utility which isolates individual lines of text when reading) Speak and See Suite – includes Reading and Writing Support Toolbar, Screen Magnifier, Reading Toolbar and voice recognition ReadPlease2007 (Free text to speech in English only) Natural Reader (free text to speech in English only) BookReader (simple software to scroll, read and highlight text as reading) Commercial Solutions to make reading easier There are a number of commercial solutions that enhance the computer with specialised features. These include both hardware and software tools. Hardware BookCourier - A portable format reader for Daisy and mp3 files (Daisy is a file format to create talking books and documents) Kurzweil Screen Reader– Combines scanning, Optical Character Recognition and speech output to read materials to people who are print impaired Ebook readers – Devices such as the Amazon Kindle have a range of features to help people who find traditional text inaccessible. Software TextHelp Read and Gold - Software for people with reading and writing difficulties, including talking spell checkers, word predictors and screen readers ClaroRead – A suite of software that is valuable for people with Dyslexia Dragon Naturally Speaking – Voice recognition software for dictation and computer control.
The final issue that MAR faced was personal mobility. She had a driver available to her as required, but this augmented with a mobile phone application for navigating maps with speech output. She found this helpful when needing to explain to a driver or companion exactly where she needed to go and is increased her sense of control over the situation. Conclusion Assistive Technology has been pivotal in enhancing access to work, and to the workplace, for people with disabilities, enabling countless employees and potential employees to undertake the same as their colleagues, including using computers - a key piece of technology for the 21st century workplace. AT allows people with disabilities to work more independently; it has opened up dozens of new career fields, and put jobseekers with disabilities on a more equal footing with other applicants. Armed with knowledge of the potential of Assistive Technology in the workplace, your organization will be well placed to support employees with disabilities, whether they are new to the organization or are currently employed, or acquire a disability in the future. Key personnel in your organization should also know enough about these issues to be able to discuss their effectiveness with an employee who might benefit from using them now or in the future. References • Adjustments which Improve Access to Employment – The National Council for the Blind of Ireland • Building an Inclusive Workplace – The Equality Authority • Caring with Minimal Lifting – The Health & Safety Authority • Disability in the UK – Employers Forum on Disability – www.employers-forum.co.uk • Disability Resource Pack – The Equality Authority • Disabled People as Workers – Employers Forum on Disability • Handle with Care – The Health & Safety Authority • Manual Handling Regulations – Statutory Instrument SI44 of 1993 • Microsoft Accessibility: Technology for Everyone – www.microsoft.com/enable/ • Posture Guidance - Osmond Limited – www.ergoergo.info/ • RSI Facts and Figures – The Repetitive Strain Injury Association – www.rsi.org.uk Appendix 1 Workstation Checklist
SoundBeam Interactive Technologies to help people with disabilities make music Adrian Price The Soundbeam Project Ltd Unit 3, Highbury Villas Kingsdown Bristol BS2 8BY UK Tel: +44 11 79237075 Fax: +44 11 79706241 Claro Software English AT for people with Reading & Writing Difficulties Alex Houghton Claro Software Ltd Lancashire House 24 Winckley Square Preston PR1 3JJ Email: Tel: +44 (0) 1772 978425 Fax: +44 (0) 870 132 7471 Vendor Product Specialization Contact Sakhr Technology Arabic/English AT for people with Low vision, and Blindness John Naeem Manager - & Ultimus Products PO Box: 5711 Mob: 55 754 478 Dir: 44 191 124 Email: Tel: + (974) 44 191 111 Fax: + (974) 44 191 110 Web: Medialog Arabic AT for people with Low vision, and Blindness Ilhem Boulaiche Medialog Accessibilities Sales Manager 54, avenue Hoche 75008 Paris France Tel: +33 1 56 60 50 1 Fax: +33 1 56 60 56 00 Email: www. medialog.ws Widgit English AT for people with Communication and Learning Difficulties Martin Fisher SEN Consultant Widgit Software 26 Queen Street Cubbington LEAMINGTON SPA CV32 7NA Mobile: +44(0)7795 440400 Office: +44(0)1926 333680 Email: Website: 51 East Interactive Presentation Technologies (e.g. Interactive Whiteboards & Displays) CHADY HADDAD Brand Manager Professional Electronics Division Modern Home - BD&P P.O.Box: 615 Doha-Qatar Telephone: +974 44257829 Mobile: +974 66159526 Facsimile: +974 44314700 E-mail: