Adaptive Technology ONE MORE TIME

[Lin Light]

I tried to post this this morning and apparently it didn't go through.
It came as an attachment and that may be why.
Lin

Subject:
        Re: [MICHLIB-L] Libraries and Technology for People with
Disabilities
   Date:
        Mon, 18 Nov 2002 10:09:38 -0500
   From:
        "Scott Norris" <snorris at michigan.gov>
     To:
        <michlib-l at titan.libofmich.lib.mi.us>



Hi Bethany,

Here at the Library of Michigan we are using the following products:

Screen Readers: Job Access With Speech (JAWS) This program allows a
computer to speak the information on the computer screen.  This program
is used by visually impaired, blind, and reading disabled patrons.  This

programs available from freedom Scientific www.freedomscientific.com
cost is approximately $895 or $1,195 depending on your operating system.

 If you are using an NT based system cost is more expensive.

Screen enlargement programs: Zoomtext is a program that enlarges text
and graphics that appear on the computer screen.  This program is
utilized by patrons who are visually impaired and can be purchased from
AI Squared www.aisquared.com cost is approximately $500-600.

Closed circuit Television (CCTV):  This device magnifies printed
materials allowing patrons who are visually impaired or have difficulty
seeing small print enabling them to read.  These units come in black and

white or color.  They range in price from $1,400 to $3,500.  They can be

purchased from Abelzone866-663-2253, Reading Alternatives 517-865-6776,
or simmons Low Vision solutions 313-531-6552.

Text to Speech (TTS) reading software: This software is loaded on a
computer that has a flat-bed scanner attached.  Machine produced print
is placed on the scanner and is scanned in to this program.  Because the

program is self voicing, it starts reading the information that has been

scanned in to it.  These programs are used by the patron who is visually

impaired, Blind, or has a reading disability.  Cost ranges from $150 to
$995.  It can be purchased from Premier Programmin Solutions,
www.premierprogramming.com Humanware 312-432-1147, or Sensability INC
847-367-4004.

Braille display: This device is connected to the computer via cables.
It allows the blind computer user to read the information displayed on
the screen.  Braille displays have a set of between 18 and 80 cells
composed of six pins that move up and down to form the different Braille

letters, numbers, and punctuation.  These cost 9don't gasp) between
$3,300 and $14,000. They can be purchased from Freedom Scientific,
Ablezone, Sensability Inc, or Humanware all listed above.

Braille Embosser: This is basically a Braille printer.  It produces a
Braille copy of whatever document you want.  It is used for patrons who
are blind and are Braille readers.  Cost ranges from $1,700 to $4,500
and up.  (I know, another gasp) Sensability inc., Ablezone, or Enabling
Technologies 800-777-8687 www.brailler.com

There are a number of other products available, if you would like more
information or a tour of the Library of Michigan's adaptive Technology
center call or write me at 800-992-9012 or snorris at michigan.gov.

Scott

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--
Lin Light
Head of
Technical Services/Automation
Herrick District Library
300 S. River Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
llight at llcoop.org
Voice-616.355.3727
Fax-616.355.1426