declan@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Declan Fleming) (05/03/91)
Index Number: 15278
Hi! I have a lot of hardware experience with the innards of the
IBM compatible world, but I've run into an area that I know little
about: Setting up systems for visually impaired people.
>From what I glean from the mountain of docs I've been given, there are
these key areas: Computer, scanner, voice synthesizer, and OCR package.
Anyone out there have any experience with these? I'm looking for the best
bang for the buck, so reviews would be nice.
thanks for any help!!!
Declan J. Fleming
Manager of CSO Sites
U. of Ill.Margo.Downey@f60.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Margo Downey) (05/21/91)
Index Number: 15741
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi! First, we need to know something about around how much money we're
talking about.
You're right about speech, scanners, etc., and there are Braille displays. Is
there going to be laptop or desktop computer?
There are many speech products and other adaptive technology devices on the
market--and software, too. Are you setting this system up at the university
for several people to use or for one individual?
what applications will the person(s) be doing with a computer?
One speech package that works for one person might not be good for another.
We can tell you what we use, and what we think.
Many here use Vocal-eyes with some kind of speech synthesizer/board. Others
of us use Jaws. Some use Flipper. Some use the IBM Screen Reader.
Are there any particular specific products you've read about that might help
us get started a little better?
Personally, my favorite speech software programs are: Jaws and Vocal-eyes,
and Tiny Talk (am still learning that), and would like to know about Asap.
If I were to buy a scanner, it'd be the Arkenstone scanner package.
For a Braille display, I'd use KeyBraille.
Oh, and I like Braille 'n Speak, also--several people use that device here,
also.
Will a Braille printer be needed in order to produce Braille? If so, you'll
need a Braille translator.
Am being mostly general in my reply because I feel I need just a bit more
information.
Take care, and good luck. am sure others will respond, also.
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!60!Margo.Downey
Internet: Margo.Downey@f60.n382.z1.fidonet.orgDavid.Andrews@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (05/21/91)
Index Number: 15748
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
To: declan@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Declan Fleming)
DF> Hi! I have a lot of hardware experience with the innards of the
DF> IBM compatible world, but I've run into an area that I know
DF> little about: Setting up systems for visually impaired people.
>>From what I glean from the mountain of docs I've been given, there are
DF> these key areas: Computer, scanner, voice synthesizer, and OCR
DF> package. Anyone out there have any experience with these? I'm
DF> looking for the best bang for the buck, so reviews would be
DF> nice.
There will be as many opions here, as there are participants. If
you wish, call me at work and I will give you my ten cents, I have
more than five cents worth. I am Director of the National Braille
and Technology Center for the Blind in Baltimore, a demonstration
and evaluation center where we have virtually everything that blind
persons are using with computers. The number is 301-659- 9314 and
I work 8:00 to 5:00 Eastern time at a minimum. I am usually there
more like 7:30 to 6:00 p.m.
... David Andrews
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!David.Andrews
Internet: David.Andrews@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org