[misc.handicap] software/hardware/networks for disabled news editor

jcooper@csli.stanford.edu (John Cooper) (03/16/91)

Index Number: 14058

I am seeking information on hardware/software that is aimed at allowing a 
disabled person to write and edit a newsletter for other disabled folks.  
The person I have in mind does not have good motor control of his hands,
but wants a computer to do the newsletter on, and would also probably 
benefit from e-mail or other bulletin board type services.
If the right software/hardware exists, he could probably deal
with a mouse or joystick.  

What software/hardware exists already?  Does it run on PC or Mac?
Any contacts/leads/suggestions will be appreciated.

Also, are there groups that would sponsor this person to get access to the
net?  He is affiliated with a national organization for disabled people 
(he is one of the leaders of the group) but does not have $ nor is aware
of the networks.  He is publishing a newsletter, and needs a machine +
software to allow a disabled person to create and edit and print text.  

Are there bulletin boards that are aimed at people like this?

Thanks in advanced for any help!

John Cooper

Gary.Warren@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Warren) (04/15/91)

Index Number: 14901

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 * Original to John Cooper @ 1:261/1000 in abled
 * Forwarded Sat Mar 23 1991  17:10:06 by Alan Hess @ 1:261/1000@fidonet

As a paraplegic with full control of his arms who has done six issues of
disABILITY NEWS-letter (which WILL be back next month!), I don't know how
applicable my experience is to you.  When I had my Commodore 128, I used GEOS
2.00 to write, edit and print the first four issues of it.  The program could
make a nice two-column page format, and had good fonts for the type and artwork
tools just like the Macintosh MacWrite/Draw disks.  When my machine broke down
and I upgraded to my Amiga 500, I have not found any inexpensive desktop
publishing software to continue publishing.  Thus, I did the last two issues on
my school's computer lab's Macs.
If interested in getting a copy of No. 6, send me a self-addressed stamped
envelope.
Hope this helps!
Gary L. Warren
3306-A Moss Court
Midland, Texas 79707

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Jock.Rogan@f869.n681.z3.fidonet.org (Jock Rogan) (04/16/91)

Index Number: 14966

 JC> I am seeking information on hardware/software that is aimed at
 JC> allowing a disabled person to write and edit a newsletter for
 JC> other disabled folks. The person I have in mind does not have
 JC> good motor control of his hands, but wants a computer to do the
 JC> newsletter on, and would also probably benefit from e-mail or
 JC> other bulletin board type services. If the right
 JC> software/hardware exists, he could probably deal with a mouse
 JC> or joystick.

 Hi,
    As the advert that I wish to quote is the only one of its type that
I have every seen advertising such technology I hope people will
forgive what may seem like "advertising".
    An ad in the Jan 1991 copy of the UK PCPLUS magazine refers to two
different types of a unit named VOICEMASTER. The cheaper unit seems to use
a headset with boom microphone for pickup, the dearer unit uses an open
speaker. The add claims that this unit can be trained to learn/replace
upto 256,000 keyboard inputs. It also claims to be ideal for handicapped
persons. As the prices vary between about 180-250 UK pounds it appears
to be reasonably priced for PC peripherals.
    One would presume that if this unit does indeed function as suggested
then IT could be used to control ANY standard commercial software package
thus avoiding many "compatability" problems that seem to occur with
"customised" programs.
    As I don't have anything other than a passive interest in this company
perhaps your quiries would be best answered if directed to CONFIDENTIAL
COMPUTER SERVICES, Denmark House, 3b High St Willingham, Cambridge CB4 5ES.
United Kingdom of course.
    Hope this may be of interest.   Jock.

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Gary.Warren@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Warren) (04/16/91)

Index Number: 14974

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

As a paraplegic with full control of his arms who has done six issues
of disABILITY NEWS-letter (which WILL be back next month!), I don't
know how applicable my experience is to you.  When I had my Commodore
128, I used GEOS 2.00 to write, edit and print the first four issues of
it.  The program could make a nice two-column page format, and had good
fonts for the type and artwork tools just like the Macintosh
MacWrite/Draw disks.  When my machine broke down and I upgraded to my
Amiga 500, I have not found any inexpensive desktop publishing software
to continue publishing.  Thus, I did the last two issues on my school's
computer lab's Macs.
If interested in getting a copy of No. 6, send me a self-addressed
stamped envelope.
Hope this helps!
Gary L. Warren
3306-A Moss Court
Midland, Texas 79707

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Lisa.Wahl@f40.n161.z1.fidonet.org (Lisa Wahl) (04/26/91)

Index Number: 15221

We have a video tape from Apple that shows a person putting together a
newsletter with a head control unit (puff & sip switch) =, a Headmaster
with a Macintosh and Pagemaker.  If you would like a copy of this or
details about it, please message me.  The video is about ACcess to
Technology in general.  Yours, Lisa Wahl

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