[misc.handicap] computers and disABLED

Greg.See-Kee@f631.n712.z3.fidonet.org (Greg See-Kee) (05/25/90)

Index Number: 8510

>>I'm more into end user software and rehabilitation than just hardware 
>>gadgetry...

 EC> interested in software and hardware that allows people to be 
 EC> functional in the business marketplace.

 EC> I know I am interested in screen readers, large print word 
 EC> processing, voice input and how they can be incorporated into an 
 EC> office using WordPerfect, DisplayWrite, Microsoft windows...

For which disabled people?  Unlike the Australians, I am pleased
that you are interested in adults.  Technical Aid for the
Disabled now just concentrates on cute & cuddly things: babies &
children.

In my question, do you have a main emphasis on physical, visual
or hearing impairment?

Are they born impaired, or impaired whilst in the workforce?
Can you handle multiple disabilities?

In terms of productivity, what degree of rehabilitation are you
seeking?  There is a big difference between Immediate
rehabilitation to "work readiness" and the final (unachievable?)
goal of professional competitiveness.

Very few people in the area work as a "sideline interest".  So
your funding agency, determines the "tune" that you will be
allowed to play.

 EC> I am interested in knowing more about what is going on in 
 EC> Australia, whether businesses and government are progressive in 
 EC> assisting the disabled in these areas and how to communicate to 
 EC> the business public here in Rochester, NY.

That is another completely different area.  POLITICS & political
strategy!  Again another highly skilled area.  Surely you can't
hasve equal interest in both?

 EC> There are many areas of
 EC> development that I am not aware of, and was hoping to be exposed 
 EC> to that here.

It would be good to know what you DO KNOW already about the
field. I assume you already have the many commercial product
catalogs that every Occupational Therapist has.

However, do you have an uptodate listing ofthe many software
programs, access to many Technical Aid to the Disabled journals
eg like we publish here in Australia?

Also, FAX, etc?  Not sure what you are seeking.

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