Chapter 4 Part 2

Writing Tasks with Assistive Technology

• Many devices can connect directly to printers or embossers to produce documents in print or braille.

• Electronic notetakers can act as Refreshable Braille Displays (RBDs) when connected to computers.

  • This setup allows:

    • Braille or QWERTY input

    • Use of word processors

    • Review and editing via braille and speech outputs

• Documents can be embossed in braille, displayed on a RBD, or printed in standard text.

• Despite proficiency with assistive technology, efficient computer and keyboard skills remain vital for educational and workplace inclusion.

Alternative Braille Keyboards

• RBDs and electronic notetakers can connect to computers via Bluetooth or compatible cables for braille input into word processors.

• The Power Chord Braille Keyboard (Touch Graphics, Inc.):

  • Less expensive (~$250 vs. $1,000+).

  • Offers six-key braille entry via USB.

  • Useful for beginners learning braille.

  • Provides auditory feedback when used with screen readers.

• Touchscreen devices feature onscreen keyboards for six-key braille input, e.g., HumanWare™ Braille Note Touch, Apple iOS devices.

Aural Authoring Tools

• Low Tech: Human scribes

• High Tech: Audio recordings, Speech recognition (speech-to-text, dictation)

Low Tech

• A human scribe may be used when efficient keyboarding skills are underdeveloped or motor disabilities hinder handwriting.

  • Must be trained for roles like punctuation and directing during reviews.

  • Practical uses include filling tips or forms when accessible copies aren't available.

High Tech

• Audio Recordings: Short recordings can capture voice for reminders, experiences, or auditory messages.

  • Can be later transcribed using speech recognition software for further editing.

• Speech Recognition: Converts spoken words to digital text, great for students with disabilities unable to use traditional writing tools.

  • Useful for independent writing but does face challenges in editing inaccuracies from voice recognition.

  • Integration with screen readers enhances accessibility.

Note-Taking Tools

• Different tools might be used for note-taking compared to fully authored documents:

  • Individuals need a systematic way to document information efficiently.

Annotating Written Texts and Notes

• Note-taking is multi-step and requires skills for accessing, writing, and reviewing notes.

• An accessible note-taking system for nonvisual users must support:

  • Auditory and tactile access

  • User-friendly interface for low-vision users (high contrast, full screen modes).

• Popular reading apps include VoiceDream Reader and Apple iBooks that allow file imports, inserts in-text comments, and note exports in accessible formats.

Accessing a Copy of Notes

• Asking peers to take notes can be efficient despite sacrificing independence.

• Notes must be formatted for nonvisual or low-vision access.

Recorded Notes

• Recording lectures is permissible as an accommodation under IEPs.

  • Use of high-quality mics for clear audio and storage systems for easy retrieval is beneficial.

Physical and Digital Notes

• Physical notes can be shared via:

  • Carbon paper (less common).

  • Photocopiers (beneficial for enlarging notes).

• Digital notes allow immediate sharing and annotation through cloud services.

  • Must be in readable formats; images require descriptions for accessibility.

Accessing "The Board"

• Challenges exist for accessing info on boards in classrooms.

• Preferential seating can help, but issues with glare and resolution may persist.

Screen Sharing

• Mirroring screens aids access to presented information:

  • Important for visually impaired users in collaborative settings.

• Various setups support different access needs (cable connections, Bluetooth, etc.).

Video Magnifiers

• Video magnification systems can provide distance viewing by using optical zoom.

• Helpful for viewing presentations far away.

Summary

• Technology for authoring and note-taking varies based on needs and individual preferences.

• It’s essential to familiarize with multiple tools to accommodate various tasks and improve efficiency in academic and professional environments.

Writing Tasks with Assistive Technology

Overview

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in enabling individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities to perform writing tasks efficiently. Various devices, software, and techniques are designed to enhance accessibility and facilitate writing and note-taking processes.

Direct Connections to Printing Devices

Many assistive devices can seamlessly connect to printers or embossers to produce documents in both print and braille formats. This functionality enhances the ability to create accessible materials that can be shared with others.Electronic notetakers can also function as Refreshable Braille Displays (RBDs) when linked to computers, providing an integrated solution that combines traditional and modern writing methods.

Capabilities of the Setup:

• Braille or QWERTY Input: Users can choose their preferred input method according to their comfort.

• Word Processors: RBDs broaden the capability for writing through popular word processors, allowing for a flexible writing experience.

• Review and Editing: Documents can be reviewed and edited using either braille or speech output, catering to different sensory preferences.

• Output Formats: Final documents can be produced in multiple formats, including embossed braille, displayed on a RBD, or printed in standard text, accommodating various accessibility needs.

Importance of Computer Skills

While assistive technology significantly aids in writing, proficiency in computer and keyboard skills remains essential for educational and workplace integration. Mastering these skills ensures that users can navigate different systems effectively, which is critical for success in academic and professional settings.

Alternative Braille Keyboards

RBDs and electronic notetakers enable connection to computers via Bluetooth or compatible cables, allowing braille input into word processors. One notable option is the Power Chord Braille Keyboard (Touch Graphics, Inc.), which provides an affordable solution with the following features:

• Cost-Effective: Priced at approximately $250 compared to traditional devices costing $1,000+, it offers accessibility at a lower price point.

• Six-Key Braille Entry: The keyboard supports six-key entry via USB, making it user-friendly for beginners.

• Auditory Feedback: It provides auditory feedback when used alongside screen readers, enhancing usability.

• Touchscreen Device Integration: Devices like the HumanWare™ Braille Note Touch and Apple iOS devices feature onscreen keyboards for six-key braille input, ensuring versatility in usage.

Aural Authoring Tools

Aural authoring methods can be categorized into low-tech and high-tech solutions:

Low Tech

• Human Scribes: In situations where efficient keyboarding skills are lacking, trained human scribes can assist with note-taking while ensuring that punctuation and structure are accurately captured. They can also support students in reviewing information effectively.

• Practical Utility: Human scribes can aid in filling out forms when accessible copies are not available, bridging the gap in information accessibility.

High Tech

• Audio Recordings: Short audio recordings can capture essential reminders, experiences, or auditory messages, which can later be transcribed using speech recognition software for improved documentation.

• Speech Recognition: Technologies that convert spoken words to text are invaluable for students with disabilities who cannot use traditional writing tools effectively. While beneficial for independent writing, users should be aware of potential inaccuracies in transcription and may need to undergo editing post-transcription. The integration of speech recognition with screen readers significantly boosts accessibility, allowing users to track their writing efficiently.

Note-Taking Tools

Effective note-taking requires specific tools that differ from those used for full document creation:

• Systematic Documentation: Individuals who need to efficiently document information require a reliable and systematic approach to note-taking that minimizes effort and maximizes understanding.

Annotating Written Texts and Notes

Note-taking involves a multi-step process that requires skills in accessing, writing, and reviewing. Nonvisual users need a note-taking system that supports:

• Auditory and Tactile Access: Ensures that information is delivered through both sound and touch.

• User-Friendly Interfaces: Low-vision users benefit from interfaces designed with high contrast and full-screen modes for better readability.

• Popular Reading Apps: Tools like VoiceDream Reader and Apple iBooks allow users to import files, annotate texts with in-text comments, and export notes in accessible formats such as PDFs or audio files.

Accessing a Copy of Notes

Collaboration with peers by asking them to take notes can be effective, despite a decrease in independence. It’s imperative that notes are formatted to accommodate both nonvisual and low-vision users to facilitate easy access and understanding.

Recorded Notes

Recording lectures is allowed as an accommodation under Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). To ensure clear audio quality, it is beneficial to use high-quality microphones and convenient storage systems that enable easy retrieval and organization of materials.

Physical and Digital Notes

Sharing notes can occur through various means:

• Physical Sharing: Carbon paper is less common but may still be used; photocopiers are advantageous for enlarging notes, thus catering to low-vision users.

• Digital Options: Digital notes allow immediate sharing and offer editing capabilities through cloud services. However, they must be in readable formats, and images accompanying text require descriptive tags for complete accessibility.

Accessing "The Board"

In classroom settings, challenges often arise related to accessing written information on boards.

• Preferential Seating: Sitting in a location that reduces glare and provides a clear line of sight can mitigate some difficulties associated with visibility.

Screen Sharing and Video Magnification

Screen Sharing

Mirroring screens can greatly enhance access to information shared in collaborative environments. Various setups, including cable connections and Bluetooth, can accommodate differing access needs for users.

Video Magnifiers

Video magnification technology allows individuals to view presentations from a distance by employing optical zoom features, thus making it easier to engage during lectures or presentations.

Summary

The range of technology available for writing and note-taking tasks is vast and tailored to suit individual needs and preferences. Familiarizing oneself with the various tools and methods available is essential to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness in both academic and professional environments. Understanding how to leverage different technologies effectively can lead to improved performance and greater accessibility for all users.