Computers for Handicapped Independence Program

New Mailing Address

Computers for Handicapped Independence Program
914 E. Spruce St., Suite #32
Yakima, WA 98901

or by phone at:
(509)457-4506 -- 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. PST

GENERAL INFORMATION INDEX

INDEX

Systems for Visual Impaired
Systems for Mobility Impairments
Systems for Speech or Language Impairments
Systems for Persons with Learning Impairments

The National Center for Health Statistics state there are 1.4 Million Americans that have severe visual impairment (defined as being unable to read ordinary newsprint); half of this number are registered as legally blind. For persons with low vision, enlarged output (magnification) may help. Audio output (computer synthesized speech) enables blind users to navigate the screen hearing what others see. General Information on Visual Impairments

A listing of equipment and software for visually impaired.

Enlarged Output
Braille
Audio Output
-- Screen Reading
-- Speech Synthesizer
-- Other Audio Output
-- IBM Screen Reader
-- Synthesizers Supported by Screen Reader
Optical Reader
Alternatives to Printed Documentation
Word Processing

Systems for Mobility Impairments:

Mobility technology provides an opportunity to gain independence in daily living and work settings. There are more than 238,000 quadriplegics in the United States alone. With adaptation they can benefit from the modifications and alternatives to standard keyboards and PC devices to interact with computers. Depending on the severity of the disability some individuals will only need modifications to standard computer equipment while others may need to replace an input device and/or add software to tailor the computer to their specific needs. General information on Mobility Impairments and adaptive technology

A listing of adaptive equipment and software for mobility impairments:

Keyboard Modification
Alternative Input
Switch Devices
IBM Voice Type
Voice Recognition
Electronic Environment Control
Alternatives to Printed Documentation
Word Processing
IBM Access DOS

Systems For Speech or Language Impairments:

Speech and language disorders include defects of articulation, voice production and rhythm. Cleft-palate speech; delayed speech development; disorders associated with hearing impairments; and impairment of language function can be adressesed with assistive technology. This technology includes portable communication aids including alternative input devices such as eyetracking systems, light sensors, alternate switches and alternate keyboard devices to provide computer synthesized speech for the speech-impaired person or as voice output for the non-vocal person. General Information on Speech or Language Impairments

A listing of adaptive equipment and software available for the speech or language impaired:

Therapy
Cognitive Skills
Electronic Communications
IBM Phone Communicator
IBM Personal System/2 Speech Viewer
IBM Voice Type
IBM Thinkable

Systems for Persons with Learning Impairments:

"Learning Impairments" is used here in a broad sense including learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, mental retardation and other disabilities that affect learning or relearning. Computers provide a multisensory approach giving visual cues through color graphics and animation, auditory cues through music, voice and sound prompts and tactile cues through the keyboard or a touch screen. Many programs are able to detect areas of difficulty for the individual and give additional cues for problem solutions. General information on Learning Disabilities and adaptive technology

A listing of adaptive equipment and software for Learning Impairments:

Reading/Language Arts
Mathematics
Other Academic Areas and Cognitive Reasoning Skills
Assessment, Administrative Tools, IEP Programs
IBM Thinkable

Some of the Information made available by IBM Special Needs Information Referral Center