Mobility Impairments

Adaptive Technology for Word Processing



Word Processing Word processing products are probably the most commonly used micro-computer software. there are hundreds to choose from, with a wide range of prices and functions. Products which accommodate a mobility-impaired person are included in this list. For example, products to improve the key entry process by “guessing” the word or phrase after just a few letters are entered. And, of course, many word processing products today include spelling checkers - a function helpful to many users.

AccessDOS

AccessDOS is a software program that provides extended keyboard, mouse, and sound access for IBM DOS users and is especially helpful for people with disabilities; its features include StickyKeys, MouseKeys, RepeatKeys, SlowKeys, BounceKeys, SerialKeys, and ShowSounds. AccessDOS works in DOS 3.3, 4.0, 5.0.

Attache’

Attache’ is a personal computer organizer that provides a directory manager, word processor, pop up algebraic calculator, scientific calculator, address file database, DOS shell, personal menu, and keyboard explorer.

Cacti Word Processor

Cacti Computer Services will write custom software for IBM computers if a disabled person is unable to find appropriate software for a particular purpose. One program is a simple word processor which operates without the requirement of using multiple keys (e.g., control-P) for some functions. It performs many basic word processing functions (save, load, insert, delete), but does not perform fancier functions such as block moves. Everything is controlled with single keystrokes.

CINTEX

CINTEX allows computer input by eyebrow switch, sip-n-puff switch, joystick or other contact switches. It offers functions for word processing and word predictions, printing, appliance and environmental control, telephone support, games, music composition and calculator use. A speech output and voice input function recognize repeated sounds. The word processor contains anticipatory arrays providing word prediction. Its environmental controller operates up to 256 household devices. Telephone support includes automatic dialing, switch to speaker phone, a note-taking function, touch or pulse dialing and easy touch-tone access. The word processor accepts and stores musical notes for music composition. The system provides musical playback without additional hardware. Full keyboard support is provided for those using mouthsticks or head pointers.

DADA Entry

DADA Entry is a menu-driven data entry program. This versatile access product has on-screen Help utilities, transparent software, line and row column scanning methods, alternative keyboard accessibility (King Mini and Unicorn), Morse code feature and on-screen keyboards for mouse/joystick operation and abbreviation expansion capability. It also allows ASCII input permitting speech devices to function as keyboards.

DisplayWrite 4

IBM DisplayWrite 4 is a full-function, menu-driven word processor with all the functions of Display-Write 1,2 and 3. DisplayWrite 4 includes a new, streamlined user interface with an extensive HELP facility; enhanced document creation, revision and editing capabilities and enhanced data import; and voice/audio support, document interchange and print support. Designed for ease of use, IBM DisplayWrite 4 also features an optional mouse-printing device, a direct link to the IBM System/36, revision marking capability and notepad and paperclip functions. System requirements: PC, PC XT, PPC, DOS 2.1, PC AT, DOS 3.2, 384K.

Form-Mate

Designed to work with JAWS or any similar screen reader program, Form-Mate helps blind persons complete any pre-printed form by answering simple prompts and entering data. This same information may then be used to complete any number of other forms automatically. Form-Mate features flexible, pop-up Lotus-style menus and its for use with IBM PCs and the PS/2 family of PCs.

Freedom Writer

Freedom Writer is a word processor specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. The user does not have to type on the keyboard - the keyboard can be operated entirely with an “on screen keyboard” and pointing devices such as a mouse, light pen or joystick or single key from the computer keyboard or single switch or speech input. The user enters complete words and phrases and has instant access to the most commonly used words. In addition to 12,000 fixed words, the user can store up to 5000 words and up to 200 phrases. The Freedom Writer may be used to write computer programs as well as documents. It has all the standard word processing features such as block move, block copy, underlining, heading and footing. Memory requirements are 192K. The vendor may be contacted for a free demonstration disk.

HandiSHIFT

HandiSHIFT is a memory resident sticky key utility for users with restricted access to the keyboard. three modes of operation are provided; shifting the next character and two modes of shift lock. It has an optional visual shift state indication.

HandiWORD

HandiWORD is a memory-resident, statistically-weighted word prediction software facility; it learns user’s word usage and includes abbreviation expansion, complete macro capability and dictionary maintenance; it is available in French, Spanish, German and Italian.

InLine

An outliner for entering, editing, moving and changing the order of outline entries. it helps unscramble all the ideas and facts on a particular subject so that they can be set in order. Inline is word processing compatible and generates proposals, reports and lists.

Kurzwell Voiceworks (KVW)

The Kurzwell Voiceworks (KVW) is a speech recognition system for creating written text and documents. With its 20,000 word vocabulary and advanced word processing features, the KVW can display, edit, process, store and print documents by having the user speak the commands.

MindReader

Mindrader uses Artificial Intelligence to create a word processing system with practical business writing tools. One of the features is Wordcomplete which guesses at the word the user is entering based on the first few letters and provides choices to select from with single keystroke rather than finishing the word or phrase. The user can customize the word and phrase list. In addition, the program’s 2,500 word dictionary tracks the frequency with which the individual uses a word so that the words with the highest frequency are shown in the word-selection window.

PC-Write

PC-Write is a full-featured word processor that includes a visual beep for persons with hearing impairments, a sticky shift key that assists one finger keying, and a redefinable keyboard, including macros. It requires DOS 2.0 or higher, 118K and works with 3.5 or 5.25 disk drives. There is a PC-Write Lite version which is a simpler word processor for those not needing advanced formatting.

Productivity Plus (PRD+)

Productivity Plus is a memory-resident program that works with word processing programs (Wordstar, WordPerfect, etc.) to increase productivity. The user defines abbreviations for frequently used words and phrases, names and addresses, boilerplate text or programming language statements. As the user types, PRD+ replaces the abbreviations with the full text - up to 4,000 characters. There are twenty versions: the Legal Edition, other professional editions for such vertical markets as branches of the federal government, Wall Street and construction.

SeeBEEP

SeeBEEP is a memory resident utility which provides a visual, on-screen message each time the PC sounds an audio beep. Shareware version available free on BBS: (508) 875-8009.

Words+ Equalizer

The Equalizer is an integrated speech output and writing system that includes word processing, drawing, games and music capabilities. Communication is enhanced by large, stored vocabulary, rapid access to frequently-used words, word prediction and automated grammatical functions. It allows for fast communication speed for limited access users and can be used by single stroke, two switch, five switch/joystick or full keyboard users.

WordStar 2000/H

This is a special version of WordStar 2000 prepared for persons with disabilities. It has been developed with a “sequential-key” capability for users with problems depressing two keys simultaneously, such as using the Control key and “B” or Shift A.

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