Visual Impairments
Word Processing


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Word processing products are probably the most commonly used micro-computer software. There are hundreds of types to choose from, with a wide range of prices and functions. Products which accommodate a visually impaired person are included in this list. For example products which provide the user with audio feedback during the keyboard entry process via speech synthesizers. And, of course, many word processing products today include spelling checkers - a function helpful to many users.

BIGED 3.0

A large print word processor for an IBM computer with CGA, EGA or VGA video adapter, this program follows the Wordstar command structure and provides 20 through 64 column fonts and provides speech output through the COVOX Speech Thing and the AICOM Accent
Turbo Poser Software
P.O. Box 66747
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(408)438-8608

Eureka A4

Eureka is a 3-pound Braille input stand=alone computer with 64K of RAM; it uses a 3.5" disk drive, runs on rechargeable batteries and features a wordprocessor, database, notepad and scientific calculator. This unit has VT-100 terminal emulation capabilities and acts as a talking thermometer and volt meter. The Eureka A4 can be interfaced with an IBM PC such that it can take the place of a traditional speech synthesizer.
Enabling Technologies Co.
3102 S.E. Jay St.
Stuart, FL 34997
(407)283-4817

Eye Relief

Eye Relief, a full-function word processing package, is designed for vision-impaired users. On=screen text display modes range from one to five times normal size. The manual is printed in 18 point large type. There is also an Eye Relief for laptops.
SkiSoft Publishing
1644 Massachusetts Ave. - Suite 79
Lexington, MA 02173
(800)662-3622 (617)863-1876

Keyboarding for the Visually Limited

This keyboarding program instructs visually impaired users in the use of a keyboard, using large print readout. It instructs the user in the basics of word processing - keying, saving, recalling and printing.
Educational Electronic Techniques, LTD
1088 Wantagh Ave.
Wantagh, NY 11793
(800)433-8872 (516)221-4173

Keynote PC+

Keynote PC+ is a laptop portable computer with quality synthetic speech output. It comes with a word processing program and scientivic calculator. With KeyScreen screen review program, all DOS and IBM compatible text software is accessible.
Human Ware Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Rd. - Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
(800)722-3393 (916)652-7253

KeySpell

A spelling checker for use with the Keynote PC, it comes with a 50,000 word dictionary and allows user additions. This program will automatically offer alternative spellings and make editing changes associated with spelling corrections.
Human Ware Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Rd. - Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
(800)722-3393 (916)652-7253

Large Type

Large Type (screen display) word processing programs for visually impaired users consit of a variety of programs for different needs, ranging from basic and full-featured spell checking programs to a graphics word processor.
Nat. Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering
P.O. Drawer T
Hewitt, NJ 07421
(800)736-2216 (201)853-6585

Notex

Notex is a 24-cell refreshable braille displaya nd portable note taker. PC-Link software allows Notex to be connected to a PC's serial port to display the contents in braille. A notex 40-cell display is available.
Adhoc Reading Systems
28 Brunswick Woods Dr.
E. Brunswick, NJ 08816
(800783-3210 (201)254-7300

Prompt-Writer

Prompt-Writer, a word processing package with voice output, consists of a KeyTronics 5151 keyboard and a Votrax speech synthesizer. Options are given in the menus, and actions such as cursor movement are executed with function keys (the KeyTronic board has 40) rather than control-key combinations. The cursor is moved around the text by paragraph, word or punctuatuion mark. The program has only one read=back key, and there are options as to what is read back when the key is pressed. Text may be read with or without punctuation. Pressing an "identify" key causes function keys to speak their function rather than execute it. "Audible windowing" allows the user to move back and forth between as many as four files at once.
Syn-Talk Systems and Services
70 Estero Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415)334-0586

Small Talk

As portable as a calculator, Small Talk uses batteries or power to output data via voice, print or screen. Features include: Word-Talk, a talking word processing program; Calc-Talk, a scientific calculator program; alphanumeric keyboard; a 24-column-width printer; a microcassette drive for additional storage; an RS-232C interface connection; and a serial port.
RARMAC Inc.
71 North Market St.
Asheville, NC 28801
(800)222-8270 (704)254-6361

Talking Text Writer

As users type words or phrases, the computer reads back aloud what is on the screen. Users select whether they want the program to speak each letter after it is typed, each word or the whole screen. Both volume and rate are adjustable. A Comment Box feature allows for comments or instructions to be read and reread. A Dictionary Box pronounces words aloud and reads definitions with a single key stroke.
Scholastic Inc.
P.O.Box 7502
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(800)325-6149

Verbal Star

Verbal Star is an easy=to-use, full-featured word processing program with synthesized speech ouput of screen information. Text can be spoken by letter as it is entered. Entered text can be read back by line or by section, for content or for detailed proofreading with spelling, punctuation and capitalization turned on. when a command key is pressed, the program tells what is happening. Verbal Star can be used with most voice synthesizers. It includes text formatting options such as automatic indenting, margin and tab sets and line centering. 64K memory is required.
Computer Conversations Inc.
6297 Worthington Rd. SW
Alexandria, OH 43001
(614)924-2885

VersaBaille II+

VersaBraille II+ is a portable computing, word processor and I/O device with a 20 character refeshable Braille display. The user enters text on the Braille keyboard and reads this text on the Braille display that can be electronically raised to form Braille characters (a refreshable Braille display). Computer braille text can also be transmitted between the device and a PC in the form of ASCII text files. The system comes with the following: calculator program, communications control program and FastKey program for remapping function keys. Additional companion software is also available.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountian View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920

Voice-It

Voice-It adds voice to popular spreadsheet and word processing applications on IBM PCs and compatibles, turning spreadsheets and word processing ducuments into talking documents (Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect, e.g.). Audio messages may be recorded at any point of interest in a document - thus allowing talking presentations. In addition, Voice-It allows the user to dictate letters as audio messages to be keyed later and provides audio help messages. Voice adapter hardware and optional speaker are available from Voice-It.
Voice-It Inc.
1001 Snowden Farm Rd.
Collierville, TN 38017
(901)853-4456
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