Session 1B Enabling Through AT: Using Adaptive Technology to Access Information and Communication

Panel Chair: Athol Gow, University of Guelph

Speakers: Martin Courcelles, CNIB

                  Paul Feldman, Computing by Voice

                  Neil McGregor, Strategic Transitions

                  Jo-Ann Bentley, Canadian Hearing Society

Blogged by Cristina Dolcetti

The four presentations in this panel session focused on introducing the audience to a variety of current technology to assist users who have disabilities.

Kurzweil 1000, version 10.5

Martin Courcelles, from the CNIB, conducted the first presentation. His section centred on demonstrating Kurzweil 1000, version 10.5. The system features shown included the ability to access a variety of magazines and encyclopedia, as well as the ability to interpret the contents of scanned documents and to read them out loud. This last feature in particular makes information more accessible to users; it allows individuals to select listening materials from any available book in print with little waiting time. Mr. Courcelles also alerted audience members to the wealth of auditory materials available online to CNIB members, and played part of a Harry Potter recording for the audience.

Voice Recognition Software
Sometime in the future, digital technology may be manipulated by thoughts alone. Currently, voice recognition software is key to adaptive technology. Paul Feldman, representing Computing by Voice, led the second panel section. This presentation focused on the role of voice recognition software in maintaining a healthy, productive work environment. Not only might voice recognition software reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and back problems, but it appears to be highly efficient too. The accuracy of Dragon Naturally Speaking, a voice recognition program, was revealed time and again throughout the section. In one exercise, 117 words were dictated in 53 seconds with no spelling errors, a feat that would be difficult to beat by skilled typists.

Kurzweil 3000 and Inspiration
Once individuals are aware of their abilities and limitations in either a school or workplace environment, what digital technologies can be used for assistance? During the third presentation, Neil McGregor from Strategic Transitions demonstrated the features of Kurzweil 3000. Kurzweil 3000 has many assets, including its ability read a page at different speeds and in different voices, all of which are high quality. The program Inspiration was also demonstrated. Inspiration can transfer information into a diagram, and assists with visually organizing projects.

Teletype Technology
Jo-Ann Bentley, a representative from the Canadian Hearing Society, led the final presentation for this panel session. Her section focused on techniques to make information accessible to individuals with hearing impairments. Early advice including having ASL interpreters at meetings with the public and featuring ASL captions on audiovisual technology. Current teletype technology was also demonstrated. Now, instead of reaching for a teletype machine, it is possible to use teletype computing programs. Teletype software can be downloaded to computers, and the company TextNet can be contacted for assistance. Teletype software has the potential to increase communication for clients who have hearing impairments since it is similar to many contemporary chat programs, including MSN.