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                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 1037

                            Friday, May 06, 1994

Today's Topics:


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                    video enlargers for sight-impaired??
                            Re- Subway navigation
                   virtual tactile devices for blind users
                      computer accessibility guidelines
                    please send info on os/2 or Xwindows
                   Education of a poor blind boy in India
                             Graphics to tactile
                                 van rental
                             maths and graphics
                          Screen reader in Japanes?


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Subject: video enlargers for sight-impaired??
From: katz@andromeda.rutgers.edu (Jeff Katz)
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.


we have a professor here at rutgers who is visually-impaired. does
anyone know of dos add-ons to change the size of the screen font
for all applications (mainly wordperf, lexis, etc.)? please post or
email to katz@andromeda.rutgers.edu thanks for any help.

                                   jk





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Subject: Re- Subway navigation
From: jam@berksys.com (Josh Miele)

  REGARDING           Re: Subway navigation
I read your request for input on subway navigation in the Blind News Digest.
Your comments about the actual level of accessibility of most metro and
subway stations are quite accurate.  It is frequently necessary to learn a
station layout before really being able to navigate independently.  Most
systems have anywhere from scores to hundreds of stations.  This makes
learning all of them impractical to impossible.

I would like  to point you (just in case you need pointing) in the direction
of the technology of infra-red "Talking Signs," developed at Smith-Kettlewell
in San Francisco.  A number of studies have been conducted proving the value
of this technology.  It is cheap, durable, easy to use, and easy to install.
I have used these talking signs on several occasions, and find them to be
extremely useful and effective.  They could be installed to indicate exits,
transfer platforms, ticket booths, uptown/downtown sides, and even specific
train names.

I don't know how your system works.  Perhaps you are already planing on using
this technology.  If you are not, however, I would like to encourage you not
to re-invent the wheel.  This is a great technology that should be supported.
 I believe that these signs have a much greater potential than mere subway
navigation (lots of signage on the surface could afford to be audibly
labeled).  I would hate to have to carry around multiple receivers in order
to take advantage of talking signs, as well as your sub-way navigation
scheme.

For more information about Talking Signs, contact:
Talking Signs Inc., (504)  344-2812
Bill Crandel -- SKIVR (415) 561-1657


Thanks for your work in this important area.

Josh Miele -- Berkeley Systems Access Products Development
<jam@berksys.com (510) 540-5535 x702>




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Subject: virtual tactile devices for blind users
From: gbayles@ringer.cs.utsa.edu (George W. Bayles)
Organization: Univ of Texas at San Antonio

I am researching user interface design issues for devices
which may allow blind computer users to deal with graphic
user interfaces such as MS-Windows. I am seeking more
information on tactile devices in general and Paul
Jubinski's VIRTAC, Virtual Tactile Computer Display, in
particular. I am particularly interested in user
experiences with such devices, current strengths and
shortcomings.

Please email me:  gbayles@ringer.cs.utsa.edu

Thank you.




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Subject: computer accessibility guidelines
From: Kelly.Pierce@ican.com (Kelly Pierce)
Organization: Fido: I CAN! BBS * (ican.com) * 312-736-7388 (1:115/738)

     The accessibility guidelines for computers listed below are
the requirements the Federal government uses when purchasing
computers.  These guidelines were drafted in response to Section
508 of the Rehabilation Act as amended in 1986.  The Technology
Related Assistance to Persons with Disabilities Act requires all
states receiving funds for a tech act project to comply with the
508 guidelines listed below.  The act includes all individuals
who would use the computer on a regular basis.  If the computer
is intended for use by the public, it must meet the functional
criteria listed below.  these would include computing services at
state universities, information kiosks, and grants awarded by a
state entity (such as a state library system) so that local
governments may provide services through computers.  Look around
your community and if you can't use a computer-based service
because of your disability and if the guidelines below could make
you a user,, it may be time to advocate for your rights.

     First find out the name and telephone number of the tech act
project in your state. If you can only call local, call your
nearest Center for independent living.  If that contact is
unsuccessful or unproductive, call RSNA at 703-524-6686.  This
organization assists most or all of the projects in the country.
I have contacted RSNA myself and have found the staff quite
helpful and extremely willing to assist me.  Find the name of the
director of your state's project.  Call or write him or her.
Tell them that you are filing a complaint and are aware of their
obligation to ensure accessibility to state-funded computers and
services.  Tell the director that you expect access and a time
frame of when it will be delivered.
     Mention to the director that you are aware that the tech act
requires the project to provide advocacy services to ensure
systemic change.  (My state, Illinois, will spend about 40 to 60
thousand dollars in litigation and other advocacy services for
assistive technology.  I am going to see that part of this many
is going for work for my community's needs.)  Ask for this
advocacy from the project.If no response is forthcoming within
two to four weeks or there is no plan to provide access, file a
Section 504, 508 and Americans with Disabilities Act complaint
with the Office of Civil rights of the U. S. Department of
Education.  Information access for all is not a privilege or
courtesy.  It is a right.

 From FIRMR Bulletin 56, Managing End User Computing
 For Users With Disabilities, Appendix J (GSA 1989):

 These specifications are organized by functional
 requirement into three categories: input, output, and
 documentation.  This organization reflects the major areas
 that need to be addressed during agency acquisition
 planning and procurement.  All the capabilities set forth
 in these specifications are currently available from
 industry in various degrees of functional adequacy except
 for access to screen memory for translating bit-mapped
 graphic images.

 a. Input. Access problems concerning the input interface
 to a microcomputer differ by the type and severity of the
 functional limitation of the employee.  Some users with
 disabilities are capable of using a keyboard if it can be
 modified slightly.  Other users with disabilities require an
 alternate input strategy.  The following is an overview of
 common input alternatives, and other input functional
 requirements which should be considered:

 (1) Multiple Simultaneous Operation Alternative.
 Microcomputers have numerous commonly-used
 functions that require multiple, simultaneous striking of
 keys and/or buttons. Sequential activation control
 provides an alternative method of operation by enabling
 the user to depress keys or buttons sequentially.

 (2) Input Redundancy. Some programs require a mouse
 or some other fine motor control device for input.
 However, some users with motor disabilities cannot
 operate these devices.  An input redundancy feature
 provides the functionality of these devices through the
 keyboard and/or other suitable alternative input devices
 (e.g., voice input).

 (3) Alternative Input Devices. The capability to connect
 an alternative input device can be made available to a
 user who is unable to use a modified standard keyboard.
 This feature supplements the keyboard and any other
 standard input system used.  The alternative input
 capability consists of a physical port (serial, parallel, etc.)
 or connection capability that allows an accommodation
 aid to be connected to the system to augment or replace
 the keyboard.  For example, an alternative input device
 can be customized as the most effective method of input
 (e.g., switches, eye scan, headtracking) for the user while
 supporting transparent hardware emulation for standard
 input devices (i.e., keyboard and the mouse).

 (4) Key Repeat. A typical microcomputer generates
 repetitions of a character if that key remains depressed.
 This is a problem for users without sufficient motor
 control.  A key repeat feature gives a user control over
 the repeat start time and rate by allowing either the
 timing parameters to be extended, or the repeat function
 to be turned off.

 (5) Toggle Key Status Control. Microcomputer toggle keys
 provide visual feedback indicating whether a key is on or
 off.  A toggle key status feature provides an alternative
 mode to visual feedback to show the on or off status of a
 toggle key.

 (6) Keyboard Orientation Aids. To orient a visually
 impaired user to a particular keyboard, a set of tactile
 overlays should be available to identify the most
 important keys.  The tactile overlays can be in the form
 of keycap replacements or transparent sticky tape with
 unique symbols to identify the various keys.

 (7) Keyguards. To assist a motor disabled user, a
 keyguard should be available to stabilize movements and
 ensure that the correct keys are located and depressed.
 A keyguard is a keyboard template with holes
 corresponding to the location of the keys.

 b. Output. Auditory output capability, information
 redundancy, and monitor display should be considered as
 functional requirements.

 (1) Auditory Output Capability. The auditory output
 capability on current microcomputers is sufficient to beep
 and play music.  However, some users with disabilities
 may require a speech capability.  A speech synthesizer is
 required to generate speech on today's computers.  The
 capability to support a speech synthesizer should
 continue to be available in future generations of
 computers or this capability may be internalized through
 an upgrade of the computer's internal speaker.  The
 speech capability should include user adjustable volume
 control and a headset jack.

 (2) Information Redundancy. Currently, several programs
 activate a speaker on the microcomputer to provide
 information to the user.  However, some programs do not
 have the capability to present this information visually to
 the hearing impaired user. This feature provides
 information redundancy by presenting a visual
 equivalent of the auditory information presented.

 (3) Monitor Display. The requirement to enhance text
 size, reproduce text verbally, or modify display
 characteristics is crucial for some users with visual
 disabilities.  To ensure that this access continues, the
 following capabilities are required:

 (a) Large Print Display. There should be a means for
 enlarging a portion of the screen for the low vision user.
 The process uses a window or similar mechanism that
 allows magnification to be controlled by the user.  A user
 can invoke the large print display capability from the
 keyboard or control pad for use in conjunction with any
 work-related application software.  If applications
 software includes graphics, then enlargement of graphic
 displays should also be available.

 (b) Access to Visually Displayed Information. The
 capability to access the screen is necessary to support the
 speech and/or Braille output requirement of many blind
 users. Currently, blind users are able to select and review
 the spoken or Braille equivalent of text from any portion
 of the screen while using standard applications software.
 Third party vendors should continue to have access to the
 screen contents in a manner that can be translated and
 directed to any internal speech chip, a speech synthesizer
 on a serial or parallel port, or a Braille display device.
 Information that is presented pictorially also needs to be
 available in a manner that, as software sophistication
 improves, it may be eventually translated using alternate
 display systems.

 (c) Color Presentation. When colors must be distinguished
 in order to understand information on the display, color-
 blind end users should be provided with a means of
 selecting the colors to be displayed.

 c. Documentation. The vendor should be responsive in
 supplying copies of the documentation in a usable
 electronic format to disabled Federal employees.








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Subject: please send info on os/2 or Xwindows
From: jzimba@cerc.wvu.edu (Joel S. Zimba)
Organization: Concurrent Engineering Research Center



I am working on a project to port a piece of software to os/2 and
unix.  I would also like to explore any access to xwindows.  I
intend to take a dos tsr (and untsr it,) then port the underlying
system to the affore mentioned operating systems.

Please mail any information you may have about any software that
works with these operating systems.  thanks

Joel




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Subject: Education of a poor blind boy in India
From: szachari@ucs.indiana.edu (szachari)
Organization: Indiana University


I  know a blind youth named Sasikumar. He belongs to a poor family
and at present studying in a college. Due to financial difficulties
he discontinued his studies. He is a service minded boy and I know
him personally. Although he is entitled  to free education in
India, due to some complication in his caste name (Hindu
Perumalayan) at present he is compelled to discontinue his
studies.Anybody willing   to help Mr.Sasi ?


You can contact me or Mr.Sasikumar.  Mr.Sasikumar,K,
                                     Kottepadam House,Chungathara,679334
                                     Kerala India.






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Subject: Graphics to tactile
From: MDDNP@cc.newcastle.edu.au (Dr. Don Parkes)

When placing a graphic image onto capsule paper the ESSENTIAL
property of the image is that it has a high CARBON content.
BLACKNESS alone is NOT NOT NOT the critical factor. A soft drawing
pencil for instance works much better than many black pens. Carbon
fuser powder as used in photocopy machines is always effective but
be careful to "hand feed" the capsule paper. The heat in the copier
can cause the capsules to swell dramatically if there is even a
minor feed jam.

Finally: the cheapest and most effective way to "raise the carbon
image on capsule paper is with a halogen video lamp: you need
between 300 and 500 watts. I send "tactile" fax to a Japanese
colleague. Remeber, if you are printing to adot matrix printer or
other ribbon based system, IT MUST CONTAIN CARBON!  Video lamps,
halogen spot lamps and so forth cost between $25 and $200 in
Australia. Certainly the "engine" that referred to at circa $750
sounds good. Congratulations.

Dr. Don Parkes
Ecology of Blindness Research Unit
University of Newcastle NSW Australia




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Subject: van rental
From: dashiell@nadc.navy.mil (Jude DaShiell)


If next week isn't too late, I sent the question
to an individual who will likely be able to answer
it and who lives in Princeton, NJ.  He'll probably get back
with an answer next week.

jude <dashiell@nadc.nadc.navy.mil>




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Subject: maths and graphics
From: MDDNP@cc.newcastle.edu.au (Don Parkes)

The article 1992 by Richard Jones was interesting but regrettably
dated.  APH in Louisville distribute a graphics package called
PICTURE BRAILLE that doesallow keyboard entry of Grade 1 and grade
2 braille onto any part of graphic. Mountbatten, Versapoint, Index,
Thiel, ..all these embossers may be used, some with very high
resolution indeed. The system comes with scanner and mouse. It is
also possible to emboss traced images directly using the Nomad
system and by mid year I hope that we will have completed work on a
CAD system for use by sighted and blind people, with tactile icons,
sound description, regular and irregular shapes, measurement and so
forth..using the Nomad pad and audio-tactile system. This CAD
(Can't Anyone Draw?) will be independent of the existing Nomad
software, soon to be released as version 6.0. Please contact APH
for details.

Hope this helps
Dr. Don Parkes
ecology of Blindness and Ausio-Tactile Graphics Research Unit
University of Newcastle
NSW Australia




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Subject: Screen reader in Japanes?
From: jim.breene@atlwin.com (Jim Breene)
Organization: The Atlanta Windows BBS - Atlanta, GA  404-516-0048

Maurice, I will answer you here and also via Internet.  I have been in
contact with the IBM Special Needs Systems center in Boca Raton,
Florida.  IBM has an international network of people who support people
who are disabled.

If you expect to have access to an IBM or IBM-compatible system, I
suggest you contact:

Chika Sekine
SNS Promotion Office
MSC, HZA-VPO, IBM Japan
19-21 Hakozaki-cho, Nihonbashi
Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (ZIP 103)
Tel: 81-3-3808-3954 / FAX 81-3-3664-4971

Chika Sekine can give you information about accommodations that will
work on IBM or compatible systems.

If you need to communicate directly with me, my address is:
jgbgsh@rit.edu

I hope this is helpful.

Jim Breene, Atlanta
jgbgsh@rit.edu

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                 End of Issue # 1037 of the Blind News Digest

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