DEEDWorkForce CenterRRA Certification Program

Module # 1Unit # 4: Assistive

Technology Equipment “Improving lives, building communities”

Training Outline

Competency statement and learning objectives Training – Classroom Training Materials

Hands on training Power Point Handouts

Unit Competency Statement and Learning Objectives Competency Statement:

Know the expectations of staff, become aware of various challenges people with disabilities face within the WFC and identify and know how to use various AT equipment.

Learning objectives: Understands the expectations of WCR III staff. Demonstrates ability to name the various AT

equipment available and their uses Demonstrates ability to use various available AT

equipment at a basic level. Demonstrate knowledge of who to call for assistance.

DEED Disability Program Navigators

Darlene Kratt St.Paul HQ Ellie Emanuel Minneapolis So. WFC Arlys Hengemuhle St. Cloud WFC

Unit 4: Adaptive Technology Equipment

Assisting Customers with AT Equipment

Topics and Learning Objectives1. Expectations

Role of staff. Customer awareness needs. Troubleshooting equipment.

2. AT Equipment What is it. Who benefits from it. What you need to know. Alternative options.

3. Resources Various web sites

Learning Objective 1

Expectations

The role of staff. Customer awareness needs. Trouble shooting equipment.

Expectations

Role of staff WCR III staff are to ensure resource area (RA)

staff are trained on available AT equipment and that the equipment operates properly.

Be comfortable using the equipment. RA staff should direct any questions to WCR III staff first for assistance on the equipment before contacting DPNs or any other disability service.

Customers Customers usually let staff know of they are in

need of AT equipment.

Expectations However, customers don’t ordinarily disclose

their disabilities, and staff may feel uncomfortable with approaching someone about using AT equipment.

Solution: Amongst the resources, AT equipment is also available and, if necessary, provide information on Rehabilitation services.

Staff’s limited availability in the resource area and low-level knowledge of AT equipment negatively impacts the promotion and use of AT equipment.

Expectations

Support/Troubleshooting WCR III staff are responsible for handling initial

troubleshooting situations or at least know who to contact for assistance.

Contact a DPN representative if the WCR III is unable to resolve issue.

Refer to resource list if DPN representative is unavailable.

Learning Objective 2

Assistive Technology Equipment

Hearing Devices • PocketTalker Pro • Ubi Duo• NexTalk

Vision Devices• Jaws• ZoomText• Ovac• Optelec• Alternative Options

Hearing Devices

PocketTalker Pro Ubi Duo NexTalk

PocketTalker Pro

PocketTalker Pro

What is it? A portable amplification device.

Who benefits from it? People with mild to moderate hearing loss. People who are deaf will not benefit from this

device. When to use it.

Face to face meetings. Training sessions (small group).

PocketTalker Pro

What you need to know it? Microphone placement is important. Beware of interference from background noise. Headset should not be worn until noise is controlled. Battery operated – AA batteries.

PocketTalker Pro

PocketTalker Pro

PocketTalker Pro

Ubi Duo

Ubi Duo

What is it? Portable wireless text-based

communication device. Who benefits from it?

People who are deaf or have a hearing loss. Other uses for it.

Helpful for people with speech difficulties who can type.

Ubi Duo

What you need to know Keep it charged. Each side charges separately. Both sides must be on to chat. Turn on/off using green button on side of unit. If unit freezes up, insert end of paper clip to reset it

in the reset port. Disconnect by laying open both units flat on table

then pull connecting ring. Conversations may be saved and printed.

Alternative Option Interpret Type (PACTT loan program).

Ubi Duo

How to use Ubi Duo Illustration

NexTalk

NexTalk What is it?

Online telecommunication service provides free text messaging, text calls, instant messaging and placement of TTY calls.

Who benefits from using NexTalk? People who are deaf or have a hearing loss.

What you need to know Desktop shortcut to the www.nextalk.com site. It’s free including calls to a TTY anywhere in the U.S.

Alternative Options TTY. Cell phone text messaging.

Vision Devices

Jaws Zoom Text Ovac Optelec Alternative Options

JAWS

JAWS

What is it? JAWS is a software program, called a screen reader,

that displays items on the computer screen using speech output.

Who benefits from using JAWS? Computer users who are Blind or have low vision.

Training Identify device components: Demonstrate where

shortcut to access Jaws is located on the computer. Identify basic troubleshooting: Be sure Jaws is loaded

before opening any internet site.

JAWS

What you need to know JAWS is a complex program that takes time to learn. Not all software programs and Web sites are

compatible with JAWS. A shortcut to JAWS is on the desktop. Headphones should be used for privacy and to

minimize sound that may distract others.

Alternative Options

Alternative Options AIR Foundation

Free online based screen reader visit www.accessibilityisaright.org.

Windows Narrator Located in the Accessories/Accessibility folder. Reads contents of active window, menu options,

typed text. Works with Notepad, Wordpad, Control Panel,

Windows Desktop and Internet Explorer.

www.freedomscientific.com/Training

ZoomText

ZoomText

What is it? ZoomText is screen magnification software.

Who benefits from using ZoomText? Computer users with low vision.

What you need to know Magnifies fonts from 1X – 36X. Eight zoom windows to choose from. Customize screen color and contrast. Customize mouse cursor look. Use Reader to listen to documents, web pages

and email.

ZoomText ZoomText is made by Ai Squared

www.aisquared.com. May not work with all applications. Windows Accessibility Features

Magnifier Customize font and icon size

ZoomText Tutorial available online at www.aisquared.com/tutorial

OVAC

OVAC What is it?

Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) – magnifies printed material.

Who benefits from using OVAC? People with low vision.

What you need to know Displays magnified image on a TV Screen. Can be hand-held or mounted.

Alternative Options Hand Held Video Magnifiers.

PICO Amigo

Optelec.

Optelec

Optelec

What is it? ClearView+ Video Magnifier System

magnifies anything placed under it from 2X – 50X its original size, always maintaining perfect focus.

Who Benefits from using an Optelec? Persons with Low Vision.

What you need to know. One-button simplicity control. Always-In-Focus™ technology. Easy-Glide reading platform with electronic brake.

Learning Objective 3

Resources Focus on Ability AiSquared Disability Minnesota Freedom Scientific Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network/UCP Minnesota Relay Services Minnesota Star Program On-line Access to Statewide Community Resources State Services for the Blind (SSB) Telephone Equipment Distribution Program (TED)

Focus on Ability

Focus on Ability

What is Focus on Ability? A web site designed to improve

employment opportunities among people with disabilities.

Provides an interactive training program. Basic information on common disabilities. Directory of services, which include employment

agencies. Additional Training vehicle.

A Focus on Ability training DVD is also available for free. http://www.focusonability.net

Resources

AiSquared ZoomText (visual impairment) resource. www.aisquared.com

Disability Minnesota Single point resource for programs, products and

services. www.mndisability.gov

Freedom Scientific Jaws (visual impairment) resource. www.freedomscientific.com

Resources

Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network/UCP Device Loan Program provide alternative access

options www.ucp.org/ucp_localsub.cfm/90/8365/8377

Minnesota Relay Service www.mnrelay.org

Minnesota STAR Program Access to assistive technology equipment program. www.starprogram.state.mn.us

Resources On-line Access to Statewide Community Resources

www.minnesotahelp.info Minnesota STAR Program

Access to assistive technology equipment program. www.starprogram.state.mn.us

State Services for the Blind www.mnssb.org

Telephone Equipment Distribution Program (TED) www.tedprogram.org

THE END