Washington Assistive
Technology Alliance Newsletter

Winter 1996

Volume 2, No. 1

Inside this Issue

"I Don't Want to Take the Bus ... I Want to Be Able to Drive!"

Teresa Valois, OTR/L

Imagine this: You are ready to go to work and are waiting for the bus at your local accessible stop. It's 7:00 AM, you are bundled up in your winter woolens. It's still dark and raining; your wheelchair is becoming soaked. The trip to work will take 40 minutes, throughout which you must endure the pot holes and the swerving of the "stop and go" bus schedule. As your bus arrives, you are day dreaming of owning your own vehicle one day ... of being dry when you get to work with you at the wheel ... in only 20 minutes! You could sleep in an extra 30 minutes! If only you could drive....

Today's "state-of-the-art" technology in vehicle modifications is amazing. Now, a small medallion remote control can allow you to start an adapted van and open the entry system from the comforts of your own living room. Imagine getting into a warm van on a chilly morning. The estimated cost for a new Chrysler mini van is $22,000-24,000. Modifications for an accessible entry include: a power door and ramp system, an air suspension kneel, a 10-inch lowered floor and the option of using your wheelchair as the driver's seat, all for $13,000-15,000. Then you may need special driving equipment, an added cost.

One of the "hi-tech" pieces of equipment available is the DS-2000, a computerized steering system. A 4-inch rotational wheel, is positioned to require only a small range of joint movement. When the driver turns the wheel, the computer interprets the movement and controls the van's steering. An EGB II, an electronic hand control, requires less than 4 inches of movement in a forward-back motion, against less than 6 oz. to 2 lbs. of resistance. Both hands are required when using this equipment. Combined with a Digi Pad electrical console (to operate the dash switches) and an automatic Smart Shift, the driver needs only a small range of movement to shift the gears, steer, accelerate and brake. This equipment requires that the driver be highly skilled in the operation of such modifications. These controls cost $13,000-15,000 in addition to the cost of the vehicle and entry system. Grand total is $48,000-54,000.

For individuals with high level quadriplegia or muscular dystrophy, and one-handed function, there is a Uni-Lever driving system which can be installed only in full-sized Ford vans. The modification is done with "aircraft quality" parts and installation. The Uni-Lever is operated with one hand in a forward-back motion, with rotation of the forearm for steering. The driver places the functioning hand into a tri-pin and is able to operate the acceleration, braking and steering by using shoulder motion alone. The cost for the total conversion is about $50,000, including the van and wheelchair entry.

Most people with disabilities desire less costly vehicles with good gas mileage, front wheel drive and minimal modifications. Persons who are able to transfer from a wheelchair into a driver seat can dismantle the wheels from a rigid framed wheelchair, fold the seat back down, recline the driver seatback, load the wheelchair frame across the lap area and store it next to the driver in the front passenger area. For persons with lower extremity disabilities, mechanical hand controls and a spinner knob are recommended. The cost for these modifications is about $500-600.

Often, persons with upper extremity amputations or other disabling conditions, find steering a vehicle to be a challenge. Some may be able to place one foot onto the steering wheel , grasping the wheel with their toes. The other foot operates the gas and brake pedals. The seat belt, dash board switches and shift lever can all be customized for the driver. Foot steering with a floor mounted disk connected to the mechanical steering system is another option. These vehicle conversions can be done only on certain cars and cost about $4,000-6,000.

Left-sided paralysis, due to stroke or cerebral palsy, can be accommodated using a left foot accelerator and automatic transmission. A spinner knob and a cross-over turn signal lever enable a person to drive with only the use of the right arm and leg. The cost of a left foot accelerator is $125.00. The most challenging part is securing a seatbelt with one hand!

When planning to purchase assistive technology (AT) and become an independent driver, people with disabilities should consult with a therapist specializing in the area of driver evaluation and training. This therapist can guide the person through a realistic plan. First, an evaluation can be done to determine the potential driver's skills in physical, visual, perceptual and cognitive functioning. A driver must have a working knowledge of road rules and an understanding of the mechanics of driving. Also, the Department of Licensing requires the candidate to be medically stable in order to become a licensed driver. The therapist can prescribe and justify the proper AT. Estimates for the cost of the vehicle and modifications can be requested from vendors who specialize in the field. Once the cost estimates are made available, then funding resources can be explored.

The plan to proceed with the vehicle modifications must also include how to insure the vehicle for its replacement costs and how to obtain repairs or maintain the vehicle. Ultimately, the driver must become licensed with the special equipment by passing the Department of Licensing's on-street performance examination. Only then can the dream of not having to ride the bus become a reality.

Several programs in the Pacific Northwest are available for driver evaluations and training. Local vendors can also be useful in providing an opportunity to research what AT is being used and how vans and cars are being modified. Resources for funding are also available for veterans, injured workers, and persons who have employment potential. To request in-depth information about these resources, contact the AT Resource Center.

Teresa Valois, OTR/L is an expert in the application of technology for function in the activities of daily living, personal mobility, and driving. She specializes in driver evaluation and training and is former coordinator of the Disabled Driver Program at the University of Washington. Teresa is a licensed Occupational Therapist and a member of AOTA, WOTA, and RESNA.

Policy, Funding, and Systems Change

Frances E. Pennell

The goal of the Tech Act is "systems change," i.e., to identify and eliminate barriers to the availability of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Here is a brief summary of some of WATA's "systems change" issues:

Washington Information Network (WIN) Kiosks

In December 1995, the Washington Department of Information Services (DIS) signed a contract with IBM for the installation of 48 information kiosks in public locations throughout Washington state. These kiosks will offer "one stop" access to a wide range of government services. Disability advocacy organizations complained to DIS that the 12 pilot kiosks installed in 1995 were not accessible to individuals with mobility, hearing, visual and learning impairments. When DIS failed to address these problems in its latest request for proposal, WPAS threatened to file suit under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA's Title II regulations require public entities to (a) take "appropriate steps" to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as "communications with others" and (b) furnish "appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a services, program, or activity conducted by a public entity." As this newsletter goes to press (1/96) DIS has announced that the next generation of kiosks (to be rolled out in July 1996) will be fully accessible and that, beginning in February, it will create a usability lab for the purpose of obtaining input from individuals with disabilities on the operation of the kiosks. WATA and WPAS are still negotiating with DIS on what these announcements mean butwe are hopeful that litigation can be avoided.

Assistive Technology Loans Through the Community Reinvestment Act

Because many individuals with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed, they often find it difficult to qualify for conventional bank loans. The Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA") is a federal law that requires banks to take measures to "reinvest" in their community. WATA is initiating a statewide effort to recruit banks to meet their CRA requirements by adopting AT loan programs that serve the needs of individuals with disabilities by (a) modifying normal income requirements; (b) offering low monthly payments made possible through lower interest rates and/or longer repayment terms; (c) allowing individuals on SSI to use PASS programs to borrow money "up-front" and (d) providing loans for used equipment. We will also encourage banks to designate a "disability loan" specialist at each branch. The specialist will be placed on the WATA mailing list and provided with other information regarding assistive technology. If you are interested in helping with this project, please call the AT Resource Center.

State Legislative Issues

By the time you receive this newsletter, the 1996 legislative session will be in full swing and is likely to be considering several issues of interest to consumers of assistive technology.

Medicaid:
Whatever happens at the federal level, it is clear that the state will be considering ways to reduce its Medicaid spending now and in the future. Proposals being discussed include further emphasis on managed care and capitation (per person dollar limits on Medicaid spending). We may also see moves to eliminate optional Medicaid services including durable medical equipment. As Medicaid is currently structured, states are required to provide some services. Other goods and services, such as occupational therapy and durable medical equipment , are optional. Last year, a bill to eliminate coverage for durable medical equipment under Washington's Medicaid program was introduced but did not leave committee. A similar bill may be introduced this year. Medicaid dollars represent an important source of funding for assistive technology and WATA will be working hard to ensure that the unique needs of individuals with disabilities (also including access to specialists, personal aides, and rehabilitation services) are not overlooked in the rush to reduce Medicaid spending.

Braille Bill:
WATA will also be monitoring the Braille Bill. This Bill, which will be introduced by Executive Request, would require public schools to provide Braille education for children who are blind or have low vision. A number of studies have established a strong correlation between the ability to read using Braille and employability. Passage of the Braille Bill would be a significant victory for blind and low-vision children in this state many of whom currently receive no instruction in Braille.

Other Legislation:
Other legislation of interest may include: a Bill by the Head Injury Foundation to add $25.00 to DUI fines to fund services for individuals with head injuries; a proposal by Washington Association of Business Owners with Disabilities to set goals for state contracting with businesses owned by individuals with disabilities and to create a fund to provide low interest loans for business start-up costs and acquisition of adaptive equipment; and a proposal by the Washington Association of Durable Medical Equipment Dealers to eliminate or reduce the sales tax on durable medical equipment.

Please call or e-mail the AT Resource Center if you would like additional information about any of these issues.

Reader's Forum

Paul Clements

My name is Paul Clements and I am on the Easter Seal Society Computer Loan Committee. Here is my story on how computers have affected my life. Before I had a computer my parents played twenty questions with me and I used a lot of body language . However, in 1980, my parents and I had just arrived home from Seattle with ground floor spirits. Our spirits were mopping up the floor because Seattle's Children Orthopedic Hospital's offered only partial solutions. I needed to communicate with friends and produce something on paper to show that I am intelligent, (only my parents and super close friends know this).

For me, trying to get a relatively simple idea across to someone was utterly crazy; the effort would take days or even weeks. Our business in Seattle was to find a suitable communicating device at C.O.H.'s Speech Department. All they displayed for us was Express III. This high tech dinosaur was the size of a brief case and four inches thick.

We had a difficult task ahead. My parents began to phone computer stores trying to grab someone who was willing to develop a communications system for me. Computer Land suggested Roger Wink, an employee of theirs. My father has an extremely inventive mind and so he and I buckled down. We came up with a wooden prototype version of my foot pedals. These pedals had five switches; (left) toe and heel, (right) toe and heel, and an ENTER switch. My father used industrial panic buttons for large presses. The foot pedals worked perfectly except I had to stomp on them to make a connection.

Roger provided us with an Apple I without a case enclosing it, and wrote a scanning program to interact with the foot pedals. The foot pedals represented four basic directions; a scanning program was how I wrote. It was quite a laborious procedure, but my family and friends for the first time could understand what I was thinking and feeling.

My mother, father and Roger started the technology ball rolling for me; however, I was 14, and very far behind in my sentence construction, spelling skills, and also my social skills. All of my friends and family members said, "finally Paul can tell us what he is thinking and feeling." Besides writing love letters, doing my homework for eight to nine hours every single night, I had a column in my Junior High School newspaper called Clements' Corner. Another great experience, was when I was asked by my long-time physical therapist and computer buddy to give a demonstration with District 101 on my abilities on the Apple IIe (my second computer).

Now in 1995, I am using a Toshiba 33005L notebook computer. My voice synthesizer and my Morse Code program is by Words+ based in California.

I am lucky, and I thank God for my parents, therapists, teachers and my super friends. Thank you!

From the Director

Dave Hooks, WATA Director

WATA continues its activity at a rapid pace. We met as staff and again in conjunction with representatives of the board to set our priorities for the remainder of the year. We also continued development of our seven year plan for continuing activities into the future and hard as it seems, into the 21st century. We identified 15 outcome issues affecting AT, including funding, delivery, loans, multiple State agency performance and State compliance with 508. We broadened our focus in terms of activity and are incorporating board members and other players into work groups with specific goals and time lines. We are excited about our renewed purpose and direction.

I would like to welcome Care Tuk as the newest member of the board. Care comes to us from Elk, Washington and brings both personal and professional experience with assistive technology. We are pleased to have her with us. Care and Janis Warden ably represented the Eastern Washington region at the November board meeting, and thanks to our Western AT Center for hosting the meeting! The board provided opinions and information which we utilized at our planning meetings. I believe this is a step forward in the quality and efficiency of interactions between the board and project. The project staff is beginning the early steps toward grant renewal. We will have site visits from NIDRR and RESNA and are establishing a schedule for "town meetings" to gather opinions and feedback from local communities statewide.

I regret to announce Edie McBride has left the project to pursue other activities within DVR. Many thanks for her assistance in providing liaison services between WATA and DVR! I continue to work closely with Department of Information Services (DIS) on issues of accessibility within public information and communication. It is my hope that our next newsletter will confirm the existence of 508 compliance in Washington State and changes in acquisition policies which guarantee access under 508. As always, the WATA board and staff look forward to hearing from you.

Eastern AT Resource Center

Glenn LeDuc

Closing The Gap '95

Closing The Gap is an international conference held every fall in Minneapolis Minnesota. The focus of the conference is the use of microcomputer technology for persons with disabilities. Closing The Gap is attended by a broad range of individuals from all over the world. Professionals and practitioners in the areas of rehabilitation, vocational services, education, and independent living, as well as consumers of assistive technology are able to share resources and ideas with each other. This year's conference featured two days of all day, pre-conference workshops, and three days of one and three hour presentations and workshops. An extensive vendor exhibit was also available to conference attendees.

The entire staff of the WATA Eastern Resource Center attended this year's conference. The topics covered at the pre-conference workshops that we attended included funding assistive technology for adults, funding assistive technology for children, assistive technology staff development, and assistive technology applications for blind and visually impaired users.

The three days of conference presentations and workshops offered over 150 different sessions. Through these sessions we were exposed to a broad range of assistive technology devices, programs and procedures. General areas covered included assessment, augmentative communications, cognitive redevelopment, curriculum development, environmental control, funding, screen alternatives, technology integration, telecommunications and employment and job accommodation. Access to the information was provided in a variety of ways. Sessions took the form of lectures, hands-on trials, demonstrations, and networking opportunities. One session included a "show-down" style competition between computer screen reading vendors. Information was presented at beginning through advanced levels, and each session identified a target audience. Sessions were held concurrently throughout the day. Sometimes it was very difficult deciding what session to attend!

In addition to the regular sessions, a special resource room was staffed by the Trace Research and Development Center. This room contained exhibits, demonstrations and information on universal access to public information systems.

The vendor exhibit area was a valuable resource. Over 90 vendors had their AT devices and services on display. Many of the vendors chose Closing The Gap for the official launch of new products. Wandering the aisles of the exhibit halls gave us the opportunity to see a wide variety of assistive devices for virtually all types of disabilities. Exhibiting companies ranged in size from small one and two person operations to the leaders in the assistive technology and computer fields. Many vendors offered hands-on trials of their equipment, and most had literature available. We were able to gather an abundance of new materials for our vendor resource library. Sydney Lee, our program director, successfully arranged for some equipment loans from a few of the vendors.

Closing the Gap provides a valuable opportunity for persons interested in the practical applications of assistive technology to share information and resources. Its multi-disciplinary appeal provides a unique opportunity for individuals to gather and exchange their ideas for using technology to improve peoples' lives.

Preparing for the Transition to College

Gonzaga University April 27, 1996

Pre-college students with disabilities, parents, teachers, and service providers are encouraged to register by April 19, 1996 for this free, one-day workshop. Sponsors: Washington Assistive Technology Alliance, Easter Seal Society, and DO-IT of University of Washington. Topics include:

making the transition to college
self-advocacy and self-management skills
exploring resources for financial assistance
accommodations and campus resources
adaptive computer technologies

For more information and to register, call WATA Eastern AT Resource Center at 509-328-9350 V/TTY or 800-214-8731 V/TTY.

Eastern Assistive Technology Resource Center
Easter Seal Society of Washington
West 606 Sharp
Spokane, WA 99201
Spokane: (509) 328-9350 V/TTY
(800) 214-8731 V/TTY
(509) 326-2261 FAX
ewaratc@poweramp.net

House Calls is "Peace of Mind"

House Calls is a computerized home monitoring service that works through an ordinary touch tone telephone to assist elder or disabled persons living independently. House Calls is available 24 hours a day to call someone and confirm their well-being, alert help if needed, or remind someone to take medications. Cost: $30 per month. For more information, call 206- 706-9360 (Seattle), 206-931-6742 (Kent/Auburn), or 206-924-0214 (Tacoma).

Western Assistive Technology Center

Karen Brekke

Fall Social and Forum

The Fall Social and Forum was held on 11/29/95 in the Good Shepherd Center. Dagmar Antmann of the AT Resource Center at the University of Washington gave the presentation on the Internet and disability resources included within the WATA web page on the World Wide Web. The presentation was well received by an enthusiastic audience.

Our next Forum will occur March 21, 1996 at the Good Shepherd Center. Persons who have a program or activity they wish to represent are encouraged to call the Western Center.

Assistive Technology Updates

AT Lending Programs

WATA is committed to increase lending of AT devices within the state.

Existing: There are relatively few AT lending programs in the state of Washington. One of the best known is the Special Education Technology Center for K-12 students in Ellensburg. AT requested by school districts for tryout is loaned to the district for a period of time to determine whether a student can use it, and whether it will meet the student's needs.

Startup: Washington Access Services (WAS), which provides match dollars to higher education institutions purchasing equipment for students receiving services from Department of Services to the Blind (DSB), is attempting to start a lending library of adaptive computing equipment. This library would be a resource for use within post secondary education by schools and students. Persons and organizations who wish to loan unused adaptive computer equipment in good working condition are encouraged to contact Kathyrn Fridley of WAS at 206-640-1258 Voice, 206-774-8669 TDD, or 206-640-1003 Fax.

Discontinued: Within Western Washington, Easter Seal Society has long been known as a community resource for durable medical equipment. Easter Seal has discontinued its program and is transferring its inventory to Bridge Ministries' program.

IL Goals include Assistive Technology

The State Independent Living Council (SILC), which governs all independent living services provided in the state of Washington, has adopted a three year plan which for the first time directly addresses assistive technology issues. The 1996-1998 SILC plan seeks to . . . "Increase awareness of assistive technology and assistive technology issues ". . and calls for the SILC to . . ."Develop position papers addressing. . (i)ncreased accessibility to assistive technology . . "

Independent living (IL) service providers covered by the plan include all the Independent Living Centers in the state, as well as state agencies such as Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and Department of Services for the Blind (DSB). As of early December, the plan has yet to be formally adopted by the directors of DVR and DSB, then accepted by Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the federal funder.

Mandated IL services provided by all federally funded IL contractors include information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy. Elements of the State's IL Plan are presented below to provide a context for the inclusion of assistive technology in the plan.

"Values: People with disabilities:

Are whole, complete, able human beings
Have rights and the opportunity to use them . . .
Control and shape IL services . . ."

Goals: "1: Improve the quality of IL services in the state of Washington" - A survey of services and providers, and needs assessment will be conducted. "2: Expand IL Options for individuals with signficant disabilities statewide" - Increased funding will be sought through networking and systems advocacy. "3: Encourage integraton and full participation of people with disabilities in society" - Presentations on ADA and other disability issues will be conducted. "4: Conduct community education outreach on IL Philosophy and resources"

Medicaid Funding

Stakeholders Meetings: Since this summer, cuts in the state's Medicaid budget have been under consideration in pharmacy, durable medical equipment, hearing aids, infusion therapy, and in-home care services. With input from consumers, represented by the Western AT Center, other organizations, and providers, the State adopted a plan to reduce its costs ($24 million) solely through pharmacy services. Certain prescription drugs, such as standard antibiotics, will be filled only by generic drugs. The pharmacy group reviewed the categories, and compiled a list of drugs to be filled through the new policy.

The State of Washington is the first in the nation to adopt this policy in its Medicaid funding. Historically, a number of private insurers have reimbursed only for generic drugs. The Stakeholders meetings will continue. Updates will be provided in the WCCD newsletter and posted on-line in the WATA web page, as appropriate.

SSI Funding: Possible cuts in SSI funding were among the proposals for federal funding cuts in public assistance programs. Among the groups targeted to lose benefits are children receiving SSI on the basis of disabilities. Some children might qualify for Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD) dollars and programs, or for other assistance based on income, but not all children currently receiving SSI could be transferred to another program. As of this writing (12/28), President Clinton vetoed the Medicaid funding bill, so the matter is still tied up in the "Budget Battle" in Washington, DC.

Western Assistive Technology Center
Good Shepherd Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98103
Seattle: (206) 632-1212
Toll free: 1-800-859-8352
(206) 461-4570 (FAX)
wccd@u.washington.edu

X is for Extra Ordinary Kids: Special Shopping Sources

Colleen Foye Bollen

Differently-abled children are first and foremost kids. Like their non-disabled peers, they want fun presents that suit their personal interests. With that in mind, here is a listing of catalogs with dozens of gift giving ideas and special equipment that adapts toys for various abilities.

AbleNet, Inc. - While not exactly a toy company, this catalog is full of gadgets that enable people with disabilities to use toys, computers, appliances, and workplace equipment. One product, the Jelly Switch, $42, is a disk-shaped switch that can be activated with just about any part of the body and is sensitive to less than 2 ounces of pressure. (800-322-0956)

Discovery Toys: Toys for Children with Special Needs - This six page pamphlet offers toy suggestions for children who have movement/coordination problems, speech/language delays, developmental delays, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, or visual impairments. To request the Toys for Children with Special Needs pamphlet, a catalog index, and a general toy/software catalog (it has educational software) listed by age appropriateness, ask your local representative or call 800-426-4777.

Don Johnston, Inc. - This catalog is full of wonderful, inventive products for MAC and Apple computers. A unique computer software program called Blocks in Motion, $24, gives children the opportunity to practice manipulatives on the screen. Write: OutLoud, $99, a talking word processor that speaks letters, words, sentences, and paragraphs, is appropriate for elementary students to secondary and upper grades. Interactive adventure story software programs, $79, have up to 21 story paths. Circletime Tales on CD-ROM, $95, promotes social interaction with pre-schoolers. Ke:nx (prices vary) an easy Macintosh interface, gives people with physical, visual, and cognitive limitations access to a computer. (800-999-4660)

Gallaudet University Bookstore - Located in Washington, D.C., Gallaudet University is a college for the deaf and hard of hearing. Their catalog includes books on deaf culture, sign language instruction, and a wonderful selection of children's storybooks and coloring books, $2.95 - $14.95, with Signed English illustrations. Also available are manual alphabet T-shirts, $10.95, a manual alphabet rubber stamp pad, $13.95, and more. (800-451-1073 V/TTY) Sign Enhancers - This small catalog is chock-full of videos offering lessons in American Sign Language, deaf culture, and demonstrations of children signers, $49.95, ASL signed cartoons called "sign-toons," $39.95, and ASL signed fairy tales with storybooks, $49.95. (800-767-4461 V/TTY)

Toys for Special Children - The highlight of this catalog is a battery interrupter $9-$13 (plus shipping and handling), that allows parents to easily adapt any battery-operated toy so it can be operated with a switch. The catalog also lists toys, selected by the American Foundation for the Blind, for children who are blind or visually impaired. (914-478-0960 or write to Toys for Special Children, 382 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706.)

Toys 'R' Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids - All toys in this catalog were extensively tested by professionals with the following developmental areas in mind: auditory, language, visual, tactile, gross motor, fine motor, social skills, self esteem, creativity, and thinking. Every toy is listed with a colorful picture, the price, a full description of how it works, and symbols showing specific play benefits associated with that toy. For example, the Fisher Price Action Tool Box, $22.99, promotes fine motor play, eye-hand coordination, hand and arm strength, and gripping and grasping with both hands. (The catalog is available at Toys 'R' Us stores or write to Toys 'R' Us Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, P. O. Box 8501, Nevada, IA 50201-9968.)

Need more help? Contact The National Lekotek Center for individualized assistance on toys and play ideas for children with disabilities. This organization's goal is "To facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities and developmental vulnerabilities into the full range of family and community life." Their service is FREE. (800-366-7529)

Puget Sound Toy Stores - These stores carry special learning materials and/or extra-cool toys. Imagination Toys, 1815 N. 45th Street, Seattle (547-2356) Lakeshore Learning Materials, 11027 N.E. 4th Street, Bellevue (462-8076) Learning World, 310 Westlake Avenue N., Seattle (464-1515), plus four other locations. Pinocchio's Toys, 4540 Union Bay Place N.E., Kirkland (528-1100) Top Ten Toys, 104 N. 85th Street, Seattle (782-0098)

Colleen Foye Bollen is a freelance writer specializing in parenting issues, travel, and business profiles. Article reprinted by permission of Seattle's Child. For subscription information, call 206-441-0191.

New Booklet on UNIX Commands to Access Internet

National Braille Press has published a new tool for blind people who wish to access the Internet. UNIX is the standard operating system for most bulletin board and on-line services around the world. The beginning "netsurfer" needs to know only a few UNIX commands to start exploring the vast world of information on the Internet. To order your braille booklet, Simple UNIX Commands for Internet Users, send prepayment of $5 to: National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115

Internet & the World Wide Web

Tom Zeiler and Dagmar Amtmann

So you keep hearing about this "world wide web" thing, and you've decided it's time you tried to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. But wait a second ... how does one get onto (into?) "the web" anyway? And once you're there, what the heck do you do? In this issue we'll start from square one and look at what the web is and how it works within the context of the Internet as a whole. Then, in a later issue, we'll explore some of its specific applications in more detail, with particular emphasis on how people with disabilities and those providing services to them can benefit from the use of these electronic resources.

The Internet is a network of computers that are directly connected (no phone calls necessary). It is impossible to know how many computers are linked via the Internet. (Some estimate that it is used by about 15 million users in 140 countries.)

Internet Providers are the "onramps" to the information superhighway. Schools, companies, and libraries often offer Internet access. Certain companies sell Internet access to the general public. The most popular commercial providers are America OnLine and CompuServe, but there are many other smaller companies in the business of offering access as well. Some areas (including Seattle) are even fortunate enough to have "freenets" - non-profit organizations which offer e-mail accounts and other services for free.

Electronic Mail (e-mail) is probably the most commonly used feature on the Internet. The system can send a message across the globe in a matter of seconds. It can also be used to transfer* any kind of computer file, including images, sounds etc. (* Most e-mail programs, however, can only display text - files transferred in this way must be saved to a disk or otherwise manipulated outside of the e-mail context.)

Electronic Mailing Lists distribute e-mail messages automatically to all subscribers. These lists allow subscribers to participate in ongoing discussions on almost any imaginable topic.

USENET "newsgroups" are similar in look and feel to the dial-up "electronic bulletin boards" that were popular in the 80s, except that there are many computers in the USENET system, all of which are in constant communication with each other, swapping copies of messages back and forth. The effect is very similar to that of a mailing list - people all over the world communicating with each other about a shared interest.

The World Wide Web (WWW, W3, The Web) is a multi-modal information system that runs over the Internet. "The Web" effectively encompasses all of the things mentioned above and more into one easy-to-use package. "Web pages" are the foundation of the system. These are really just text documents that contain a relatively few special codes (hidden from the user) which say things like "FONT SIZE=6", and "CENTER." When these documents are placed on servers, they can send requests for information back and forth to each other. The most remarkable thing of all is that even non-programmers can easily learn to create web pages which act as sophisticated software programs - capable of tapping into a vast (and ever-expanding) array of resources spread all over the planet.

Web Browsers are the software programs you must use if you want to access the web. They know how to handle all the special codes in the web pages. The most popular browsers are Mosaic and Netscape. Another popular Web browser is Lynx. Lynx is a text-based browser, which means it can't handle graphics. Some people like to use it anyway, just because it is fast. Lynx is also one of the only browsers currently suitable for use with screen-reader software. All of these programs can be downloaded from the Internet or otherwise obtained free of charge.

"Uniform Resource Locator" (URL) is the fancy name given to what are basically "web addresses." The user can type in URL's by hand, but usually one just uses the URL's that are hidden within the visible "links" on a web page. Each link is typically a word, phrase, or picture - something that stands out from the rest of the document. When a user activates a link by using a mouse (or, in the case of Lynx, the arrow keys) the browser tries to obey the instructions that have been coded into theURL, i.e., things like "display the picture 'rainbow.gif' or 'send an e-mail message to so-and-so@where.place' or 'show me the articles in the newsgroup wash.assistive-tech." Here is an example of the most common kind of URL - one that goes and gets another web page for viewing:

http://webcrawler.com/

This particular address causes your browser to load one of the many search-engine pages that have been created to help people find things on the web. Next time, among other things, we'll take a look at using a search engine to crawl (at lightning speed) around the earth.

Calendar of Events

Creative Adaptive Equipment Solutions, March 2, 1996

New and practical ideas for modifying or fabricating various equipment items including seating and positioning devices, cycles, mobility equipment, computers, toys, ADL equipment, swings, sports and recreation equipment, etc. The focus is on non-electronic adaptation. This class will be held at the Children's Therapy Unit, 407- 14th Ave. S.E. in Puyallup. Deadline for registration: Feb. 23, 1996. Registration Fee: $45. For more information, call Steve Shores, MOT, OTR/L, Assistive Technology Specialist Of Good Samaritan at (206) 848-6661 Ext. 1600.

The Duncan Seminar, March 8-9, 1996

This seminar on Adaptive Technology will be held at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. This year's Duncan Seminar will focus on principles and problem-solving approaches in the adaptive technology field, including academic, vocational, social and recreational issues. There will be vendor booths and some special presentations, and a hands-on lab on Saturday all day concurrent with the speaker sessions. For more information, call Children's Continuing Medical Education at 206-526-2501. Pre-registration is required.

Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, March 19-23, 1996

This comprehensive, international conference on technology, where all ages, disabilities, and levels of education and training are covered will be held at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton and Marriott Hotels. Keynote speaker: Dr. Judy Montgomery, President of ASHA. Special features include focusing on The Electronic Highway, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication. For more information, call CSUN's Center on Disabilities at 818-885-2578 V/TTY

PAVE Workshop on Community Liaison Training, April 12-13, 1996

Eastern Washington Area This workshop by PAVE's Parent to Parent Training Project will assist parents in preparing for IEP meetings. PAVE's Community Liaisons are parents who volunteer their time, experience and knowledge to help other parents. For more information, call 1-800-5-PARENT (V/TTY) or write to Washington PAVE, 6316 S. 12th St., Tacoma, Washington 98465-1900.

Pacific Northwest Technology Conference and Expo, April 24-27, 1996

The fourth annual Conference and Expo will be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. To request a Call to Present or Call to Exhibit packet, contact:

WTAC Convention Services Northwest
8511 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206-526-1240 voice/FAX, electhiway@aol.com, wta@applelink.apple.com

Washington Assistive Technology Alliance Newsletter