COMPUTERS, THE INTERNET & THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
For Disabled PC Users

(1) If a person is totally paralyzed, is it still possible for them to contact friends, and even make new friends by means of their PC?

It is truly amazing what certain paralyzed brothers and sisters are able to do simply by having their own computer. There are packages available now that enable a person to verbally give the PC commands to carry out. So providing that their voice is fairly understandable, they can fully access a word processor and have the enjoyment of communicating with old and new friends as well as studying for Theocratic meetings. Others who are unable to speak clearly enough for such programs have got around this additional problem by typing with their nose! Others operate the PC's mouse with their feet!

(1a) What is one example of voice recognition software, and what is the cost? Also, do I need any special equipment?

One package currently available is IBM Viavoice Gold 98. The current price is NZ$ 373. The only extra piece of equipment you would need is a microphone.

(2) What if a person is partially sighted? What can be done for them?

There are programs available which increase the size of anything that is seen on the screen, known as screen magnifiers. In addition, larger monitors can also assist in this area. For example, a 17 inch monitor would be of far more use to some partially sighted people than a 12 or 14 inch monitor. Also, Microsoft Windows gives the user some useful options, such as the ability to change the colors used, or the size and appearance of the mouse pointer, to suit the partially sighted person's needs. And of course, all Windows word processors give the user a wide range of font sizes, from ones you can hardly see, right up to a single character filling the whole screen. The Watchtower Library series of CD's also gives the user the ability to increase the size of fonts.

(2a) What is one example of a screen magnifier, and where can I buy one?

One used here in the UK is known as Lunar produced by Dolphin computer Access. Their contact details are:

Dolphin Computer Access, P.O. Box 83, Worcester, England, WR3 8TU, UK
Tel: (01905) 754577
International Callers: +44 1905 754577
Fax: (01905) 754559
International Fax: +44 1905 754559

(3) A totally blind person would not be able to read anything on the screen. Has anything been provided for them?

There are programs that give off an electronic synthesized voice. It used to be that the blind PC user had to purchase expensive speech cards or synthesizers that had to be connected to their computers. However in recent times, programs have been developed that rely on a sound blaster card, and therefore far less costly to the user.

(3a) What is one speech program that works in this way?

JAWS for Windows is generally available, is provided on a CD, and works well through a sound blaster card.

(4) What if a blind person prefers using Braille. Is it possible to link Braille to a PC?

Yes, but again, the cost can be rather high. It would require buying a Braille display unit, connecting it to the PC, and loading the necessary software to run the hardware. Once installed, it is possible for the Braillist to follow their progress around the screen, read back what they have written themselves, and read what others have written to them, or any text that appears on the screen.

(4a) What about printing documents or files in Braille from my computer?

Again, this is possible, providing you own a computer Brailler. Like other specialist equipment, they are costly, as is the heavy duty paper that is used to punch out the Braille characters.

(5) Would I benefit from using the Internet?

In a word, YES. However, before going any further, we would kindly remind any brother or sister who is thinking about going on the Internet, or is already on the Internet, to be very cautious. (Please see the feature articles in "Awake!" of July 22, 1997) It is well known that apostates are contacting Jehovah's Witnesses in an attempt to draw them away from the true God, Jehovah. They collect names and E-mail addresses from Jehovah's Witnesses Guestbooks--PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND. However, like anything else, if used in the proper way, and with balance, it can be a source of great encouragement. For example, there are 5 Jehovah's Witnesses Newsletters which are sent out by E-mail, and are free of charge. These newsletters keep our brothers and sisters up-to-date on things concerning our fellow Witnesses around the world, gives information on new and interesting home pages and web sites, provides details of web sites where the Day's Text and Scriptures for congregation meetings can be found, and even shares Theocratic poetry and experiences, plus much, much more. All of which can help us to keep our mind focused on spiritual things.

(6) Where can I get information on specialist equipment locally?

Your local resource center (or rehabilitation center) for the blind and disabled will be able to provide you with the information you need. In certain countries, they may also be able to inform you if you can get financial help in covering the cost of purchasing needed equipment. They will also be able to help you with more general everyday equipment to help you with daily living skills and needs, such as talking and Braille watches and clocks, gadgets for the kitchen, talking newspapers, and even vibrating clocks, watches, and doorbells for the deaf and deaf-blind.

(6a) Will it be possible to get in contact with, or consult others who know about or use the different types of equipment and software mentioned above?

One can be reached through Lester John Bell at:
eunlest.bell@xtra.co.nz

Reply to john.modec@xtra.co.nz
Business enquiries modec@pobox.com
Web Site at: http://www.pobox.com/~modec

With regards speech synthesizer programs in the UK, you can contact Jon Nixey at:
jonno@tesco.net

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To get this free service, you have to download the www.netzero.net web page to get their service. Some take advantage of Juno's offer of one month free internet access to download the information off the web for www.netzero.net during that free trial period. It's really quite easy.

Please check first, where these offers are valid!