• Talking E-mail
  For Windows 98/95/NT4. This program will notify you when you have received an email and then read it to you. Mail can be in plain text, HTML or RTF formats. Low cost commercial program.
  
  
• QWKTALK 4
  PEGASUS SOFTWARE'S QWKTALK 2.2 beta TALKING E-MAIL READER! Supports File Attachments! Full Voice Utilities AUTO SIGNATURE ATTACH...and IT TALKS! Requires Sound Blaster COMPATIBLE Sound Card
  
  
• SLMR email reader.
  The use of an offline mail reader like SLMR has become necessary to manage the large number of messages available from BBS message networks and the internet. SLMR provides fast and powerful features for sorting, searching, saving, and managing mail and replies. SLMR will run on all types of PC-compatible computers and supports Microsoft-compatible mice. DOS. Freeware.

Web Browsing with DOS.

• The Net-Tamer Shareware Browser
  Net-Tamer is a DOS PPP dial up access program, which requires no TSR packet driver. It will web browse, get/send your email, get/send usenet messages, FTP upload/download a file, TELNET to another internet address, or check the time and date. It is a both robot and a navigator. It will get email and usenet groups, then log off so you can use the included offline reader, or you can choose to stay on and look around. It will also do a download/ upload of mail or usenet on a timer. The program is speech friendly to users of talking programs for the visually impaired. Recommended.
  
  
• DosLynx
  DosLynx is the DOS version of the Lynx text based World Wide Web browser. Lynx is a text browser for the World Wide Web. Lynx 2.8.1 runs on VMS, Unix, Linux, Windows95/98 and NT but not 3.1 or 3.11, and on DOS (on a 386 or higher) via DJGPP. Ports to OS/2 and Mac are in beta test.
  For those systems using a ODI driver (eg. Novell's LAN Workplace), the packet driver emulator is ODIPKT, which can be found at ftp://ftp2.cc.ukans.edu/pub/WWW/DosLynx/support. Download net.cfg, odipkt.doc and odipkt.com files. And those using NDIS driver (eg. PC-NFS, BANYAN VINES) the packet driver emulator is DIS-PKT9, which can be found at ftp://ftp2.cc.ukans.edu/pub/WWW/DosLynx/support/dis_pkt9.zip.
  A collection of packet drivers can be found at Crynwr Software ftp://ftp.crynwr.com/drivers/.
  So for those users with a TCP/IP stack already loaded (such as Lan Workplace for DOS) you will need to configure your computer so that you can unload the TCP/IP stack at your convienience. If your computer does not use a packet driver, which DosLynx requires to access the network, ask your local network administrator if there is a packet driver emulator available for your particular workstation configuration. Freeware.
  Note: DosLynx works best with PPP from Klos (http://www.klos.com/) for standard internet connections. Klos has a shareware ppp dialer which works well with DosLynx. PPP is a DOS ODI driver that implements the PPP (Point-to-Point) protocol on standard PC COM ports. PPP supports both IP and IPX, both in DOS and in Windows. PPP support both PAP and CHAP for authentication, and supports header compression for both IP and IPX. You can download a free demo version of PPP for testing. The demo version has all the features of the retail version, but will disconnect a session after 15 minutes. PPP sells for $29.95 for a single-user license.
  
  
• BLYNX
  Lynx Support Files Tailored for Blind and Visually Handicapped Users.
  Support for all platforms (DOS, Windows, Linux and Unix) is included.
  
  

Windows Web Browsing.

• pwWebSpeak from The Productivity Works.
  pwWebSpeak is an Windows Internet browser designed for users who wish to access the Internet in a non-visual or combined auditory and visual manner. This includes users who cannot be tied to a keyboard or monitor, blind or visually impaired users, users with dyslexia or other learning disorders, and users who are learning new languages.
  pwWebSpeak operates in Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, and Windows 95. It requires approximately 3 megabytes of hard disk space and a recommended minimum of 8 megabytes of main memory.
  pwWebSpeak requires that you have either a SLIP or PPP Internet connection and access to a dialer if you are not directly connected to the Internet.
  pwWebSpeak PLUS is the commercial version of the pwWebSpeak award winning browser. pwWebSpeak is an Internet browser designed for users who wish to access the Internet in a non-visual or dual mode manner. This includes users who cannot be tied to a keyboard or monitor, blind or visually impaired users, users with dyslexia or other learning disorders, and users who are learning new languages. pwWebSpeak is designed specifically to interact directly with the information on the Web pages and to translate the information content into speech. The user may navigate through the structure of a document based on its contents, paragraphs and sentences, rather than having to deal with scrolling and interpreting a structured screen display.
  pwWebSpeak PLUS is available for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, 98 and NT. It includes a software speech synthesizer, called SoftVoice, and the Windows 95, 98 and NT versions will include the pwE-Mail package when that software is made generally available. Recommended.
  
  
• SOUNDSCAPE FOR NETSCAPE.
  SoundScape version 1.0 is developed and distributed free by the Technology Access Laboratory of the Dublin Institute of Technology. SOUNDSCAPE is a software package which recognises text on a world wide web page and provides speech output. To run SoundScape you need the following minimum configuration:
  1.PC, 486/60+ MHz [or better], 8MB RAM [or more].
  2.3 MB hard disk free space.
  3.Creative Labs' Soundblaster [16b] Pro card.
  4.Creative Labs' Text Assist.
  5.Microsoft Windows 3.1+ or MS Windows 95+.
  6.Netscape Navigator Versions: 1.1 [and later].
  7.The Soundblaster [16 b] Pro with "ADSP" was usually included with Text Assist. Without Text Assist, SoundScape will not give voice output, and can only be evaluated by viewing the screen text output facility.
  Note: Creative Labs is no longer distributing Text Assist.
  See the Text to Speech (Screen Reader) section below for information on obtaining the latest version of Text Assist
  
  
• Win32 Lynx
  The Win32 version will work on Win95 or WinNT using the standard winsock. Will NOT work Win3.11. This is a console application meaning that it appears to run in a DOS box within Windows, but it accesses the Windows network layer and other kernel functions directly. See http://www.fdisk.com/doslynx/lynxport.htm for more information on this and other versions of Lynx. Recommended.
  
  
• OPERA Software
  Opera is an advanced Internet/Intranet Browser for the PC. Includes a number of features useful for people with a handicap, Opera also works very well as a front end for CD-ROMS. The ultimate kiosk. Useful features for Intranet usage. News and email.
  
  
• IBM Home Page Reader
  Home Page Reader audibly communicates complete information from graphical user interface web pages to the user, including tables, frames, forms, and even alternate text for images. The full range of web page data is provided in a logical, clear and understandable manner. Home Page Reader speaks link information or ALT text for objects like images and image maps. In addition, the product speaks HTML 4.0 information provided by web page authors, providing valuable information like summaries and table captions.
  Using the numeric keypad as an interface, Home Page Reader allows the user to navigate and manipulate web page elements like image and text links, form elements, standard text and frames. With the convenient keys help mode, the user can press any Home Page Reader key combination and hear a description of its use.
  With Home Page Reader's fast forward key, the user can skim web pages to quickly locate the desired information. A male voice reads text, while a female voice provides the word links. This simple- to-follow differentiation lets the user navigate the Internet much more efficiently and productively. By accessing page summary data or using a "where am I" command on the keypad, the user can also instantly determine the number and location of elements on the current web page.
  Home Page Reader provides the user with access to online help and bookmarks, easily retrieved as local web pages with hypertext. Saving and organizing bookmarks with Home Page Reader is easy too.
  To expand the user's communication with family, friends and business associates, Home Page Reader includes an integrated electronic mail feature called Home Page Mailer.
  Processor performance equivalent to Intel PentiumR 150 MHz MMX
  32 MB RAM for Microsoft Windows 95 or 98, or 64 MB RAM for Windows NT
  10 MB hard disk space available
  (Note: An additional 18 MB is required if installing Netscape Navigator.)
  SVGA graphics card (640 x 480 with 256 colors)
  28.8 KBPS modem
  Windows-compatible 16-bit sound card
  (Note: Sound/modem combination adapters in lap-top computers are not supported.)
  Windows-compatible double-speed CD-ROM drive
  PC-compatible numeric keypad (integrated into the keyboard or sold separately)
  For the latest information see http://www.austin.ibm.com/sns/hpr or US (800) 426-7630
  
  

Text to Speech Programs (Screen Readers)

• ReadToMe from The Hawaii Education Literacy Project
  The Hawaii Education Literacy Project is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting literacy by making the reading of electronic text easier and more pleasurable. The use of their first effort, ReadToMe, a Windows®-based reading tool, is free.
  ReadToMe Features:
  Reads Web Pages*
  Supports both English and Hawaiian Language
  Allows you to customize the pronunciation of mispronounced words
  Reads text from the Windows® Clipboard, Microsoft Word®, text files, or the Internet. (Web Pages)*
  Contains links to 482 Classic Works of Literature*
  Highlights words or sentences while reading
  Allows you to customize Reading Speed, Pitch and Volume and to choose from five Talking Heads
  Looks up word definitions*
  * These features require active Internet session.
  
  
• JAWS for Windows
  Using screen-reading and screen-magnification software developed by Henter-Joyce, blind or visually-impaired computer users access a whole world of information, education and job-related applications. With these products, blind or visually-impaired people browse the web, read or write e-mail messages, re-calculate spread sheets or access information in a data base. Henter-Joyce software works with, but does not replace, most computer applications. The software is the top choice of blind and visually-impaired people around the world. JFW Includes Software, Manual, Quick Reference Guide in Braille, and audio cassette training tapes. JAWS for Windows is a true 32-bit application. This means that it takes advantage of all the power and sophistication available in Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4.0. It also means faster response, even with software synthesizers and Braille displays. JFW also features fantastic support for Internet Explorer 4.01, including the ability to reformat complex web pages and list links alphabetically in an easy-to-use list box. Other features include MS-DOS windows support, improved help functions, and many other features which make JAWS for Windows the most powerful, responsive and generally applicable Windows screen reader available. Also available in Spanish.
  
  
• Download JAWS for DOS (Now Freeware).
  Henter-Joyce has now released JAWS for DOS as Freeware.
  
  
• Window-Eyes
  Window-Eyes was designed to add voice access to Windows 3.1x, 95, and 98 as a stand-alone Windows application which gives you total control over what you hear, when you hear it, and how you hear it. Since Window-Eyes is a stand-alone Windows screen reader, it does not require a particular DOS screen reader.
  
  
• Text Assist from Mindmaker, Inc.
  TextAssist was originally introduced by Creative Labs for the Sound Blaster product family. Mindmaker's version of TextAssist works with any multimedia audio hardware. The current version of TextAssist uses the L&H TruVoice engine, and can be used as a utility.
  TextAssist is an easy-to-use application that converts text into speech. You can use it to read e-mail messages and text documents, recite poetry, sing songs, and make Internet chat rooms come alive. Unlike competing products, TextAssist is easy to operate and requires a minimum amount of set-up. Simply highlight text and let it go to work.
  TextAssist is fully customizable, offering several different voices that you can modify in pitch, volume, and speed. Individual voices can be tailored to your specifications and associated with targeted applications. No other product on the market allows such extensive modifications and yet remains so easy to operate.
  
  
• outSPOKEN for Windows outSPOKEN(tm) for Windows - the Talking Windows Interface. outSPOKEN is a screen reader that allows blind people to use Microsoft(tm) Windows®.
  
  
• outSPOKEN for Macintosh outSPOKEN(tm) for the Macintosh is the award-winning screen reader that allows the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled to access the graphical user interface of the Macintosh. Not only does outSPOKEN give audio feedback from what appears on the screen, it also allows the user to navigate without a mouse. All commands are intuitive and easy to learn. They are entered via the numeric keypad, or, in the case of PowerBooks, directly from the keyboard.
  
  
• Emacspeak.
  Emacspeak is the first full-fledged speech output system that will allow someone who cannot see to work directly on a UNIX system. (Until now, the only option available to visually impaired users has been to use a talking PC as a terminal.) Emacspeak is built on top of Emacs. Once you start Emacs with Emacspeak loaded, you get spoken feedback for everything you do. Your mileage will vary depending on how well you can use Emacs.There is nothing that you cannot do inside Emacs.
  
  
• TinyTalk Documentation.
  Documentation for the TinyTalk program below.
  
  
• TinyTalk EXE Files
  TINYTALK PERSONAL: The Powerful and Affordable DOS Screen Reader
  Tinytalk Personal is a speech access program for all IBM-compatible computers. It was designed with three goals in mind: to provide an entry-level screen reader that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, to make modern application programs speak more or less automatically and to use as little memory as possible (it currently takes up only 27K).
  Tinytalk Personal isn't intended to be all things to all people; rather it tries to provide the minimum set of options needed to run modern software. In the future, we expect to release "add-ins" for Tinytalk that will provide advanced features like user-defined pronunciation dictionaries and a compiler for making configuration files from text descriptions.
  Tinytalk will work with any IBM-compatible computer, including older machines, that is equipped with one of the supported synthesizers or a SoundBlaster card. There are no known problems with high-speed machines, and Tinytalk will work with any video adapter card (you don't need to have a monitor connected to your system, but you do need a video card). Tinytalk does not require a hard disk.
  NOTE: There is a separate Tinytalk program file for each synthesizer rather than a single file for all. This reduces the amount of memory required, since you aren't carrying around support code for synthesizers that you aren't using. However, some synthesizers are similar enough that the same program file can be used with more than one synthesizer:
  
  
• Talking Checkbook
  The speech friendly, freeware, great and full featured Talking Checkbook version 7.5! Written for folks who rely upon synthetic speech output to access info, but works for all! DOS.
  
  
• SmartSum Calculator v1.6
  SmartSum Calculator a Windows based talking printing calculator/adding machine (no sound card needed). Host of features including loading/saving of calculations; notes by entries; user-defineable macros; correction of previous entries; auto recalculation; interfaces with any Windows Spreadsheet; sales tax calculations; supplied conversion macros; 10 memories; vocalisation and much much more! Now Win95 compatibile, with new voices. Shareware.
  
  
• Big Little Talking Calculator
  Minimum requirements: Windows 95/98/NT.
  
  

Voice Recognition

• Dragon Systems - The Natural Speech Company
  Dragon NaturallySpeaking 3.0 Preferred Edition was given the Editors' Choice award by PC Magazine on October 20, 1998. They write: "The three most important features of speech recognition software are: accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. Dragon NaturallySpeaking includes many innovative features, but Dragon Systems has focused most of its efforts on developing the most accurate recognition engine. As our tests demonstrate, they've succeeded, earning NaturallySpeaking our Editors' Choice award."
  Dragon has other specialized speech recognition programs available also.
  
  
• ViaVoice from IBM.
  International Business Machines (IBM) is shipping its ViaVoice 98 dictation software. It is also available direct from IBM (1-800-426-2255). ViaVoice includes a headset with microphone that can be linked through a PC sound card for text dictation to Microsoft Word.
  The latest continuous-speech recognition offering from IBM, ViaVoice 98 includes a smarter speech recognition engine, modeless operation, and extensive command-and-control capabilities. But it falls short on accuracy. Tested at 85% accuracy by PC Magazine.
  
  
• L&H Voice Xpress Plus 1.01
  Although it arrived a little late to the party, Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products' L&H Voice Xpress Plus has quickly made its presence felt by forging close ties with Microsoft Word (Microsoft is an investor in Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products). At $70 street, Voice Xpress is a lower-priced alternative to Dragon NaturallySpeaking. But in order to get good accuracy, you must be willing to spend a fair amount of time training the program and learning its nuances. Average accuracy 85%
  
  
• Philips FreeSpeech
  Targeted at home and SOHO users, Philips FreeSpeech is a limited speech recognition solution. FreeSpeech98 is distributed directly from Philips only, but it does not include a microphone or printed documentation. Its accuracy lagged far behind the other products. And FreeSpeech98 lacks many of the features found in other programs, such as support for multiple users, true modeless operation, and voice macros. Average accuracy 80% Lowest priced product in this catagory
  
  

Telephone Assistance

• pwTelephone
  pwTelephone turns your standard telephone into the most common, lowest cost, Web Resource possible. Listen to your personalized information while driving to work; check out news stories from around the World; provide new combined Telephone and Web-based services; listen to an audio book or check reference material from an online library; or to find out Local Hospital or local Government services. A caller makes hisor her way through a Web page by punching buttons on a touch-tone telephone and picking out items of interest.
  
  
• ReachNET
  ReachNET Introduces First-Ever Handheld Wireless TTY For the Deaf Community. Using a revolutionary new wireless service called Wireless TTY, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can, for the first time ever, engage in near real-time telephone conversations while mobile and separated from traditional teletype (TTY) machines.
  
  
• NexCom 14.4 BPS TTY MODEM
  New 14.4Kbps TTY MODEM by Nexion!
  TTY/ASCII Modem with FAX and VOICE
  ** TTY!
  Talks with any TTY or TDD (U.S. or International)
  Connects with any modem from TTY/300 ASCII machines to high speed fax/data modems.
  ** DATA MODEM (19,200 BPS)
  Modem speeds: 19,200, 14,400, 9600, 2400, 1200, 300, (Bell 103), etc.
  ** FAX MODEM (14,400 BPS)
  Send and receive faxes with any fax machine.
  ** VOICE.. Allows for voice/data/fax/TTY answering machine.
  NOTE: By today's standards this is not a very fast modem. Is might work best as a second modem for those who have a real need to communicate with a TTY.
  
  
• ASCII-TDD (Version 1.2)
  For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This software allows a standard modem, such as Hayes compatible, to talk with a TDD in ASCII mode. It will NOT communicate in Baudot mode, so either the TDD must be able to switch automatically to ASCII, or it must be pre-set to ASCII to receive such calls.
  
  
• NAVPAGE
  a program that will dial and send a maximum message of 80 characters to an alpha numeric pager. In order to use this program you must know the dial-up number of your alpha numeric pager service. REQUIREMENTS: DOS 3.3 or higher. Minimum of 500K free. Modem.
  
  

Mobility Assistance

• Intelligent Wheelchair Resources
  See also http://www.pridehealth.com for power chairs
  and
  http://www.abledata.com/text2/scooters.htm for scooters.
  An AltaVista search will provide many more links.
  
  
• Augmentive Devices
  Computer Input devices for the disabled,
  
  
• textHELP Home Page
  Word Prediction and more.
  
  
• Life's Little Helpers - Home Page
  Most of theirproducts are made specifically to assist people with physical challenges. Many of these items, however, are just great ideas for anybody who is looking for a better or easier way of getting things done. There are products to assist you at play and work. Take a look at the talking watches and clocks, cooking tools, large number telephones, big button TV remote controls, magnifiers, personal care products and even computer software and attachments.
  
  
• OnScreen (on-screen keyboard with WordComplete)
  On-screen keyboard allows the user to enter text into any application. WordComplete is a word prediction program that gives you choices of words you've used previously, in the order of frequency-of-use, to complete your current word. It learns as you use it, adding to its built-in word bank. WordComplete will work as a standalone or with OnScreen. Better dictionary than FinishLine for Windows (below).
  SizeApp lets you size the application you are typing 'into', so that the OnScreen and application windows do not cover each other.
  Available for Mac & Windows.
  
  
• CrossScanner (Single switch mouse/keyboard emulator)
  CrossScanner is a universal way to run all non-adapted software by single switch, or any pointing device. Using a single switch plugged into any device capable of producing a mouse-click, such as SAM, or any device that can be the mouse, such as a mouse, joystick, trackball, and several others, the user is able to perform mouse moves and clicks, double clicks, drags, operate menu's and enter text with optional OnScreen. The user interface is incredibly intuitive. All operation is supervisor-controllable to fine tune CrossScanner to the needs of the user.
  Availability: Mac & Windows
  
  
• SmartClick
  A click-helper for those that cannot click, or that can only single-click. SmartClick will auto-click when the user dwells (or hovers) over their target for the set time (user-definable). SmartClick also provides the abilities of: double clicks, drags, auto-repeat, shift-clicks, control-clicks, command-clicks, and control-clicks to persons that cannot click or can just single click. SmartClick also does menus, including sometimes-pesky popup menus.
  A SmartClick palette (like an artist's palette) contains buttons for functions. The user simply select their function, and then dwells, or single clicks, over their target. The function turns itself off after use.
  Availability: Mac only
  
  
• BIGGY (BIG cursors)
  Finally, BIG, BOLD, cursors. This utility allows you to choose from between many really large cursors, that work in/with any program.
  Mac: BIGGY even increases the size of all your other system cursors also.
  Windows: Many of the Windows 95 cursors are animated, several very useful cursor enhancements, and keymouse to move mouse from keyboard.
  
  
• The Eye Access System.
  Eye Access is an eye-movement controlled computer system. This new technology has allowed the designers of eye access to propose to seriously disabled people a universal visual targetting system which offers complete access to the whole of computer resources, as well as specific functions linked to the disability (vocal synthesis, home automation control, virtual keyboard emulation software...).
  Using the eye access system, a person who can not use a keyboard, a mouse or lever controlled systems, will be able to run most current programs, without being limited to some specially designed for disabled people. Dedicated to professional, communication or leisure use, eye access means new social integration prospects (remote training or work).
  
  
• Resources for One-Handed People
  This page is dedicated to resources for one-handed people (anyone who needs to use a computer with only one hand. Excellent resource.
  
  
• Amputee Resources
  Prosthetics, devices, prosthesists, support groups and more from Esmerel.org
  
  
• HeadMaster 2000
  HeadMaster 2000 is the smallest, lightest, most accurate mouse emulator PRC has ever offered. Move your head and the cursor moves on the screen. Use the sip-puff switch or an external switch to make right antd left mouse button clicks.
  New infrared technology provides silky-smooth cursor movement and pixel to pixel accuracy, making it ideal for almost any computer application. Optional on-screen keyboard programs such as WiViK permit typing and other keyboard functions.
  Headmaster 2000 is a remote system. There are no wires connecting you to the computer so you can come and go as you please. The pager-sized control box clips on anywhere and the lightweight sensor can be mounted in a variety of ways, including on a headset or a pair of glasses. Only a single wire and a small tube (if the sip-puff switch is used) connect the two elements. A small infrared transmitter sits on (or near) the computer and plugs into any standard COM port.
  HeadMaster2000 is battery operated and will let you work for 8-10 hours before recharging. An adjustable battery saving feature puts the unit to sleep when not in use. To wake it up, just tilt your head.
  
  
• WiViK on screen keyboard from Prentke Romich
  An onscreen keyboard with built in word prediction software, completely eliminates need for a physical keyboard. For the PC.
  
  
• JOUSE
  JOUSE is a joystick-operated mouse that is controlled with your mouth. Moving the joysitck moves the cursor. The further you move the joystick, the faster the cursor moves. Mouse button activations can be made with the sip, puff, and bite switches built into the JOUSE. Typing and other keyboard functions can be achieved through an on-screen keyboard such as WiViK or through morse code.
  
  
• ScreenDoors from Madenta.
  An onscreen keyboard with built in word prediction software, completely eliminates need for a physical keyboard. For the Mac. The best-selling on-screen keyboard in the world. Instead of pushing keys on a real keyboard, simply point and click on a picture of a keyboard on your computer screen. ScreenDoors II acts just like the real keyboard, typing directly into any application. A list of predicted words actually guesses what you are typing to help speed entry. The predictor will even help your spelling and grammar, by suggesting the most likely word to type next. Abbreviation expansion features make quick work of common text strings, such as your address.
  
  
• Telepathic II
  This software will help speed your typing, increase spelling and grammar accuracy, and even help with text composition. Just type a letter on your keyboard, and a list of predicted words appears on your screen. Select the word of your choice using the keyboard or mouse, and it will be typed directly into your word processor. The word prediction list "floats" above your word processer while still allowing the word processor to be the active application. This allows you to stay focused on the document you are creating - not on annoying windows that pop up and go away as you work. An ideal tool for people with learning disabilities: it learns simply by watching you type. Predicts current word and next likely word to follow. Abbreviation expansion features make quick work of common text strings, such as your address. More than 100 options allow you to set up Telepathic II just the way you like it. Works in any language, with any word processor or computer application, and runs on both Macintosh and Windows.
  
  
• Aurora
  Like Telepathic, Aurora is a powerful word predictor. Used as a communication aid, Aurora generates synthesized speech as well as text quickly and easily from a few keystrokes. Whether you use the standard 30,000-word dictionary, or the optional 100,000-word dictionary, your text entry and speech output will fly with Aurora. (Windows only.)
  
  
• EEK: AN ON-SCREEN KEYBOARD FOR WINDOWS
  EEK is a Windows application that lets you send keystrokes to other programs by clicking the mouse (which can also be a trackball, head pointer or touch-screen) on an image of a keyboard. It also has a "character map" mode for entering characters not shown on the standard keyboard. EEK's keyboard image can be resized to your liking.
  
  
• No-Keys 1.1 for Windows 3.1
  No-Keys 1.1 is a virtual (on-screen) keyboard that allows you to type in Windows 3.1 using only a mouse. It is designed primarily for people with disabilities that prevent them from using the keyboard.
  
  
• No-Keys 1.2
  No-Keys is a DOS program designed to allow a person to input text into any program without using the keyboard. It allows a mouse, trackball, or similar device to input text to DOS or most programs. It is designed for people with disabilities who cannot use a keyboard because they have limited motion of their arms, but can still make small motions with their hands or fingers.
  NO-KEYS displays a window containing text characters on the screen. The mouse cursor is also visible. When you move the mouse cursor so that it is on top of a character and press the left mouse button, the computer acts as if that character had been typed on the keyboard. Shareware.
  
  
• SoftKBD 2.0 for Windows 3.x
  SoftKBD was created in the hope of providing motor impaired individuals with an opportunity to use a powerful computing environment for personal and professional gain.
  Using an on-screen keyboard and a mouse, or mouse like pointing device, a user simply "points & clicks" to enter information in Microsoft Windows 3.1 applications. Shareware for a $20 registration fee.
  
  
• Keyboard Express 95/NT v1.5n
  Keyboard Express 95/NT v2.6d (WIN95) [ASP] is a Windows Keyboard Macro. Simply enter in text or auto-capture for easy playback. Assign up to 364 hot keys with up to 5000 keystrokes each. Maintain multiple sets of macros. Easily add, modify, delete and copy hot keys. Temporarily disable hot keys. Add current date, time, delays and pauses to keystrokes. Set hot keys to launch programs. Received Windows Magazine "Recommended Seal".
  
  
• Access DOS
  Since computers are used by many different people, they have been designed overall for the "average" user. But everyone's abilities are different, and some people have enough trouble operating computers that they need some special accommodations. AccessDOS provides some of these accommodations. AccessDOS does not address all of the problems that someone with a disability might encounter in using a computer. Rather, it tackles some of the most common difficulties that people with physical disabilities encounter in using the computer's input devices--that is the keyboard and the mouse. It also can assist some people with hearing impairments. A users guide is included with the software. Freeware.
  
  
• Access Pack for Windows
  The Access Pack software is fully compatible with the standard Windows configurations, and should not be noticeable by users who do not want to use its additional features. Therefore, Access Pack can be installed on any computer for users who require it. Access Pack consists of three keyboard drivers and a mouse driver. These drivers replace the standard Windows drivers for most hardware configurations. It also includes ACCESS.EXE, a program that controls the Access functions, and ACCESS.WRI, an online document that describes Access Pack and explains how to use it. Freeware.
  
  
• Access Pack for Windows Upgrade An update to the Access Pack software for Windows 3.0, 3.1, or 3.11 has been released. No new features have been added. This update only provides some fixes. If you are not experiencing any problems, then there is no reason for you to update your copy of the Access Pack.
  
  
• KEYCACHE: THE UNIVERSAL INPUT ACCELERATOR FOR WINDOWS
  Keycache reduces the amount of typing you need to do by giving you a list of words that you could be trying to type, expanding abbreviations and macro keystrokes, automatically spacing after punctuation and automatically capitalizing the first letter of each sentence.
  
  
• KEYCACHE: THE UNIVERSAL INPUT ACCELERATOR FOR DOS
  Keycache is a memory-resident (TSR) program that makes it easier and faster to type text when you're using an application program like a word processor. Keycache speeds up input the same way a disk cache speeds up disk accesses. Keycache works with nearly any DOS program that uses keyboard input and a text-mode display. Keycache cooperates with other keyboard utilities such as "sticky-key" programs and alternative input programs such as on-screen keyboards and scanning programs.
  
  

Screen Magnifiers

• The Screen Magnifiers Homepage
  Peter Verhoeven is the leading authority on Screen Magnifiers. The Screen Magnifiers Homepage is the place on the Internet where you can find all information about screen magnification and where you can download DEMOS, SHAREWARE and FREEWARE.
  
  
• Zoomtext ZoomText 7.0 is a screen magnification program for PC compatible computers, specifically tailored for the needs of the visually impaired. ZoomText works with Windows and DOS software, including word processors, databases, spreadsheets, online services and others.
  
  
• TUTOR.ZIP Contains a Windows typing tutor and one for DOS
  A typing program with a cursor recognized by Zoomtext.
  
  
• Screen Loupe for Windows 95/NT
  Loupe displays a magnified view of whatever is beneath the mouse cursor, much like a printer's or jeweler's loupe. Loupe continues to operate when minimized. The program name on the Taskbar is replaced by the current mouse coordinates. Loupe also displays information about the current hardware configuration and dynamic system resource usage as well as an ASCII / ANSI character code chart, MS Windows Error Codes and Horizontal and Vertical rulers. Shareware.
  
  
• Windows Screen Magnifier
  Magnifies contents of an area around the mouse pointer in a Window on the screen. For Windows 3.x. Freeware.
  
  
• The Magnify System
  The Magnify System by Patrick Swayne. The Magnify System is a set of DOS programs that double the size of the characters on your computer screen. The characters of the normal 80x25 text mode are doubled in both height and width. The system consists of these programs:
  BIG.COM -- Sets a big character mode that can be used for DOS commands such as DIR.
  SMALL.COM -- Restores the normal 80x25 text mode.
  BV.COM -- BigView, a text viewing program similar to the popular LIST.COM shareware program, except that BV displays text in large characters.
  MAGNIFY.COM -- A TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) program that can be used to magnify portions of the screen while you are running just about any text mode application program.
  The Magnify System programs will run on any IBM-PC or AT compatible computer with a color EGA or VGA video system. They will not work while the screen is in a graphic mode, or while a graphical environment is running, such as Windows.
  The Magnify System is distributed as "copyrighted but free" software.
  
  

Work and Study

• SSAWORK
  SSA Work Incentive Viewer for Windows. Text file descriptions of Social Security Administration Work Incentive Programs for persons receiving OASDI OR SSI benefits. Can be viewed or pasted into your word processed document. Freeware.
  
  
• Study v. 2.02
  The most effective way, yet, to study plain text files. Complete freedom of movement within text, page, paragraph, screen or line. Advanced search, marking and note taking features. Automatic chapter and heading marks plus table of contents support make this the most powerful, speech friendly text study system around.
  
  
• Talking Typing Tutor
  As its name implies, Talking Typing Teacher has built-in speech. By this we mean that you do not require speech output devices to use TTT. You are guided through the menus, prompted to type drills, asked questions and informed of everything else by Eager Eddie, our friendly, prerecorded man's voice. The built-in speech option allows you to run TTT on your computer, regardless of whether it has a speech synthesizer installed. In most cases, you don't even require a sound card to be installed on your computer, as TTT presents you with the option of playing its sound on the internal PC speaker--the speaker inside your computer on which all system beeps and whirs are heard. In fact, we originally designed TTT for blind and visually impaired users, but found that our sighted customers also enjoy having their computers talk to them while learning to type or increasing their typing speed.
  
  
• Unicorn Quest
  Unicorn Quest is a typing tutor, written for use in DOS. It was originally written for an eight-year-old one-handed girl who wanted to learn to type. Unicorn Quest makes learning to type into a game. While on a quest for a missing unicorn, the player practices typing letters, typing words, and finally typing sentences. The player can choose any of three levels of difficulty. At the end of each exercise, there is a different ASCII animal picture as a reward. Unicorn Quest version 3.0 is shareware, and can be used with right hand only, left hand only, or both hands. On special request, the typing tutor can also be easily customized for any missing fingers. While written for a child, this tutor may be useful to adults also.
  
  

Other Resources

• Lista de distribución sobre Discapacidad y Tecnología de la Rehabilitación.
  En Español. Information on Assistive Technology in Spanish.
  If you want to join the mailing list, send an email with an empty subject line to:
  listserv@listserv.rediris.es
  and in the body of the message:
  subscribe DISTEC your-name your-last-name
  
  
• Informed Consumer's Guide to Funding Assistive Technology
  With the advent of new technology, more and more options exist to enable persons with disabilities to live independently, to achieve higher levels of education, to participate in activities of the workplace, and to engage in hobbies and recreational activities. With the awareness of the existence of technology, persons with disabilities and their families expect access to that technology.
  
  
• Choosing Assistive Technology
  An excellent article by Kelly Pierce.
  Due to the length of this article it might be best to save it to disk or print it out.
  
  
• Center for Accessible Technology
  The Center for Accessible Technology is a non-profit organization that works with children and adults with disabilities, their families, teachers, counselors, and employers to explore computer systems, adaptive devices and software. We assist people in gaining the knowledge and expertise needed to make the best decisions about selecting adaptive computer equipment. The Center empowers consumers not by prescribing aids, but by recognizing that each person has something to contribute to the successful implementation of a technological solution.
  
  
• The Empowerment Zone
  This is a marvelous site which offers information, ideas, and software related to the theme of empowerment. All the informational files, including software training and documentation files are in ASCII text readable by both sighted and blind/visually impaired. Longer files are in zip format, download and read offline. Recommended.
  
  
• Learning Independence Through Computers, Inc.
  LINC is a non-profit computer resource center which provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to use computer technology to achieve independence and productivity in personal and community life.
  
  
• Trace Research and Development Center
  Excellent resource for information on Assistive Technology.
  
  
• Trace Research Library
  
  
• Windows 95 Assistive Technology shareware.
  Downloadable from Trace Research.
  
  
• Windows 3.1 and 3.11 Assistive Technology shareware.
  Downloadable from Trace Research.
  
  
• DOS Assistive Technology shareware.
  Downloadable from Trace Research.
  
  
• Macintosh Assistive Technology shareware
  Downloadable from Trace Research.
  
  
• Unix/Linux Assistive Technology shareware.
  Downloadable from Trace Research.
  
  
• ABLEDATA
  ABLEDATA is the best database database of Assistive Technonogy products on the Web.
  
  
• Esmerel's Adaptive Technology Sites
  A constantly growing page dedicated to listing adaptive technology sites on the Internet. Worthwhile browsing.
  
  
• The BLINUX Documentation and Development Project
  The purpose of The BLINUX Documentation and Development Project is to serve as a catalyst which will both spur and speed the development of software and documentation which will enable the blind user to run his or her own Linux workstation.
  
  

Utilities

• PKUNZIP
  Utility to decompress (unzip) many of the above files.
  
  
• WinZip 95
  Utility to decompress (unzip) files when using Windows 95
  
  
• BOXER
  BOXER DOS Text Editor 7.5a Powerful editing capability in an easy-to-use program. Version 7.5 now includes support for Win 3.1/95 clipboards and Win95 long filenames! Also: Syntax highlighting, column blocks, undo & redo, global search & replace, macros, WP, keyboard reconfig, large screen support, 36 clipboards, brace matching, ASCII chart & much more! Make Web Pages (HTML). Speech Friendly. Boxer won "Best Major Application" at the SIA. Shareware.