Computer Resources for People With Disabilities: A Guide to Exploring Today's Assistive Technology [Paperback]

Stephen W. Hawking (Author), Alliance for Technology Access (Corporate Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1996

An essential resource for those with disabilities tells how to use the computer technology that now exists to overcome or minimize physical problems with speech, learning impairments, paralysis, and more.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Produced through the collaborative efforts of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) staff and support group, this well-organized work is an invaluable and much-needed reference tool for all types of users. Part 1, which might be termed a confidence builder, features a series of 12 brief but people-friendly chapters that discuss real-life success stories, individual goal-setting devices, assistive and conventional technologies commonality, current laws and regulations, usability of local resources (e.g., libraries), support group components and organizations, developmental funding strategies and sources, equipment selection and screening, buying tips, expert competency skills, shared learning, and futuristic projections. Part 2, called a Technology Tool Box, reflects the ATA's philosophy "that it is not the person with a disability that has the problem, but the environment that is deficient for not appropriately accommodating the individual's needs." Designed to provide the reader with information and ideas to become a good consumer of technology, the tool box provides question-and-answer charts and an excellent descriptive array of software features, processing aids, and specialized products, each provided with a range of costs and common vendors. Complete vendor addresses are listed in Part 3, which also contains a wealth of related information such as a listing of national conferences. In this time of universal ADA compliance, this is a highly recommended reference for all libraries.
Donald D. Foos, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This compendium from the Alliance for Technology Access provides an overview of the state of the art of redefining human potential through computer-assisted communication. The book is a veritable clearinghouse for the different technologies available and their applicability to the lives and tasks of people with various disabilities. It strives to be a sort of Whole Earth Catalog of cutting-edge and approaching technologies. Written and organized in a crisp, matter-of-fact style, it features questions to ask oneself before shopping for a computer and a few tips on operation after the purchase has been made. Especially useful are Parts II and III, the "Technology Toolbox" and "Resources" sections. Written in outline form with graphic mnemonics that actually relate to the subject matter, these sections are informative and unusually easy to use. Mike Tribby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; 2 Sub edition (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897931963
• ISBN-13: 978-0897931960
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,309,458 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best book I found for the disabled end user, July 3, 2000

By 

kelly pierce (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Computer Resources for People With Disabilities: A Guide to Exploring Today's Assistive Technology (Paperback)

This is the best book I found for the end user with a disability. Unlike most books in its class, the book is well writtten and organized. It also has a people directed approach. The focus is on people not on technology. I like how the book helps the reader map out a strategy to explore and evaluate his options with technology.