DEED WorkForce Center RRA Certification Program Module # 1 Unit # 4: Assistive Technology Equipment “Improving lives, building communities”

Training Outline Competency statement and learning objectives Training – Classroom Training Materials  Hands on training  Power Point  Handouts

Unit Competency Statement and Learning Objectives Competency Statement: Know the expectations of staff, become aware of various challenges people with disabilities face within the WFC and identify and know how to use various AT equipment. Learning objectives:  Understands the expectations of WCR III staff.  Demonstrates ability to name the various AT equipment available and their uses  Demonstrates ability to use various available AT equipment at a basic level.  Demonstrate knowledge of who to call for assistance.

DEED Disability Program Navigators Darlene Kratt St.Paul HQ Ellie Emanuel Minneapolis So. WFC Arlys Hengemuhle St. Cloud WFC Unit 4: Adaptive Technology Equipment Assisting Customers with AT Equipment

Topics and Learning Objectives 1.Expectations  Role of staff.  Customer awareness needs.  Troubleshooting equipment. 2.AT Equipment  What is it.  Who benefits from it.  What you need to know.  Alternative options. 3.Resources  Various web sites

Learning Objective 1 Expectations  T he role of staff.  Customer awareness needs.  Trouble shooting equipment.

Expectations Role of staff  WCR III staff are to ensure resource area (RA) staff are trained on available AT equipment and that the equipment operates properly.  Be comfortable using the equipment. RA staff should direct any questions to WCR III staff first for assistance on the equipment before contacting DPNs or any other disability service. Customers  Customers usually let staff know of they are in need of AT equipment.

Expectations  However, customers don’t ordinarily disclose their disabilities, and staff may feel uncomfortable with approaching someone about using AT equipment. Solution: Amongst the resources, AT equipment is also available and, if necessary, provide information on Rehabilitation services.  Staff’s limited availability in the resource area and low-level knowledge of AT equipment negatively impacts the promotion and use of AT equipment.

Expectations Support/Troubleshooting  WCR III staff are responsible for handling initial troubleshooting situations or at least know who to contact for assistance.  Contact a DPN representative if the WCR III is unable to resolve issue.  Refer to resource list if DPN representative is unavailable.

Learning Objective 2 Assistive Technology Equipment Hearing Devices PocketTalker Pro Ubi Duo NexTalk Vision Devices Jaws ZoomText Ovac Optelec Alternative Options

Hearing Devices PocketTalker Pro Ubi Duo NexTalk

PocketTalker Pro

What is it?  A portable amplification device. Who benefits from it?  People with mild to moderate hearing loss.  People who are deaf will not benefit from this device. When to use it.  Face to face meetings.  Training sessions (small group).

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

PocketTalker Pro

Ubi Duo

What is it?  Portable wireless text-based communication device. Who benefits from it?  People who are deaf or have a hearing loss. Other uses for it.  Helpful for people with speech difficulties who can type.

Ubi Duo What you need to know  Keep it charged.  Each side charges separately.  Both sides must be on to chat.  Turn on/off using green button on side of unit.  If unit freezes up, insert end of paper clip to reset it in the reset port.  Disconnect by laying open both units flat on table then pull connecting ring.  Conversations may be saved and printed. Alternative Option  Interpret Type (PACTT loan program).

Ubi Duo How to use Ubi Duo Illustration

NexTalk

What is it?  Online telecommunication service provides free text messaging, text calls, instant messaging and placement of TTY calls. Who benefits from using NexTalk?  People who are deaf or have a hearing loss. What you need to know  Desktop shortcut to the site.  It’s free including calls to a TTY anywhere in the U.S. Alternative Options  TTY.  Cell phone text messaging.

Vision Devices  Jaws  Zoom Text  Ovac  Optelec  Alternative Options

JAWS

What is it?  JAWS is a software program, called a screen reader, that displays items on the computer screen using speech output. Who benefits from using JAWS?  Computer users who are Blind or have low vision. Training  Identify device components: Demonstrate where shortcut to access Jaws is located on the computer.  Identify basic troubleshooting: Be sure Jaws is loaded before opening any internet site.

JAWS What you need to know  JAWS is a complex program that takes time to learn.  Not all software programs and Web sites are compatible with JAWS.  A shortcut to JAWS is on the desktop.  Headphones should be used for privacy and to minimize sound that may distract others.

Alternative Options  AIR Foundation Free online based screen reader visit  Windows Narrator Located in the Accessories/Accessibility folder. Reads contents of active window, menu options, typed text. Works with Notepad, Wordpad, Control Panel, Windows Desktop and Internet Explorer.

ZoomText

What is it?  ZoomText is screen magnification software. Who benefits from using ZoomText?  Computer users with low vision. What you need to know  Magnifies fonts from 1X – 36X.  Eight zoom windows to choose from.  Customize screen color and contrast.  Customize mouse cursor look.  Use Reader to listen to documents, web pages and .

ZoomText  ZoomText is made by Ai Squared  May not work with all applications.  Windows Accessibility Features Magnifier Customize font and icon size ZoomText Tutorial available online at

OVAC

What is it?  Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) – magnifies printed material. Who benefits from using OVAC?  People with low vision. What you need to know  Displays magnified image on a TV Screen.  Can be hand-held or mounted. Alternative Options  Hand Held Video Magnifiers. PICO Amigo  Optelec.

Optelec

What is it?  ClearView+ Video Magnifier System magnifies anything placed under it from 2X – 50X its original size, always maintaining perfect focus. Who Benefits from using an Optelec?  Persons with Low Vision. What you need to know.  One-button simplicity control.  Always-In-Focus™ technology.  Easy-Glide reading platform with electronic brake.

Learning Objective 3 Resources  Focus on Ability  AiSquared  Disability Minnesota  Freedom Scientific  Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network/UCP  Minnesota Relay Services  Minnesota Star Program  On-line Access to Statewide Community Resources  State Services for the Blind (SSB)  Telephone Equipment Distribution Program (TED)

Focus on Ability

What is Focus on Ability?  A web site designed to improve employment opportunities among people with disabilities.  Provides an interactive training program.  Basic information on common disabilities.  Directory of services, which include employment agencies. Additional Training vehicle.  A Focus on Ability training DVD is also available for free.

Resources AiSquared  ZoomText (visual impairment) resource.  Disability Minnesota  Single point resource for programs, products and services.  Freedom Scientific  Jaws (visual impairment) resource. 

Resources Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network/UCP  Device Loan Program provide alternative access options  Minnesota Relay Service  Minnesota STAR Program  Access to assistive technology equipment program. 

Resources On-line Access to Statewide Community Resources  Minnesota STAR Program  Access to assistive technology equipment program.  State Services for the Blind  Telephone Equipment Distribution Program (TED) 

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