Infopeople Webinar Series: Accessibility and Technology

An Webinar Jane Vincent, A.M.L.S. November 19, :00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Infopeople webinars are supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. IT Staff's Role in Successful Assistive Technology Implementation

Introduction Audience survey Focus of presentation –Not exhaustive; intended to stimulate conversation between AT implementers and IT staff

Agenda AT software installation options CPU and OS considerations Compatibility among AT products Compatibility between AT and other products Computer environment

AT Software Installation Options

Option: Single machine Advantages –Simplest strategy –Site licenses may be available Disadvantages –Restricts AT usage to that machine

Option: Network Advantages –Allows AT use on multiple machines –May be more affordable than site license Disadvantages –Not all AT software is network compatible

Option: Flash drive Advantages –Allows use on multiple machines without the network issues or cost Disadvantages –May still require software installation –Flash drive easy to lose –Not all AT yet available in flash versions

A note on AT hardware Usually plug-and-play Possible issues with personal hardware

CPU and OS considerations

XP versus Vista AT compatibility issues Control panels and utilities

Processor Speed and RAM May be underestimated on manufacturer website Consideration: stand-alone vs. interaction with mainstream technology

Other system considerations Sound/video card Hard disk space Other considerations per manufacturer

AT and thin client systems Advantages –Permits switching if a designated machine is down Disadvantages –Requires installation on server

Compatibility among AT products

Multiple AT on a single computer Usually not problematic Problems usually caused by conflict among products with similar elements, e.g. audio drivers

Installation order May affect compatibility May be documented by vendor or elsewhere

Other compatibility information Available from vendor Available via forums and other third-party sources

Serendipity Try uninstalling and reinstalling one or both programs Try installing on separate machine

Compatibility between AT and mainstream products

Security software Reversion of program settings Start menu/program access Installation

Browser AT may only work with specified browsers AT may only work with specified versions of browsers

Other software Stand-alone Compatibility with specific programs Compatibility with most programs

Computer environment issues

Computer environment May not be responsibility of IT staff However, IT staff can provide valuable ongoing input

Example: Paths of travel Identification Keeping them clear

Example: Signage Unobstructed view

Involvement in strategizing Example: Implementation of speech recognition –Private space –System requirements –Other hardware requirements