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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. Hearing Devices PocketTalker Pro Ubi Duo NexTalk

12. PocketTalker Pro

13. 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).

14. 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.

15. PocketTalker Pro

18. Ubi Duo

19. 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.

20. 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).

21. Ubi Duo How to use Ubi Duo Illustration

22. NexTalk

23. 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 www.nextalk.com site.  It’s free including calls to a TTY anywhere in the U.S. Alternative Options  TTY.  Cell phone text messaging.

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

25. JAWS

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. Alternative Options  AIR Foundation Free online based screen reader visit www.accessibilityisaright.org.  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.

29. www.freedomscientific.com/Training

30. ZoomText

31. 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 email.

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

33. OVAC

34. 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.

35. Optelec

36. 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.

37. 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)

38. Focus on Ability

39. 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. http://www.focusonability.net

40. Resources AiSquared  ZoomText (visual impairment) resource.  www.aisquared.com www.aisquared.com Disability Minnesota  Single point resource for programs, products and services.  www.mndisability.gov www.mndisability.gov Freedom Scientific  Jaws (visual impairment) resource.  www.freedomscientific.com

41. Resources Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network/UCP  Device Loan Program provide alternative access options  www.ucp.org/ucp_localsub.cfm/90/8365/8377 Minnesota Relay Service  www.mnrelay.org www.mnrelay.org Minnesota STAR Program  Access to assistive technology equipment program.  www.starprogram.state.mn.us www.starprogram.state.mn.us

42. Resources On-line Access to Statewide Community Resources  www.minnesotahelp.info www.minnesotahelp.info Minnesota STAR Program  Access to assistive technology equipment program.  www.starprogram.state.mn.us www.starprogram.state.mn.us State Services for the Blind  www.mnssb.org www.mnssb.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program (TED)  www.tedprogram.org www.tedprogram.org

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