1. Infopeople Webinar Series: Accessibility and Technology

2. An Webinar Jane Vincent, A.M.L.S. jane@janevincent.com November 19, 2008 12:00 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

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

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

5. AT Software Installation Options

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

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

8. 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

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

10. CPU and OS considerations

11. XP versus Vista AT compatibility issues Control panels and utilities

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

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

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

15. Compatibility among AT products

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

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

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

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

20. Compatibility between AT and mainstream products

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

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

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

24. Computer environment issues

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

26. Example: Paths of travel Identification Keeping them clear

27. Example: Signage Unobstructed view

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