Computer Accessories
Computer accessories such as peripherals are now becoming more advanced and are being adapted to suit all types of disabilities.
AVB
American Anko, 620 Brea Canyon Rd.,
Walnut, CA USA.
Email: info@avbusa.com
Web: www.avbusa.com
Vibration Mouse
A sound-based vibration mouse. The Vmouse "listens" to sound effects emitted by any game, multimedia software or interactive website viewed on your computer. Each sound is then accompanied by a synchronous vibration, thus enhancing your computing experience dramatically. Adjustable vibration intensity. Scroll wheel to move through documents more easily. Supports most major browsers. System requirements: Computer System: CPU independent, any system with sound card audio output. Operating System: O/S independent, works on Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, Linux, Apple iMac, Power Mac various versions. Ports: USB or PS/2. Audio Output: Audio signal from sound card. Quad-Speed CD-ROM Drive. Super VGA, 256 Color Monitor.
Ref: VM1
Last updated: 21/05/2007
Cobolt Systems Ltd
The Old Mill House, Mill Road, Reedham, Norwich NR13 3TL,
Norfolk, UK.
Tel: +44 1493 700 172
Fax: +44 1493 701 037
Email: cobolt@compuserve.com
Web: www.cobolt.co.uk
Dialtalk Pocket Talking Telephone Dialler
English speech. Designed to remove the difficulties of telephone dialling
this device removes the necessity for special or large button telephones.
Use the keypad to enter the number - each digit is spoken as you enter
it and can be erased and corrected as you go. Once the number has been
entered press the SPEAK button to read back the whole number. Place the
Dialtalk close to the telephone mouthpiece and press DIAL and the unit
will transmit the tones to dial the number for you. The Dialtalk has ten
memories, adjustable volume, very high quality speech, last number redial
and several adjustable features which make it a pleasure to use. Works
with tone or pulse telephones provided they are connected to a tone exchange.
Each memory can hold fifteen digits and memories can be strung together
for dialling very long numbers. Powered by one PP three alkaline battery
(supplied).
Price: £34.95
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Compusult Limited
PO Box 1000, 40 Bannister Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland A1N 1W1,
Canada.
Tel: +1 709 745 7914
Fax: +1 709 745 7927
Email: info@compusult.net
Web: www.compusult.net
DigiCite
DigiCite is an electronic device that converts LED displays to speech
output. It is a compact machine-vision system that continuously monitors
and captures images of digital displays, such as alphanumeric LEDs. Whenever
the display changes, DigiCite converts the display image to text and provides
notification using recorded speech or other, optional outputs. DigiCite
works with telephone consoles, measurement, recording and test equipment,
and many other electronic devices. DigiCite can be used with several existing
appliances in the workplace and home, as opposed to a number of specialized
or retrofitted units for each application. Since digitized speech, rather
than voice synthesis, is used to read out numeric display values, DigiCite
can accomodate any language, and even several languages, within a single
unit.
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Vindicator
Electronic products that use optical and electrical sensors to automatically detect on/off events and provide corresponding notification to blind, visually impaired, hearing impaired or deaf persons, allowing them to independently work in switchboard, security and other technical and service-oriented environments. Vindicator's standard output is digitized speech in any language. Other optional outputs are available. These include large format alphanumeric displays, LED indicators, audible tones, serial interfaces to computer systems, electrical signals, etc., depending on the particular needs.
Vindicator Standard
Detects when LED, VFD or LCD display indicators turn on and off and provides notification of these changes using digitized speech or other, optional outputs. Different words or phrases can be output for each indicator when it turns on, when it turns off or both. Vindicator Standard is available in 8 and 16 line versions, one line for each electronic display indicator. Can choose between a speech-enabled standalone unit or one that provides a serial interface to computer systems or other electronic equipment. The serial interface version is also compatible with Compusult's DigiCite and Responder systems.
Vindicator Wired
Detects voltage on/off conditions from an electrical panel or other device and provides notification of these changes using digitized speech, large format LED displays or encoded output via a serial interface to a computer system. Vindicator Wired is available in 8, 16 and 40 line versions, one line for each external input. You can choose between a speech-enabled standalone unit or one that provides a serial interface to computer systems, LED display systems or other electronic equipment. The serial interface version is also compatible with Compusult's DigiCite and Responder systems.
Vindicator RF Switch
Detects when equipment, switches or indicators are on and off and transmits notification via radio frequency to a receiving unit for output using audible tones and large LEDs or digitized speech. Vindicator RF is used to identify events in locations away from an individual's general work area and requires no external wiring between locations. Vindicator RF is available in single or multiple transmitter/receiver versions.
Vindicator Button
Detects when an LED or VFD display indicator turns on and off and provides notification of these changes using audible tones. Each Vindicator Button is a small, standalone device designed to fit over a single electronic indicator to provide audible output as an alternative to a visual display. Vindicator buttons are available with various audible tones to help identify different indicators and events.
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Comtech Products
Comtech House,
Paragon Business Park,
Chorley New Road,
Horwich,
Bolton
BL6 6HG, UK.
Tel: +44 1204 664333
Fax: +44 1204 664334
Email: sales@comtechproducts.co.uk
Web: www.comtechproducts.co.uk
Talking Caller ID - VA182
Announces caller's pre-recorded message, typically their name in excellent sound quality when the phone rings. Records up to 20 favourite caller's names / announcement. Incoming call log - Displays number of calls, time, date, number and name (if stored in the directory) - up to 99 calls can be logged. Adjustable speaker volume control (High, Medium, Low, Mute). 30 name and number directory (13 digits, 15 characters). Multi-function LED indicates new call / repeat call. Automatic memory back-up of directory entries. Easy save / editing of directory from call log. Includes power supply, no batteries required. Multi-language display (10 languages). Displays current time and date. Dial back from call log.
Price:
£29.95
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Dolphin Computer Access Ltd
Technology House, Blackpole Estate West, Worcester WR3 8TJ, UK.
Tel: +44 1905 754 577 ext 235
Fax: +44 1905 754 559
Email: info@dolphinuk.co.uk
Web: www.YourDolphin.com
Dolphin Pen v8.01
The Dolphin Pen will benefit any visually impaired computer user that desires the flexibility to work on any standard PC. Key benefits include: Being able to take magnification, speech and Braille to any PC without having to install software or carry CDs. Easy to use and quick to setup, simply plug-in and go. Compatible with Windows XP and Vista. For a computer to be Pen friendly the Dolphin interceptor software must be installed. The following Dolphin products are available for the Dolphin Pen: SuperNova, Lunar, LunarPLus, Hal.
Price: Dependent on software bought with the Pen.
Last updated: 03/10/2007
IntelliTools Inc
1720 Corporate Circle, Petaluma, California 94954, USA.
Tel: +1 707 773 2000 ; 800 899 6687 (USA and Canada
only)
Fax: +1 707 773 2001
Email: info@intellitools.com
Web: www.intellitools.com/
IntelliKeys
IntelliKeys USB plugs into the computer's USB port and provides access for anyone with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities who has difficulty using a standard keyboard. In combination with its many overlays, it is the most flexible alternative keyboard available, providing individualized support for young students, struggling learners, and ESL students.
Ref: W139459
Price: $395.00
Last updated: 22/03/2007
Keyboard Company (UK) Ltd
8 Canal Ironworks, Hope Mills, London Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2SH, UK.
Tel: +44 845 205 5555
Fax: +44 7000 500 515
Email: sales@keyboardco.com
Web: www.keyboardco.com
High Visibility Cover and Keyboard
This is actually two products in one, a good quality windows keyboard and a high visibility removable cover with large black legends on a white background, perfect for for anyone who has a problem seeing the legends on a standard keyboard.
Connection: PS/2
Cable length: 1.8m
Language layout: UK
Length: 450mm Width: 164mm Height: 27mm
Weight:
0.65kg
Ref: KBC-CVR-HiVis-BW
Price: £45.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Large Black Print Beige Keyboard
High visibility keyboard. A top quality beige, windows keyboard which is printed with large black characters on a beige background.
Connection: PS/2
Cable length: 1.5m
Language layout: UK
Length: 470mm Width: 195mm Height: 37mm
Weight:
1.50kg
Ref: KBC-221BW
Price: £139.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Large Key Keyboard with Punctuation (White Keys)
The Large Keys Keyboard has 1 inch square keys, but all the keys are white, and it has more punctuation. Qwerty or ABC layout. No special software is required. Now with F1 - F12.
Connection: PS/2
Cable length: 1.5m
Language layout: UK
Length: 480mm Width: 175mm Height: 30mm
Weight: 1.30kg
Ref: KBC-0229 LX
Price: £125.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Large White Print Black Keyboard
High visibility keyboard. A top quality black, windows keyboard which is printed with large white characters on a black background.
Connection: PS/2
Cable length: 1.5m
Language layout: UK
Length: 470mm Width: 195mm Height: 37mm
Weight:
1.50kg
Ref: KBC-221WB
Price: £139.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Large Yellow Print Black Keyboard
High visibility keyboard. A top quality black, windows keyboard which is printed with large yellow characters on a black background.
Connection: PS/2
Cable length: 1.5m
Language layout: UK
Length: 470mm Width: 195mm Height: 37mm
Weight:
1.50kg
Ref: KBC-221YB
Price: £139.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Transparent Self-Adhesive Braille Overlay
Transparent self adhesive overlay that allows for Braille character to be found at bottom right hand corner of key.
Ref: KBC-OLAY-BRAILLE
Price: £25.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/3008
Keytools Ltd
Abacus House, 1 Spring Crescent, Southampton SO17 2FZ, UK.
Tel: +44 23 8029 4500
Fax: +44 23 8029 4501
Email: info@keytools.co.uk
Web: www.keytools.co.uk
BigKeys LX
The simple layout of the BigKeys Plus has 60 250mm square keys with lettering 4 times larger than standard. This makes them easy to see, find, read, and press.
Rugged and dependable, BigKeys Plus is the same size as a standard keyboard and works straight out of the box.
The variety of BigKeys Plus key options, enables you to find the perfect solution. These include:
QWERTY or ABC layout; lower or upper case letters, black lettering on white keys, or black lettering on assorted brightly coloured keys. PS/2 Connector or Optional USB Adapter.
| Product Ref | Keyboard Layout | Lettering | Colour | Price |
| K-LXQW | QWERTY | Upper Case | White | £99.00 |
| K-LXQCLC | QWERTY | Lower Case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-LX-QB | QWERTY | Upper Case | Black | £99.00 |
| K-LCQC | QWERTY | Upper Case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-LXQWLC | QWERTY | Lower Case | White | £99.00 |
| K-LC-AB | ABC | Upper Case | Black | £99.00 |
| K-LXAC | ABC | Upper Case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-LXACLC | ABC | Lower Case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-LXAW | ABC | Lower Case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-LXAWLC | ABC | Lower Case | White | £99.00 |
Last updated: 21/05/2008
BigKeys Plus
The simple layout of the BigKeys Plus has 48 250mm square keys with lettering 10 times larger than standard. This makes them easy to see, find, read, and press.
Rugged and dependable, BigKeys Plus is the same size as a standard keyboard and works straight out of the box.
The variety of BigKeys Plus key options, enables you to find the perfect solution. These include:
QWERTY or ABC layout; lower or upper case letters, black lettering on white keys, or black lettering on assorted brightly coloured keys. PS/2 Connector or Optional USB Adapter.
| Product Ref | Keyboard Layout | Lettering | Colour | Price |
| K-BK-AC-LC | ABC | Lower case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-BK-AC-P | ABC | Upper case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-BK-AW-LC | ABC | Lower case | White | £99.00 |
| K-BK-AW-P | ABC | Upper case | White | £99.00 |
| K-BK-QC-LC | QWERTY | Lower case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-BK-QC-P | QWERTY | Upper case | Colour | £99.00 |
| K-BK-QW-LC | QWERTY | Lower case | White | £99.00 |
| K-BK-QW-P | QWERTY | Upper case | White | £99.00 |
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Loquendo - Vocal Technology and Services
via Valdellatorre 4, 10149 Torino, Italy.
Tel: +39 11 291 3111
Fax: +39 11 291 3199
Email: info@loquendo.com
Web: www.loquendo.com
Loquendo TTS (Text to Speech)
Loquendo TTS software provides a lifelike voice for the dynamic data and prompts in voice applications. Loquendo TTS is an ever-increasing family of expressive lifelike voices and personas from around the world. Currently ships in 16 languages and 36 voices. For many of the languages, both female and male voices are available. It is designed for use in any kind of voice application including highly intensive TTS applications (e.g. Voice Portals). Standard APIs allow easy integration into the user's platform and service environments. The multi-threaded, multi-process architecture supports deployment in any high performance software architecture. This engine can contemporarily synthesize different languages and voices, switching between them at any time, on any channel. Its Mixed Language Capability enables foreign words to be pronounced correctly without changing the current voice and language. The User Dictionary makes sure that any specialized vocabulary terms, abbreviations, acronyms and even regional pronunciation differences sound just like the developer intends them to. The characteristics of each voice (i.e. pitch, speaking rate and volume) can be fine-tuned and controlled. Special formats such as phone numbers, currencies and e-mail headers are read correctly. It has a built-in language detector that automatically identifies the language in any text.
Technical Specifications:
| Loquendo TTS Telephony | Loquendo TTS Multimedia | Loquendo TTS Multimedia Compact | |
| Simultaneous Channels | Virtually unlimited | Virtually unlimited | 2 Channels |
| Memory Requirements | 10MB RAM for the engine | 10MB RAM for the engine | 10MB RAM for the engine |
| 80MB per voice | 50MB per voice | 20MB per voice | |
| 3MB per channel | 3MB per channel | ||
| Sampling Rate | 8KHz PCM mono | PCM mono/stereo. Any sample rate up to 48KHz | |
| CPU | Any Pentium family processor (or equivalent) | ||
| OS Supported | Windows NT, 2000, 2003 Server, XP, 98, ME; Linux Red Hat 7.3, 9.0; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3; Suse 7.3, 8.1 |
||
| Interfaces | C Loquendo API (Win32, Linux32), C++ Loquendo API (win32) SAPI 4 and 5 (Win32) W3C SSML 1.0 for enhancing TTS rendering Loquedo TTS ActiveX (Win32) |
||
| Multilingual & Multivoice | U.S. and U.K. English, Castilian, Catalan, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, American Spanish, Argentinian, Brazilian, Chilean, Mexican and Mandarin Chinese | ||
| SDK | TTS Director; TTS Voice Experience; LexEditor; User and Developer Documentation; Example texts | ||
| Special Features | Mixed Language Capability Audio Mixer Expressive TTS SMS and Email Preprocessing Customised Voices |
||
Last updated: 29/03/2007
Micro Marvellous
8 Ovens Street, Box Hill North, Victoria 3129, Australia.
Tel: +61 3 9890 9383
Fax: +61 3 9897 1768
Email: gaethjo@micromarvellous.com.au
Web: www.micromarvellous.com.au
"CATS" (Complete Affordable Talking System)
Software to operate on any IBM-compatible PC, (a Pentium 2, 200 megahertz, 128 megabytes of RAM is all that's required - or 400 megahertz, 256 megabytes of RAM if you want to run a scanner as well.) Combines a: typing tutor; spelling tutor; word processor; database (which can be barcode-driven); address book; telephone dialler; diary; e-mail, and optional flatbed scanner. Uses British voices.
Text enlargement available in a range of sizes and colours.
Supplied with a set of CDs to help you learn.
Price: A$770.00
Last updated: 21/05/2008
"TI-1" Talking Interface
A universal electronics interface with speech adaptor attached. Works
with LCD and LED displays and revolution-counting switches such as found
on exercise equipment. Any pair of languages available to order. Clear
digitised voice, male or female. Rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries.
Price: Start at A$700.00 depending on equipment to be adapted
Last updated: 21/05/2008
PCD Maltron Ltd
Castlefields,
Stafford,
Staffs.
ST16 1BU, UK.
Tel: +44 1785 785529
Email: sales@maltron.co.uk
Web: www.maltron.com
Expanded Keyboard
The Maltron Expanded keyboard has been designed with a strong steel construction
to withstand heavy use, and a nylon coating for a smooth wipe-clean surface.
It provides enhanced access for physically disabled and visually impaired
users. The large area 230 x 620mm surface area and built in keyguard
are designed to reduce keyboard errors. It has large, clear characters
and key labels - black on white for alphanumeric and cursor keys, black
on pink for function keys and black on yellow for control keys (alternative
options are available if required). It also has: Extra space keys for
easier access; Sticky shift keys - these keys remain active until another
key is pressed, eliminating the need to use two hands; Indicator LED's
- All Control, Alt, Shift and Lock keys have lights to inform the user
of status; A Shift Lock key - this key is provided to allow the shift
function to be locked on; Variable repeat rate - allows the repeat rate
to be turned off, or set at one of three speeds via the keyboard, subject
to software; Extra keyboard socket - allows a standard keyboard to be
connected to the expanded keyboard, and then used alongside simply by
toggling a switch;
QWERTY and FOU (Frequency of use) Letter layouts. The FOU layout, which
reduces hand movement to a minimum, may be selected by a button on the
rear and the key tops relocated by taking off the top cover; Angle Adjustment - The front slope angle can be
changed from 13 to 53 degrees in 10 degree steps, by fitting the end plates
supplied to give the preferred angle.
Price: £545.00
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Portset Systems Ltd
14 Palmerston Business Park,
Palmerston Drive, Fareham, PO14 1DJ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 893919
Email: office1@portset.co.uk
Web: www.portset.co.uk
PortType Talking Typewriter
Easy use for all levels of typing skill, even for a first time user. Switch on and start typing to produce your letter. Quick navigation within text, with spoken assistance. Paper size, either A4 or A5. Range of font types and print sizes from 12 to 18 point. Automatic envelope printing. Instant help and spoken instructions. Volume control of speech output from either the integral loudspeaker or a headphone socket. 3 levels of spoken assistance:
Key talks - enables you to learn the keyboard without typing a document or letter.
Find the key and hold to print - for users without keyboard familiarity waits for your confirmation before printing character.
Normal type to print - Lets you type at your own speed, with spoken feedback. Total text navigation and editing capability just as any sighted user would have. Letter by-letter correction as standard. Portset's speech gives male and female voices of high clarity, precision and intelligence. The user can select voice gender, vary speaking speed and pitch. Back-up copy if power fails. Additional features as optional extras when they become available will include Touch Typing Tutor, Email, Internet Access, TV Teletext.
Length: 380mm Width: 410mm Height: 290mm
Weight: 7kg
Price: £1,045.00 ex. VAT
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Talking Teletext
UK broadcast Teletext pages with spoken response of page. Automatic channel
tuning with announcement of broadcasters name. User select page number
and have the page read to them. Any page can be navigated by line, words
and spelling of any word. Automatic assembly of sub-pages. User friendly,
easy-to-use keyboard. Available with TV program sound. No TV license required.
Price: From £599.00
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Premier Assistive Technology
1309 N. William Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435,
USA.
Tel: +1 815 927 7390
Fax: +1 815 722 8802
Email: lisa@readingmadeeasy.com
Web: www.readingmadeeasy.com
Talking Word Processor 9.5
Talking Word Processor is an easy-to-use word processing program designed
to help people who have difficulty with reading and writing. Virtually
any standard word processor file is compatible with Talking Word Processor,
including the latest versions of Microsoft Word, standard text, and rich
text formats. With the press of a single key, the user can hear text as
they type it. The “word repeat” feature repeats the word after
it’s been typed. This lets the user know immediately if they have
mispelled a word. "Word Pause" is a new technology unique to
Talking Word Processor. This feature allows the user to slow down the
reading of their words without distorting the way the words are spoken.
The time between each word can be increased or decreased. This lets the
user hear the words at their own pace. “Word magnify” also tracks
the word being spoken. When this option is turned on, each word is highlighted
and magnified as it is spoken. This allows the user to focus on just that
word. Each of these features can be turned on or off with the simple click
of a mouse. Requires: Windows 2000 or XP and 128MB of RAM.
Price: $99.95 + shipping and handling
Last updated: 03/04/2007
Ultimate Talking Dictionary 5.6
The Ultimate Talking Dictionary (UTD)is a comprehensive dictionary. The
UTD will also read the definition of a word tand it will use the word
in a sentence so that the user will get a true understanding of the word.
The total dictionary that comes with the UTD contains over 250,000 words,
including slang, jargon and historic figures. The UTD also has a fully
integrated thesaurus for referencing synonyms and antonyms of all words. Requires: Windows 2000 or XP, 128MB of RAM and 64MB disk space.
Price: $39.95
Last updated: 03/04/2007
Screenreader.net CIC
7 The Rookery, Orton Wistow, Peterborough PE2 6YT, UK.
Tel: +44 1733 234441
Web: www.screenreader.biz/
Sixin
Sixin allows the Braillist to use a standard QWERTY keyboard Braille-style.
With fingers on keys s d f and j k l and thumbs on the spacebar, either
grade 2 or computer Braille can be written at speed and print appears
on the screen. This text can be read with speech or a Braille display,
and saved or modified as usual with a PC. Sixin is ideal for the student,
the would-be speed writer or those having difficulties with QWERTY keyboards.
Licensing options for colleges, universities and libraries etc. wishing
to offer computer access throughout the organisation are available.
Price: £50.00
Last updated: 03/04/2007
Serotek
1128 Harmon Place, Suite 310, minneapolis, MN 55403,
USA.
Tel: +1 866 202 0520
Fax: +1 612 659 0760
Email: info@serotek.com
Web: www.serotek.com
System Access
System Access delivers full access to any computer running the Windows XP or later operating system. It gives the functionality of traditional screen readers. Users can access popular applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook (including the calendar function), Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Adobe Reader (including forms filling), Skype, and many more. The System Access license includes two computers.
System Access is available in two basic configurations:
System Access Standalone
SA Standalone includes a license to operate System Access on two computers and complete update service for the first year.
Price: $399.00
System Access Mobile
SA Mobile includes a license to operate System Access on two computers, first year update service, and the ability to create a System Access Mobile Key (SAM Key) on any U3 enabled thumb drive. With System Access Mobile just plug the SAM Key into the USB port on any computer running Windows XP or later and it becomes instantly accessible. Unplug the SAM Key and the computer returns to its normal configuration.
Price: $499.00
Last updated: 31/08/2007