Introduction To Assistive Technologies - Webinar Series

A course of 10 live online tutorials on a range of themes starting from April 2008

Each tutorial is delivered online with a live presenter to interact and discuss issues with 

No travel – easy to manage – interactive learning in bite sized chunks
All sessions 3.45pm - 4.30pm

Sessions include:


April 28           Introduction to accessibility
This session will explore the key principles that are embedded in an accessible workstation.
The session will introduce the concept of three levels of customisation
Accessibility within the OS
Accessibility through alternative hardware
Accessibility through  third party software
Seminar Leader – David Banes
 
May 5              Accessibility options in Windows
This session will introduce the key features built into windows that supports accessibility.
Adjusting the Display
Adjusting the Mouse
Adjusting the Keyboard
Windows Narrator, OSK and Magnifier
Seminar Leader – Mike Williams  

May 12            Introducing ease of access in Windows Vista
This seminar explores how Vista has updated the accessibility features within windows. Settings within the new ease of access centre and how to identify solutions will be explored and discussed
Vista voice recognition will be introduced and discussed
Seminar leader David Banes
 
May 19            Key steps in identifying needs of users
This seminar discusses the processes used to identify appropriate solutions to people’s needs. This will  be applied within multiple settings and explore a five step process of assessment
Learners will be encouraged to self assess their own needs prior to the next session
Seminar Leader Mike Williams
 
May 26            Choosing  a screen reader
This seminar will identify the key features that users want from a  screenreader and the rationale for their use. Three levels of screenreader will be explored increasing in price and complexity
1 Thunder
2 SuperNova
3 Jaws
Seminar Leader – Jo Greenwell
 
June 2              Choosing a Magnification Solution
This seminar follows the same format as the screenreader session. In this case we will explore the different feature of a magnification solution and the rationale for its use. Three levels of magnification will be explored
1  Virtual Magnifying Glass
2 Claroview
3 Supernova
Seminar Leader – Jo Greenwell
 
June 9              Solutions for Literacy
This seminar will explore three different ways in which software can be used to support people with limited literacy skills or Dyslexia. The different types of software will be examined and case studies of use will be outlined
1 Speech Support – Readplease
2 Word Prediction – Text Help read and write
3 Symbol Support – Symwriter
Seminar Leader Mike Williams
                               
June 16            Getting started with Voice Recognition
This seminar will investigate two voice recognition packages and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. Dragon Naturally Speaking is the leading VR package used in schools, colleges and employment. More recently Windows Vista has been released with its own Voice recognition engine available for free
Demonstrations of both systems will be given and route for further training discussed
Seminar Leaders – Mike Williams and David Banes
 
June 23            Meeting Physical Needs through low cost solutions
This seminar build upon the earlier workshop exploring Windows Accessibility and looks at the range of alternatives to a standard mouse and keyboard that are available. Alternative Mice, trackballs, touchpads, keyboards and keyguards will be shown and their use explained
Seminar Leader – Mike Williams

June 30            Other input systems – Head, eyes, Switches etc – And Summary
This final seminar will investigate some of the other technologies that are available to support the needs of people with a disability. An overview of each technology will be given with some additional thoughts on the use and value of each technology
1 Touchscreens
2 Headmouse
3 Switching
4 Eye Pointing
At the end of the seminar an open forum on technologies and their use will be available.
Seminar Leaders – David Banes, Mike Williams, Jo Greenwell

 
Access to the programme of 10 tutorials:  £250 + VAT per seat