Computer Resources for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Exploring Today's Assistive Tech...

Library Journal

Produced through the collaborative efforts of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) staff and support group, this well-organized work is an invaluable and much-needed reference tool for all types of users. Part 1, which might be termed a confidence builder, features a series of 12 brief but people-friendly chapters that discuss real-life success stories, individual goal-setting devices, assistive and conventional technologies commonality, current laws and regulations, usability of local resources (e.g., libraries), support group components and organizations, developmental funding strategies and sources, equipment selection and screening, buying tips, expert competency skills, shared learning, and futuristic projections. Part 2, called a Technology Tool Box, reflects the ATA's philosophy "that it is not the person with a disability that has the problem, but the environment that is deficient for not appropriately accommodating the individual's needs." Designed to provide the reader with information and ideas to become a good consumer of technology, the tool box provides question-and-answer charts and an excellent descriptive array of software features, processing aids, and specialized products, each provided with a range of costs and common vendors. Complete vendor addresses are listed in Part 3, which also contains a wealth of related information such as a listing of national conferences. In this time of universal ADA compliance, this is a highly recommended reference for all libraries.-Donald D. Foos, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Booknews

Subtitled A Guide to Exploring Today's Assistive Technology. The book will succeed if the associated names count: Stephen Hawking, foreword; endorsements by Steve Wozniak, Amy Tan, and George Lucas. Published for the Alliance for Technology Access by Hunter House of California. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mike Tribby

This compendium from the Alliance for Technology Access provides an overview of the state of the art of redefining human potential through computer-assisted communication. The book is a veritable clearinghouse for the different technologies available and their applicability to the lives and tasks of people with various disabilities. It strives to be a sort of "Whole Earth Catalog" of cutting-edge and approaching technologies. Written and organized in a crisp, matter-of-fact style, it features questions to ask oneself before shopping for a computer and a few tips on operation after the purchase has been made. Especially useful are Parts II and III, the "Technology Toolbox" and "Resources" sections. Written in outline form with graphic mnemonics that actually relate to the subject matter, these sections are informative and unusually easy to use.