Assistive Technology

SIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Braille embosser - Output device used to produce the raised Braille dots on paper.

Braille translator - Software used to covert text documents into Braille.

Descriptive video - An audio description of a video so that a person can listen to verbal descriptions of video screen action and appearance. The spoken explanations are inserted into natural pauses in the dialogue in video movies or programming.

Large monitor - A monitor larger than standard size used to increase character size in proportion to the monitor dimensions.

Optical character recognition (OCR) reading system - An integrated computer system consisting of a scanner, screen reader, sound card (or voice synthesizer) with software that can convert scanned text into recognizable characters which are read out loud by a synthesized voice.

Reading machine - Another name for an optical character recognition reading system.

Refreshable Braille display - Output device with Braille cells which dynamically change (refresh) as the user scrolls through an electronic document.

Screen magnification - Software that enlarges text and graphics on the computer screen.

Screen reader - Software and/or hardware that provides visual information in audio format for computer users.

Speech synthesizer - Hardware device used to produce audio output for use with screen readers.

Stick on key tops - Individual large print keyboard characters with an adhesive back are placed over the keys to make them easier to see. Also available in Braille.

Text reader - Software used with a sound card to read in a synthesized voice the text that is on a computer screen.

Video magnifier (CCTV) - Hardware device that uses a video camera connected to a computer or TV monitor to enlarge documents or objects that are placed under the camera.

MOBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Alternative pointing devices - A variety of devices that take the place of a mouse. Examples include, head pointing and eye movement tracking systems.

Speech recognition system - Software that, when used with a microphone, allows the computer user to use speech as an alternative input method.

Switches - Input devices that function in an on or off state used to operate a computer by some part of a person's body in which they have control. Examples of switches include eyelid (blink) switches, sip and puff switches, and muscle movement switches.

Word expansion - Software that completes a word based on only a few keystrokes of an abbreviated form of the word.

Word macro programs - Software that can execute a series of prerecorded keystrokes to increase input rate.

Word prediction programs - An input acceleration method, that reduces the keystrokes required by creating a list of possible words from which to choose.

Voice command and control - Software similar to speech recognition but is limited to menu-type functions. Does not have the ability to do dictation for example.

HEARING AND SPEECH ACCOMMODATIONS

Alphanumeric pagers - Receive both letters and numbers. Callers can leave either a worded message or a numeric message. To have messages transmitted to the pager, a subscription to an answering service equipped to handle alphanumeric transmissions is required. Software is also available to allow transmission of messages through a PC.

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) - Small personal electronic devices used to amplify sounds to help a person hear better. ALDs come in three categories: FM, infrared and wired systems.

Augmentative communication devices - A device which assists speech impaired or non vocal individuals with communication through synthesized or recorded speech.

Caller ID - A display used with a telephone to indicate the name and/or phone number of the person calling.

Captioning - Explanatory text that accompanies the audio portion of a movie, TV program, CD or other multimedia.

Chat software - Programs that allow typing of messages back and forth between computer users in real time.

Closed captioning - Captioning which requires decoding to be displayed and can be turned on or off.

Closed captioning decoder - A separate device or built in circuitry in a TV set or VCR which allows captioning to be turned on or off.

Email - Electronic text messages (mail) sent over a Local Area Network or the Internet.

Hearing Aid Telephone Interconnect System (HATIS) - A small ear-piece with an induction coil that plugs into a cell phone which activates a hearing aid through an electronic signal. This device makes a hearing aid with a T switch a "receiver" instead of just an amplifier.

Inductive loop systems - Designed on a stand-alone basis, or in conjunction with a sound system, these are designed for people with hearing aids to hear more clearly. A special amplifier feeds a loop of wire which is fixed around a room or building. Hearing aids are then turned to a "T" position which cuts out all background sound, and only hears what is coming through the system.

Numeric pagers - Receive numbers only. Callers leave their phone number or numeric code which is then transmitted to the pager.

Open captioning - Captioning which cannot be turned off.

Signaling devices - Visual or vibrating alerting systems that indicate certain sounds have occurred such as a door bell, telephone or alarm clock.

TTY/TDD software - A program that allows a computer to be used as a TTY.

TTY, TDD or TT machines - Hardware devices with a keyboard and display used to communicate over the telephone system by typing text. These terms may be used interchangeably, however the preferred term is TTY.

Visual redundancy - Software that blinks or flashes a computer monitor to indicate important information that otherwise is only available audibly.

USDA TARGET Center
1400 Independence Ave.
Room 1006-S
Washington DC 20250-9876
(202) 720-2600 (V / TTY)
(202) 720-2681 (FAX)