Karlen Communications
Tablet Technology and People with Disabilities
All documents created by karlen Communications are in accessible Adobe PDF format. You should have the most current version of your adaptive technology and Adobe Reader 7.x to access this information. Download Adobe Reader.
This page is a collection of resources for people with and without disabilities who want to take advantage of tablet technology in performing daily tasks.
Motion Computing LS800 slate tablet is half the size of a "traditional" slate! Motion Computing also has a mid-size Bluetooth keyboard. [August 2005]
Microsoft - Related Tablet, OneNote 2003
and Office 2003 Downloads Available
- 20 Tablet models to choose from [web page from Microsoft Canada]
- Microsoft Announces Release of Windows XP Tablet PC as Part of Windows XP Service Pack 2
- Microsoft OneNote SP2 download page.
- Microsoft Office 2003 SP2 download page.
- Stationary templates for OneNote 2003 from Microsoft web site. This selection of downloadable templates includes several varieties of sheet music.
- Using Speech Recognition on a Tablet.
- Navigate Using a Tablet with Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS.
- Using Input Panel on a Tablet.
- Edit with Gestures on the Tablet PC .
- FAQ on Sticky Notes.
- Tablet PC: An Overview.
- Tools to use with Your Tablet PC.
- Windows XP Tablet PC How-to Articles [Note that if you use Windows Journal and Word document images to create forms, these will not be accessible to people using adaptive technology.
- About Handwriting Recognition
- Use Handwriting Tool to Draw
- Use Handwriting Recognition.
- How to Improve Handwriting Recognition
- Crabby Office lady Columns from Microsoft. Not directly related to tablet technology but a fun way to learn about some of the things you can do in Office applications.
Tablet Technology Overview
There are two configurations of tablets. The pure or slate configuration resembles a paper notebook and if you want a keyboard, CD, floppy drive or other elements we think of as basic laptop components, you will need to purchase them separately or make sure you purchase a bundled slate. The tablet PC or convertible configuration is a traditional laptop, however, the screen can rotate and fold down onto the keyboard so that it becomes a writing surface. Again, you will need to check the device specifications because a CD and floppy drive are often not included. You will also want to ensure that you get Centrino technology and it is recommended that you get 512 MB RAM, preferably 1 GB RAM, especially if you are using adaptive technology with a tablet of any configuration.
Tablet screens are a kind of hybrid between a touch screen and the screen on a PDA [personal digital assistant], because you can rest your arm on the screen as you enter handwritten text and the pressure of your hand or arm won't be interpreted as data entry.
The operating system for tablets is Windows XP Tablet PC which includes digital ink technology letting you create searchable handwritten notes, or to integrate handwritten information into Microsoft Office applications. If you use adaptive technology, note that the tablet operating system is part of the Windows XP pro family not the Windows XP Home family. You will need a version of your adaptive technology that runs in the NT/2000/XP Pro environment.
Both the JAWS 6.1 for Windows XP Professional and Window-Eyes Professional 4.5 screen readers work on the tablet operating system.
You can use ZoomText 8.x as long as you don't want to use the digital ink technology. Currently there is a disconnect between where your digital pen is on the screen and where the pointer is. This makes handwriting impossible. MAGic is currently not usable on a tablet system at all.
Magnifier works well if you need magnification support. There is a tip to using this tool. dock the Input Panel at the top of the screen instead of at the bottom where it is by default. Launch Magnifier first so that it sits at the top of your screen. Then turn on the Input Panel. This will let you view the magnified Input Panel without having your arm or hand get in the way. Once the Input Panel is launched, you can launch the applications you want to use. It will take a bit of practice to use the Magnifier tool with handwriting or the on-screen keyboard as your view will move with the flow of your handwriting and movements across the on-screen keyboard. It is quite usable though and another tool you can choose from.
Another tip for using magnifier is to dock the Input Panel at the top of your screen for general use. by docking the Input Panel at the top of the screen, it will expand as you write. this means you don't have to write in chunks of sentences but can complete sentences and thoughts and then send them to the application.
- Herbi.org, Accessibility and the Tablet PC
- Introduction to Tablet Technology - PDF format . - This is an overview of tools on a tablet. You will need Adobe Reader 7 to read this document. Commenting in Adobe Reader has been turned on so you can make notes as you read.
- Using Microsoft OneNote 2003 - PDF format. - This is an overview of Microsoft OneNote with an emphasis on using it from the keyboard. You will need Adobe Reader 7 to read this document. Commenting in Adobe Reader has been turned on so you can make notes as you read.
- Microsoft OneNote 2003 Keyboard Shortcuts from Microsoft.
- If you are using Microsoft OneNote in a conference session or large room, try the Sony ECM F 03 flat boundary effects microphone. If you use the on-board tablet microphone, you will record everything, but the volume is so low [even on high recording volume], that it is not practical. I haven't tested this Sony mike yet, but will post results here ASAP after testing it.
- PowerPoint 2003 with Tablet Technology. This is a short summary of how you can use PowerPoint 2003 on a tablet computer using handwriting. It also includes information on non-tablet based systems using tablet mice/pens.
- Screen Magnification Tools on Tablet Technology. They still aren't quite there for usability, but you can use Magnifier
You can use the handwriting tool with a tablet mouse on a desktop or traditional laptop computer; however there is more functionality with handwriting on a tablet based computer. The Windows XP Tablet PC operating system has a digital ink component where Windows XP Home or windows XP Professional doesn't.
Microsoft OneNote
You can use Microsoft OneNote on a desktop or traditional laptop computer; however it has more functionality when used on the Windows XP Tablet PC operating system.
OneNote 2007 - Wait for it!
The public beta of OneNote 2007 was released a few weeks ago. For thos of you who want to know what the new version offers, the following articles are from Chris Pratley's Microsoft OneNote blog. Accessibility is still a component of the new version.
- Audio transcriptions and annotations with OneNote
- OneNote 2007 and Outlook: Best Buddies
- One percent for art: Napkin Math a.k.a. The Calculator in OneNote 2007
- Out and about with OneNote Mobile
- Syncing OneNote 2007 notes across your many PCs
- Ultimate OneNote 2007
Speech/Voice Recognition Resources
The Speech Tool can be used on a desktop or traditional laptop computer in Microsoft Office XP or later. However, it is a more robust tool if used on a Windows XP Tablet PC operating system. Below are general voice recognition resources.
- Australia 's National University , A Quick Guide to the Training Process for Voice Recognition
- Correct Speech Recognition Errors [Microsoft Speech Tool]
- Format Text using Speech Recognition [Microsoft Speech Tool]
- National Centre to Improve Practices in Special Education, Update on Speech Recognition
- Next Generation Technology [J-Say for use with the JAWS screen reader and Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8]
- Plantronics DSP 400 microphone headset
- ScanSoft [Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional]
- Speaking to Write, Realizing the Potential of Speech Recognition for Secondary Students with Disabilities [includes a listserv]
- Speech Recognition Commands in Excel [Microsoft Speech Tool]
- Speech Recognition Commands in Outlook [Microsoft Speech Tool]
- Stenomask discreet stenographers mask
- Things you can do and say with the Microsoft Speech Tool
- University of Wollongong , A Quick Guide to the Training Process of Voice Recognition
Articles on Tablet Technology and Education
- Analysis on Implementation of Tablet Technology [PDF]
- Brookfield Zoo Uses Technology to Help Chicago Public School Students with Disabilities
- Illinois Students Pioneer Tablet Technology in Veterinary ...
- Is the Tablet PC the Future of College Computing? University Business magazine.
- No More Chalk on My fingers, No More Ink on My Nose
- Using the Tablet PC in the Classroom [PowerPoint presentation]
Tablet Based Technology on Desktop
and Traditional Laptop Computers
These tools have more functionality on the tablet computer. However, you can try them out and use them effectively on a desktop or traditional laptop computer.
Digital Pens
The Logitech IO Digital Pen . This is a resource for students, faculty and professionals who want to explore the use of a digital pen to create notes. This document looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the digital pen for handwritten documents. It also provides step by step instructions on using the pen.
Logitech IO Digital Pen support page .
A Pen That's More Than Meets the Paper, NYT article. This article raises and interesting question about accessibility. How can the PDF forms created in this manner be downloaded as accessible, tagged PDF? The current implementation of PDF forms in this manner results in inaccessible forms that employees using adaptive technology will not be able to work with..
DigitalNotes software by ASDS.
Emergent Technology
Clio C-1050 PC Companion Another mobile computing solution.
Head mounted computer monitors. You can use these to ensure privacy when traveling. For people with visual disabilities, they eventually may be incorporated into portable CCTV's/video magnifiers like the FlipperPort, MaxiPort or Jordy. The Ledteck X-Eye comes in both monolcular and binocular styles. The Interactive Imaging Systems Second sight, is a monocular style but includes a microphone for more hands free work. The MicroOptical SV-6 mounts onto your eyeglasses which provides even more flexibility.
Milita Internet Explorer annotation tool
Sony Location Free TV Press Release and Location Free TV information page. A TV with either a 12 inch or 7 inch monitor that is broadband enabled, has wireless access capabilities, is a DVD player and lets you use the Internet and retrieve and answer E-mail!
The Smell Dome lets people send scented e-mail. This same type of technology is being used by Fabreeze air freshener so you can "Play a scent like you play music."
The "Spot Watch" lets you use a watch to surf the Internet. SPOT stands for Smart Personal Object Technology.
Wizcom Quicktionary Reading and Scanning Pens. This isn't "new" technology, but some people may not know it exists. If you have a visual disability, you have to be able to track print in a straight line to use this. If you don't have a disability, this is a great tool for reducing eye strain.
Copyright
This site was created by Karen McCall using Adobe/Macromedia Dreamweaver 8. It was last updated April 2008. Copyright by Karen McCall and Karlen Communications.