New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Adaptive Technology

Communication

• Are there any telephone services available for individuals with speech disabilities that do not require TTY (text telephone) devices?

Computers

• Where can we locate either a trackball or pressure pad?
• I would like to have a personal computer at home for my use, are there any organizations or corporations that offer quality, inexpensive or free computer equipment to individuals with disabilities?
• Where can I find information for a special keyboard for my computer or other adaptive computer peripheral equipment or software?
• I cannot afford my ISP service. Do you know of free internet services for people with disabilities?

Computer Technology Training

• I am interested in learning more about computer and Internet technology, where may I go to learn about basic computer and Internet skills? Are there training programs available that incorporate adaptive technology?

Financial Asistance / Funding

• Are there any assistance programs offered on a federal or state level that offer funding for assistive technology (AT)?
• I need special equipment to use the telephone, but I do not have the money to buy the equipment. Do you know where I can get financial assistance to purchase this type of equipment?

General

• I am interested in learning more about products and technologies that will allow me to live more independently; where can I go to get this information?

Q: Are there any telephone services available for individuals with speech disabilities that do not require TTY (text telephone) devices?

• A: Yes there is! The service is called Speech-to-Speech (STS). The Federal Communication Commission has mandated that as of March 1, 2001, all states must have a STS system in place. This service will eliminate the need for expensive TTY (text telephone) devices by allowing callers to use their own voice, voice synthesizer, or voice enhancer. Specially trained Communication Assistants will then revoice what the caller has said to the listener. STS is an excellent service for individuals with Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy or any other disability that makes it difficult to communicate via speech. This service is free of charge and is offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about this service or to find the service's number in your state, click on the link provided above.

Q: My son used a trackball and more recently a pressure pad to interface with his computer. He is a quadripeligic and holds a pencil with an eraser tipped end to work the trackball or pressure pad. We have looked at other types of computer adaptive equipment such as head devices and speech recognition, however, he found his method easier to use. Recently, we needed to replace the pressure pad and found that it had been taken off the market. We have searched everywhere for either a trackball or pressure pad but have not been able to find one that will work for him. The new trackballs on the market are mounted on the the side and no manufacturer is making a stand alone pressure pad. Where can we locate either a trackball or pressure pad?

• A: To begin:
• You may want to check with organizations or schools in your area who offer computer training to people with disabilities and see if they have used equipment that would be available to you.

• You may want to check with your local Independent Living Center to see if they can reassess your sons needs for adaptive technology for the computer and see if there is something new on the market that he may find satisfactory. See NHU's guide to Centers for Independent Living to find the center nearest you.

• We were able to find a couple of resources that offer center located trackballs or custom trackballs but you will have to check with the retailer to determine if they are in your financial range.
• Cursor Controls LTD. lists trackballs that are centrally located on the device. For main distributors or stocklists or their on-line store, see their site.
• Trackballs.com offers many types, mountings, and waterproof trackballs and keyboards. By Evergreen Systems International, they can provide custom designed trackballs.

Q: I would like to have a personal computer at home for my use, are there any organizations or corporations that offer quality, inexpensive or free computer equipment to individuals with disabilities?

• A: For a listing of National, State and International organizations that offer used, quality, inexpensive, free, personal computers for use in your own home for people with disabilities, see NHU's Community and Internet Resources: Adaptive Technology: Computers: Hardware/Software Donations and Refurbishers page.

Q: Where can I find information for a special keyboard for my computer or other adaptive computer peripheral equipment or software?

• A: For a review of computer adaptive hardware, software and related technologies designed for the specific needs of people with disabilities, see our page, Access Technology - A Review of Computer Adaptive Technology.

• The following resources offer large directories of adaptive equipment and software for the computer.
• Abledata

• Boulevard

• Center for Computer Assistance to the Disabled

• Closing the Gap

• Family Village

• Trace Research and Development Center

Q: I cannot afford my ISP service. Do you know of free internet services for people with disabilities?

• A: Internet 4 Free offers a directory by area code of free Internet Service Providers. To find free Internet Service Providers in your area, choose the state and then your area code. This will give you a complete directory of free ISP's in your area code. The directory also offers information on each provider, costs (if any), ratings, and commentary by people who have used the ISP. Free Internet Service Providers such as Bluelight, Dot Now, Juno, NetZero, and American Express are included.

Q: I am interested in learning more about computer and Internet technology, where may I go to learn about basic computer and Internet skills? Are there training programs available that incorporate adaptive technology?

National

• A: Family Village has authored a Guide to the Internet which introduces the basics of Internet use, discusses how to use electronic mail and newsgroups, and suggests the most efficient ways one can access information.
• A: Your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) may offer an accessible computer and Internet Training Program. If they do not offer such a program they should certainly be able to refer you to an organization that does. To find a CIL in your area, visit New Horizons Un-Limited's Independent Living: Assistance and Agencies.

Wisconsin

• A: New Horizons Un-Limited has partnered with various non-profit organizations and churches throughout Southeastern Wisconsin in forwarding accessible computer and Internet training. Please contact us if you would like to learn of the training programs our partnering organizations are facilitating. You may e-mail us at horizons@new-horizons.org.

Q: Are there any assistance programs offered on a federal or state level that offer funding for assistive technology (AT)?

• A: Abledata has authored Informed Consumer's Guide to Funding Assistive Technology. The guide offers an in depth discussion of how one goes about finding and applying for funding and also lists Federal and local sources of AT funding.

Q: I need special equipment to use the telephone, but I do not have the money to buy the equipment. Do you know where I can get financial assistance to purchase this type of equipment?

• A: If you need special equipment such as a
  
  • TTY,
  • Amplified handset or phone
  • Telebraille/TTY unit
  • Special modem
  • Hands-free speaker phone
  • Puff activator
  • Phone signaling system

  or other specialized equipment to use basic telephone services in your home or when traveling because of your disability and if you are a Wisconsin resident, you may be able to receive a voucher (check) for the amount of money to purchase the equipment.
  

  To apply for this assistance:
  

  Choose the equipment and where you want to buy it.
  Use the voucher (like a check) to pay the vendor for your qualifying special equipment..
  You are required to pay the first $100 at the time of purchase and any amount over the voucher amount.
  

  Voucher amounts for equipment purchases depend on your disability:
  

  • Hard of Hearing $200
  • Deaf and Severely Hard of Hearing $800
  • Speech Impaired $1,600
  • Mobility Impaired $1,600
  • Deaf and Low-Vision $2,500
  • Deafblind $7,200

  However, you may qualify for a co-pay waiver if you cannot afford the $100. Fill out the TAP (Telecommunication Assistance Program) portion on the voucher TEPP application form.
  Applicants for vouchers cannot receive a voucher for equipment for the same disability more than once every three years.
  Announcements for changed and disconnected telephone numbers will be available in voice and TTY readable format.

  The TEPP is one of several different programs paid for by the Wisconsin Universal Service Fund established by the Public Service Commission. To get an application form or if you have questions, contact the, Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 7854, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7854, TTY (608) 267-1479, Voice (608) 231-3305, Fax (608)266-3957.
  Or contact one of the following:
  

  • The Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at: (608)243-5626 Voice/TTY.
  • The Office for Persons with Physical Disabilities or an Independent Living Center at: (608)267-9582 Voice, (608)267-9880TTY
  • Your Local telephone company
  • Vendors of specialized equipment

Q: I am interested in learning more about products and technologies that will allow me to live more independently; where can I go to get this information?

• A: Many Centers for Independent Living (CIL) will be able to discuss adaptive technology products with you. Often times they will refer you to a retailer or organization that offers these products for sale or rent. To find a CIL in your area click on NHU's State CIL Listing.

• A:NHU's Community and Internet Resources: Adaptive Technology offers insight into available technologies and the outlets that provide them.

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