Updated 11/2005

This is a partial list of materials on this topic available from DB-LINK. In most instances, DB-LINK is able to provide a copy of the complete article. For this and other questions or information that you may need, please contact DB-LINK, (800) 438-9376 or (800) 854-7013 (TTY) or email: dblink@tr.wou.edu.

The following sites may provide additional resources.

• Blindness Resource Center http://www.nyise.org/blind.htm
• Abledata http://www.abledata.com
• Trace Center http://www.trace.wisc.edu

2003-0126

Access Technology for the Deaf-Blind User --FitzGibbon, Geoff. Toronto: CNIB. CNSDB NATIONAL NEWSLETTER, #23, July-September 2002, pp. 18-20. (2002) This article discusses the various options available for users of assistive technology. It includes information on devices specific to deaf-blind users. Provides information on how to be an informed consumer.

2004-0065

Cochlear Implants : An Overview --Franklin, Barbara, Ph.D. San Francisco: Services for Children with Deaf-Blindness Program. (2003) This video is part of a week long teleconference put on by San Francisco State University, California Deaf-blind Services, and the U.S. Department of Special Education. The presenter, Dr. Joseph Roberson, is the Director of Cochlear Implant Program at California Ear Institute at Sanford University. He presents information on the candidacy requirements and patient results from cochlear implantation. He describes the process of cochlear implantation and shows surgical excerpts of this procedure. Discusses up to date cochlear implant technology, and the rehabilitation needs of those who have undergone implementation. Describes the audiologic evaluation for both children and adults as well as the medical and surgical evaluation for each. Discusses the stimulation and programming issues and outcome predictors for success. He concludes his presentation with a discussion about the future direction of cochlear implants, provides some case examples, and open discussion for the audience to ask their questions.

2004-0140

Cochlear Implants Help Deaf-Blind Patients GOOD CHEER, #264, Spring 2003, pp. 54-58. (2003) This article gives basic information on how cochlear implants can help deafblind people. It includes a description of a new study at the University of Michigan Health System that suggest the deaf-blind patient with implants can regain significant ability to recognize speech.

2000-0704

Computers in Our Classrooms --Buckley, Wendy L. Monmouth, OR: DEAF-BLIND PERSPECTIVES, vol. 7, #2, Winter 1999-2000, pp. 1-7. (2000) This is an update of the original article published in Workshop Proceedings of the 1997 National Conference on Deafblindness: The Individual in a Changing Society, Washington, DC June 6-9, 1997. It presents an overview of computer modifications, adaptive equipment, and selected software programs used with children in the Deafblind program at Perkins School for the Blind. Input and output devices used to facilitate communication are described along with examples of software and adaptive equipment provided at the school. Additional resources are provided at the end of the article for more information. Available on the web: http://www.tr.wou.edu/tr/dbp/pdf/dec99.pdf

2005-0158

Conference Report: CSUN 2005 --Kendrick, Deborah; Leventhal, Jay. ACCESSWORLD, vol. 6, #3, May 2005 [online] (2005) This is a report of the 20th annual Technology and Persons with Disabilities conference, called CSUN after its hosting organization, California State University at Northridge's Center on Disabilities. The report covers may topics. Of particular interest is information about a session offered by the Iowa Department for the Blind's Project ASSIST about the development of a tutorial for using NexTalk VM with popular screen readers. As part of the program's grant for developing materials for computer users who are deaf-blind, this particular program makes it possible to use a standard PC as a telecommunications device. Another interesting section of this conference report was a discussion about creating accessible Adobe PDF documents. Available on the web: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw060303. Publisher's web site: http://www.afb.org/accessworld

2002-0077

Deaf-Blind Shown to Benefit From Cochlear Implant (2001) This article describes a study of eight deafblind people who received coclear implants, six as adults and two as children. It shows favorable results, especially in speech recognition. The study was conducted by the University of Michigan Health System. Available on the web: http://www.unisci.com/stories/20011/0119012.htm

2004-0603

The Device That Refreshes : How to Buy a Braille Display --Stageberg, Susan. AccessWorld, vol. 5, #6, November 2004. (2004) As part of Iowa Department of the Blind Project ASSIST, a three-year deaf-blind grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the author tested several refreshable braille display models that are available in the United States and discovered a lot about how screen readers and braille displays work together. This article defines refreshable braille displays, describes how they work and their advantages (essential for deaf-blind computer users with good braille skills), and provides suggestions for how to make an informed decision when buying a refreshable braille display. Braille displays tested and compared were ALVA Satellite 570, Handy Tech Braille Star 80, Focus 84, BrailleNote BT 32 (a personal organizer that can be used as a braille display, Braille Lite M40 (another personal organizer). Available on the web: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw050607. Publisher's web site: http://www.abg.org

2003-0054

Finding Information About Assistive Technology --Leslie, Gail; Malloy, Peggy. DEAF-BLIND PERSPECTIVES, vol. 10, #1, Fall 2002, pp. 10-12. (2002) This article provides contact information for those interested in finding more out about assistive technology services and devices. In addition to DB-LINK, a number of other organizations have information about specific devices, training, funding sources, and policy issues. Organizations are listed by name and include contact information. Available on the web: http://www.tr.wou.edu/tr/dbp/sep2002.htm

2002-0339

Glove That Translates --Sink, Mindy. NAT-CENT NEWS, vol. 32, #3, pp. 30-36. Reprinted from the New York Times, February 7, 2002. (2002) This article describes an invention of a high school senior. Ryan Patterson invented a sensor glove that can take the finger movements of American Sign Language (ASL) and translate them into text on a small display screen. This helps lessen the need for an interpreter during short interactions such as ordering at a fast food restaurant or running errands and thus increases the independence of a person who is deaf or deaf-blind.

2004-0299

Glucometers for Deaf-Blind Community --Edwards, Sara. (2004) This paper was written by a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. It describes glucometers, which are used by patients with diabetes to measure their glucose levels. Glucometers with large-print displays are available for patients who are able to read large print. Talking glucometers are also available. Unfortunately, there are currently no braille output glucometers. However, this paper describes software programs available for some glucometers that allow downloading of results to a computer, which could then be accessed via a braille output display. Available in electronic format.

2005-0259

Make Technology Work : Report on Technology Access for Deafblind People London: Sense. (2005) Many deaf-blind people and their families have told Sense that they have problems accessing technology, limiting the positive effect it can have on their lives. To find out whether these experiences are widely shared, Sense conducted a survey of deaf-blind people. This report describes how the survey was conducted and reports its findings related to the use of assistive equipment and household equipment. Available on the web: http://www.sense.org.uk/campaignnews/campaigns/technology/technologyreport.htm. Publisher's web site: http://www.sense.org.uk

2003-0230

Method of Improving Finger Braille Input-Output Characteristics in Communication Aids for Deaf-Blind Persons --Osada, K. REPORT OF RESEARCHES - NIPPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, vol. 32, #2, 2002, pp.153-156. (2002) No abstract available. This article is not available from DB-LINK.

2002-0231

National Curriculum for Training Interpreters Working With People Who are Deaf-Blind --Myers, Mark J. , M.A. (Ed.) --National Interpreter Education Project: Northwestern Connecticut Community College. San Diego: Dawn Sign Press. (2001) These videos are to be used in conjunction with the curricular products of the same name. Video 1 contains three programs: Program I, The Deaf-Blind Community Experience, depicts Deaf-Blind people's life experiences in several community situations (22 minutes); Program 2, Understanding Technology Used by People Who Are Deaf-Blind demonstrates various technological equipment and assistive devises used by individuals who are Deaf-Blind (30 minutes); Program 3, Sighted Guide Techniques with People Who Are Deaf-Blind demonstrates techniques used in guiding individuals who are Deaf-Blind from one location to another (20 minutes). Video 2 contains two programs: Program 1, Tactile Communication Methods and Techniques depicts individuals who are Deaf-Blind using particular communication styles (20 minutes); Program 2, Interpreting Adjustments, illustrates adjustments that may be required while interpreting depending on the communication method used (30 minutes). The full National Curriculum is available from the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials at Oklahoma State University. Cost: $92.70. To order call 405-744-2000 or 800-223-5219 or fax your order to 405-744-2001. The call number to use when ordering is 746.050. The contact person is Carolyn Cail, Information.

2001-0406

On-the-Job Profile: When the Only Windows View is Braille --Kendrick, Deborah. ACCESSWORLD, vol. 1, #3, May 2000, pp. 16-19. (2000) This article describes a woman who is deaf-blind who works as an independent contractor for Compu-Serve, managing enormous databases of information. The adaptive technology she uses, including JAWS for Windows, VersaBraille, and the on-line Windows with Braille.

2004-0135

Pulse Data and Benetech Announce BrailleNote/Bookshare.org Collaboration: Press Release THE DEAF-BLIND AMERICAN, vol. 42, #3, July-September 2003, pp. 37-39. (2003) This article describes the new on-line subscription service for U.S. residents with severe visual, reading, and mobility disabilities to access digital books. The website is accessible with BrailleNote users with Windows CE based KeyWeb Internet Browser. The digital book can be downloaded directly to the BrailleNote and read off-line. Describes the creators companies of Benetech and Pulse Data.

2001-0552

Screen Braille Communicator --Lagarde, C. Prinsenbeek, Netherland: C. Lagarde. (2001) This is an update to a 1997 brochure that described the Screen Braille Communicator, a communication device for people who are deaf-blind. This device makes it possible for persons who are deaf-blind to communicate with sighted people, including strangers. A sighted person can type a short text into the device and a person who is deaf-blind can read the text in braille (with 1 or 8 braille cells) and can answer via the braille keys. The answer will be shown on an LCD display. The price is $1500.00 for the 1 cell version or $1854.00 for the 8 cell version, tax and $104.00 shipping costs not included. It comes with cover, rechargeable batteries (20-hour charge range), and battery charger. Photographs accompany the article. (New photographs of an updated version of the Device were provided by C. Lagarde in May of 2000 and are available in electronic format). Dimensions: 170x200x20mm. Address for orders and additional information: C. Lagarde, Beeksestraat 42, NL-4841 GC Prinsenbeek, Netherland. Phone/fax: +31 (0) 76 5420463.

2004-0224

Sonic Game & Tactile Glove : Technology Update --FitzGibbon, Geoff. Toronto: CNIB Toronto. CNSDB, #27, July-September 2003, pp. 7-8. (2003) This article gives a brief update on two new technologies for people who are deaf-blind. The sonic cane uses sensors to project sonic pulses that are reflected back to the device from whatever the inaudible pulses contact. With practice, users can interpret their environment and obtain a "picture" of it through movement. The tactile glove is part of a system that also uses two cameras and a portable computer. A special software program interprets the images and calculates a map of the terrain. Practiced users have been able to avoid obstacles successfully.

2004-0208

Spotlight on Assistive Technology --Harding, Jon. DEAF-BLIND PERSPECTIVES, vol. 11, #1, Fall 2003, pp. 5-6. (2003) This article provides an overview of assistive technology for deafblind students. It includes definitions of assistive technology, and assistive technology services, as well as brief descriptions of the IDEA and IEP process. The author includes a list of five common obstacles to the use of assistive technology with recommended responses to each. Available on the web: http://www.tr.wou.edu/tr/dbp/sep2003.htm

2001-0478

Use of Assistive Technology with Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind : Day 1 --Franklin, Barbara, Ph.D. San Francisco: San Francisco State University. (2000) This video is day one in a five day telecast put on by California Deaf-Blind Services on the subject of Assistive Technology. Day one provides an overview of Assistive Technology including presentations of JAWS for Windows screenreader, Zoomtech screen magnification program, scanning e optical character recognition, refreshable Braille, and Veritouch Braille mouse. The presenter, James Carreon works with students and teachers of the blind. Publisher's web site: http://www.sfsu.edu/~cadbs

2001-0479

Use of Assistive Technology with Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind --Franklin, Barbara, Ph.D. San Francisco: California Deaf-Blind Services. (2000) This video is day two of a five day telecast put on by California Deaf-Blind Services on the topic of assistive technology. This day provides an overview of computer skills for the blind. The first presenter, Joan Anderson, M.S., describes the Braille Lite, and the Braille Note notetakers. The presenter for the second half of the day is James Carreon, M.S. who reviews keyboard and desktop layout, keyboard commands in a typical application, cutting, copying, and pasting, and basic features and sites on the Internet that are important to the blind population. Publisher's web site: http://www.sfsu.edu/~cadbs

2001-0481

Use of Assistive Technology with Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind --Franklin, Barbara, Ph.D. San Francisco: California Deaf-Blind Services. (2000) This is day four of a five day telecast on the topic of assistive technology. This day features Megan Jones, a deafblind student in a Ph.D. program in Special Education. She provides an overview of non-computer technology available for people with deaf-blindness. Assistive living devices and hearing aids, tactile and visual communication, alerting systems, and telecommunication devices are presented. Publisher's web site: http://www.sfsu.edu/~cadbs

2001-0482

Use of Assistive Technology with Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind --Franklin, Barbara, Ph.D. San Francisco: California Deaf-Blind Services. (2000) This is the last day of a five day training on the topic of assistive technology for individuals with deafblindness. Megan Jones, a deafblind student in a Ph.D. program in Special Education, presents assessing and adapting technology for use by children who are deafblind. She first discusses how to assess technology for optimal use by the individual with deaf-blindness, and finishes by presenting special adaptations to existing technology for children who are deaf-blind. Publisher's web site: http://www.sfsu.edu/~cadbs

2003-0388

Vibratory-Coded Directional Analysis : Evaluation of a Three-Microphone/Four Vibrator DSP System --Borg, Erik, M.D., Ph.D.; Ronnberg, Jerker, Ph.D.; Neovius, Lennart, MSc, Techn. Lic. JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, vol. 38, #2, March/April 2001, pp. 257-263. (2001) This is a study of a sound localization aid which is based on eyeglasses with three microphones and four vibrators attached. It was tested in a sound-treated acoustic room and in an ordinary office. The instrument was tested on nine deaf and three deaf-blind individuals. Results show an average hit rate of about 80% in a sound-treated room, and 70% in an ordinary office. Describes the study, it's methods and results in detail.

2001-0520

Words Felt Large --Woodall, Martha. DEAF-BLIND AMERICAN, vol. 40, #3, July-September 2001, pp. 40-45. (2001) This article highlights Scott Stoffel, an electrical and computer engineering student at Temple University who invented a computer-automated palm Braille system. The system expands the communication options for people with deafblindness by using a device that rests on the palm of ones hand to feel six large pins that are raised and lowered to represent the combination of dots in Braille letters. This is especially useful for deafblind people who have trouble deciphering the tiny raised dots of Braille with their fingers. Describes the device, and his plans for marketing it.