Assistive Technology

A Whole Other Facet - Courtney Clark on Service Dogs Making Life Better

“We can get things done. Yes, so it just made me more independent,” explains Courtney of her service dog, Donner. After applying for a service dog, it took two more years before Courtney was matched with Donner. Courtney talks about how his presence…

Pauline Ulrey and Leader Dog, Danny, 1963

Pauline Ulrey is pictured with her first dog, Danny, after her introduction to the Leader Dog program of Rochester, Michigan, in 1963.

Pauline Ulrey and Leader Dog, Keller, 1986

Pauline Ulrey pictured with her Leader Dog, Keller, in 1986

Library of Congress Cassette Book Machine

This model C-1 Cassette Book Machine was part of the free Braille and Talking Book service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). This model became available in 1981 and has variable-speed control,…

PCD Maltron Left-Handed Keyboard

This single-hand keyboard is one of three keyboards co-designed for users with a physical disability by British electronic products manufacturer Stephen Hobday and keyboard training expert Lillian Malt. The original single-hand keyboard was developed…

Telex FM System

This assistive listening device was an early personal amplification system made by Telex Communications of Burnsville, Minnesota between the 1970s and 1990s. The Telex FM system amplified sound via FM transmission. Assistive listening devices…

PRC Touch Talker with Minspeak®

The PRC Touch Talker with Minspeak® was one of the first augmentative communication devices produced by the Prentke Romich Company (PRC.) The Touch Talker was the company’s first portable speech-generating device, introduced in 1984. Minspeak…

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)

A TDD is a teleprinter, an electronic device for text communication over a telephone line. The TDD allows people with hearing or speech difficulties to receive calls as typed messages. The original concept was developed by James C. Marsters, a…

TeleSensory TeleBraille III

The TeleBraille III enabled a deafblind person and a person using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) to communicate by telephone. It could also be used for face-to-face communications between a deafblind person and a sighted person. It…

Prototype Computer Keyguard for Apple 11 GS

A keyguard, or computer overlay guide, is designed to enable people with upper extremity disabilities to use a standard computer keyboard. Intended for users who are unable to keep their hand elevated, who use a headwand or mouthstick, or are…

Braille ‘n Speak and Optacon Model R1D

Braille 'n Speak® was a portable, electronic Braille note taker designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. In 1987, long before sighted users had devices such as the iPad, Deane Blazie’s invention made it possible for users to…

Prototype Switch Interface Console

Switch access enables a user with limited mobility or dexterity to control a device such as a computer or an electronic toy by activating the switch with a touch. A customized system such as a switch access console can replace a standard keyboard…

Darci Too with Switch Interface

Darci Too is a keyboard emulator designed for use by individuals with upper extremity or severe physical disabilities. It offers adaptable access, meaning that a user can choose a joystick, switches, matrix keyboard, or communication aid to access…

Multivoice Synthesizer

The Multivoice Synthesizer was used with a computer screenreader, producing the sound needed to convert text into synthesized speech for people with visual impairments. A screen reader is a software application that, rather than presenting web…

TASH Mini Keyboard and IBM Screen Reader Keypad

The TASH Mini Keyboard was a small membrane keyboard designed with closely spaced keys for individuals with fine motor skills and a small range of motion. The small square keys could be activated with a mouthstick, pointer, finger, etc. The keyboard…

Type 'n Speak Notetaker and Monocular Lens

Type 'n Speak was an electronic notetaker with voice output, designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The unit required no knowledge of Braille, featured a standard QWERTY computer-style keyboard with Braille mode, and…

Wade Wingler on Assistive Technology over the Years

Easter Seals Crossroads has been providing assistive technology services since 1979. Wade Wingler, Vice President of Technology and Information Services at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis, Indiana, discusses how the program has grown to…