Disability Resources

Index

A collection of miscellaneous resources.

Companies and organizations providing services

Vendors of reading systems, computer access technology, CCTV systems, and other high tech solutions to the problem of reading and using the computer.

Many of these companies also supply access technology.  They sell everything from talking clocks to complete computer systems.  Some permit on-line ordering with simple forms which are usable by someone using a screen reader.

Things in the vicinity of Dallas/Fort Worth or specific to Texas.

General Information

This site hosts a database of assistive technology.  Information on a given product is sparse, but it provides a starting point from which you can examine your options.

American Council of the Blind

The Blind and Visually Impaired SiteRing

Since I found several of these links directly or indirectly through this site it's only fair to list it.

BLINUX Documentation and Development Project  

"The purpose of The BLINUX Documentation and Development Project is to serve as a catalyst which will both spur and speed the development of software and documentation which will enable the blind user to run his or her own Linux workstation."

Joni and Friends

MSAA - The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

  National Federation of the Blind

The Screen Magnifiers Home Page

As the name suggests, the site provides reviews of screen magnification software, but has expanded to include reviews for hardware and screen reader software.  It's an excellent resource for someone trying to determine what they need.

THE ZENITH TUBE

The home page of a long-time member of the online community of blind computer users.  It contains more resources, useful products, and a refreshing perspective.

Access Tours - All-accessible American West Travel

The tours are wheelchair friendly.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

A guide dog provider:  "Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to enriching the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and new horizons of opportunity "

Flying Wheels Travel!

Wheelchair friendly travel agency

Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc.

"Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to providing braille and large print Bibles and Christian reading materials to the blind and visually impaired of the world."

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The best thing about this site is that you can browse or download the catalogs. For those unfamiliar with the NLS, it is a nationwide service of the Library of Congress by which blind or handicapped individuals can borrow all kinds of books on cassette, record, or in braille.  Digital formats are currently in limited distribution.

Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic

A provider of recorded or electronic books. RFBD is primarily a provider of text books, but also stocks many other titles of interest. It is also possible to get manuals on disk for many Microsoft products at a very low price.

Wheelchair Travel - Accessible Cruises - Disability Resources

Wilderness Inquiry

Provides accessible outdoor experiences

 AI Squared

ZoomText, a magnifier with screen reading capability is the primary product produced by this company.  I have used the magnifier only versions for many years.  Though I'm now looking for a trimmer solution that still has the functionallity I need, This program can easily address your magnification needs.

Dancing Dots

Home of The GOODFEEL® Braille Music Translator, the company sells everything a blind musician would need to compose and produce music.

Duxbury Systems

Makers of braille translation software.

Freedom Scientific

I include this company because the market is limited.  If one of its products works best for some people, then that is what they should use.  However, I do not recommend this company.  lest I be accused of slander, I will speak only from my experiences.  I have received the worst technical support from Freedom Scientific and Henter Joice before it that I have ever seen anywhere.  For years JAWS scripting support made it the best workable solution for situations that required custom screen reading solutions, but with the recent debut of VB scripting in GW Micro's Window-Eyes, there's no need to put up with this company.  .  Product categories  include screen readers, screen magnification software, braille embossers, braille displays, note takers, and print reading systems.  Specific products include JAWS, MAGic, OpenBook,  , Focus refreshable Braille displays, and others..

GW Micro

GW Micro's flag ship product is Window-Eyes.    I highly recommend it.  It is reliable and easy to use.  GW Micro provides great support.  The staff will not refuse to help you or send you form letter responses to your questions that do not answer them.  It also sells a variety of related products including magnifiers, speech synthesizers, magnification software, and speech enabled PDA-like devices.

HumanWare  Inc.

"HumanWare is a division of Pulse Data International, a New Zealand based adaptive hardware and software provider.  Products include Braille  embossers, PDAs, Reading and magnification software, CCTV magnifiers, etc.

Innovation Management Group

Provides products useful for people with physical disabilities.

Origin Instruments

Head-Controlled Pointing Systems for Computer Access

Serotek

I don't know a lot about this company as of this writing, but the appear to provide some innovative solutions for text-to-speech access that cost a little less than the big names and offer better portability.  There's even a free web access solution at www.satogo.com, but my first attempt to use it was not successful.  The synthesized audio prompt when initially visiting the site recommends using Internet Explorer for unassisted access, but that didn't work for me either.  Hopefully I'll remember to come back and revise this when I learn more.  It may have to do with already running a screen reader when trying it.

TeleSensory Home Page

TeleSensory markets video magnification (CCTV) systems and stand-alone scanners for reading print aloud.

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Special Product Vendors

The American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.

APH is a provider of braille books and assistive devices for the blind. The web site has links to other sites of interest and a database of accessible materials.

American Wheelchair

Bavisoft. Software for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Provides sound rich adventure gaming that you don't need to see to play.

BestMobility.com

Beyond Sight

Calls itself "The superstore for the blind and visually impaired."  Offers financing.

blindsoftware.com LLC. Software downloads for the blind and visually impaired

A couple of productivity apps designed for the blind are here, but most interesting are the arcade style games.

Independent Living Aids

Provider of a full range of products for the visually impaired.

LS&S GROUP

Sells a wide range of products for the visually and hearing impaired. Everything from clocks to computers.  Some good prices.

MaxiAIDS

Products that address a wide range of needs.

National Braille Press

Provides braille materials and transcription services

Pride Mobility

Spinlife (Mobility and related products)

sonic invaders - a revolutionary audio arcade game

I havent' tried it, but its documentation promises a totally audio driven arcade experience.  It's also free.

uCan Health

I just like the name.  Focus is anything having to do with physical needs.  Products have user ratings.

Dallas Area

Blind Ambitions Groups

DFW AREA support groups that meet once a month.  Regrettably I have not been a regular attendee since we discovered them in June of '08, but if you're looking to connect with other people in the area who are blind, this is a great place to start.

Dallas Lighthouse

Dallas Services

Help for children with physical and developmental disabilities

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