Neil Scott - Assistive Technology

Scott started in this field when we was asked to help a 10 year old girl with cerebal palsy. He found out that she could move her knees and created a way for her to communicate using Morse Code. He figured it would take her months to learn the Morse Code, but she did it in a couple of weeks and was finally able to communicate.

That started him working on developing computer interfaces that work for everyone. Section 508 of the Public Rehabilitation Act called for access for all people, but it wasn't enforced because there weren't good solutions at that time. Now there's teeth in the act - all federally funded programs must be accessible and the federal government won't buy computers unless they are accessible.

The Archimedes Project mission is to ensure that all people are able to participate fully in the global information society regardless of individual needs, abilities, preferences and culture. The problem is that there are so many different computers and computer-based devices, the software keeps changing, and there are so many different disabilities with many different symptoms. Everyone has different needs and preferences and abilities. They are trying to design options and let people choose what they want.

In many cases assistive technology also works well for those without disabilities and helps them to be more productive. It is important not just to focus on what a person needs because of their ability or disability, but to keep an emphasis on what a person prefers.

Trying to equip each computer in any organization with all of the variety of assistive devices possible so that no matter who comes to the computer they can use it is impossible. Therefore the Archimedes Project is working on a Total Access System where each computer would be equipped with a module called a TAP. The TAP would be a universal link between the user and the computer. It would be customized to that particular computer and its operating system.

The user would have an Accessor that would have all that was needed for their particular alternative way of accessing the computer (speech recognition, alternate keyboards, touch screen). The Accessor would plug into the TAP making that particular computer work for that particular user. The institution is responsible only for the computer and the TAP and the individual is responsible for the Accessor and whatever was needed to work with the Accessor (alternative keyboard/input device, for example).

With this system the user could go to any computer in a library or a workplace, plug in their accessor and use that computer.

Several types of assistive devices were demonstrated in their lab.

For many people who have problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, it's too late when the problem becomes debilitating, we have to make interventions when it's uncomfortable, not when it becomes a disability.

Trends:

        •  Mobile convergence - differences between appliances (cell phone and computer) is
           going away.
        • Augmented reality - use real objects augmented by computers, such as a child's play
           set that is electronically enhanced.
       •  Multi-modal interaction - point and click plus voice.
       •  Social spaces - computers used to enhance environment.
       •  Agents - how smart can they be? Artificial intelligence is still very hard and we're not
           there yet.

                Social values need to be considered - the "be dones."

       What can be done?

       What should be done?

       What will be done? This depends on the answers to the first two questions.

With a bound book you know the context (author, publisher, date, etc.) or with the National Enquirer you know the context. But online information doesn't carry the context with it. How does the librarian help people locate information of value?

Stanford-California State Library Institute on 21s1 Century Librarianship Summer 2000
Informal Notes by Susan Martimo Choi