Technology Expo 29th November 2002

• Presenter: – Greg Killeen

• Session Topic:– How to Survive and Succeed in

Using Technology in the Education and Employment Environment.

Introduction

• Education and employment

• Technology I Use– work– home

Education

• Education– Sydney TAFE - 1988 to 1991

• Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service [CRS]– taxi fares– books– note takers/assistants– Macintosh Computer, printer and modem

• user-friendly - ‘trackball’ & ‘sticky keys’

Technology I use:

• Work– Telephone– Computer

• Home– Telephone– Computer– Environmental Control Units [ECU’s]

Technology at work

• Telephone – GN Netcom Ellipse cordless

headset

• Computer– Internet keyboard– Trackball– Sticky keys– Shortcuts

Technology at home

• Telephone– handsfree speaker phone– portable ‘cordless’ speaker phone “Sanyo Tebura”– environmental control units [ECU]

• “Simplicity”, X-10 Computer Interface, X-10 Modules, Eon3 8-in-1 remote control

Technology at home cont..

• Computer:

• Hardware– internet keyboard– trackball/mouse

• Software– speech recognition– utilities and shortcuts

Technology at home cont.. • Keyboard - MS Intellitype Pro • Hotkeys

– Email– web/homepage– favourites– search– calculator– My Computer

Technology at home cont..

• Mouse/trackball -Kensington Expert Mouse– programmable

buttons

– ‘snap to’ feature

Technology at home cont..

• Speech recognition - – Dragon Natural Speaking

Professional

• GN Netcom– Ellipse cordless headset

Technology at home cont..

• Environmental Control Units [ECU’s] – What is an ECU?

– How does an ECU control things?

– Types of ECU’s and how they are operated– What can an ECU control?

– What are the benefits?

What is an ECU?

• An ECU is a device that will enable a

person to control various electronic

products, lights and appliances.

• Not a ‘Gizmo’ or ‘Gadget’

• Tool to independence

Eon3 8 in 1 Remote Control

• Controlled directly via the buttons

• 2 Macro buttons [14 functions each]

• Controls lights and appliances using infrared and radio frequency [X-10 modules & transceiver]

X-10 modules

• Each electrical product needs an X-10 module

Simplicity ECU

• Controlled via voice through a microphone or by switch

• Controls lights and appliances using infrared, X-10 modules, direct cable and has a ‘built-in’ telephone

What can an ECU control? Simplicity ECU

Simplicity video

What are the benefits of using an ECU?

• Telephone– communication– emergencies– arranging personal care– booking taxis etc.

• Access in and around the home– opening doors– controlling lights, home appliances and

equipment

Benefits continued….

• Independence

• Control & spontaneity

• Improved self esteem

• Peace of mind

How to Survive and Succeed

• Before studying or seeking employment– Find information on relevant assistive technology– Learn the computer programs and how to control the

computer– ISP with 24/7 tech support– Access the ‘community’ tech support notice boards

eg Miss Megabyte, Microsoft’s web-based ‘knowledge base’

How to Survive and Succeed cont..

• Information on what assistive technology is available– Contact the Disability Information Services

such as Ask AQA! and the Independent Living Centre’s

– Internet is a great resource– Utilise the education institutions Disability

Support Consultants– Contact the Employment Support Services– workplace adjustment funding

How to Survive and Succeed cont..

• Software

• Shortcuts & accessories– Sticky Keys - Windows ‘Accessability’ utility– Keyboard shortcuts

• [Ctrl + S] = save• [Windows key + M] = go back to desktop

How to Survive and Succeed cont..

• Telstra’s ‘Disability Equipment Program’ online

– www.telstra.com.au/disability/catalogue/

Accessing the telephone cont...

• Utilise phone features and services– speed dial– apply for exemptions to

• Telstra’s ‘Call Connect’

• Directory Assistance Service

Conclusion• As we all know it is our abilities that will

enable us to succeed in whatever field we wish to persue and there is a number of services and assistive technologies that can assist us. We all need to be able to make an informed choice and get the right equipment and technology to meet your needs as technology can certainly open the doors of opportunity and enable you to contribute to society on a level playing field.