[Trainer-talk] A need to use voice dictation with screen reader

[Erin Lauridsen]

Hi Bonnie,
I think this quandary is very client specific. Depending on the client's cognitive functioning and dexterity, Jaws with JSay or JTools can present conceptual challenges. Guide Hands Free is another option, but requires several sequential steps to accomplish most tasks. A tablet or smart phone might be used if the client's needs are basic. 

Some questions I would ask to try to determine appropriate technology include:

What tasks is the client interested in accomplishing?
--communicating with friends and family;
--surfing the web
--accessing media, podcasts, music and/or books;
--completing school work
--managing finances

Is the client seeking employment? If so, will technology be required to do his/her job?

What memory aids and learning strategies does the client use to accomplish other life tasks?
--recorded instructions;
--Braille
--Repetition;

A client who needs to email friends and family and wants to access music on Pandora might be quite successful with an Ipad, while a client who hopes to get a GED may find the time investment to learn JSay and Jaws worthwhile.

Just my thoughts,
Erin

Erin Lauridsen
Assistive Technology Specialist
Lions Center for the Blind
www.lbcenter.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bonnie Lucas
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 1:55 PM
To: trainer-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Trainer-talk] A need to use voice dictation with screen reader

Hello,
What are some of the ways in which some of you have helped clients to use the computer when they have brain damage and are not able to remember a lot but would like to use dictation to use the computer? Right now, JAWS is on the computer but I'm not sure it's the best thing and from what I understand, it is very difficult to use Dragon with JAWS. Any suggestions or help that anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.



Bonnie Lucas, VRT, MSW
Braille and Technology Instructor, VISA Coordinator Equipping Alaskans for Success Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
3903 Taft Drive
Anchorage, Alaska  99517
Phone: (907) 248-7770    Direct: (907) 771-4306
www.alaskabvi.org       www.facebook.com/alaskabvi

Please consider supporting our mission when you fill out your 2013 PFD application.
[cid:image001.jpg at 01CDE8FE.BC4C8100]<http://www.pickclickgive.org/>
  www.pickclickgive.org<http://www.pickclickgive.org/>

The Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Call or visit our website to learn more about how our work transforms lives.
This message contains information that may be confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, copying or distribution of any of its contents is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, kindly contact the sender.