John Williams
Accessible Technology Expert and Journalist
first in a series of
MyMSMyWay
"Making Technology Work For You"
Guest Chats
Monday August 20th
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 6:55:30 PM)
Ken. I am ready!
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 6:57:07 PM)
JOHN WILLIAMS IS OUR GUEST AN EXPERT ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 6:57:26 PM)
HI JOHN
Chatter 5 (Aug 20, 2007 6:57:37 PM)
HI JOHN
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:09 PM)
Hello to everyone.
Chatter 4 (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:10 PM)
I am not at a point where I need this type of tech help. I will leave so someone who needs the slot can occupy it
Chatter 7 (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:16 PM)
HI JOHN
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:29 PM)
ROOM FOR EVERYONE HERE
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:29 PM)
PLENTY OF ROOM PLEASE STAY
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:30 PM)
Hello Chatter 7.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:38 PM)
HI Chatter 7
Chatter 4 (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:41 PM)
ok
Chatter 6 (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:42 PM)
GOOD IDEA Chattter 4. I'LL FOLLOW UR LEAD.
Chatter 7 (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:43 PM)
HI KEN
Chatter 2 (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:49 PM)
Yeah, are there limited number of slots or something?
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 6:58:56 PM)
NO LIMIT
Chatter 6 (Aug 20, 2007 6:59:03 PM)
OK. ILL STAY
Chatter 4(Aug 20, 2007 6:59:05 PM)
I will observe
Chatter 4 (Aug 20, 2007 6:59:05 PM)
good
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 6:59:06 PM)
GOOD
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 6:59:08 PM)
I am asking everone to stay.
Chatter 4(Aug 20, 2007 6:59:46 PM)
Plus, you never know when you might need this info I guess.
Chatter 4(Aug 20, 2007 6:59:52 PM)
True
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 6:59:58 PM)
RIGHT Chatter 4
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:00:01 PM)
TRUE
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:00:01 PM)
VERY TRUE
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:00:13 PM)
Protocol will be used for this chat. At any time during the presentation you can type "?" or "!" if you have a question or a comment... After the presentation you will be called on by MSWorld staff when it is your turn. That is when you can post your question or comment the guest will then answer… It might be beneficial to prepare your question by typing it out while waiting your turn then posting it at the appropriate time…
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:00:40 PM)
WE'LL WAIT A FEW MINUTES WHILE OTHERS JOIN
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:00:57 PM)
WELCOME EVERYONE
Chatter 4(Aug 20, 2007 7:00:57 PM)
This is about asst tech like mobility devices and such?
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:01:15 PM)
AMONG OTHER THINGS PC TOOLS ETC.
Chatter 4 (Aug 20, 2007 7:01:20 PM)
cool
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:01:21 PM)
more AT devices.
Chatter 7 (Aug 20, 2007 7:01:23 PM)
K
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:02:12 PM)
GREAT LIZ RAGDOLLOP HAD A LAST5 MINUTE CONFLICT SO SHE SENDS HER GREETINGS
Chatter 4 (Aug 20, 2007 7:02:24 PM)
Acronym for what "AT"?
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 7:02:33 PM)
READY
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:02:40 PM)
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:02:42 PM)
Assistive Technology
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:03:22 PM)
A transcript of tonight’s chat will be posted on MSWorld following the chat so relax if you miss something Protocol will be used for this chat. At any time during the presentation you can type "?" or "!" if you have a question or a comment... After the presentation you will be called on by MSWorld staff when it is your turn. That is when you can post your question or comment the guest will then answer… It might be beneficial to prepare your question by typing it out while waiting your turn then posting it at the appropriate time… Try to keep comments and questions brief but signify you have more to say by typing … at the end of the line…
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:03:53 PM)
John M. Williams is the first guest speaker in our series of chats in conjunction with the MS Technology Collaborative a team including the NMSS, Microsoft, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals… John has been writing about disability issues since 1978 and coined the phrase "Assistive Technology”… John began a life of investigating the products available on the market and started writing articles about people who use technology… Since his first article, John has written about 2,000 articles…
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:04:40 PM)
Articles by John have appeared in Newsweek Magazine, Time Magazine, People Magazine, Los Angeles Times, US News & World Reports, Business Week print magazine), The Washington Post, the Houston Post, NEA Today, ABA Journal, Technology Today and the Atlanta Journal Constitution… John used his own experience as motivation after seeing the benefits of taking an 18 month speech therapy course at George Washington University in Washington, DC... The course was successful and once finished he did some introspection and asked himself, "If a computer program can do this for me, what can it do for people with severe disabilities?" …
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:05:16 PM)
He has seen technology become better and more accepted by the business community. And he has also seen the number of manufacturers grow 10 fold or more… Federal legislation and regulations have had a major role in getting AT accepted… He has seen technology become better and more accepted by the business community. And he has also seen the number of manufacturers grow 10 fold or more… Federal legislation and regulations have had a major role in getting AT accepted…
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:05:52 PM)
Now let’s sit back and enjoy John’s presentation on Assistive Technology. Developments that we might be able to use to help live better with MS… Remember Protocol will be used for this chat. At any time during John's presentation you can type "?" or "!" if you have a question or a comment. After the presentation you will be called on in order by MSWorld staff. That is when you can type your question or comment, which John will then answer. Your patience is appreciated… Please join me as we welcome John Williams to MSWorld.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:06:22 PM)
WELCOME TO MSWORLD, JOHN.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:06:47 PM)
JOHN PLEASE PROCEED
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:06:51 PM)
Thanks. I am pleased to be here.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:07:30 PM)
GLAD TO HAVE YOU OFFER YOUR EXPERIENCE
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:08:06 PM)
I shall start by saying that many people in this field consider me the grandfather I have been around that long, but I do not have any grandchildren.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:09:06 PM)
In my 30 years in this field, I have seen assistie technology give new life to people wiwth disabilities of all kinds.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:10:16 PM)
I know thousands of people with disabilities who are employed and living a better quakity of life becayse of assistive technology.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:12:01 PM)
Today people with severe disabilities are working as writers, teachers, software devlelopers, hardware developers, researchers, lawyers and politicians and in other profreesions because of this technology,
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:15:01 PM)
These technologies give voice to people with weak voices, speech to people wuth weak speech, computer access to people unable to use a standard keyboard and boosts to people with cognitive challenges.
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 7:15:46 PM)
?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:17:36 PM)
Many people have asked me what is assistive technology. Assistive technology is any piece of hardware or software that can be used to compensate for a disability. AT products break down barriers that historically have kept people with disabilities from having access to information and working.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:21:16 PM)
Welcome friends. Remember Protocol will be used for this chat. At any time during John's presentation you can type "?" or "!" if you have a question or a comment. After the presentation you will be called on in order by MSWorld staff. That is when you can type your question or comment, which John will then answer. Your patience is appreciated
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:21:28 PM)
Today assistive technology gives even individuals with the most severe disabilities the opportunity to eork, to feel and be productive, to be entertained and to stay connected. You can being reading about many of these products monthly in a column written by Microsoft's Ellen Kampel and me on the MS we site under assistive technology. I am ready to answer questions. If I do not get to your question please sned me questions at jwilliams@atechnews.com.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:22:13 PM)
thank you John any questions?
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:22:25 PM)
Chatter 14, YOU MAY ASK YOUR QUESTION
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:22:51 PM)
?
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 7:23:10 PM)
what is the software or hardware that helps people with cognitive problems and how does it work
Chatter 8 (Aug 20, 2007 7:23:12 PM)
?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:23:35 PM)
On WWW.MyMSMYWAY you will find a guide to using assistive technology to help improve people live with MS
Chatter 6 (Aug 20, 2007 7:23:44 PM)
?
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:24:23 PM)
We invite you to visit http://www.myMSmyWAY.org for the latest news from the MS Technology Collaborative.
Chatter 5 (Aug 20, 2007 7:24:36 PM)
!
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:25:07 PM)
WOULD THAT SITE TALK ABOUT Chatter 14s ? ABOUT COGNITIVE SOFTWARE JOHN?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:25:32 PM)
There is software that will remind people when to take their medicine, when to make telephone calls, to help them write letters, to help them with their spelling and to to other useful things.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:26:58 PM)
WHICH AT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST COMMONLY USED BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
KatOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:28:27 PM)
hi
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:28:38 PM)
Chatter 8 , IT IS YOUR TURN
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:28:57 PM)
Yes . In fact a woman with MS wrote to Ellen and me listing the cognitive challenges she has. One of them is traveling. The Coeman Institute on Cognitive Disabilities is developing prorgams using PDAs ofr people with ocgnitive disabilities.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:30:19 PM)
THANK YOU JOHN!
Chatter 8 (Aug 20, 2007 7:30:20 PM)
i WAS WONDERING WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ARE ON THE SOFTWARE CALLED DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING AND WHICH VERSION IS BEST
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:31:04 PM)
I think low vision products are the most commonly used AT products on the market. There are an estinmated 10 million people with low vision in the country.
Chatter 2 (Aug 20, 2007 7:31:28 PM)
?
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:31:31 PM)
THANK YOU, JOHN. THAT ANSWERS MY ?
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:32:41 PM)
Chatter 10 HAD A QUESTION ABOUT SCREEN READERS I THINK
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:33:03 PM)
YES BUT Chatter 10 WILL BE CALLED ON IN A BIT! :)
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:33:11 PM)
:)
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:33:55 PM)
I used Dragon Naturally years ago and other speech recognition products. I can't tell you which is the best version on the market. IBM, Microsoft and other companies have excellent speech recognition products. Check out Micorsoft's VISTA Accessibility package it is great.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:34:32 PM)
Chatter 6 IT IS YOUR TURN TO ASK A ?
Chatter 6 (Aug 20, 2007 7:34:39 PM)
IS THERE TECHNOLOGY YOU KNOW OF TO HELP PEOPLE WITH MS DEAL WITH LIVING IN HOT CLIMATES SO THEY CAN ENJOY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:35:34 PM)
Microsoft's VISTA has features for people with low vision, speech problems, motor challenges and cognitive problems.
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 7:35:49 PM)
?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:36:06 PM)
What kind of activities outdoor are you thinking of?
Chatter 6 (Aug 20, 2007 7:36:50 PM)
I LIKE TO GO TO AMUSEMENT PARKS AND THE ZOO BUT I CANNOT HANDLE THE HEAT. I LIVE IN FL. ARE THERE TECHNOLOGIES TO SELF COOL?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:36:52 PM)
Many people seem afraid to use AT PRODUCTS. Don't.
earthling (Aug 20, 2007 7:38:32 PM)
!
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:38:35 PM)
There are cooling suits and other products. Send me an e-mail and I shall direct you to the places you can buy them. I have written artitlces on people with disabilities using cooling suits.
Chatter 6 (Aug 20, 2007 7:38:44 PM)
TY
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:38:46 PM)
Chatter 5 IT IS YOUR TURN.
Chatter 5(Aug 20, 2007 7:38:49 PM)
There is a good article in the Inside MS magazine Aug/Sept Issue Page 17 by Jan Blaustonne It mentions Doors, Floors, toilet options Safer Showering Beds, Kitchen and study and faucets, and Low vision adaptions.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:39:23 PM)
Chatter 2 IT IS YOUR TURN
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:39:28 PM)
Remember these tecnologies are your friends.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:39:31 PM)
THANK YOU Chatter 2
Chatter 2(Aug 20, 2007 7:40:12 PM)
Since vision seems to be the topic of the day, I've heard of and used JAWS - John are you familiar with this and would you recommend it? It's pretty easy to use I find.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:42:35 PM)
JAWS is a great product. Ted Henter the inventor is blind. He is a long time friend and taught me to use my first talking terminal. Most products developed by people with disabilities stand a better chance of succeeding on the market.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:42:57 PM)
Chatter 14 IT IS YOUR TURN.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:43:24 PM)
?
Chatter 10 (Aug 20, 2007 7:43:37 PM)
?
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 7:43:53 PM)
Does MS XP HAVE ANYTHING SPECIAL. i AM ALREADY USING VIEW REMINDERS AND I KNOW IT HAS A VOICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:44:27 PM)
By the way, I stutter and use a SppechEasy device to help me achieve fluency. I use speech ercognition and a harware for typing.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:45:45 PM)
I believe that All of Microsoft's products have built in accessibility features for people with disabilities.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:45:51 PM)
EARTH, IT IS YOUR TURN.
earthling (Aug 20, 2007 7:45:54 PM)
I use the audio prompt when I accidentily press the caps lock key which happens a lot to me. This is also available in XP and can save a lot of re-typing.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:46:45 PM)
Chatter 10 IT IS YOUR TURN
Chatter 10(Aug 20, 2007 7:46:48 PM)
Have you seen Jaws or other screen readers work with Vista?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:47:17 PM)
The next time you visit the MS we site look for information on the MS Technology Collaborative project.
Chatter 2 (Aug 20, 2007 7:47:43 PM)
?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:48:19 PM)
I have NOT seen JAWS work with Vista.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:48:23 PM)
I THINK YOU ARE DOING WONDERFULLY, JOHN, TO USE ALL THAT AT AND TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF A CHAT WITH US! THANK YOU.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:48:34 PM)
Chatter 2 IT IS YOUR TURN
Chatter 2 (Aug 20, 2007 7:49:23 PM)
John, are there any products you could suggest that you've used or seen that you'd recommend for dexterity challenges? Like alternative keyboards?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:53:05 PM)
Yes. There is the LOMAK by Opdo in New Zealand. I use LOMAK. There is the orbitouch by blue orb and there is speech recognition. There are split keyboards and foot pedals. The October column by Ellen Kampel and me will cover a variety of laternative keyboards. Send me an e-mail and I shall send you a list of these companies. I have used many laternative keyboards.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:54:09 PM)
THE BOTTOM LINE IS TECHNOLOGY IS OUT THERE AND SOMETIMES AVAILABLE IN EXISTING PRODUCTS. A LITTLE INVESTIGATION CAN FIND SOME GREAT TOOLS.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:54:24 PM)
ARE THERE ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
Chatter 2 (Aug 20, 2007 7:54:26 PM)
?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:54:34 PM)
Ken is right.
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:54:40 PM)Chatter 2, PLEASE ASK YOUR ?
Chatter 2(Aug 20, 2007 7:55:08 PM)
John said you write a column - where can I find that?
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:55:20 PM)
I have a short closing statement before we end.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:56:01 PM)
I love answering your questions. Keep the coming,
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 7:56:16 PM)
?
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:57:40 PM)
GO AHEAD Chatter 14 ASK YOUR QUESTION
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 7:57:47 PM)
WHEN PRODUCTS LIKE THE PDA TECHNOLOGY IS TESTED BY REAL PPL CAN I GET IN ON IT? I LOVE TO BETA TEST PRODUCTS
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:58:28 PM)
A transcript of tonight’s chat will be posted on MSWorld ASAP. We invite you to visit http://www.myMSmyWAY.org for the latest news from the MS Technology Collaborative. .. Also, One of our regular posters on the message board is going to be on a TV show called Mystery Diagnosis that will be aired on Discovery Health at 10:00 PM EST tonight. Check your local listings.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 7:58:30 PM)
I shall find out for you/
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 7:58:57 PM)
YOU HAD A CLOSING COMMENT JOHN?
Chatter 5 (Aug 20, 2007 7:59:24 PM)
!
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 8:00:39 PM)
!
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 8:00:58 PM)
I am here because of The MS Technology Collaborative project that provides information, resources and tools creating a connection between technology, community and treatment options so people with MS can stay connected to the world.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 8:01:35 PM)
I Hope we cam chat again and again.
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:01:44 PM)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION JOHN I'LL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR FUTURE ARTICLES PLEASE STAY AND CHAT A BIT IF INTERESTED
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:01:55 PM)
THANK YOU SO MUCH, jOHN
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 8:01:58 PM)
Thanks for this great opportunity.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:08 PM)
YOU ARE WELCOME
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:11 PM)
I WILL EMAIL YOU JOHN SO THAT YOU CAN GET BACK TO ME
Chatter 2 (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:12 PM)
thanks JOhn
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:19 PM)
THANKS GO TO THE MS TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATIVE
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:20 PM)
THANKS FOR THE INFO
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:26 PM)
APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!
Chatter 19 (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:27 PM)
thanks
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:33 PM)
THANK YOU, JOH N.
John Williams (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:38 PM)
ALL OF YOU ARE WELCOME!
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:47 PM)
THANK YOU JOHN
Chatter 5(Aug 20, 2007 8:02:51 PM)
THANK YOU JOHN
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:02:52 PM)
WILL KEEP OUR EYES ON MYMSMYWAY!
PeachOp (Aug 20, 2007 8:03:02 PM)
THANKS
KenOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:03:04 PM)
TELL ELLEN I ENJOY HER WRITING TOO
LizOP (Aug 20, 2007 8:03:19 PM)
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR BEING HERE
rudonah (Aug 20, 2007 8:04:34 PM)
SO JOHN DO I HAVE YOUR EMAIL RIGHT JWILLIAMS@STECHMEWS.COM
Chatter 14 (Aug 20, 2007 8:04:53 PM)
ATECHNEWS
Chatter 5 (Aug 20, 2007 8:06:09 PM)
I THINK IT WENT WELL THANK YOU FOR AND INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM
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