Question
Hi Margot,

I have been a C3-C4 quad since 1977. I am also listed here on AllExperts as a spinal cord injury expert.

I noticed that your speciality is helping the disabled with their home environment, so I thought maybe you could help me.

I am trying to get a computer set-up with voice activation. Right now I'm using a WebTV unit. I've been using it for 10 years and it has served it's purpose but it's also very limited and very slow. I use a mouth stick to press down 1 key at a time which also limits me unless I have someone hold down the shift, command or control keys to do various other functions.

Would you happen to know or could direct me toward someone who might know of some voice activated software that would allow me to surf the internet and as well as do word proccessing? I have a friend that has tried the Dragon voice series software on his computer and says he doesn't feel it would work very well for me.

Also, do you know of any companies, like computer makers, that have programs where they work in developing applications for the disabled? Someone once told me that some companies donate equipment to the disabled in order to get feedback to help in their research and development.

I'll understand if this is out of your expertise but I thought I'd give it a shot because I figured - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Any help you can provide me with will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John McKinzie  

Answer
Hi John and thanks for writing,

I don't know a lot about this topic but I did a little online research and found a site will help you out: Adaptive Switch Laboratories at http://www.asl-inc.com seems to have a lot of helpful information and resources about computer technology for people with disabilities.

I hope this helps, all my best,

Margot