| They have a DECtalk-based device called LIBERATOR, manufactured by the Prentke
Romich Company, for use by people with speech problems. The following is some
of the mail I have received from the ATAC:
From: GORMAN
To: XNTRIK::MAGOON
CC: GORMAN
Subj: ATAC Overview
Larry, I will forward the schedule of ATAC Tours in a separate memo. If
you wish to visit the ATAC (in Northboro, Mass.), just contact me to let
me know which tour you would like to attend. If none of the tour times
is convenient for you, then let me know and I'll try to schedule something
specifically for you.
Regards,
Janet Gorman
(Overview attached)
*** Internal Use Only ***
Assistive Technology Access Center (ATAC)
Overview
The Assistive Technology Access Center (ATAC) was opened in NRO5 in
Northboro, Mass. on May 3, 1991. The center is intended to serve as a
tool to educate Digital employees and their guests about products and
technologies that can assist people with disabilities, with particular
emphasis on computer-based technologies and on maximizing productivity
in the workplace.
Product configurations in the center address user needs in the areas
of vocal, visual, motoric, hearing, and learning disabilities. The
PC-based products are demonstrated on a DECstation 320 and 325c platform.
Products and technologies demonstrated in the ATAC address and include
the following:
- The DECtalk speech synthesis technology and product line have
evolved significantly since the original DECtalk was produced
in 1983. Product improvements are being realized in the areas
of cost, size, weight, and portability and the target market
is expanding from the commercial market to challenged users.
DECtalk technology is a key component of several of the system
configurations in the ATAC.
- Speech recognition technology is the foundation of one software
program and peripheral card that plugs into a personal computer
to allow the PC to be operated by voice, thereby allowing PC users
the ability to create memos, reports, or other text by speaking
instead of typing.
- Two software programs demonstrate "keyboard emulation" through
which the computer "believes" that the user is entering input
via the standard keyboard, when in reality the user is entering
input via other means (use of a hand-held switch and use of
infrared light reflection).
- Several communications devices that were designed with deaf and
hard-of-hearing individuals in mind are displayed and demonstrated
in the ATAC, including the telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD), a personal FM frequency system to amplify sound through the
use of a transmitter and receiver, and other devices that demonstrate
visual signalling.
- Optical character recognition (OCR) and DECtalk speech synthesis
technologies are core components of a PC-based and a stand-alone
product that scans printed text to offer the blind, low-vision,
dyslexic, or other user private, independent, and immediate access
to the world of print by allowing the user to "hear" the scanned
document being read. The "voice" is that of DECtalk speech
synthesis.
- Text-enlarging software and screen access tools are demonstrated
demonstrated as products that are particularly useful for low-
vision and/or blind PC users.
- The ATAC contains a replica of a permanent exhibit in the
Smithsonian Institute of Technology which demonstrates the
means by which technology is "opening doors" for people. An
input device (power pad with icon overlay) is configured with
DECtalk speech synthesis to provide a communication system for
a non-verbal individual.
From: STUDIO::GORMAN "JANET GORMAN NRO5/I4 234-4570 14-Nov-1991 1200" 14-NOV-1991 12:00:54.43
To: XNTRIK::MAGOON
CC: GORMAN
Subj: NRO5 (ATAC) Directions
Directions to the Assistive Technology Access Center (ATAC) in the
Northboro, Mass. NRO5 Digital Equipment Corporation facility:
(Mass. Pike to 495N)
1. 495N to 290 West
2. Exit 25 (Solomon Pond Rd.) off of 290
3. When coming off of exit ramp, follow sign toward Berlin (not Northboro).
4. You'll come to a rotary in 1/2 mile. Go 3/4 around rotary and exit
onto Whitney Street (you'll see a small Digital sign to let you know
where to exit rotary).
5. 1/2 mile down Whitney Street, you'll see the Digital entrance
on your left. Enter the complex that has NRO2, 3, 4 and 5 at
Forbes Road. NRO5 is the last building on the right. The main
entrance is in the middle of the building.
From the main lobby, take a right into the main corridor of NRO5, and
you will see an "Assistive Technology Access Center" sign on the left
within 50 feet. At that point, the center is immediately on the left.
From: STUDIO::MACGILVRAY "To be somebody special,believe that you are. 04-Dec-1991 1428" 4-DEC-1991 14:48:52.47
To: @ATAC
CC: MACGILVRAY
Subj: Announcement - New Product In ATAC
TO: Assistive Technology Access Center (ATAC) - Interest List
SUBJ: New Product Inclusion In The ATAC
I am pleased to announce that a new product, the LIBERATOR, has been added
to the set of products that are shown and demonstrated in the Assistitive
Technology Access Center in Northboro, MA.
The LIBERATOR, which was recently introduced by the Prentke Romich Company,
is a portable speech output device that promotes total communication for
individuals with motor skill and speech challenges. The Prentke Romich
Company is one of several involved in partnerships with Digital to allow
Digital's DECtalk technology to reach and benefit the broadest spectrum of
end-users as is possible.
Digital's DECtalk technology has been integrated into the LIBERATOR to
provide the highest quality speech synthesis output. For input, multi-meaning
symbols are used to represent and select words, phrases or sentences.
Retrieval and subsequent speech output of pre-programmed messages leads to
conversational competence for the user.
For a demonstration of the LIBERATOR or other products in the Assistive
Technology Access Center, please contact me at 234-4497 or studio::gorman.
Regularly scheduled tours of the center are available approximately five times
each week.
Regards,
Janet Gorman
From: STUDIO::MACGILVRAY "To be somebody special,believe that you are. 13-Feb-1992 1536" 13-FEB-1992 16:45:54.21
To: @ATAC
CC: MACGILVRAY
Subj: February - April ATAC Tour Schedule
The schedule of tours of the Assistive Technology Access Center (ATAC) in
NRO5 for the beginning of 1992 is attached below. If you are interested in
visiting the ATAC, please contact me at 234-4497 or studio::atac to schedule
a tour.
The center is a place where Digital employees and their guests have an
opportunity to learn about computer-based technology that assists people
with disabilities. The center contains products and technologies that
address user needs in the areas of Voice, Vision, Motor Control, Hearing,
and Learning.
Regards,
Janet Gorman
(Attachment below)
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTER
1992 (FEBRUARY - APRIL) TOUR SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
-------- ----- -----
2/17: 3:00 3/2: 3:00 4/1: 3:00
2/19: 9:00 3/3: 9:00 4/2: 7:00
2/19: 9:00, 3:00 3/4: 3:00 4/6: 3:00
2/20: 9:00 3/5: 7:00 (a.m.) 4/7: 9:00
2/24: 3:00 3/9: 3:00 4/8: 3:00
2/26: 3:00 3/10: 9:00 4/9: 9:00
2/27: 3:00 3/11: 3:00 4/13: 3:00
3/12: 9:00 4/14: 9:00
3/16: 3:00 4/15: 3:00
3/17: 9:00 4/16: 7:00 (a.m.)
3/18: 3:00 4/20: 3:00
3/19: 7:00 (a.m.) 4/21: 9:00
3/23: 3:00 4/22: 3:00
3/24: 9:00 4/23: 9:00
3/25: 3:00
3/26: 9:00
3/30: 9:00
3/31: 9:00
|