Questions to ask in Choosing adaptive technology

by: Kelly Pierce

Technology users need to be informed consumers. That's why in/the last article I emphasized that they need to be smart shoppers, not satisfied with just having someone tell them what they need. I suggested that end users consider the strengths of their support system and use a team to help in making a technology decision. I suggested further that it is best to find the simplest solution and to approach the technology issue in a general way. Blind persons and those with disabilities should constantly ask questions about how the technology will work for them. No matter who pays the bill, adaptive technology (AT) users are obligated to ensure that the device is used. To ensure that, they need to make sure it fits them.

But, how is that done? By simply asking yourself, the team  (described in the previous article), other users and the
equipment vendors questions and continue to ask until there is a satisfactory answer. Here are some questions a consumer should ask to make sure a device will help accomplish the desired goals.

Personal Considerations.

Does it help me do what I want/need to do? If it doesn't, don't get it! This may sound like a third grade question, but many people receive AT and from day one it does not work for them. When this happens, you can be sure the user was
not an integral part of the assessment team. More than likely the team told the user what would work for him. As a consumer of technology and services, you should never allow that to happen. Speak up for yourself and your needs. Remember that the point of getting technology is to solve a problem or enhance a situation.

Are there any limitations or risks?

Users often see the benefit of AT, but don't bother looking at the other side. While the AT may help you do what you want todo, it may also limit other aspects of your life.

For example, a user is considering purchasing an adapted laptop computer to write letters and reports, access the Internet, and translate material into formatted braille. He should also know that laptop computers are delicate, break down regularly, have a shorter life span, and cost much more than desktops. While it may improve productivity by permitting work to be done in transit or in many locations, the repair problems could cause added expense and lack of access. Does that mean a laptop is not a good product? Not at all, it just means that the user will need to measure the pluses and the minuses. Maybe he will want to have a good desktop computer before buying a laptop. Perhaps he might buy a Braille & Speak, which is lightweight, solid and  reliable. However, using a Braille & Speak requires being quite
familiar with Braille. This does not make it a bad product, just that nearly every piece of AT has benefits and limitations.

Is it comfortable to use?

Have you ever worn a shirt a half-size too small? If you have, when it was time to wear it again, you probably thought twice about it. If there was another clean shirt in your closet, the small one would just sit there. The same applies to any AT you use. If it is not comfortable, you will eventually discard it. Better to speak up during the assessment process than wait until it's over and the device is in the closet with you no closer to your goal than before you started.

May I have a trial period to see if it works for m?

Let the buyer beware. Don't get caught in the trap of thinking you have to purchase the device outright before you agree to use it. Insist on a trial period. Most reputable vendors will allow you to rent the device for a month or two and then apply the rental payments toward the purchase. Others have a 30-60 day return policy on the device if it does not work for you.

Before deciding on any device and taking it home, spend some time with it hands on. This means using the product yourself, not just observing someone else use it, for an extended period, such as 90 minutes. Try doing the things you would likely do with the product, not just some highly refined test. For example, try writing and editing a business letter with a Screen reader. Also, try using several other similar products in this way as a comparison.

It's common for users to successfully use a device in an insulated clinical setting, like a computer lab or demonstration
center, when evaluating or learning about the device. But still they are unable to use it in a real world setting. Someone may be able to use a communication device in formal speech therapy sessions, but be unable to use it to order lunch at McDonald's.

Likewise, speech and braille equipment for a blind computer user may work flawlessly in a demonstration. However, it can't be used on your job or with the other equipment that you purchased. Compatibility problems are common. It's not until you try it in the real world that you can be sure the device will work for you!

Training considerations.

Is it ready to use?
Imagine this. A user receives his adaptive technology. The box is placed in the center of the room and the delivery person
leaves. The user did not ask about set up procedures or support  He can't open the box. Even if the box were open, he would not know how to set the device up. By asking this question ahead of time, a user can eliminate these problems once the device arrives.

This scene is played out most often when consumers buy AT  primarily on the basis of price. While saving money is
important, consumers who put much of their energy into aggressively seeking a competitive price may not realize that
setup, installation, basic training, and initial customer support are as important in getting the product to work for them as the benefits of the product itself. As this article suggests, consider price as just one of many factors when considering some kind of AT. Consider the past track record of the manufacturer and dealer when getting your AT. The cheapest price may have its tradeoffs. Consider these when confronting a slight difference in price. The difference could mean a long-lasting partnership with an adaptive technology specialist or someone literally drops the device on your doorstep and runs.

What skills do I need to learn?

Let's suppose a user and his team decide a specific computer and software package is just the thing to help a student benefit from his educational program. However, he does not know how to touch type and has never used a computer alone before. He will need many skills before the device really helps. Until that day comes, the team needs to have alternate plans in place. The student needs to become proficient in using the technology. By asking this question, you ask the team to consider the technology's appropriateness and any learning curve the user may need to get comfortable with a device.

How does it work?

The device you are trying out may seem simple enough to use, but it may have taken the evaluator three days to program it so that you could use it. Ask about set up, what you will need to know about it, what other functions it has and how can you access those too.

Where do I get training?

Will the person who conducts the assessment also provide your training? Do you have a good rapport with him? Will the training ome from the sales representative? Is there a 24-hour support line available should you need it? How long will that be available to you?

Are training tapes included as part of the purchase price? If not, where could someone get them? What do other end users think about their quality? Is the manual available on cassette or in braille? If not, how will you learn how to use some of the basic functions of the product?

Some screen reader companies produce information on how to use their product only in print and on computer diskette. Disk manuals can be very helpful, providing in-depth information. However, blind end users have difficulty getting started with the product when the device is required to read the disk or the printed material to use the product.

Is training included in the purchase price? 

Wow, what a shock to learn you're responsible for training, when you assumed the price included it. Unfortunately, some don't ask ahead of time.

Also, decide who needs training. Certainly the user will need it, but what about others? Teachers, supervisors, computer
department people, family members, co-workers, and roommates are just a few examples of others who may need to know the device as well, or better than the user.

Access Considerations.

Where can I use the AT?
Think about what uses you have for a specific device. If you will use it in multiple settings, how well will it travel? Is
there room for it there? Is it noisy? Will it disturb others  around you? Will it need to be reprogrammed to use it in
different settings? Who will do that? Will that limit the use? An external speech synthesizer offers greater flexibility. You
can stash it in a backpack and use a friend's computer as well as your own. However, their might be compatibility problems when it is used with certain kinds of hardware, such as scanners. You doesn't know things like this unless you ask.

Is it bulky?

A device that works well in a stationary setting, may be just fine, unless you need to lug it to the library twice a week.
Imagine all the settings you will be using the device in and consider how portable it really needs to be.

Can I use it indoors or out?

How does moisture affect functioning? Climate changes can affect how a device works. If you will be operating the device at the bus stand and it starts to rain you may need to be concerned about this issue. Ask!

What is the battery life?

Battery life is a HUGE issue when considering AT. If you don't stop to ask this question PRIOR to the purchase, you may have a non-functioning device when you need it. If the device requires recharging after every three hours of use, and you will use it twice that amount of time, obviously get extra batteries. But if you don't ask, you won ' know. Batteries eventually wear out. Find out how soon you will need new ones.

If powered, can you plug it in, or is there a power source where you want to use it? You can often conserve battery life by
"plugging in." So, think about the places you can hook your AT to an electric outlet. For example, consider sitting next to the wall outlet when you take a laptop to class. You will have more battery life for times when no outlet is convenient.

Repair and Maintenance.

Is it reliable?
The best place to get this information is to ask other users. They have experience with the device, its quirkiness, features
and reliability. To find other users, contact the Blind Computer User Network or join an e-mail discussion list. There are more then 70 blindness-related mailing lists on the Internet. For a list of these with descriptions, go to   http://www.hicom.net/~oedipus/blist.html. to obtain this list by electronic mail, send an e-mail message to listserv@malestrom.stjohns.edu and leave the subject line blank.  In the body of the message type: get blist info. This file is more than 200 kilobytes in size. For just an index or listing of all the mailing lists, send an e-mail message to the address above with the command "get blist short"

Some blindness organizations offer product reviews. For example, the National Federation of the Blind (410-659-9314) offers many product reviews on a floppy disk for $5. Whatever you do, state clearly that you want to find someone who has used the device. Remember that the vendors and manufacturers sell products. Consequently, this makes them not necessarily candid resources about product reliability. In my next article, I will present some questions to ask and points to consider in choosing an adaptive technology specialist, vendor, or dealer.

What is the life expectancy?

Nothing lasts forever and at some point your AT will reach the end of its natural life. Knowing the life expectancy of a device will help you decide if it's time to repair or replace the device. Funding sources should also be aware that eventually replacing the device is far more cost effective or efficient than repairing it.

What is average use?

All technology has a lifespan. Not all devices can be used constantly. Find out what the manufacturer considers an average amount of use for the device. For example, you plan to purchase a device and anticipate using it eight hours a day. However, average use is an hour a day. The device is going to wear out  much quicker than usual. Again, if you don't ask, you don't know. ASK!

What does the guarantee/warranty cover?

Some manufacturers provide a bumper-to-bumper warranty, others provide a sort of "cash and carry/as is" coverage for their device. Finding out what the guarantee/warranty covers after the purchase, is too late. Remember to ask and read the fine print. Stores and dealers are required to read every word of contracts, purchase agreements and warranties to consumers with print impairments, including the blind. It is your right under law  (including the ADA and local accessibility ordinances) to receive this accommodation. You will not get it unless you ask!

What is the service record ofthe manufacturer/vendor?

Again, to be a good self advocate, you must check the sales/service record of the manufacturer and vendor of the device. You could find a device that works very well for you, but unfortunately, other users have had nothing but problems with
the vendor's reliability with follow-up and regular maintenance. Unless you ask other people who have worked with them, you don't know.

Is repair service convenient?

Find out where the device will need to go for maintenance and repair. If you need to send it to outer Mongolia, it's going to  take a long time to get there and get back. Perhaps another  device can do the same job and repairs will be closer. Also, find out if the vendor has loaner equipment available while your device is in the shop.

What is considered regular maintenance?

You may be able to perform some of the maintenance yourself. Other maintenance may need specialized training. Interpoint braille embossers sound wonderful until the end user learns that unlike single-sided braille printers, these require regular cleaning by someone who can take the device apart and put it back together again. Apparently so much paper dust is generated that the braille appears distorted and hard to read. Find out what  kind of maintenance your device needs and to prolong the life of   the device, follow the directions carefully.

Financial.

Financial issues often scare people away from devices. They think, "I'd love to have that, but I could never afford it."
Don't get caught in that mind set. Often going through the process of finding out exactly what you need will provide the
documentation that a funding source needs to purchase the device for you. You may also find out that other funding sources are more appropriate than the one you originally thought. Further, it is up to the consumer to do the homework. Understand the   reasons of why state rehabilitation agencies or the Program to Achieve Self Support allows people to obtain adaptive technology is just as important as the process for obtaining assistance.

What is the total final cost?

Some devices come all in one piece, others come with add-ons that will up the cost of the device. Be sure to get the total cost of the item with all the add-ons you need. Are there package deals? Will you need a specifically designed mounting system? Will you need two battery packs instead of one? Do you need a backup system? What about software needs? It's frustrating to finally get the device and then find out that you need another item to make it work for you.

Are there training costs? Is training included in the purchase price?

If you don't ask these questions prior to purchase, you may find training costs will make the device unattainable. Purchasing it and being unable to use it because you lack training is a  discouraging experience.

Who will fund maintenance and repairs?

Imagine how you will feel if your device needs repair, and you find out that you are responsible for the cost of repairs and you didn't know it. Ask before the purchase!

Are rental/lease plans more cost effective?

If you are going to use the device on a short term basis, you may want to consider renting or leasing options. It's also a good idea to try out the device before you invest much money in it.  Most reputable dealers have rental/lease options that either will  let you apply the money toward the purchase price, or offer a   30-60 day return policy. You'll need to ask so you know the specific details of the trial period.

If you are working with a vendor that does not allow that type of   option, look elsewhere. They may not be there after the purchase if they are so stiffly uncompromising prior to it. Look for my next article to discuss issues in selecting a vendor or dealer.

Will I need to change devices or upgrade soon?

If you are gaining or losing skills because of the type of disability you have (such as a loss of vision), consider how much
time you will be using the device. Measure these factors into the equation about whether the device will work, really work, for you.

Will I get a trade-in/upgrade allowance?

With the rapidly changing world of technology, things you purchase may be obsolete in a year. As long as the device still
works for you, that's fine. However, you need to realize that it will have very little market value if you need another device or decide to upgrade.

Parting Words

Blind computer users and technology consumers with disabilities of all kinds must become advocates for their own needs. Relying on professionals to figure out what you need means you will not get the best device for you. Use professionals to help figure  out the kinds of devices that will help you perform certain tasks; however, the consumer alone will ultimately decide if a device works. If you are not comfortable with a device for any  reason, speak up, loud and clear! It will be better in the end if you express your opinions prior to the purchase. Complaining  to a funding agent that a device doesn't meet your needs months  after the fact, is upsetting and disheartening for the funder and often does not change the situation for the consumer.

Finally, it's important to realize that often the best technology  solution is a simple-tech solution. Consider how additional training, learning new skills, or environmental adaptations can meet your needs prior to purchasing any device. Training and environmental changes are long lasting and usually don't require ongoing repair and maintenance. However, these aren't the answer for all the barriers blind people face. After deciding that training or an environmental change won't work, AT may be the most practical option; however, always keep in mind that the AT solution should be   appropriate for the task and meet your need as well as your own sense of who you are. Stay connected. the next
article will give great ideas to consider in choosing an adaptive technology specialist. Watch for it!