Software, of course, is not always suited for people with a disability. True assistive technology software (or adaptive software) is sometimes very sophisticated and thus very expensive (and can be worth every penny they ask for it). After all the demand for assistive technology software is relatively limited, and good adaptive software is very important to the user.  Sometimes the disabled user could not operate a computer without it  (as in the case of the software used with an eye-tracking device).  Even a high quality word prediction program can vastly improve an individual's typing speed and accuracy. If the disabled individual can't afford the software sometimes financial assistance may be available to fill the void. (see resources)

Sometimes software can be well suited for a disabled individual (depending on the individual's abilities) even when the software's designed for use by the general public -- this can apply to software used for word processing to form-filling applications and beyond.  Many applications in this category cost much less than software aimed at the disabled, and seeking financial assistance is generally not necessary. (The software I mention below in the section "Programs I like" fit in this category. It includes applications I've found that improve my productivity).  If possible, always download and test drive an application before buying any type of software -- or you may be stuck with software you can't use.  

(FREE) Then, there's that welcomed category of assistive or adaptive technology software designed for use by disabled individuals and downloadable free of charge. Much of the time this is high quality software designed by disabled individuals for use by disabled individuals. Some free assistive technology software is downloadable from organizations. Here is a variety of quality assistive technology software programs which can be downloaded and used free of charge.  (Make sure the applications will work on your operating system, e.g. OS: Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP/NT/VISTA or Mac, UNIX, MS-DOS, etc.) 

www.polital.com/assist

Free and Inexpensive Adaptive Technology Database from Adaptech Research Network

www.cameramouse.org/ Camera Mouse is a free program that enables you to control the mouse pointer on your computer screen just by moving your head. 
   

Sequence Publishing - TheSage's English Dictionary and Thesaurus is a professional software package that integrates a complete dictionary and multifaceted thesaurus of the English language into a single and powerful language reference system. Free, For Windows XP, Vista.

Assistive technology software - mostly shareware (try and buy), some freeware

www.roboform.com/ - Every time you're required to fill out an Internet form, RoboForm does it for you in a fraction of a second with incredible accuracy. The lite version is free and has a few limitations, still indispensable for those who hate filling out forms.   

www.hottnotes.com/ - hott notes is the free sticky notes reminder program for your desktop. Totally free. No ads. No spy-ware. Not only can you post sticky note reminders, you can make checklists, set alarms, draw on your notes, and archive. Pumped? Download away!  Version 4.1
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
3.9 Mb portable version. 

www.fxc.btinternet.co.uk/assistive.htm - Offers a collection of unique and useful vision related asistive technology applications. 

www.webbie.org.uk/  - WebbIE is a text-based web browser for blind and visually-impaired people, especially those using screen readers, used since 2001 all over the world. It comes with the Accessible programs, letting you access news and audio on the Internet in a simple and accessible way, allowing you to use podcasts, listen to the radio and read RSS and news with your screen reader or other access solution. Together they provide a way to access websites and other great things online - and they are all free! It's available in may different languages.

Artweaver - Artweaver is a Windows Freeware program to simulate natural brush tools. It is therefore suitable to leave your creativity free run. Artweaver offers you a clear program window, which can be used without training immediately.

www.screenreader.net/ - Thunder is award-winning free screenreader talking software for people with little or no sight.

Products by Freeware on Emptech

Software for the handicapped - freeware and shareware mostly MS-DOS (not Windows)

www.neooffice.org/neojava/en/index.php - NeoOffice is a full-featured set of office applications (including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and database programs) for Mac OS X. Based on the OpenOffice.org office suite (which works on Windows and other OSs), NeoOffice has integrated dozens of native Mac features and can import, edit, and exchange files with other popular office programs such as Microsoft Office.

Yahoo search result - Here is a saved "search result" on Yahoo that may help you find software for Mac computers, using the words - open source software mac  (Open-source software is typically free, for more information on "open-source software", click here) 

www.oatsoft.org/Software - free and open-source AT software (for Mac, Windows, and other OS)

Assistive technology shareware + freeware  - for Mac OS, mostly shareware (try and buy)

Mozilla Firefox fast web browser - The Web is all about innovation, and Firefox sets the pace with dozens of new features, including the smart location bar, one-click bookmarking and blindingly fast performance. (for Windows, Mac, and Linux) includes a listing of add-ons

www.firevox.clcworld.net/ - Fire Vox is an open source, freely available talking browser extension for the Firefox web browser. Think of it as a screen reader that is designed especially for Firefox. (for Mac, Windows, and Linux) 

http://accessibar.mozdev.org/ - Accessibar is a toolbar extension for Firefox which aims at providing various accessibility features for users who could benefit from them. These features primarily focus on the dynamic manipulation of the visual display of the web page in addition to the integration of a text to speech reader which can read out loud the browser's user interface as well as web page content. (for Mac, Windows, and Linux) 

www.opensourcemac.org/  - Lists free, open-source software for Mac OS X

apple.com- Apple's open-source listing of software for Mac OS X and UNIX

magnifier.sourceforge.net/ - Virtual Magnifying Glass is a free, open source, cross-platform screen magnification tool. It is simple, customizable, and easy-to-use. Virtual Magnifying Glass 3.3.2
(for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD and Mac OS X)

www.internet4classrooms.com/ - A listing of Internet assistive or adaptive technology sites. Many software sites are listed (for Windows and Mac).

www.openoffice.org/ - OpenOffice.org 3 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose. (works with a variety of operating systems) 

www.pitt.edu/~ginie/disability/free_softwares.html (Windows and Mac)

Dasher project - Dasher is an information-efficient text-entry interface, driven by natural continuous pointing gestures. Dasher is a competitive text-entry system wherever a full-size keyboard cannot be used - for example,

• when operating a computer one-handed, by joystick, touchscreen, trackball, or mouse;
• when operating a computer with zero hands (i.e., by head-mouse or by eyetracker);
• on a palmtop computer;
• on a wearable computer.

Assistive or adaptive technology software enables people with disabilities to improve their lives and increase their independence and productivity using computers. 

There are so many different kinds of assistive technology software it's difficult to categorize them into a simple listing. Each program has a particular use for a very specific purpose. To get a small sampling of the many programs that are out there and what their goal is, I found a seller of assistive technology products who carries an enormous selection of many different kinds of assistive technology products and has a "software" category. The business's name is "Infogrip" and runs it's mail order business from Australia. See infogrip.com for it's listing of software. [this is not an advertisement or a recommendation]

The above said, here is a very limited list of assistive technology software program categories: 

• Education for the learning disabled

• Magnification for those with low-vision

• Mouse and cursor enhancement

• On-screen or virtual keyboards

• Word prediction software

• Accessible games

• Early learning

• Mathematics

• Picture communication 

• Creativity 

• Screen readers 

• Touch screen applications 

• Switch applications 

• Voice recognition (talk and type)

• And many, many others.
  

 Also see: devices 

Below are a few websites that offer unique assistive technology programs and products. 

rehabtool.com offers multilingual speech synthesis and voice recognition software. We will also build custom software solutions for children and adults with disabilities.
 
www.rjcooper.com/index.html - Software and hardware products for those with special needs.

MINDPLAY provides award-winning software for functional literacy, special needs, and customized educational solutions.
160 W. Ft. Lowell Rd.; Tucson, Arizona 85705 USA

RWF Talking Software - The talking software products on this site are aimed at people with eyesight problems, especially the blind. These products also prove very helpful for people who have dyslexia or learning disorders.

www.cameramouse.org/ Camera Mouse is a free program that enables you to control the mouse pointer on your computer screen just by moving your head.

www.eyecan.ca/ VisionKey offers hands-free communication for both alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and full computer control using only eye movements.

Aurora Systems Inc.   
Software for Special Needs such as for Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia, Augmentative Communication and Speech Disabilities.
Box 43005, 4739 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby, BC, V5G-3H0 Canada

www.gusinc.com/ - Gus Communications, Inc. provides software solutions for ALS, Stroke, Aphasia, MS, Cerebral Palsy etc. Gus Communications, Inc. is the largest developer of Windows based software for the disabled in the areas of speech (AAC) and computer access.

www.brainaid.com/ Attention Control Systems - Increases independence and quality of life for people with cognitive disorders due to brain injury, stroke, MS, autism, Alzheimer's disease, ADHD, etc.

LAT Kids Betters the lives of children with disabilities through the use of technology. L•A•T Kids offers for download all of the software and resources it develops, free of charge.

Fast Rabbit Software - FRS Talking Calculator is an easy to use calculator with several features that make it ideal for use in situations where assistive software technologies are desirable. Big buttons are easy targets for students with limited motor skills. Large type on buttons and displays makes reading the calculator easier for students with vision impairment. Voice feedback aides students with vision impairment and benefits students with some types of reading difficulties.

Free typing tutorials - Rate enhancement programs can assist people with disabilities in becoming more efficient and accurate computer users!  Specialized programs which predict words, correct words and more.

Keyboarding for the physically handicapped - This interactive software program is custom designed for people who are missing fingers, or are unable to use any specific combination of fingers.  It also benefits students with Cerebral Palsy, as this program is designed to produce excellent results despite limited hand motion.

Empowertech - EmpowerTech offers a broad array of programs that bring modern technology into the lives of people with disabilities.

www.toledo-bend.com/ - Shareware and freeware programs for the color blind.

www.intellitools.com/ - IntelliTools provides technology to help struggling students learn to their fullest potential: serving students in PreK-8 who use assistive technology, have IEPs, have limited English proficiency, or need additional instructional support for any reason. Our research-based products help you teach reading, writing, and mathematics, plus provide access to the computer. Use IntelliTools products to teach core concepts, provide patient practice, give immediate feedback, and track student responses.

Communicate: Webwide - Symbol and blind web browser from Widgit  

Ability to keep track of your finances gives one a strong feeling of independence. Online banking; budget management; graphs; scheduling; track portfolio; ect.

Word prediction software is designed to reduce the number of keystrokes an individual needs to type a word. For example, when the initial letter of a word is typed the program generates a list of possible words based on previous user history and the context of the sentence. If the desired word is displayed, the user only needs to type the number in front of the word to complete the word. 

Beginning at age 15, until now at age 52; I’ve lived with a genetic, progressive disorder known as "Friedreich’s Ataxia" (which deteriorates my balance and physical coordination). Recently my poor coordination made typing (or keyboarding) painstakingly slow -- one key at a time, with one hand. I've used a word prediction program with some success in the past and decided it was time to download several brands of  "demo" word prediction programs, so I could compare them head to head.

I tested several different programs with mediocre results -- "Is every program going to be this awkward to use", I thought. Then I tried AHF's "Soothsayer word prediction." I knew almost immediately,  "This is the program for me!" 

Remember, I chose to purchase "Soothsayer" word prediction because it was right for me, download different programs and be sure it is right for you. Don't make the mistake of buying a word prediction program without downloaded and trying it first!

Soothsayer learns very quickly what words you use the most and then places them at the front of the list of suggested words. Rarely do I have to type more than a few letters to find the word I need on the list. When I see the word I need on the list, pushing the corresponding number on the keyboard causes the word to appear. 

If your computer has sound, Soothsayer pronounces every letter you press then says the word after it's completed. If you highlight a body of text then click a button, Soothsayer reads the passage aloud.

Soothsayer shows what letters you've already typed and shows the remainder of the word in bold letters (as seen on the screen-shot below)

ass|

Word list shown in horizontal position (above): to go from horizontal to vertical position just double-click the title bar at the top of the word list. 

I love using Soothsayer to speed up my typing -- ten minutes after I installed Soothsayer my typing speed and accuracy increased markedly, and adding new words to Soothsayer is one click away. It's very intuitive, you can use it immediately and not have to wade through tons of instructions -- probably what I liked best about the product.

**There is at least one annoying bug I've noticed on my computer: Soothsayer's horizontal menu occasionally gets lost below the bottom of the screen -- when this happens the word list can easily be recovered by using the move command on the main menu: select move > push the up arrow > then move upward with your mouse or pointing device.

Rather than going into unnecessary detail on my own, here is a description of the features offered by Soothsayer directly copied and pasted from the Soothsayer HELP system -- I have yet to try all these features.  

 Soothsayer offers the following useful and easy-to-use features:   

      Runs in Windows, ®XP and ®Vista.

       A built-in graduated Main Dictionary that lets you adjust your vocabulary to one of four levels (7,800 to 45,800).

       Words presented according to frequency of use.

       Authorable custom dictionaries containing special words or phrases.

       Main dictionary and custom dictionaries can be used simultaneously or one at a time.

         Automatically speak letters, words, sentences, and punctuation as you type options.

         Automatic caret tracking options so that you can see where you are typing.

         A "Speak Highlighted"  button for speaking highlighted text.

         An "Add Word"  button for quickly adding an unusual word to a user dictionary.

         An "AutoTypeä" option that finishes typing a word determined to be the only one possible from the letters you have typed and the words in the current dictionaries.

        A "Word^Tips" option that presents words in the word list one at a time either in a balloon located close to where you are typing or in the SoothSayer window (scanning). Words can be read aloud and are typed by pressing the Tab key.

        Options for adding sounds to a number of SoothSayer events.

         An "AutoEditä" option that corrects commonly misspelled words.

        Sound files (e.g., recordings of speech) can be attached to abbreviations.

        You can listen to words/sentences before selecting them by pointing at them with your mouse cursor; the dwell period before speech occurs can be adjusted.

         Several "Hot Key" shortcuts for Quick Menu options, scrolling word list, etc.

       Learns your word usage - presents words based on 1) your past word selections, 2) the words you have typed, or 3) both typed and selected words.

       Abbreviation expansion provides quick access to authored words or sentences.

       Sentence completion for sentences or paragraphs that is based on words that you have typed and sentences you have added to any of your dictionaries.

       Vertical or horizontal window orientation.

       Adjustable number of words presented.

       A SoothSayer Speech Dictionaryä option, providing a foundation for an elaborate augmentative speech platform that you can customize for your needs.

       Speech generation when a word or sentence is selected.

       Scrolling word lists.

       Word/sentence selection by point-and-click or keyboard entry (numbers or Control key + numbers).

       Customizable text font, size, and color, as well as background color.

       Word selection accompanied by choice of sounds (if speech is turned off).

       Punctuation option provides automatic spacing and capitalization.

       Optional spelling monitor alerts you when an unrecognized word is typed.

       An "Always on Top" window option.

       Moveable and sizable word window.

     Different voice options - pitch, speed, and pronunciation can be adjusted.

AutoShow™ option hides SoothSayer until a selectable number of letters have been pressed or time has passed.

AutoAdd™ option automatically adds all unrecognized words to a user dictionary.

Try it before you buy it at: www.ahf-net.com/sooth.htm If you decide to buy it, it costs $149.00 (well worth it, considering many comparative word prediction programs are $200 and up). If you can't afford it seek financial assistance: I did. 

Remember, sometimes financial aid is easier to obtain from local sources rather than national sources  (see Resources) 

AI RoboForm?  
OS: Win9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/VISTA
AI RoboForm is a push-button web form filler with some serious Artificial Intelligence (AI) inside. It allows you to define your personal profile or "usual" responses to a web form. This information is then saved, and when you need to fill a form, just click "Fill Forms" button, and form is filled out. AI RoboForm is fully client-based, so it is very fast, it never disables web site functions, and it works even in pop-up HTML windows. The most important feature of AI RoboForm is high accuracy - it fills 95% of all fields correctly. The RoboForm will also save (and assist in managing) your passwords. NOTES: The Liteware version is freeware for personal use. Liteware versions limit the number of Passcards. Identities, Tab Instances in Identities and Custom Fields in Identity.
Home Page: www.roboform.com/  

ThumbsPlus 

This program is so feature packed it defies simple description, for $49.95 it's probably the only graphic program you'll ever need, check it out.  (Be sure it's accessible for you)  It can be downloaded and tried for free.

ThumbsPlus Is a highly customizable image database with thumbnails and batch editing. It makes it easy to catalog, organize, locate and maintain all of your graphics, multimedia and font files. It runs on Windows 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista.
www.cerious.com/ 

I've used Second Copy for almost ten years and it has always given me a feeling of security. I can backup files or folders in any combination I choose at regular intervals automatically -- to other hard drives or removable media.  Either zipped or in the form of immediately usable copies, a second copy of a file is many times preferable to those stored by backup programs; where it's necessary to restore the file with the same backup program that made it. At $29.95 it can pay for itself in important file recoveries.

Second Copy® is the perfect automatic backup software designed for all versions of Windows, including 9x/Me/NT4/2000/XP/2003/Vista, you have been looking for. It makes a backup of your data files to another directory, disk or computer across the network. It then monitors the source files and keeps the backup updated with new or changed files. It runs in the background with no user interaction. So, once it is set up you always have a backup of your data somewhere else.
www.centered.com/index.html 

AzzCardfile

This is an amazingly useful program I owned and used for years with my old Windows 98 computer. I was thrilled to discover it was available for use with Windows VISTA. Separate files such as "Internet", "Recipes", "Purchases", ect. can be created to store valuable related information all retrievable in one user friendly, feature-packed program. Each file is searchable; supports hyperlinks and pictures; and has many Windows-related features. Download a copy and give it a try. $29.95 if you like it. 

Author's description of AzzCardfile: 
Long ago I used to keep addresses, phone numbers and other personal information in old Windows 3.1 Cardfile, which I missed in Microsoft Windows 95. The alternatives (MS Scheduler, MS Outlook) were either too complex or inconvenient to use. I just needed a simple, small notebook with the ability to locate an item quickly. Specifically, I wanted something that consisted of empty cards - without any predefined fields (street addresses, zip, state, phone, fax, etc.).

Instead of using the old MS Cardfile, I decided to make such application myself. It now helps me to manage phone numbers and addresses, and more. This small application is equally suitable for use as a small "database" for references, notes, recipes... or anything else you want quick access to.

This screenshot shows the example file that comes with azzCardfile. Click on the image to see a larger view More screenshots...

An idea of azzCardfile is simple paper cardfile or rolodex: pile of empty cards. No any fields. You have empty "paper" sheet when you start new card. This approach has advantage: you can keep everything in one file (cardfile "box"): addresses, notes, etc.

It is not convenient to keep your addresses and recipes in the same traditional database table.

Other advantage is fast card finding: just type any fragment of card title in the filter box. Therefore, azzCardfile helps me, as disordered person, to keep all things in one heap, but easy find what I need.

see it at: www.azzcardfile.biz/ 

Spartan Multi-Clipboard 

Captures then stores the last twenty-five of most anything you can copy or cut to the clipboard. Then you can paste; store; view; backup, clips; go to email and web addresses; drag clips to a permanent storage area at the bottom of over eight different views; edit clips; build photo collections, etc.  Multi-Clipboard is so incredibly useful it defies simple description. I would be lost without it! At $19.99 it it can simplify your computer use tenfold. Download it and give it a try.  Spartan Multi Clipboard

You can save:
   Often used text
   Form letters to paste into emails or word processors.
   Graphics
   Digital Photos (Inbuilt browser, slideshow, rotate print and red eye removal.)
   Screen shots (There's an Inbuilt graphics editor to add text Etc.)
   Web pages
   Addresses
   Phone Numbers
   Email addresses
   and much more.   

Read more about Spartan Multi Clipboard and see screenshots at: Spartan Multi Clipboard

openoffice.org   (free Microsoft compatible office suite)  www.openoffice.org/ 

OpenOffice.org 3 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose. Whats Included with Open Office:
	WRITER Is an invaluable & easy to use word processor offering many familiar functions & tools that helps improve the writing process
	Calc Is a unique spread sheet program that differentiates itself by providing a number of time-saving features not available in other software.
	Impress Is an innovative multimedia presentation program that enhances the creative process. Your presentations will impress with its special features.
	Draw Is an effective, expressive and versatile tool to help draw plans, graphics or diagrams
	Base Effortlessly creates and handles databases for forms, reports and other entries while providing easy access to all entries.
	Math Builds and edits mathematical formulas that can easily be anchored inside your documents

OpenOffice.org is an open-source project through which Sun Microsystems has released the technology for the popular StarOffice(TM) productivity suite. Sun sponsors and participates in OpenOffice.org. The overall name of the Project is OpenOffice.org, the name of the product being, also, "OpenOffice.org[TM]".

www.openoffice.org/product/ 

What is retail software? 

Retail Software is usually produced by a team of professional programmers and is sometimes more advanced than other forms of software.

But be aware, unlike shareware, with retail software you don't get to try it before you buy it;  once you open the package, usually it's yours whether you like it or not. 

What is open-source and public domain software? 

See Wikipedia's, the free encyclopedia, definition of open-source software:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source_software 

Wikipedia's, the free encyclopedia, definition of Public-domain software is:

Refers to any program that is not copyrighted. Public-domain software is free and can be used without restrictions. The term public-domain software

is often used incorrectly to include freeware, free software that is nevertheless copyrighted.

 

---

The below links are listed in no particular order.

(Some sites have both shareware and freeware)

(important - many times freeware contains spyware)

Links to shareware:

The following contains the words of the site's author, not mine:
On this site you'll find the best freeware downloads available on the internet and tips to help optimize your system.
I've searched and hunted down the best of the internet, so you don't have to.
www.topfreeware.net/ 

www.freewarefiles.com/ 

www.realfreesoftware.com/ 

http://primewares.com/ 

www.winsite.com/free/ 

www.nonags.com/ 

A+ Freeware

www.onlythebestfreeware.com/

Only freeware

Freeware Guide

TopFreeware.net

Freeware Wiki

Freeware Arena

FreewareUpdates.info

Assistive technology software - mostly shareware (try and buy), some freeware

Assistive technology shareware + freeware for Mac OS 

Search for shareware CNET

StarCraft Shareware Source

PeachSeed Software - The Internet Directory of Shareware Downloads

www.sharewarejunction.com/ 

www.snapfiles.com/ 

www.tucows.com/ 

www.download.com/windows/  CNET

PCmagazine

PCworld

www.5star-shareware.com/ 

www.shareware-box.com/ 

www.shareware2have.com/ 

Download 32

downloads.zdnet.com/  ZDNet

www.sharewareupdate.com/  

Shareware genie

fastrabbitsoftware.com/  - downloads of Mac OS X, Windows, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Linux software   

(Many, many more software dealers are listed on the internet.)

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