Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

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70Project titleContributorsFundingSummaryThe IBM Web Adaptation Technology and accessibilityWorks software trialRichard Denton (Flinders University), David Hobbs, Annabel Gregory, Dr Lloyd Walker• IBM AustraliaIn 2006, NovitaTech was approached by IBM Australia to coordinate a trial of their latestaccessible internet browsing software. The new programs (called Web AdaptationTechnology for Windows machines and accessibilityWorks or aWorks for Linux machines)aimed to increase internet accessibility and usability for people with a disability and theageing by enabling easier and more effective web page navigation.The software allows the user to create a profile and then customise how the computerdisplays web pages, such as allowing the font size to be increased, having the text on apage read aloud, displaying a web page in a single column of text or making the imageseasier to see. Every time the software is used, a user’s profile and unique specificationsare automatically implemented and every web page is presented in the way that has beenspecified through their profile. Multiple settings can be set so that a combination of thefeatures offered can be implemented at any one time. For example, you may choose to viewall web pages in larger font, with wider letter spacing, have the text read aloud to you andhave banner text running across the top of the browser.MethodThe technology trial was coordinated by setting up a number of IBM PC’s with theaccessibilityWorks software pre-loaded in various disability-related partner organisations toenable people to trial and comment on the software. Four trial locations around the Adelaidemetropolitan area were chosen for their ability to provide access to a range of people witha disability in a public environment. Users were prompted to create a profile when theyused the software for the first time, which they could then customise to their special needswhenever they browsed the internet thereafter.After trialing the software for a given period of time, users were asked to complete a shortonline questionnaire that asked specific questions about the software, how it performed andprompted their opinion in terms of suggested changes or modifications. For privacy reasons,the questionnaire could be completed anonymously.In early 2007, the trial was broadened to include families of Novita clients who could trial thesoftware in their homes. This would allow people who use the software on a regular basis athome to provide feedback.ResultsInitial feedback from two partner organisations indicated that the ability to increase thefont size (for readability) and the text-to-speech functionality (for users who cannot readbut understand spoken English), as well as the ability to create a unique user profile that‘followed’ you whenever you used the program, were some of the most beneficial featuresof the software. Of concern to some users was the creation and storage of a ‘user profile’ ona central IBM server, which required logging in and connecting to the internet each time asession began. This proved to be problematic when double-firewalls were encountered (ie inschool settings). A more comprehensive analysis of the trial and software usability will occurwhen all of the feedback from the trial locations is collected.
71ImplicationsThe ability to get user feedback on new products is critical to both user acceptance of aproduct and the ability to meet user needs and expectations. By actively seeking inputthrough a hands-on technology trial, IBM was providing end users with a direct pathway topotentially improving their end product, and providing people with a disability and the ageingwith an opportunity to improve their internet browsing experience.The trials will continue until late 2007, when a full report will be produced for IBM on theoutcomes of the trial.StatusOngoingProject titleContributorsSummaryMethodResultsVocabulary OrganiserRob Garrett, Ben Symonds, Angela Guidera, Sandra StewartVocabulary Organiser (VO) is a computer program developed by NovitaTech’s Researchand Development (R&D) and Speech Pathology teams. It is designed to assist people whoare supporting users of speech generating devices (SGDs) and other alternative languagesystems, such as sign language. An SGD is a special purpose electronic device (similar toa portable computer) that provides access to sets of photos, drawings, symbols or wordswhich, when selected, result in a message or word being spoken by the device. VO is usedfor designing, producing and storing personalised vocabulary dictionaries for users of SGDsand sign language. The program also enables creation of customised worksheets andflashcards that are utilised to assist training in the use of the personalised vocabulary sets.In recent years, the primary role of this project has been the maintenance of VO’scompatibility with Windows operating systems and the ongoing support provided to users ofthe software. This has involved review and refinement of the installation package, help files,user manuals and the actual software.VO is fully compatible with all Microsoft operating systems from Windows 98 to XP, inclusive.The program is provided on a single installation CD, which installs the program, help files,user manual and a unique individual licence through a simple, intuitive user interface.Support is provided in the form of the comprehensive user documentation, available insearchable help files or a single printable user manual. Technical support is provided byNovitaTech’s R&D department via phone or email as required.The program has been a valuable tool utilised by Novita therapy staff to support users ofSGDs and has been sold to many similar organisations throughout Australia.ImplicationsStatusWith the introduction of the new Microsoft Vista operating system, the future of VO is nowunder review. The ongoing sustainability of the program will be evaluated in the context of itsbenefit to Novita staff and clients with respect to the expense of upgrading the software sothat it can run on the Vista operating system.Ongoing
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Research Report2004-2007Connecting
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Welcome to Research at NovitaWelcom
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List of project summariesProject ti
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10Project summariesEnhancing partic
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12MethodThree groups of children ag
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14Project titleContributorsFundingS
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16ResultsThe lowest, highest and me
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18ResultsImplicationsEmergent theme
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Page 28 and 29: 28MethodA quasi-experimental design
Page 30 and 31: 30Evaluation of measurements, inter
Page 32 and 33: 32ImplicationsFor children and thei
Page 34 and 35: 34ResultsFive students (25%) respon
Page 36 and 37: 36ImplicationsStatusFor consultants
Page 38 and 39: 38Project summariesEvaluation of se
Page 44 and 45: 44Project titleContributorsSummaryC
Page 46 and 47: 46Results The survey was sent to 22
Page 48 and 49: 48Project titleContributorsSummaryW
Page 50 and 51: 50Project summariesProducts and tec
Page 52 and 53: 52ResultsThe prototype URC that was
Page 54 and 55: 54ResultsImplicationsStatusReferenc
Page 56 and 57: 56MethodThe following process was u
Page 58 and 59: 58ImplicationsStatusThe project was
Page 60 and 61: 60ImplicationsStatusReferencesFamil
Page 62 and 63: 62ResultsThe workshop series began
Page 66 and 67: 66ResultsImplicationsStatusThree im
Page 68 and 69: 68MethodResultsImplicationsStatusAt
Page 76 and 77: 76MethodThe drive for developing an
Page 78 and 79: 78ImplicationsThe ongoing use and i
Page 80 and 81: 80ImplicationsStatusThis system is
Page 82 and 83: 82Other refereed publicationsNguyen
Page 84 and 85: 84Australian Group on Severe Commun
Page 86 and 87: 86Mobility 2005, Exeter, UK• Outc
Page 88 and 89: 88Grants and awards received*Novita
Page 90 and 91: 902005 Australian and New Zealand A
Page 92: Head Office171 Days RoadRegency Par
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Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

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