SECTION A: ALTERNATE INPUT


A1. KEYSTROKE MODIFICATION AND MOUSE EMULATION

     Keystroke modification and mouse emulation programs are 
designed to provide the following utilities:

     - execution of multiple keystroke commands serially rather 
          than simultaneously ("sticky-keys")
     - modification of key repeat function
     - manipulation of mouse from keypad/keyboard
     - provision of visible or audible feedback for keystrokes


  a) 1-Finger ($16.85 U.S.)
     Trace Center
     (608) 263-2309

     - provides features similar to AccessDOS (see separate 
          entry)
     - does not provide mouse manipulation from the keyboard

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x

     (NOTE: Though there is a charge for this program if ordered 
     from the Trace Center, it can be downloaded from CompuServe 
     and copies may be distributed freely.) [*]


  b) AccessDOS (freeware) [*]
     IBM Corporation
     1-800-426-7282
     Canada: IBM Canada Ltd.
             1-800-465-1234

     - provides "sticky-keys" feature
     - allows modification of key repeat function
     - provides audible feedback for keystrokes
     - allows mouse manipulation from the numeric keypad
     - allows some alternative input devices to emulate keyboard 
          and mouse functions through serial port

     System requirements: 286SX, Microsoft compatible mouse,
                          DOS 4.x

     AccessDOS was developed by the Trace Center, Madison, WI

     (NOTE: Even though one of the functions of AccessDOS is to
     allow a keypad to be used as a pointing device (mouse), you
     still must have a mouse and mouse drivers installed for
     it to work.)


  c) Access Pack for Windows (freeware) [*]
     Microsoft Product Support Services
     (206) 637-7098

     - provides "sticky-keys" feature
     - allows modification of key repeat function
     - provides audible feedback for keystrokes
     - allows mouse manipulation from the numeric keypad
     - allows some alternative input devices to emulate keyboard 
          and mouse functions through serial port

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 4.x, Windows 3.x

     Access Pack for Windows was developed by the Trace Center,
     Madison WI

     (NOTE: If you call Microsoft to request this product, you 
     may have to convince their personnel that you're not asking
     about "Access", their database.)

[NOTE: One minor problem with 1-Finger, AccessDOS, and AccessPack
for Windows is that if you hit the wrong key (eg. Ctrl 
instead of Alt), and don't realize it, you may get a sequence 
that leads to total lock-up, so save frequently.]


  d) Dragger for Windows ($15 U.S.)
     George Leotti

     - available as Shareware [*]
     - does not provide modified key response 
     - permits dragging without holding down the left mouse 
          button
     - simulates a double click by a single click sequence

     System requirements: 286SX, Windows 3.x


  e) DVORAK Keyboard layouts (freeware) [*]

     - provide an alternative to the standard QWERTY keyboard 
          layout
     - key locations modified to speed up typing and reduce 
          fatigue 
     - available in two handed, right hand and left hand keyboard 
          layouts

     [DVORAK keyboard labels, charts and workbooks are available 
     from Keytime (206) 522-8973).]

     (NOTE: The two handed DVORAK keyboard layout for Windows is 
     included with Windows 3.11.)

     (NOTE: Unless you purchase a DVORAK keyboard, use of a 
     DVORAK keyboard layout will cause the remapping of the 
     keyboard keys. In other words, what the key front says will 
     no longer match the character sent to your computer. This 
     may be confusing to someone who has been taught to type 
     using the standard QWERTY keyboard layout and may require 
     the purchasing of labels for the keyboard keys to aid in 
     typing.)

[NOTE: AccessDOS, AccessPack for Windows, Dragger and DVORAK 
keyboard layouts are available via anonymous ftp from 
handicap.afd.olivetti.com (or via gopher from 
gopher.afd.olivetti.com) and are in the /pub/mobile directory. 
These programs are also available from "The Handicap News BBS" at 
(203) 926-6168. Look for ACCDOS11.ZIP, ACCP20.ZIP, DRAGGER.ZIP 
and DVORAK.ZIP.]


  f) HandiSHIFT ($49 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software
     1-800-828-2600

     - demo available
     - provides "sticky-keys" feature
     - allows disabling of key repeat function
     - does not provide mouse manipulation from the keyboard
     - provides audible feedback for keystrokes
     - includes an onscreen "shift state" indicator (SeeBEEP)

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, 1K RAM
     Includes: SeeBEEP


[NOTE: A problem may occur in accessing the pull-down menus in 
some programs when using a keystroke modification program.  Most 
application programs require that you hold the Alt at the same 
time you depress the pull-down menu's appropriate "hotkey" 
letter. With the "StickyKeys" function on, you can hit them 
sequentially instead - useful for a one-handed typist, someone 
using a mouthstick, etc. However, if your program already 
requires that they be hit sequentially (eg. WordPerfect 5.1 and 
earlier versions), the results are unpredictable!]


  g) KeepKey ($40 U.S.)
     ACON ApS Software

     - available as Shareware [*]
     - provides "sticky-keys" feature
     - allows user to define which keys to hold
     - allows user to define amount of movement and period of 
          time allowed when double clicking
     - allows user to assign certain functions to mouse buttons 
          or series of mouse clicks

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 4.x, Windows 3.x


  h) NoMouse for Windows ($20 U.S.)
     Abacus
     1-800-451-4319

     - does not provide modified key response 
     - allows the mouse to be driven from the keyboard/keypad
     - lacks a means of single-key dragging
     - response (mouse movement) is much faster than Access 
          Pack's making precision movement more difficult

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 4.x, Windows 3.x

     (NOTE: NoMouse can be used with Dragger (see separate entry) 
     to provide single-key dragging without conflict. If NoMouse 
     is loaded along with Access Pack for Windows (see separate 
     entry) to provide "sticky keys" functions, Access Pack's 
     mouse drivers MUST be off.)




A2. KEYBOARD ALTERNATIVES

     Keyboard alternative programs allow individuals unable to 
use a standard keyboard to input keystrokes with a mouse, 
joystick, headmouse, or other specialized device.


  a) EEK ($89.95 U.S.)
     OMS Development
     (708) 251-5787

     - demo available ($5) [*]
     - onscreen keyboard for Windows
     - point and click interface using a mouse or alternative 
          pointing device
     - many non-standard characters can be obtained by switching
          to an alternate keyboard
     - keyboard runs "on top" of application
     - black letters/symbols on grey keyboard 
     - font and size of keys customizable, but not colour

     System requirements: 286SX, Windows 3.1x


  b) HandiCODE Deluxe ($495 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available [*]
     - single, double or triple switch keyboard access through
          Morse code
     - consists of complete versions of HandiCODE DOS, HandiCODE
          Windows, and HandiWORD (see separate entries)

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x, Windows 3.1x, 36K RAM
                          1/8" jack switch connector
     Includes: triple 1/8" receptacle to modular jack connector,
               serial or parallel port connector 


  c) HandiCODE DOS ($395 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available [*]
     - single, double or triple switch keyboard access through
          Morse code for DOS programs

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x, 36K RAM, 1/8" jack 
                          switch connector
     Includes: triple 1/8" receptacle to modular jack connector,
               serial or parallel port connector


  d) HandiCODE Windows ($395 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available [*]
     - single, double or triple switch keyboard access through
          Morse code for Windows applications

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x, Windows 3.1x, 36K RAM,
                          1/8" jack switch connector
     Includes: triple 1/8" receptacle to modular jack connector,
               serial or parallel port connector


  e) HandiKey Deluxe ($495 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available
     - set of onscreen keyboard matrices
     - matrices completely modifiable by end-user
     - cells can be used for macros, single characters, or blocks 
          of frequently used data
     - features word prediction
     - supports speech output

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, 47K RAM
     Includes: HandiCHAT, serial or parallel port connector, 
               switch interface for 1/8" adapter switches


  f) HandiKEY DOS ($395 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available
     - set of onscreen keyboard matrices
     - matrices completely modifiable by end-user
     - cells can be used for macros, single characters, or blocks 
          of frequently used data
     - features word prediction

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, 47K RAM
     Includes: serial or parallel port connector, switch 
               interface for 1/8" adapter switches


  g) HandiKEY Windows ($395 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available
     - set of onscreen keyboard matrices
     - matrices completely modifiable by end-user
     - cells can be used for macros, single characters, or blocks
          of frequently used data
     - features word prediction

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x, 47K RAM
     Includes: serial or parallel port connector, switch
               interface for 1/8" adapter switches


  h) J.A.M. ($179 U.S.)
     Access Technologies
     (317) 465-1275

     - tutorial available ($15 U.S.)
     - interface software for Windows that converts joystick 
          input into mouse movements
     - can be used with a graphical keyboard
     - does not interfere with standard mouse input
     - user adjustable cursor speed, cursor wrap around
     - automatic joystick calibration

     System requirements: Windows 3.x, game port, joystick or 
                          game paddle


  i) SoftKBD ($20 U.S.)
     George Leotti

     - available as Shareware [*]
     - onscreen keyboard for Windows
     - point and click interface using a mouse or alternative 
          pointing device
     - features quick shift, quick space and quick enter 
          utilizing double-clicking and/or right mouse button
     - does not use standard QWERTY keyboard layout
     - user customizable key size, font and colour 

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.1x, Windows 3.x, EGA 
                          monitor/video card

     (NOTE: With SoftKBD you have to adjust the size of your 
     application window so that you can see the keyboard. Also, 
     to enter high ANSI and ASCII characters, you must know the
     code for each character. However, the program is otherwise 
     very easy to use, especially for someone who can manage to 
     double-click.) 


  j) SofType ($129 U.S.)
     Access Technologies
     (317) 465-1275

     - demo available ($10 U.S.)
     - onscreen keyboard with word prediction
     - customizable keyboard layout
     - special character set accessibility
     - features quick shift, quick space and quick enter 
          utilizing double-clicking and/or right mouse button
     - jitter control for head pointers and joystick input
     - dwell mode allows keys to be selected when cursor remains 
          on key for a user specified period of time

     System requirements: 386SX, 2 MB RAM, mouse or alternative 
                          input device, Windows 3.1x


  k) SofType Pro ($229 U.S.)
     Access Technologies
     (317) 465-1275

     - demo available ($10 U.S.)
     - onscreen keyboard with word completion
     - contains all of SofType's features
     - scanning for single switch input
     - shortcut feature for running programs

     System requirements: 386SX, 2 MB RAM, mouse or alternative 
                          input device, Windows 3.1x


  l) SofType Elite ($329 U.S.)
     Access Technologies
     (317) 465-1275

     - demo available ($10 U.S.)
     - onscreen keyboard
     - contains all of SofType Pro's features
     - word prediction and word completion
     - dragger bar to emulate click and drag, double click and 
          right click

     System requirements: 386SX, 2 MB RAM, mouse or alternative 
                          input device, Windows 3.1x


  m) UniControl ($30 U.S.)
     Ricardo Lastra Olsen

     - available as Shareware [*]
     - onscreen keyboard matrix
     - uses single mouse button to input keystrokes

     System requirements: 386SX, mouse, Windows 3.1x




A3. SHORTHAND AND WORD PREDICTION

     Shorthand and word prediction programs reduce the number of 
keystrokes required to type a word by predicting the end of a 
partially typed word, or through the use of a user-defined form 
of "shorthand". 


  a) DynaWrite
     Sentient Systems Technology, Inc.
     1-800-344-1778
     
     - multi-line text editor with word prediction
     - no other information presently available   


  b) HandiWORD for DOS ($295 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available [*]
     - word prediction and abbreviation-expansion program
     - features a prediction list of 9 choices which are updated 
          following every keystroke, and from which the desired 
          word is chosen by the appropriate numeric key
     
     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, 44K RAM
     Includes: HandiSHIFT
     Available with alternate language dictionaries ($395) 


  c) HandiWORD for Windows ($295 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available [*]
     - word prediction and abbreviation-expansion program
     - features a prediction list of 9 choices which are updated 
          following every keystroke, and from which the desired 
          word is chosen by the appropriate numeric key
     - contains built-in sticky-key option 

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x, 44K RAM


  d) Finish Line for DOS ($49 U.S.)
     Innovative Designs Incorporated
     (408) 985-9255

     - demo available [*]
     - word prediction program for DOS
     - learns frequently typed words and phrases
     - features pop-up prediction list
     - user can designate hot keys for prediction list words
     - user customizable prediction frequency, prediction window 
          colours, prediction window location

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.1x, 39K RAM, 120K hard 
                          disk space

     (NOTE: KCC has tested this program and found it to be very 
     useful and unobtrusive in its interaction with other 
     programs. Finish Line can be run with DragonDictate for DOS 
     without conflict, but also without interaction. Finish Line
     will not make predictions from words entered by dictation.)


  e) Finish Line for Windows ($59 U.S.)
     Innovative Designs Incorporated
     (408) 985-9255

     - demo available [*]
     - word prediction program for Windows
     - learns frequently typed words and phrases
     - features pop-up prediction list
     - displays shift key state^1
     - optional single finger entry of shift key combinations
     - user can designate hot keys for prediction list words
     - user customizable prediction frequency, prediction window 
          colours, location

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.1x, Windows 3.x, 150K RAM, 
                          250 KB hard disk space 
     Available with Finish Line for DOS ($89 U.S.)


  f) JDN Shorthand ($250 Cdn.)
     TASH, Inc. 
     (905) 686-4129

     - abbreviation expansion program
     - type entire word with single keystroke
     - features automatic entry of spaces and capital letters

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x, 1 MB RAM


  g) KeyREP
     Prentke Romich
     1-800-262-1984

     - word prediction and abbreviation-expansion program
     - features a prediction window which follows the cursor
     - no other information presently available


  h) sWORD ($69 U.S.)
     Larry Salmon
     (707) 937-4298

     - demo available 
     - 200 predefined + 40 user-defined abbreviations
     - claims to reduce keystrokes by 40%
     - no other information presently available

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 4.x


___________________________________

1. [Shift key state refers to whether or not the shift, control 
or alt key has been pressed.]




A4. VOICE ACTIVATION/NAVIGATION SYSTEMS

     These are simple, relatively inexpensive programs that allow 
voice input of simple commands (essentially voice macros) such as 
"open file". They generally connect to a readily-available sound 
card such as a SoundBlaster (available from most computer 
retailers). Most require a training session which teaches the 
program your specific voice pattern. They are "user-dependent" 
and maintain separate voice files for each user. User-dependent 
programs generally offer better recognition than user-independent 
ones. However, in situations where multiple, untrained users will 
be accessing a computer, a user-independent system would be more 
appropriate. Most of these programs are not specifically designed 
for disabled individuals.

     KCC has tested IN3 Voice Command (demo version), VoiceAssist 
(evaluation copy) and Voice Blaster (evaluation copy). Of the 
three programs, we found VoiceAssist to be the most user friendly 
program for controlling Windows applications (of the three only 
Voice Blaster works with DOS applications). 

[NOTE: It is possible to run both a voice navigation system and a 
dictation system on the same computer. However, separate sound 
cards may be necessary. Consult KCC for advice.]


  a) IN3 Voice Command ($179 U.S.)
     Command Corp. Inc.
     (404) 926-7950

     - demo available [*]
     - number of macros limited by memory availability
     - allows user to control many Windows functions usually 
          performed with a mouse by voice
     - allows for control of mouse clicking and drag and drop, 
          but not mouse movement, by voice
     - user/speaker dependent program; requires training
     - supports standard multimedia sound cards

     System requirements: 386SX, 25 MHz, supported sound card,
                          DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x, microphone
     Available with headset microphone ($395 U.S.)  

     (NOTE: This program was originally designed for a 
     workstation running X Windows. In our experience, it does 
     not perform significantly better than some of the less 
     expensive programs in this category.)


  b) IntroVoice V ($695 U.S.)
     Voice Connexion
     (714) 261-2366

     - provides command/data input by voice
     - 500 isolated words or phrases per vocabulary
     - additional vocabularies available

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x
     Includes: sound card, microphone, general vocabulary


  c) IntroVoice VI  ($895 U.S.) 
     Voice Connexion
     (714) 261-2366

     - provides command/data input by voice
     - 500 isolated words or phrases per vocabulary
     - text-to-speech output capability for audio prompting and 
          verification
     - additional vocabularies available

     System requirements: 286SX, 102K RAM, DOS 3.x
     Includes: sound card, microphone, general vocabulary

     (NOTE: Though we have not tested IntroVoice V or VI, they 
     would appear to offer more features than a basic voice 
     activation/navigation system.)


  d) Listen for Windows ($99 U.S.)
     Verbex Voice Systems, Inc.
     1-800-ASK-VRBX or (908) 225-5225

     - 1000 commands available
     - user/speaker dependent; requires training
     - allows user to control many Windows functions usually 
          performed with a mouse by voice
     - supports some commercial Windows applications  
     - supports standard multimedia sound cards
     - provides onscreen list of possible words/phrases

     System requirements: 386DX, 33 MHz, 3 MB RAM, supported
                          sound card, DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x,
                          microphone
     Available with headset microphone ($139 U.S.)
     Available with microphone and coprocessor ($399.95 U.S.) 

     (* Can be run on slower systems with Verbex coprocessor)

     (NOTE: Reviewed in July 1994 "Windows Sources" (p.93) and 
     rated as being more capable than VoiceAssist.)


  e) VoiceAssist ($99 U.S.)
     Creative Labs
     1-800-998-5227 or (408) 428-6600

     - allows user to control many Windows functions usually 
          performed with a mouse by voice
     - provides 32 generic Windows commands that remain active 
          for all applications
     - allows up to 992 user-defined commands per application
     - allows up to 30 applications (only one active at a time)
     - automatically creates modifiable voice commands for any 
          Windows application's pull down menus 
     - user/speaker dependent program; requires training

     System requirements: 386SX, 4 MB RAM, SoundBlaster or
                          compatible sound card, 800 KB hard
                          disk space plus approx. 200 KB for
                          each user voice file, Windows 3.1x
     Includes: microphone


[NOTE: Many mainstream multimedia sound cards come bundled with 
voice navigation/activation programs. For space considerations, 
and due to their not being designed for people with disabilities, 
a complete list has not been included.  For a more complete 
listing, contact KCC.]


****************************************************************
NOTE: There are also voice-activation programs, not included in 
this summary, that control other devices, such as appliances 
through a computer.
****************************************************************




A5. DICTATION SYSTEMS

     These are large, moderately expensive programs that allow 
full dictation, as well as application control in DOS or Windows. 
They usually have their own sound cards which are generally 
included in the package. Typically, these systems maintain 
separate voice files for each user and will achieve 90%+ accuracy 
after learning your speech patterns.
 
     Not only do these programs learn your speech patterns in 
training, but, unlike most voice navigation/activation programs, 
they continually adapt upon use. As you dictate, the program 
learns the words you use most often and prioritizes them (moves 
them further up in the active dictionary) so that recognition 
speed is improved.

     In operation, a choice list is presented onscreen. If the 
first choice is correct, you just keep going. If not, you must 
specify the alternative (eg. by saying "choose 3").

     60,000 word vocabularies sound impressive in advertising, 
but users of versions with much smaller active vocabularies seem 
to find them quite satisfactory. Remember that the average 
document includes no more than a few thousand unique words, and 
all of these programs include large back-up dictionaries which 
they access if the word is not in the active group.

     Most dictation programs come with predefined voice macros 
for common programs (e.g. WordPerfect). Sets of user-defined 
macros may be created for applications not included. System 
parameters may have to be modified for optimum response.


  a) DragonDictate for DOS (starting at $695 U.S.)
     Dragon Systems, Inc.
     1-800-825-5897 or (617) 965-5200
     Canada: Applied AI Systems 
             (613) 592-7729
     
     - 5000 (5K), 30,000 (30K) or 60,000 (60K) words active 
          vocabulary versions available
     - 110,000 words backup dictionary
     - entire dictionary customizable by user

     System requirements:
           5K - 486 33 MHz, 7 MB dedicated RAM, DOS 5.x, 31 MB
                hard disk space  ($695 U.S.)
          30K - 486 33 MHz, 10 MB dedicated RAM, DOS 5.x, 37 MB
                hard disk space  ($995 U.S.)
          60K - 486 33 MHz, 12 MB dedicated RAM, DOS 5.x, 46 MB
                hard disk space  ($1995 U.S.)
     Includes: IBM M-ACPA card, headset microphone
     Available add-on 60,000 word dictionary enhancements:
          - DragonMed - medical language module ($499 U.S.)
          - DragonLaw - legal language module ($499 U.S.)
          - DragonWriter - journalism language module ($499 U.S.)
          - DragonBusiness - business language module ($499 U.S.)

     (NOTE: DragonDictate for DOS comes with a very well 
     constructed tutorial that serves the dual purpose of
     teaching the program your speech patterns and teaching you 
     how the program works - correcting errors, voice navigation, 
     creating macros, etc.)

     (NOTE: DragonDictate for DOS may also be used through a PC 
     linked to a mainframe with an interface program such as 
     Kermit. Consult KCC for details.)


  b) DragonDictate for Windows (starting at $395 U.S.)
     Dragon Systems, Inc.
     1-800-825-5897 or (617) 965-5200
     Canada: Applied AI Systems
             (613) 592-7729
     
     - 5000 (5K), 30,000 (30K) or 60,000 (60K) words active
          vocabulary
     - 120,000 words backup dictionary
     - entire dictionary customizable by user
     - permits mouse navigation by voice
     - hardware independent dictation system which can operate
           with a number of sound cards
     - 5K, 30K and 60K versions available in British English
     - 30K and 60K versions available in German and Italian with 
          other languages to follow

     System requirements: IBM M-ACPA or 16 bit SoundBlaster
                          compatible sound card
           5K - 486 33 MHz, 7 MB dedicated RAM, Windows 3.1x,
                17 MB hard disk space ($395 U.S.) 
          30K - 486 33 MHz, 9 MB dedicated RAM, Windows 3.1x,
                20 MB hard disk space ($695 U.S.)
          60K - 486 33 MHz, 10 MB dedicated RAM, Windows 3.1x,
                22 MB hard disk space ($1695 U.S.)  
     Includes: headset microphone

     (NOTE: DragonDictate for Windows also contains a tutorial. 
     Unfortunately, the Windows tutorial is more show than 
     substance. It consists mostly of graphics and a 
     demonstration of basic operation commands, rather than the
     introduction to dictation and almost the full spectrum of 
     dictation commands found with the DOS version.)

     (NOTE: DragonDictate for Windows has 2 operation modes: 
     Command mode and Dictation mode. Switching between the two 
     modes was found to be awkward during program testing.)
   

  c) Kurzweil Voice 
     Kurzweil Applied Intelligence, Inc.
     1-800-380-1234 or (617) 893-5151
     Canada: HMI Computer Group 
             (604) 599-9987

     - 50,000 word vocabulary
     - backup dictionary 

     System requirements: 486 33 MHz, 32 MB RAM, DOS 5.x
     Includes: Kurzweil APA card, headset or handset microphone,
               DESQview 386

     (NOTE: A voice output module for Kurzweil Voice called 
     MetaVOICE is available from Adaptek Systems 1-800-685-4566.)


  d) Kurzweil Voice for Windows ($995 U.S. - 30,000 words)
     Kurzweil Applied Intelligence, Inc.
     1-800-380-1234 or (617) 893-5151
     Canada: HMI Computer Group 
             (604) 599-9987

     - available in 30,000 and 60,000 word active vocabularies
     - backup dictionary
     - 30,000 version:
          - 20,000 words predefined (not modifiable)
          - 10,000 words modifiable user
     System requirements: 486 33MHz, 8MB dedicated RAM (30,000
                          words) or 16MB dedicated RAM (60,000
                          words), Windows 3.1x running in
                          enhanced mode, 30MB disk space
     Includes: sound card, headset microphone

     (NOTE: We interpret the "dedicated RAM" requirement to be
     beyond the requirements for running Windows and other
     Windows applications such as a word processor. To be safe,
     therefore, one would need about 16 MB for the 30,000 word
     version, and 24 MB for the 60,000 word version.)

     (NOTE: Kurzweil claims 85-90% out-of-box accuracy for Voice 
     for Windows, but you still have to learn to use the 
     program!)


  e) VoiceType Dictation  ($999 U.S.)
     IBM Corporation
     1-800-426-2133 (inquiries)
     1-800-426-3388 (orders)
     Canada: IBM Canada Ltd.
             1-800-465-1234 or (416) 946-9000
     
     - 32,000 word vocabulary
     - voice accessible online documentation
     - dictation is into a dedicated text editor and must be 
          pasted into other applications (based on OS/2 
          literature)
     - available with specialized vocabularies for journalism, 
          emergency medicine and radiology 

     System requirements: 486SX, 8MB RAM, 62MB disk space, 
                          DOS 5.x, Windows 3.1x
     Includes: voice-to-type hardware adapter, microphone

     (NOTE: This program is a Windows version of IBM's Personal 
     Dictation System for OS/2 and is not to be confused with 
     IBM's earlier DOS-based dictation program "VoiceType" which 
     was discontinued May 1994.)


  f) VoiceWord 
     Voice Connexion
     (714) 261-2366
     
     - 5000 word vocabulary
     - new words can be added to dictionary
     - multiple custom dictionaries (eg. Medical, Legal terms)
     - allows voice control multi-tasking and multiple windows
     - no other information presently available

     System requirements: 286SX, 64K RAM, DOS 3.x
     Includes: HandiWORD (see separate entry), DESQview 


[NOTE: Unless an individual requires dictation capabilities in 
Windows, KCC recommends DOS dictation systems as they are 
generally faster and more problem free than Windows systems. 
Also, if an individual is visually impaired and wishes to use a 
dictation system, the majority of screen access programs (see 
section B2) are DOS based.]
