The presenter describes a long series of technological assistive devices she has used to overcome a double disability-blindness and deafness-over the past 30 years in pursuing a highly successful career in technical communication. She also demonstrates the equipment and shows how it makes it possible for her to do her job. In September 1971, Texas Instruments announced the release of its standard one-chip MOS/LSI calculator logic circuit which featured the revolutionary use of integrated silicon chip technology. The TI press release predicted: "This single chip may make full electronic calculators available to everyone at prices that can put a calculator into every kitchen and every businessman's pocket". At the time, I was a junior in high school, newly designated "legally blind and deaf". Information was accessible only in Braille or through "universal manual communication," a method where people printed block letters in the palm of my hand and I answered by voice. I still use those basic communication methods today. Yet in the nearly 35 years since TI introduced its new technology, I've added increasingly sophisticated electronic access technology: an OPTical to TACtile CONverter (Optacon); a Tactile Communicator (TC); and refreshable Braille displays combined with screen reading software to access the latest in PC desktop and laptop technology. This demonstration provides an overview of the systems I used to earn a college degree and that I continue to use to pursue a technical writing career at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
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