http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6747 The Trace Research & Development Center, founded in 1971, is a pioneer in the field of technology and disability. The emphasis of the Center's R&D in the 1970's and 1980's was assistive technology, including communication and computer access aids. The Trace Center's current focus is on design of mainstream technologies that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible. http://minds.wisconsin.edu:80/retrieve/5900 http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6747 http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/7582 National AgrAbility project impact on farmers and ranchers with disabilities Meyer, Robert H. Fetsch, Robert J. The impact of AgrAbility was evaluated through a survey of farmers and ranchers with disabilities who have been served by AgrAbility. The general demographics of the client population and assistance received were evaluated. Other information gathered included client ability pre- and post-onset of a disability and implications of self-reported outlook for the future. Eight states with AgrAbility programs participated in this cooperative survey with the National AgrAbility Project, with a 58.7% response rate (N=618). The client population was mostly male (85.2%) with an average age of 53.3 with many working full-time (42.4%), part-time (27.6%), only off-farm (3%), or both off and on the farm (27%) in predominately row-crop (58.2%), cattle (not dairy) (46.6%), and hay or forage (41.4%) operations. Nearly half (48.2%) of the clients reported that the origin of the disability was due to a chronic health condition, as opposed to an injury. The majority of clients reported receiving information referring them to a funding source (42.0%) and receiving technical assistance with modifications around the farm or ranch (41.3%). Only two areas of farm operation were reported to have increased after the onset of disability (farm office from 43.8% to 61.2% and common activity on the farm, with 73.3% reporting operating field machinery after the onset of disability. The present sample was more optimisitic than expected. From a simultaneous multiple linear regression analysis, the factors contributing to positive future outlook include: ability to manage one's chores, machinery, and farm, F (5, 387) = 34.91, p < 0.001). Implications for safety professionals are included. Copyright 2006 ASABE http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/7580 Framework for real-time text over IP using the session initiation protocol (SIP) Van Wijk, Arnoud Gybels, Guido This document lists the essential requirements for real-time Text-over-IP (ToIP) and defines a framework for implementation of all required functions based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP). This includes interworking between Text-over-IP and existing text telephony on the PSTN and other networks. This work was supported in part by grant H133E040013 (RERC on Telecommunications Access) from the U.S. Dept. of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6786 Evaluation of Accessibility Guidelines for Telecommunications Products Fuller, Liz http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6783 Comments of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Telecommunications Access Submitted to the Federal Communications Commission on February 22, 2006 in the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities Harkins, Judith Vanderheiden, Gregg C. Comments to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on access to emergency services through telecommunications relay services. Recommendations to ensure access to 9-1-1 emergency calling for users of VRS and IP text relay services. As the number of TTY/landline subscribers decreases their access to 9-1-1 emergency calling services is endangered.