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This brief paper considers ways in which people with sensory impairments can benefit from the assistive technology available with computers. Assistive technology practitioners are urged not to focus on the disability, but on the individual's abilities and the tasks to be performed. Explanations of the major sensory disability areas precedes descriptions of computing tools that have been used effectively by this population. For visual impairments, these include enlarged monitor displays, screen enlargement technology plus a scanner (to magnify printed text), speech and/or Braille output systems, screen reader software, refreshable Braille displays, and dedicated Web browsing software that incorporates speech and/or large print. For hearing impairments, computer access is simpler but is complicated by system-generated beeps (which can be changed to visual displays) and the increasing use of streaming media. For individuals with loss of sensitivity in hands and/or fingers due to peripheral neuropathy or other causes, suggestions include speech input software. The paper also lists contact and other information resources associated with Project DO-IT at the University of Washington. (DB)

This brief paper describes several computing tools that have been effectively used by individuals with mobility impairments. Emphasis is on tasks to be completed and how the individuals abilities (not disabilities), with possible assistance from technology, can be used to accomplish them. Preliminary information addresses the importance of facility access, furniture (proper seating and flexibility in positioning of keyboards, computer screens, and table height). Suggestions for keyboard access include pointers, use of software settings and functions available in standard software packages, use of a keyguard, alternative keyboards, and virtual keyboards. Also discussed are word prediction programs, alternative pointing systems, switch keyboard and mouse access using scanning or Morse code, speech recognition programs, and reading systems. Uses of low tech tools (such as adhesive Velcro) are also noted. The paper also lists contact and other information resources associated with Project DO-IT at the University of Washington. (DB)

This paper describes the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) guidelines for librarians charged with customizing OPAC (online public access catalog) software and vendors and producers of this software. The guidelines are intended to apply to all types of catalog, including World Wide Web-based catalogs, GUI (graphical user interface)-based interfaces, and Z39.50-Web interfaces. The focus is on the display of cataloging information (as opposed to circulation, serials check-in, fund accounting, acquisitions, or bindery information). The intent is to recommend a standard set of display defaults, defined as features that should be provided for users who have not selected other options, including users who want to begin searching without much instruction. The guidelines are divided into principles (general statements of the goals of the guidelines) and recommendations. The recommendations are organized based on the four main types of searches that users conduct in library catalogs: (1) for the works of a particular author or other creator; (2) for a particular work; (3) for works on a particular subject or in a particular form or genre; and (4) for works that take a particular disciplinary approach. Several controversies related to OPAC displays are also addressed. (MES)

Dynamic discussions have begun to emerge concerning style of presentation on world wide web sites. Some hypertext markup language (HTML) designers seek an intimate and chatty ambience, while others want to project a more professional image. Evaluators see many sites as overdecorated and indecipherable. This paper offers suggestions on selecting projects and design types appropriate to HTML and also on maximizing clarity and navigability while creating hyperlinks and displaying text. The incorporation of images, and even short movies, is becoming increasingly popular, but often such files are too large to be manageable or practical. The designer can reduce the size of the image or movie window, reduce the bit depth of the colors, or reduce the number of frames per second of moving images. Studies were conducted to investigate how altering images in these ways influence loading time, file size, and perceived quality. Six figures, including reproductions of computer screens, and two tables illustrate the discussion. An appendix provides uniform resource locators (URLs) for 46 clip art and icon collections on the world wide web. (BEW)

This article describes the evolution of computer interface research issues from text-based interface design guidelines to more complex issues, including media selection, interface design, and visual design. This research is then integrated into the Analysis-based Message Design (AMD) process. The AMD process divides the interface design process into four action steps: (1) identify conditions--analyzing the environmental, learner, or instructional needs which define or create boundaries for the instructional product; (2) select design features--using instructional and learning theories, media selections research, and personal experience to support design feature selection; (3) resolve conflicts--giving special consideration to features which are desirable with regard to one or more conditions and undesirable with regard to another condition; and (4) create the design layout--using the ABC's R US design principles (alignment, balance, contrast, chunking, repetition, utility, and simplicity). Explanations and graphic examples of these principles are provided. (DLS)

ExCELS is a program that supports teachers interested in the use of computer interfacing at the secondary school level. This paper describes an ExCEL-based course developed for science education majors, presents an overview of interface apparatus and how it is used in schools, and gives examples of experiments performed. (LZ)