Short Description
Speed or Rate Enhancement Software can make a difference to the amount of time and effort needed to produce a document. It increases the speed of typing by reducing the number of keystrokes required. It encompasses expansion of abbreviations (eg."ASAP" becomes "as soon as possible"), word completion and word prediction.
More Details
Word completion proposes a list of possible words after a letter has been typed. Word prediction proposes a list of words which may logically follow a whole word which has been completed.
This type of software is "transparent" which means it operates on top of
standard software programs such as word processing programs. As you type into a standard word processing program such as WordPerfect or Word on a computer, the Rate Enhancement Software will offer choices of words in a small window on the screen. Each word will have a corresponding number or function key. If the word or phrase you want is displayed, it can be selected and automatically inserted into the word processing program.
Rate Enhancement Software programs enable a whole word or phrase to be entered with one or two keystrokes. It also provides automatic punctuation (eg. spaces are entered appropriately after commas, fullstops and whole words when selected from the prediction list). The predicted word list changes as letters are typed from the keyboard. Some examples of Rate Enhancement Software include Co:Writer (available for Macintosh and IBM compatibles), KeyREP, Prophet and Finish Line (for IBM and compatibles).
CONSULTATION:
In some situations it may be advisable to consult an expert in the area of technology for people with disabilities. The Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is a division of Northcott and located in North Parramatta. They also travel extensively throughout NSW. The Assistive Technology Service of The Spastic Centre of NSW is located in Allambie Heights.
This information has been prepared by the COMPUTER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE (Div.of Northcott).
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp