Features of the Pack Drive
PACK is about Accessibility
Pack Desktop
Pack Desktop
- With PACK any Windows computer is accessible.
- PACK eliminates difficult to read text and small icons from your computer's desktop.
- You are able to email friends, browse the Internet, or play fun games on any Windows computer.
- PACK has built-in training programs that help you learn to use a mouse, keyboard, and Coglink email.
PACK is SIMPLE
- When you plug the PACK into your computer's USB port, your easy to use PACK desktop automatically replaces the complex Windows display.
- PACK comes with a Helper link that lets a family member, clinician, or care provider individualize each PACK feature.
- Updates to your PACK will be delivered to you automatically. There is no need to run special software or ask for updates.
Who uses the PACK?
- People who do not own a computer, and who have access to computers in public environments such as libraries, disability centers, or coffee houses.
- People who want to use a home computer, but cognitive, visual, or language challenges are barriers to using the Windows desktop.
- People who have access to a computer, but find it is not used because of the complexity of setting it up and maintaining it.
- People who have been unsuccessful using computers because they are too hard to learn and there are too many things to remember.
PACK is Easy to Learn
Keyboard, Mouse, and Email Training Programs
Keyboard, Mouse, and Email Training Programs
- PaCK includes the Coglink automated training program that helps users learn all the basic skills for using the mouse, keyboarding, and email.
- The training program is positive and designed with proven instructional principles.
- Each lesson begins with a skills check and places the user at the appropriate level of training.
- Each lesson provides plenty of demonstration and practice to insure users can successfully email before they begin corresponding with their email partners.
- The program includes automated feedback but assumes that a support person will be available as needed.
PACK is Customizable
Helper Interface
PACK has several advanced features that can be added to the "basic" program at a later time. The easy to use "Helper" link allows family members, clinicians, and care providers to instantly add, change, or remove advanced email features and to change links for Internet browsing.
Supports for the PACK user include:
Coglink Email Templates
Helper Interface
PACK has several advanced features that can be added to the "basic" program at a later time. The easy to use "Helper" link allows family members, clinicians, and care providers to instantly add, change, or remove advanced email features and to change links for Internet browsing.
Supports for the PACK user include:
Coglink Email Templates
- A closed list of email partners (buddies) protects the user from receiving unwanted or unsafe email.
- Optional digital photos help the user read and reply to the correct email buddy.
- Word prediction helps users spell and write complete sentences.
- Individualized message templates assist users in creating interesting email messages.
- A "speak" button that allows users to hear incoming messages and to proofread outgoing mail.
- A "delete" button lets users to delete messages without having to respond to them.
- A "save" button allows users to reply to messages at a later time.
- A "sent mail" button allows users to reread previously sent and received messages.
- A carbon copy or "cc" function sends a message to more than one person.
- Capability of sending photo attachments.
- Capability of printing email messages and attachments.
Supports for the clinician or care provider include:
- The user-friendly Helper website lets clinicians and care providers change any PACK feature in one easy step.
- PACK and CogLink features are changed remotely so a care provider does not need to have PACK in hand. Changes are automatically uploaded each time the PACK is used.
- Group email messages can be sent to all of a PACK user's buddies in one easy step.
- Email therapy reminders will automatically be sent on a schedule selected by the clinician.
- Clinicians and care providers can pre-select Internet links that are accessible to the PACK user with just one mouse click.
Project Support
This project is supported by a National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research SBIR grant, Why Go It Alone?: The Use of Public Resources to Enhance Computer Accessibility for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities, grant number H133S070096.