Technology for Education, Inc.

4131 Old Sibley Memorial Hwy, Suite 200
Eagan, Minnesota 55122
United States
Telephone: 800-370-0047 or 651-457-1917.
Fax: 651-457-3534.
Web: http://www.tfeinc.com.
Email: sales@tfeinc.com.

Products distributed by Technology for Education, Inc. (listed alphabetically)

1. CHATBOX 40

   ChatBox 40 is a direct selection and scanning communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities. This voice output device speaks pre-recorded messages when the user presses buttons on the adjustable keyboard display. The unit also supports switch scanning options for individuals who are unable to press buttons. The keyboard display supports 10 large keys or 40 standard-sized keys, with ten levels of messages. Single-switch, dual-switch, and joystick scanning are available in row/column, linear, directional, latched, direct, and step scanning modes. All scanning modes are visually supported with lights on the keys. The scanning time is variable from 0.1 to 10 seconds. The text of recorded messages and menu-driven setup utilities can be displayed on a two-line LCD display. The device has volume control and an on/Off switch with automatic power-down, and comes with a carrying case. POWER: Uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery with alternating current (AC) adapter. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 8.3 x 12 inches. Keys measure .9 x .9 inches each on a 40-key display or 1.9 x 1.9 inches each on a 10-key display. WEIGHT: 2.25 pounds. WARRANTY: 12 months.

2. CHATBOX 40-XT

   ChatBox 40-XT is a direct selection, scanning, and keyboard communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities. This sturdy voice-output device speaks pre-recorded (digitized) or synthesized messages when the user presses buttons on its alphabetic/symbolic keyboard, which has 40 keys with 10 levels for a total of 400 messages. The device has 30 minutes of recording time, and supports single-switch, dual-switch, and joystick scanning, with auditory prompts for individuals with visual disabilities. Messages also appear on a two-line liquid crystal display (LCD). Keyboard grid formats are adjustable, and the unit can be connected to a computer to provide keyboard emulation. It has an earphone jack and a serial port. POWER: Uses rrechargeable battery with alternating current (AC) adapter. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 8 1/3 x 12 inches. WEIGHT: 2.25 pounds. COLORS: Red or white. WARRANTY: 12 months.

3. CHATPC-4

   ChatPC-4 is a direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities or cerebral palsy. The unit has a color touch screen dynamic display that allows hundreds of communication pages to be linked together to meet the user’s communication needs for home, school, work, and other situations. The number of buttons on a page can be customized, along with the size, color, background, symbol, font, label, message, and action of each button. Vocabulary can be added and edited, and photos and other graphics can be imported for use as symbols. The unit comes with 3,000 picture communication symbols (PCS) and Loquendo and NeoSpeech speech synthesizers with male and female voices. Both synthesizers can pronounce words in U.S. English; Loquendo can also pronounce words in UK English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. The included DesktopChat software has approximately 10,000 PCS symbols and 3,000 Imagine symbols. Software includes PalmChat, a word-based vocabulary program; VocabPC; 16 Primary and 16 Basic starter vocabularies; and Saltillo Sampler. The unit’s hardware is a rugged industrial PocketPC computer with a rubber housing. A screen protector also serves as a stand. Inserts on the back accommodate a wheelchair mounting plate and loops at the bottom of the unit accommodate a carrying strap. There are three models. The Standard model has limited text functions for individuals who primarily use symbols for communication, while the Plus model has word prediction dictionaries and other text-based features for individuals with existing or emerging literacy skills. Both models come loaded with PocketPC applications such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, a calendar and a calculator, and can run otherapplications. To meet Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, the Dedicated Plus model does not run PocketPC applications. The Dedicated Plus model comes with a carrying case. OPTIONS: Carrying case for Standard and Plus models; DecTalk speech synthesizer with adult male, adult female, child voices; and stylus for touch screen. POWER: Uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery. DIMENSIONS (HxW): 6.4 x 3.5 inches. The screen is 3.7 inches diagonally. WEIGHT: 19 ounces. COLOR: Blue or black. WARRANTY: One year for Standard or Plus model; three years for Dedicated Plus model.

4. CHATPC-SILK

   ChatPC-Silk is a direct selection communicator designed for use by individuals with communication or speech disabilities. This portable dynamic touchscreen device allows hundreds of communication pages to be linked together to meet an individual’s communication needs for home, school, work and other situations in his/her life. The unit comes preinstalled with PalmChat, a generative, core word vocabulary, as well as other vocabulary files and page sets. Vocabulary can be added, and the size, color, background, symbol, font, label, message and action of each button can be customized. Photos and other graphic symbols can be added. The unit comes with Loquendo, NeoSpeech, and DECtalk speech synthesizers. Loquendo provides speech synthesis in U.S. English, UK English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Canadian French, American Spanish, or Portuguese. NeoSpeech is only available in American English, but has a natural and easy-to-understand voice. DecTalk features a classic synthetic voice. All speech options offer both male and female voices, and DecTalk includes a child voice as well. Three models are available. The Standard model is for individuals who primarily use symbols for communication; it includes keyboard pages for spelling, but does not include other text-based capabilities. The Plus and Dedicated Plus models are intended for individuals with existing or emerging literacy skills; in addition to all of the features of the Standard model, the Plus and Dedicated Plus models include word prediction, abbreviation expansion, and the ability to load, edit, and save text files. All models are based on a PocketPC computer, and Standard and Plus models are capable of running Pocket PC applications; however, in order to meet guideline for Medicare and Medicaid, the Dedicated Plus model can only be used as a communication device and does not run Pocket PC applications. The unit has an amplified speaker and comes with a protective rubber case. The Dedicated Plus model comes with a carrying case. POWER: Uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery. DIMENSIONS: 3.25 x 5.6 x 1.6 inches with protective case; 2.95 x 5.25 x 1.4 inches without case. The unit has a 4-inch screen (diagonal). WEIGHT: 9 ounces (12.5 ounces with protective case). WARRANTY: 1-year warranty on the Standard and Plus models and 3 years (Dedicated Plus model).

5. KEYGUARD FOR DANA / NEO

   The Keyguard for Dana/Neo is a keyguard designed for use by individuals with fine motor or upper extremity disabilities or cerebral palsy. This unit fits the keyboard of the Dana or Neo word processor (see entries) from Renaissance Learning, Inc., and allows students to rest their hands and helps prevent unwanted key presses.

6. MALTRON DUAL HANDED 3D KEYBOARD

   The Maltron Dual Handed 3D Keyboard is a modified keyboard designed to fit the natural shape of hands and allow the wrists to remain straight during typing, relieve postural stress, and reduce the onset of Repetitive Strain Injury. This Plug-n-Play keyboard has a concave shape to provide tactile feedback which improves accuracy and speed. The keyboard has a standard QWERTY letter layout with an optional advanced Maltron letter layout which gives a ten to one reduction in finger movement. The alphabet keys are in two groups on the left and right of the keyboard; the numeric keypad is in the center; and the command keys (CTRL, ALT, etc.) are in two thumb groups beneath the numeric keys. The Maltron Keyboards have all the functions of a standard keyboard and are available in the following languages: British English, American English, Spanish, and most European languages. The Maltron Keyboards also have the ability to turn off key repeating if it is not required or to alter the repeat rate setting to Slow, Medium or Fast. TRAINING: An adaption/familiarization course is included with the CD which accompanies each keyboard. OPTIONS: Track ball. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers or Apple Macintosh computers with a USB or PS/2 port. DIMENSIONS (LxWxH): 17 x 8.5 x 3.8 inches. WEIGHT: 2 pounds. COLOR: Available in grey and black. WARRANTY: 1-year warranty.

7. MALTRON HEAD / MOUTH STICK KEYBOARD

   The Maltron Head / Mouth Stick Keyboard is a 105-key modified keyboard designed specifically for use with a mouth stick or headwand. This Plug-n-Play keyboard has a concave front and a Frequency of Use letter layout with frequently used characters in the central area to reduce head movement for individuals who use a mouth stick or are single finger typists. The unit may be mounted on an articulated arm or positioned flat for single finger operation. The alphabetic keys are positioned in the middle of the keyboard; function keys are in a single row at the top of the keypad; number keys are split into two groups on either side of the bottom portion of the keypad. Push-On Push-Off keys are provided for Shift, Control and Alt. Maltron keyboards also have the ability to turn off key repeating if it is not required or to alter the repeat rate setting to Slow, Medium or Fast. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers or Apple Macintosh computers with a USB or PS/2 port. DIMENSIONS (LxWxH): 12 x 8 x 4 inches. WEIGHT: 2 pounds. COLOR: Available in grey and black. WARRANTY: 1-year warranty.

8. MALTRON SINGLE LEFT AND RIGHT HANDED KEYBOARD

   The Maltron Single Left and Right Handed Keyboards are modified keyboards specifically designed for one-handed operation. These Plug-n-Play keyboards have a sculptured shape to provide key heights suited to finger lengths to reduce fatigue and increase speed and accuracy. The letter layout has been developed to meet the special needs of single-handed operation and incorporates push-on/off keys for Control, Shift, and Alt functions. The alphabet, numeric, and arrow keys are all included in the depression of the keyboard. There is also a separate numeric keypad on a flat plane. The function keys are arranged in a single row across the top of the keyboard. Maltron keyboards also have the ability to turn off key repeating if it is not required or to alter the repeat rate setting to Slow, Medium or Fast. Available languages include British English, American English, Spanish, and most European languages. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers or Apple Macintosh computers with a USB or PS/2 port. DIMENSIONS (LxWxH): 12 x 9 x 4.5 inches. WEIGHT: 2 pounds. COLOR: Available in grey or black. WARRANTY: 1-year warranty.

9. MOUNT 'N MOVER

   The Mount 'n Mover is a wheelchair mounting kit for communicators, tablet or laptop computers, or a camera mount for wheelchair designed for use by individuals who use wheelchairs. The device can also be used to mount trays, easels, reading stands, remote controls and more. Available in single- or dual-arm horizontal models, the device is equipped with a quick-release mounting plate offering 0 to 90 degrees of tilt, a paddle to unlock the wrist joint to rotate the attached tray or device, and a loop to unlock both the elbow and shoulder joints to move between operating positions. There are 12 memory lock settings per joint, for over 1,700 possible lock positions. Both the loop and the paddle are designed for one-handed use. The dual-arm unit has two movable arms with locking joints for more flexible positioning and is usable with limited reach. The single-arm model has a lower profile and simpler movement but requires more reach on the part of the user. These height-adjustable units attach to most wheelchairs or workstations with additional hardware. The only tablet computer for which a Mount'n Mover tray is currently available is the Apple iPad. OPTIONS: Variety of mounting hardware, floor stand for using the Mount'n Mover independent of a wheelchair, locking tilt module, trays for mounting specific devices, quick-release plate for specific devices, and special orders.

10. SOFTSTEP KEYWORX

    SoftStep KeyWorx is a foot operated mouse and keyboard system designed to allow computer access for individuals with upper extremity disabilities or carpal tunnel syndrome, or to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury. This is a hardware and software bundle that translates up/down and left/right foot movements into control values, enabling the user to control the cursor, enter text, select programs, bring a browser window forward, scroll through folders and open documents, send out keystrokes and mouse clicks, zoom in and out, control volume, and output complex key commands from simple foot movements. The SoftStep hardware controller lays on the floor and has 10 pressure sensitive keys with dual-color LED. The controller also has a 4-character LED display and elastomeric skin with carbon fiber backing. POWER: The controller uses USB connection to a Mac or PC. DIMENSIONS: Controller is 1 inch high at highest point. WEIGHT: Controller is 1.3 pounds. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM PC and Apple Macintosh computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP or Windows 7 with 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM and 50 megabytes (MB) of hard disk space; or Mac OS 10.5 or later withIntel Core 2 Duo 2.3 gigahertz (GHz) or greater processor with 90 MB of hard disk space.

11. USB MINI KEYBOARD (MODEL 24600)

    The USB Mini Keyboard, model 24600, is a compact keyboard designed for use by individuals with limited dexterity or reach. This small-sized alternative keyboard plugs directly into the computer's USB port. The unit has closely-spaced keys in a standard English QWERTY keyboard arrangement. The membrane surface is very sensitive. This keyboard allows the user to control both keyboard and mouse functions. All mouse directions, right and left click, double click, and drag functions are performed by pressing directly on keyboard keys while in Mouse Mode. The force required to activate keys is 3.5 ounces. OPTIONS: English Frequency of Use keyboard arrangement with the most frequently used letters in English placed toward the center of the keyboard; French AZERTY; German QWERTY; Swedish Finnish QWERTY; Danish Norwegian QWERTY; Italian QWERTY. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible personal computers (PC) or Macintosh computers. SYSTEM REQUIRMENTS: Both versions require a USB port or hub. PCs require Windows 98 or higher operating system with accesibility features loaded.Macs require OSX 10.1 or higher operating system with universal access loaded. DIMENSIONS (HxDxW): Keyboard is 0.1 x 4.2 x 7.25 inches. Keypad is 3.3 x 6 inches. Keys are 0.44 x 0.44 inches. WEIGHT: 1 pound.

12. VOICE SENSE

    Voice Sense is a braille notetaker and personal digital assistant designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This unit has a Perkins-style keyboard for inputting information and synthesized speech for outputting information. It has a high speed processor with 1 gigabyte of memory, a USB OTG port, and SD and CF slots. Functions include notetaking, address and schedule manager, e-mail, voice recording, a Daisy talking book player, an MP3 player, an FM radio receiver, and wireless networking (LAN and Bluetooth). POWER: Uses rechargeable lithium polymer battery. DIMENSIONS (HxDxW): 0.98 x 3.6 x 7.4 inches. WEIGHT: 0.58 pounds.

13. WRITING WITH SYMBOLS - SPANISH

    Writing with Symbols - Spanish is a picture-based voice output word processing program designed for use by children with cognitive or learning disabilities. This Spanish-language program is a version of Writing with Symbols 2000 (see entry). It enables individuals who do not recognize text to write with pictures. Picture symbols appear with each word as it is typed. The program also allows teachers and parents to make picture-based instructional materials, and includes a pictorial spell checker. The program includes over 3,800 Picture Communication Symbols, each in black and white and color, over 4,000 black and white Rebus symbols, with multiple symbols to choose from for many words. The user can import additional photos and graphics. Text and symbol sizes and background colors are adjustable, and symbols can appear above or below the text. The program supports scanning with one or two switches. Files created with the program can be saved as HTML documents. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 98 to XP operating system; Pentium II processor; 64 megabytes (MB) total system RAM; 250 MB program disk space; sound card; and CD drive.

14. ZONCOARM SUPPORT

    The ZoncoArm Support is an arm support designed for use by individuals with limited upper extremity strength or range of motion. This support can be clamped to a table or a wheelchair using the integral clamp with rubber-lined jaws to prevent surface scratches. The unit supports the full forearm and wrist and the cotton cover is washable and replaceable. Strapping slots are provided to secure the wrists if necessary. Height and resistance in each joint are adjustable. SIZES: Available in adult and child size. DIMENSIONS: The adult size is 15 inches long. The child size is 10 inches long. COLOR: Black.

See Technology for Education, Inc. products that are no longer available.