Hi, I am Patti Mitchell, and I welcome you to “Gadget Garage”. A place where evaluators, trainers, users and families can find info and support in the warp speed world of assistive technology.

For all of us humans ( Except for the very young who seem to know technology from the womb), there is a learning curve. None of us can learn everything all the time.

But what I find is that most of us interested in accessibility have a special something that they are good at, whether it is complex as script writing or a quick hack that makes someone’s life a little easier. Sometimes being good is gathering the right experts around you. You are my experts, whether student, family, teacher, or boss.

This is it, a place where all thoughts are accepted pertaining to solving a problem and making someone happy and independent as possible. Brainstorming is where all random thought on the matter to be focused on is not judged but noted. Sometimes that means letting go of pre conceived notions of things that worked before. Sometimes it means taking something of long ago or for some other purpose and creating something new.

Also here is where you can ask the questions on your mind, search the pages for info you need, or just find out about new “Gadgets” that have caught my eye. I will answer, someone else will answer and we will all post links to things we know.

Thank you for visiting, and please join our community as we begin to grow!

PS: I am also trying to be section 508 compliant so let me know if I miss something!

Helping people become competitive with their peers!

Making Materials Accessible

With everything becoming electronic, it is important to create media that is accessible to all. Gadget Girls and Guys, LLC, formerly PLB Productions has over 30 years’ experience in creating electronic materials and 15 years in evaluating, installing, training and troubleshooting assistive technology.

“Gadget Girl”

Expert knowledge in Windows and Macintosh!!

Patti Mitchell has her Masters in communication and is the owner and head geek. Seemingly connected to technology at the hip, Patti has an insatiable desire to use technology to ensure all are competitive with their peers. Whatever the need – whether it’s individual or in a group setting – Patti is ready to go!

Evaluations are focused on the individual need. The solution may not be high tech, but rather a low tech. We make all evaluations with cost in mind, and client expectations!

Training is focused on the individual needs. Whether its a program needed for work, school,  or home, we look at the way you learn and train accordingly!

Technology Your need may be simple and low tech. On the other hand, we have expert knowledge about both Windows and Apple platforms. Some of the software we have expertise in is:

• Screen readers like Jaws, Dolphin Guide, NVDA, and Voice Over

• Magnification programs such as Magic, ZoomText

• OCR Solutions including Pearl Camera and Open Book, Kurzweil 1000, Eye Pal, Sarah.

• Voice Recognition, Dragon Pro with plugins such as MagniTalk or J-Say. We know how to talk to Siri!
• Learning software such as Kurzweil 3000 and Read and Write Gold

• Other assistive gadgets you need to use more efficiently like your Victor Stream, IPad, and IPhone. ID Mate, CCTV etc.

• ALSO Train on Microsoft and Macintosh programs. Such as Office, Final Cut Pro, etc.