WTC's VersaBraille emulation feature is designed to provide a command-based telecommunications system that behaves exactly like using a VersaBraille machine with a Dacom modem, a now obsolete system originally used by deafblind people to access the telephone. The VB emulator provides a closed communications environment where the user can make and answer telephone calls, but cannot access other features of WTC. Access to other Windows programs and menus is also blocked, making the operation an exact simulation of the VersaBraille telecommunications system in which the user is talking directly to the modem in its command mode as well as online, initiating dialling and answering of 'phonecalls with typed instructions. This is the primary objective of VB emulation, a simple and safe textphone that is focused upon the use of a Braille display, free of the bells and whistles and intricacies of Windows. The environment is configurable, however, it can be set up as required with restrictions relaxed or removed altogether to match users' particular needs.

The Dacom modems that were used with the VersaBraille were controlled differently from a standard modem used in similar circumstances. They supported

commands for compatibility with the most common modem operating system, but had extra firmware added to provide a simpler operating system for deafblind people employing them with the VersaBraille for the very specific purpose of being able to use the telephone, and later, a simple electronic mail system. In VB emulation mode, WTC activates its command interpreter, which enables complete simulation of those special Dacom features. WTC does not yet provide access to e-mail using VB mode, but this capability is under consideration along with wider access to information with the VB emulator.

The following sections describe the setup and operation of the VB emulator.

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Introduction