Arthur C. Clarke is famous for saying that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. That is precisely how I feel whenever I spend time at one of the many assistive technology conferences held throughout the year. I always come away with a feeling that it won’t be long before any type of disability is indistinguishable from ability. Assistive technologies have become so useful, so impressive, so…magical, I just cannot wait to see what’s next.
At this year’s 50th anniversary of the American Council of the Blind conference and exhibition, I was a first-time exhibitor. Busy selling my Elegant Insights Braille Creations jewelry and accessories, I did not have as much time as I had hoped to wander the exhibit hall. When I did manage a quick walk-through, though, I was duly intrigued and impressed by the booths I did visit. Here is a wrap up of just a few of the great tools that I think are worth a closer look.
The new ClearReader+ from Optelec just about made me cry. Even after reading through the web site, posting the press release and tweeting with Optelec, I was amazed when I saw it in action. The ClearReader+ is really a complete tool for both people who have some vision, and those who don’t. it can be used as a full-featured CCTV, as well as a full-featured OCR scanner. Brilliant.
My shopping list also includes a couple of super cool products from A T Guys. A T Guys offers affordable technology products to enhance the lives of the blind and visually impaired. Their product line includes accessible cell phone software, bar code scanners, iPhone screen protectors, the iBill money identifier, and accessible games. A T Guys also features products from some of the leading technology manufacturers including GW Micro, Duxbury Systems, Hims, the Sendero Group, and KNFB Reading Technology.
I was crazy about the iBill money identifier. It is very small, ladies, you will not object to carrying this in your purse. It was just a bit thicker than my Olympus DS-50, and it was as accurate as it was easy to use. The best news, though, is the price. It’s only $99! I’m sold.
Also on the must-have list is the bar code scanner. Again, it is small and connects via USB cable to a laptop. The bar code reader works with Windows, Mac, and Linux-based computers as well as the BrailleNote, Pac Mate, BrailleSense, and Icon/BraillePlus. The software is free, and there is no cost for a database update. This is cool: The scanner is omnidirectional, making it simple for anyone, especially users who are blind, to easily find an item’s bar code. Again, i was particularly impressed by the price. It’s only $299, a fraction of what others cost.
Here’s how to get yours:
A T Guys
(269) 216-4798
www.atguys.com
Email: support@atguys.com
Skype: atguys
Twitter: atguys
Stay tuned this week for part 2 of my ACB11 wrap-up.
LL
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