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Category: Cool Tools

ZoomText release 10 countdown is on, preorder now!

Published November 15, 2011 by L. Legendary

For users of AI Squared’s magnification and screen reader software, ZoomText, version 10 has been a long time in coming.  Now the "feature leaks" have begun, suggesting an imminent release.

   

So, if you don’t already have your pre-order in, here are a few links that will wet your appetite for what’s in store for ZoomText release 10.

First, here’s a how-to You tube video on the use of a new feature, called ZoomText camera:

 

Introducing ZoomText Camera

 

Here is a "feature leak" blog post with pricing for the various upgrades and product bundles:

www.aisquared.com/blog/2011/11/zoomtext-10-first-feature-leak/

 

Want to get your preorder in?  It’s easy by phone.  Call 800-859-0270 or 802-362-3612, and select option #2.  I’ll keep posting tidbits as they become available, stay tuned.

 

LL

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NFB Nevada conference to feature blind driver simulation

Published October 6, 2011 by L. Legendary

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times, "I may be blind, but I can do anything.  Except drive…legally."  Well, now you can…sort of.  The National Federation of the Blind has put the first blind driver behind the wheel, and raced him around the Daytona track.

 

Press release, blind driver.

 

Want to get a taste of this experience?  The NFB Nevada is holding their annual state conference this year in Las Vegas, at the Golden Nugget hotel downtown.  The conference will be held November 4-6, 2011, and will feature a driving simulator that anyone can try.  Have a friend or loved one in Nevada who might enjoy the ride?  They can come to the exhibit hall, visit the booths and play on the simulator.  To join NFB, the cost is only $10, but if you just want to check out the exhibits, get an education about tools and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired, buy some cool stuff and have fun, you can register for the day for  just $20.  Want to take in the entire weekend?  The event begins with a Friday night social hour with food, drink and networking.  Cost for the weekend’s events is just $60.  The NFB considers itself to be the "voice of the nation’s blind," and they offer everything from education and fellowship to activism and advocacy.

 

Here’s the link to the conference info:

 

NFB Nevada conference agenda

My favorite booth?  Why, Elegant Insights, of course!  Come see the beautiful Elegant Insights Braille Creations jewelry and accessories, and start your holiday shopping.  For a preview, visit our web site or find us on Facebook.  Or, you can follow us on Twitter @ElegantInsights for updates. 

 

LL

 

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Tips, tools and a reason to care about web accessibility

Published September 30, 2011 by L. Legendary

It isn’t often that a major online tech and social media outlet such as mashable takes on the topic of usability and accessibility, so I want to make sure that their article on the subject gets as much attention as possible.  In an unscientific comparison of how many responses a typical Mashable article receives when posting about the iPad or Google Plus versus the number of comments posted on this topic, I’d say either few care or most are clueless.

 

Granted, it’s not the most exciting subject in the world, but I’m just so worked up into a fizz that Mashable put it out there, I’m going to ride their coattails and augment their efforts somewhat.

 

Here are three posts on the topic of web site accessibility that I wholeheartedly recommend.  First, the reason it’s important by yours truly:

Why You Should Care about Web Site Accessibility

 

Next, some tips that will guide you through the process.  This article was written by Dennis Lembree, creator of Easy Chirp: :

25 Ways to Make Your Site More Accessible

 

Finally, since you will need the tools to accomplish the task, here’s the Mashable piece:

22 Essential tools for Usability

Please take the time to consider how you can develop your projects in a way that is inclusive and accessible to everyone.  I hope these three offerings convince you.

 

LL

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ACB 2011 wrap-up featuring LevelStar orion and Braille t-shirts, part 3

Published July 22, 2011 by L. Legendary

This final installment of the ACB wrap-up focuses on two exhibitors at opposite ends of the access spectrum.  One high tech, one no tech.  What do they have in common?  Both make ingenious use of Braille.

 

If you don’t already have an Apple iPad, it is likely you want one.  If you don’t want one, you likely have one of the competing tablet PC’s.  If not, then you either prefer hieroglyphics or, like me, there are about ten thousand things you need to spend the money on first.

One reason, though, you may have skipped the tablet craze might have more to do with accessibility and the desire to have one gadget do many things, instead of carrying several hand-held devices that serve a variety of purposes.  I found myself intrigued by the LevelStar Orion.

 

Here’s the scoop, right from the literature, about Orion 18:

Packed with the most advanced features ever integrated into a Braille notetaker, like cellular phone and 3G communications, full  GPS navigation, and a camera with text recognition, the sleek Orion 18 Braille tablet by LevelStar is compact enough to fit in a  purse or coat pocket. Orion combines its quiet and stunningly ergonomic Braille keyboard with an 18-cell Braille display and  router keys, talks with human-like Ivona Speech, and is The World’s first notetaker for the blind powered by Android, the fastest  growing mobile environment in the World.

 

There seems to be a dichotomy in the access community about whether or not mainstream gadgets should be made accessible, or whether devices specialized for people with disabilities are preferable.  I can understand both points of view.  The benefit of having a specialized gadget is that presumably, the manufacturers "get it," hopefully innovating with a complete understanding of the needs of the population they serve.

 

On the other hand, specialized gadgets can be prohibitively expensive, and if mainstream options can be made accessible, then the price usually goes down in proportion to the size of the market.  Simple supply and demand.

 

On Monday, July the 25th, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, Tek Talk will feature the LevelStar Orion 18 Braille tablet during a one hour- long program. Following a product presentation and demonstration by Marc Mulcahy, Marc and Guido will answer your questions live.

 

How to participate:
Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time; link to The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

Alternatively, Select The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at: www.accessibleworld.org
Enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen.

Want more info?  Tek Talk is a feature of Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization. For  more information about Accessible World and Tek talk, please Contact:
Robert Acosta, Chair
Accessible World
818-998-0044

 

Among the exhibitors at most trade shows, you’ll often find the requisite selection of souvenirs, whether in the form of customized promotional swag, gift shop fare, or T shirts.  At the ACB 2011 event, however, you would have found Braille T Shirts by Alice Lynch.

 

Alice is an artist who creates her Braille T Shirts using metal dots or sparkly crystals, all set by hand.  In training as a certified Braille transcriptionist, Alice sets the dots according to appropriate specs for proportion and spacing, making her shirts eminently readable, as well as fashionable.  You can find her here:
www.brailletshirts.com/ and follow her on Twitter here:  @brailletshirts.
 
Please share your own reviews of products or services exhibited at ACB 2011.  Anything blow you away not mentioned here?  Don’t forget to read my previous posts, parts 1 and 2 of the wrap-up.

LL

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ACB 2011 wrap-up featuring Piano Tuning School and STEPP, part 2

Published July 20, 2011 by L. Legendary

In part 2 of my ACB 2011 wrap-up, I’m sharing two intriguing means by which to get an edge on the competition, either vocationally or scholastically.

 

Looking for work?  It isn’t often that you find a direct employment opportunity at a trade show, but I was fascinated by the Piano Tuning School.  Listen, we are all aware that the US economy is pathetic right now, and I don’t need to remind anyone that the job market for people with disabilities is more competitive than ever, if for no other reason than people who have disabilities are competing with many more non-disabled and highly qualified individuals than ever.  The job market is brutal, disabled or not.  why not give yourself an edge with a skill you can learn now, use now, and also use as needed in the future?  What’s wonderful about this group is that they teach you everything you need to know about how to tune pianos, but the best news is, you don’t need to know how to  play the piano to do this work.  Did you know that changes in weather can cause a piano to become out of tune?  So can moving one from one place to another, and any number of other factors.  Piano tuners are needed!  Hey, I need one!  I just moved my piano to my new home, and now it sounds horrible.  Call this place, and get yourself a really useful skill.  Not sure how you would get to all those warbly, out of tune pianos?  No problem!  They’ll even hook you up with mobility training.  Love these guys.  Call them!

 

 School of Piano Technology

 

The training sessions are split into two 10 month periods, preceded by hearing and aptitude testing.  You can live near the school, which is located in Vancouver, Washington.  On the web site, you’ll find all the info you need, and when I met the gentlemen at the ACB event, I realized that these are dedicated, passionate folks seeking to improve the lives and livelihoods of people who are blind or visually impaired.  It’s worth a closer look.

 

One of the innovative new ways for students to gain equal access to educational materials is via the  STEPP program.  STEPP stands

for Student E-rent Pilot Project, which offers a unique new way for students to easily and affordably get textbooks.  Kevin Chao,

a program consumer, student advisor and program quality assurance specialist, shares his experiences.  Whether you are a student

or an educator, you may want to STEPP up to this new idea.
 
"I would like to share two fantastic resources for any college student
or instructor, which I think should be advocated for, encouraged, and
utilized by all.  Like most, I’ve used human readers, scanned books, used RFB&D, and
worked with disabled students services to get eTextBooks from
publisher. All these things served their purposes and time, and it’s
time to move on.”

 

Chao continues:  “In fall of 2010, I broke away from the status quo, which includes: not
using RFB&D, not scanning textbooks,  and not having to be so reliant
on disabled student services. Two companies have made this possible:
CourseSmart and AMAC.  This has allowed equal access, independence,
and a true forward studying experience.  It’s never been possible for
us as blind students, instructors, or even providers to use an
innovative eTextBook service.”

 

Here are some of the program highlights:

* CourseSmart for mainstream, accessible, and highly marked-up eTextBooks
* Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC) for affordable, high-quality,
and efficient braille and tactile graphics for textbooks, exams,
handouts, assignments, etc

 

www.CourseSmart.com is a mainstream accessible eTextBook rental
service, which all students can take advantage of. This includes
students with or without print-related disabilities (blind, low
vision, learning disabled).

 

CourseSmart
* Mainstream access to eTextBooks
* Affordable, timely, and true access
* in-book, chapter, or section searches.
*Very effectively and easily  navigate table of contents (chapters,
sections, etc)
* Jump to specific page
* Highly tagged/marked-up: headings 1-5 for structured navigation,
alttext for description of graphics, table for formatted
representation of data, and lists for nicely formatted bullet points.
* Accessibility@CourseSmart.com is extremely committed to problem-solving.
* Works with Windows (NVDA and JAWS); Mac OS X and iOS (VoiceOver);
Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.

www.amac.uga.edu Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC) will
work with institutions to provide braille, tactile graphics, and
remediated eText. AMAC has very high-quality and standards and will lift
stress off DSS, allowing DSS to focus on providing service, not
content.

 

Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC)
* DSS, institutions, organizations, and companies have no excuse not to
provide braille, tactile graphics, or other alternative media.

 

"The program is affordable, and offers excellent technical support."  Says Chao.  "This is the now and future of how students,

instructors, and all in post-secondary education will obtain, work with, and enjoy accessible
course material."

 

More info?  Here’s the STEPP site:

 

STEPP up to the future

 

Want   to ask Kevin some questions about the program?  Find him on Twitter:  @KevinChao89.   Another wrap-up post to follow.  Thanks for reading.

 

LL

 

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ACB11 wrap-up featuring Optelec, A T Guys, part 1

Published July 18, 2011 by L. Legendary

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.

 

Check out Optelec ClearReader info here.

 

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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AI Squared announces low vision friendly app, ZoomContacts

Published June 23, 2011 by L. Legendary

AI Squared has solved a problem for those who detest those microscopic fonts on their favorite hand-held device, the iPad and iPad 2.  Introducing ZoomContacts, a low vision friendly contact management app that increases usability by making text easier to read.
By increasing the text size, type of font or improving contrast by way of changing colors, users can now more easily perform their contact management tasks.  See the video here:

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rLp4UzwMbdA

Or, go to the AI Squared Zoomed In blog to read more.  The app is $4.99.   

www.aisquared.com/blog/2011/06/introducing-zoomcontacts-for-the-ipad/

Get it now at the iTunes Store:

itunes.apple.com/us/app/zoomcontacts/id442917350?mt=8&ls=1

I just called AI Squared and learned they will be at the American
Council of the Blind 50th anniversary conference in Reno, Nevada from July 8-16.  See them in booth 25.

 

LL

 

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Optelec ClearReader+ now shipping

Published June 14, 2011 by L. Legendary

If you have been looking for a replacement for your antiquated CCTV reading device, Optelec is now shipping their new product, the ClearReader+ advanced.  To characterize this gadget as a CCTV however, would be to fall short of accurate.  The Optelec ClearReader+ offers both magnification and text-to-speech functionality, with the portability demanded by our mobile lifestyle.

 

I’ve had a long history with Optelec, as they were the manufacturer of my very first CCTV back when electricity was first invented.  Okay, not quite that long ago, but back then, CCTV’s were absolutely enormous, as well as enormously heavy.  By comparison, the ClearReader+ is like using a spaceship for transport instead of the covered wagon I had been using.  My old CCTV was about the size of a covered wagon, anyway.

 

Here’s the scoop on features: :

The Optelec ClearReader+ Advanced is a bundle package of the Magnification Feature Pack and ClearReader+  for dual functionality  and multi-purpose. For existing ClearReader+ users, the Magnification Feature Pack is also easily integrated and can be purchased  separately.

Now, low vision and blind users can view and/or listen to scanned or saved newspapers, favorite books, letters or other documents  with quality, convenience, and simplicity in an attractive portable design.

By the simple press of the button to scan any document, the portable and battery-operated ClearReader+ begins reading text aloud  within seconds using high quality, fast OCR and text-to-speech recognition technology.
Low vision users can add the optional Magnification Feature Pack to the ClearReader+ for expanded product functionality, video  magnifier benefits, and document saving capabilities. Blind users can also operate with voice-only menu options.  
Simply connect the ClearReader+ to any VGA monitor, TV or video magnifier (such as the Optelec ClearView+), plug in the  Magnification Feature Pack, select the preferred high contrast color and text magnification, and rediscover a new concept in  reading!
*Special Note: Monitor and VGA cable sold separately.

 

Here are a few more details:
4 Pre-Selected Reading Voices (US English Jill, US English Tom, Mexican Spanish Paulina, Canadian French Julie)
24 Total Different Voices Available, in 12 Languages with 2 in Spanish and 3 in American English.
Photo and Text Mode (Column and Line view)
12 Selectable High Contrast Colors
Up to 16X Magnification of Original Document
3 Menu Options (Advanced, Basic, Voice Only)
2 Font Options (Arial and Verdana)
Save Photo, Text or Book Documents
Expandable Memory on SD Card or USB Drive
3 Saving Options (Save without voice label, Save with voice label, Save book)
2 Word Highlight Options (Block or Box). 
 
Want to see a demo?  This informative video shows off the cool capabilities of the ClearReader+:

 

Video demo on YouTube

 
Want one?  Get it here:
Visit Optelec online at Optelec.com:
 
www.optelec.com/en_US/new-clear-reader-advanced
 
Products are available NOW through Optelec’s Authorized Dealer Distribution Network.
Call Optelec at 800.826.4200 or email info@optelec.com with any questions, pricing, ordering information, and to connect with a  local representative near you.

Optelec’s Authorized Dealer Distribution Network is a group of authorized dealers throughout the U.S. who can offer you local  sales support, provide an in-home demonstration at no obligation, product training and ongoing on-site servicing and customer  care.

Want more?  You can find Optelec at the American Council of the Blind 50th anniversary conference exhibit hall at booth 43.  The ACB event will be held July 8-16, 2011 in Reno, Nevada.  Be sure to stop by and ask for a live demo.  When tweeting about Optelec or the conference, be sure to use hashtag #ACB11.  See you there!

LL

 

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Accessible Twitter changes name to Easy Chirp

Published May 29, 2011 by L. Legendary

Web App "Accessible Twitter" Changes Name to "Easy Chirp"
The web-accessible application empowers users with disabilities and low-end technology to access

Twitter, the popular social micro-blogging web service.

Cupertino, CA (June 1, 2011) – Accessible Twitter, the esteemed web application that empowers

users with disabilities and low-end technology to access Twitter, will now go by the name Easy

Chirp (www.easychirp.com).

The name change is due to several reasons, the foremost is that the Twitter rules of use for

third-party applications does not allow the word "Twitter" in the name of the application. Also,

the word "easy" is simpler to understand than "accessible", especially to those not in the

accessibility or disability communities. And, the new name is considerably shorter, especially

important with the 140-character limit in Twitter statuses, better known as tweets.

Mr. Dennis E. Lembree, owner of the web development company WebOverhauls.com, is the creator of

Easy Chirp, and is dedicated to expanding the accessibility of the web.

"Accessibility is finally becoming much more mainstream, as it needs to be. I think the name

change reflects this, and helps expose the web app to a wider base of users."
-Dennis Lembree of WebOverhauls

The website logo and design remain consistent after the name change. The old domain name

AccessibleTwitter.com will continue to be functional.

In addition to reading and posting tweets in Easy Chirp, features include direct messaging,

URL-shortening, running and saving searches, viewing popular links, and providing full support

for lists.

Mr. Jennison Asuncion works in the IT Accessibility space in Canada, and is himself a screen

reader user. He chooses Easy Chirp for his Twitter application. "I’m an active Twitter user who

prefers an accessible web-based client. Easy Chirp fits the bill perfectly!"

Easy Chirp/Accessible Twitter has been mentioned in numerous articles and books, and received

the American Foundation for the Blind 2011 Access Award.

For more about Easy Chirp, visit: www.easychirp.com.

#####

About Web Overhauls
Web Overhauls is a web development company specializing in web standards, usability, and

accessibility. Web Overhauls develops websites for small to medium-sized businesses with a focus

on improving existing websites for a better user experience. The company is a member of GAWDS

and Refresh Detroit. Mr. Dennis E. Lembree, the President of Web Overhauls, is an established

expert in the field; he is an author and speaker, the creator of Easy Chirp, and the author of

Web Axe, a podcast and blog about web accessibility.

For more information, visit or email: weboverhauls [AT] gmail dot com.

About Easy Chirp
Disabled users typically have significant problems accessing many websites and web services,

including Twitter. Easy Chirp greatly helps the issue through many development techniques

including: ensuring that all links are keyboard accessible; providing consistent navigation and

page structure; providing proper headings. Easy Chirp works with or without JavaScript and is

compatible with all major Internet browsers, including the outdated Internet Explorer 6. Easy

Chirp is used by those with and without disabilities.

For more information, visit www.easychirp.com or email: info [AT] easychirp dot com.

 

###

 

Thanks, Dennis, for a great product, no matter the name.  Readers, go to Easy Chirp and tweet about it to your followers!

 

LL

 

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EyeNote currency identifier app available for U.S. currency

Published May 19, 2011 by L. Legendary

Here is an announcement I received from the White House Disability Group.  If you have tried

this identifier, let us know how well it is working for you.

 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Launches EyeNote™App

to Help the Blind and Visually Impaired Denominate US Currency

 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has developed a free downloadable application (app)

to assist the blind and visually impaired denominate US currency.  The app is called EyeNote™. 

EyeNote™ is a mobile device app designed for Apple iPhone (3G, 3Gs, 4), and the 4th Generation

iPod Touch and iPad2 platforms, and is available through the Apple iTunes App Store.   

EyeNote™ uses image recognition technology to determine a note’s denomination.  The mobile

device’s camera requires 51 percent of a note’s scanned image, front or back, to process.  In a

matter of seconds, EyeNote™ can provide an audible or vibrating response, and can denominate all

Federal Reserve notes issued since 1996.  Free downloads will be available whenever new US

currency designs are introduced.  Research indicates that more than 100,000 blind and visually

impaired individuals could currently own an Apple iPhone.

 

The EyeNoteTM app is one of a variety of measures the government is working to deploy to assist

the visually impaired community to denominate currency, as proposed in a recent Federal Register

notice.  These measures include implementing a Currency Reader Program whereby a United States

resident, who is blind or visually impaired, may obtain a coupon that can be applied toward the

purchase of a device to denominate United States currency; continuing to add large high contrast

numerals and different background colors to redesigned currency; and, raised tactile features

may be added to redesigned currency, which would provide users with a means of identifying each

denomination via touch.

 

More information is available at www.eyenote.gov/ or through email at eyenote@bep.gov.

 

Also, at: www.bep.treas.gov/uscurrency/meaningfulaccess

 

LL

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