Assistive technology used to be a big budget killer for many Disability Service offices, but today, it needn’t be such a burdensome service of the DSO. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of assistive technology components which are free.
If you need inspiration, take a look at the example being put in place at
Ohio State University.
Funded by a Department of Education grant, the DSO at Ohio State is providing students with USB thumb drives, which load a self voicing menu upon insertion in a computer. The student can then select which assistive technologies they want to use. The thumb drive also maintains all of the student’s settings and configurations, furthering simplicity of use.
Aside from just describing the tools that are being employed, the article has links for each of the free assistive technologies being used.
This assistive technology news is courtesy of
EDUCAUSE Connect.
EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology.
Membership is open to institutions of higher education, corporations serving the higher education information technology market, and other related associations and organizations.
Resources include:
• professional development activities
• applied research
• strategic policy advocacy
• teaching and learning initiatives
• online information services
• print and electronic publications, including books, monographs, and the magazines EDUCAUSE Quarterly and EDUCAUSE Review
• special interest collaborative communities
• awards for leadership and exemplary practices
The current membership comprises more than 2,200 colleges, universities, and educational organizations, including 250 corporations, with more than 17,000 active members.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Computer and web accessibility: All About Attitude
I once envisioned having my Chevy Silverado tricked out with a custom fade paint job and lots of sporty features from wide tires and rims to wood-trimmed interior with smoked glass. This truck was also going to feature an appropriate phrase emblazoned across the tailgate. The rear graphic would have a large, capital letter “A” and have three words running off it which read, “All About Attitude.”
Aside from being just a splashy paint job reflecting my thoughts on my ride, that phrase can also be applied to the area of computer and web accessibility. If a developer begins with the attitude that something cannot be done, such as making an application accessible to assistive technology, then how hard will he/she really try to make that take place?
On the flip side, though, if developers approach their work with the attitude that accessibility can be achieved, then isn’t that going to be more likely to work towards more positive solutions for everybody?
It is not being a pollyanna, but approaching one’s work with a positive attitude towards accessibility which leads one to conclude that the developer is willing to take that extra time to seek solutions and not throw in the towel at the first sign of resistance. If one believes that something can be achieved, then it seems logical that they will work diligently to reach that goal.
Of course, I’m not on a soapbox without cause. I just read an interesting post on the BarrierBreak blog regarding
making Flash accessible.
This post emphasized the importance of that same attitude in realizing the achievements of this consulting firm.
From the blog post:
“I’ve just come back from CSUN, 2008 and again had the same thoughts through most of my meetings. Mos people didnt even think that flash could be made accessible.”
“I was sitting there and wondering why is this the case? Accessible Flash is surely a possibility and actually is not as painful as most people think it to be. I think largely the problem is not knowin what is possible and then not knowing how to implement it.”
The author of that post, Shilpi Kedia, then goes on to offer a link to illustrate some examples of accessibility that BarrierBreak has achieved.
So, if they can make Flash accessible, why can’t others?
I find it interesting, and a bit discouraging, that the author was at CSUN, the showcase for accessibility solutions and that she found that negative attitude to be so pervasive. Instead of saying, “We can’t make it accessible,” developers can learn a lot from that one simple, but very noticeable point in the BarrierBreak blog post: Accessibility is all about attitude.
Aside from being just a splashy paint job reflecting my thoughts on my ride, that phrase can also be applied to the area of computer and web accessibility. If a developer begins with the attitude that something cannot be done, such as making an application accessible to assistive technology, then how hard will he/she really try to make that take place?
On the flip side, though, if developers approach their work with the attitude that accessibility can be achieved, then isn’t that going to be more likely to work towards more positive solutions for everybody?
It is not being a pollyanna, but approaching one’s work with a positive attitude towards accessibility which leads one to conclude that the developer is willing to take that extra time to seek solutions and not throw in the towel at the first sign of resistance. If one believes that something can be achieved, then it seems logical that they will work diligently to reach that goal.
Of course, I’m not on a soapbox without cause. I just read an interesting post on the BarrierBreak blog regarding
making Flash accessible.
This post emphasized the importance of that same attitude in realizing the achievements of this consulting firm.
From the blog post:
“I’ve just come back from CSUN, 2008 and again had the same thoughts through most of my meetings. Mos people didnt even think that flash could be made accessible.”
“I was sitting there and wondering why is this the case? Accessible Flash is surely a possibility and actually is not as painful as most people think it to be. I think largely the problem is not knowin what is possible and then not knowing how to implement it.”
The author of that post, Shilpi Kedia, then goes on to offer a link to illustrate some examples of accessibility that BarrierBreak has achieved.
So, if they can make Flash accessible, why can’t others?
I find it interesting, and a bit discouraging, that the author was at CSUN, the showcase for accessibility solutions and that she found that negative attitude to be so pervasive. Instead of saying, “We can’t make it accessible,” developers can learn a lot from that one simple, but very noticeable point in the BarrierBreak blog post: Accessibility is all about attitude.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Disability viewed as an aspect of multiculturalism
There’s an interesting post about people with disabilities on a blog targeting multicultural marketing and advertising titled,
Is the disabled market the next multicultural opportunity?
The post begins by discussing basic aspects of web accessibility with regards to Section 508 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, then goes on to support that explanation with information that should make every marketer, pollster, and politician take notice. Those paying attention should include our candidates for the upcoming presidential election.
The pure logistics echo what most in the disabilities service field know:
“So how big is this market? According to the aforementioned Census report - 51.2 million people (18.1% of the population) had some level of disability and 32.5 million (11.5% of the population) had a severe disability - About 10.7 million people ages 6 and over needed personal assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)”
“- Among the population 15 and older, 2.7 million used a wheelchair. Another 9.1 million used an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches, or walker.”
“- Approximately 7.9 million people 15 and older had difficulty seeing words and letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million people who reported being unable to see .”
For anybody whose profession is in marketing and advertising, they should consider:
“The next question is whether this is a lucrative market for companies to consider. DiversityInc.com put out an article in 2002 that people with disabilities maintain an aggregate income that exceeds $1 trillion, with $220 billion in discretionary spending power. “
And, finally, the piece offers up a good perspective of the scope and strength of the population of people with disabilities—
“To put all of this data in perspective, the disabled market is larger than the 44 million+ Hispanic population that spends $575 billion (according to Synovate’s 2004 U.S. Hispanic Market Report).”
Given the attention that the presidential candidates, especially those from the Democratic party, have been paying to the population of Hispanic voters, that last paragraph should resonate very loudly for politicians, as well as voters with disabilities. This group of individuals have the power of a very sizable voting block. It is up to you to use that power.
If you are not registered to vote, do it. When any runoff elections take place, vote. And, finally, hit the polls in November and make your vote count.
After you are registered to vote, there is one more thing to consider. The strength of the larger population relies on acting as a group in a unified manner. Become active in disability rights organizations. Read up and understand the issues that are going to impact your life. Write to your senators and representatives to let them know which way you want them to represent you. If they don’t vote to support your interests, get active in supporting a candidate who will support what is important to you.
Is the disabled market the next multicultural opportunity?
The post begins by discussing basic aspects of web accessibility with regards to Section 508 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, then goes on to support that explanation with information that should make every marketer, pollster, and politician take notice. Those paying attention should include our candidates for the upcoming presidential election.
The pure logistics echo what most in the disabilities service field know:
“So how big is this market? According to the aforementioned Census report - 51.2 million people (18.1% of the population) had some level of disability and 32.5 million (11.5% of the population) had a severe disability - About 10.7 million people ages 6 and over needed personal assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)”
“- Among the population 15 and older, 2.7 million used a wheelchair. Another 9.1 million used an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches, or walker.”
“- Approximately 7.9 million people 15 and older had difficulty seeing words and letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million people who reported being unable to see .”
For anybody whose profession is in marketing and advertising, they should consider:
“The next question is whether this is a lucrative market for companies to consider. DiversityInc.com put out an article in 2002 that people with disabilities maintain an aggregate income that exceeds $1 trillion, with $220 billion in discretionary spending power. “
And, finally, the piece offers up a good perspective of the scope and strength of the population of people with disabilities—
“To put all of this data in perspective, the disabled market is larger than the 44 million+ Hispanic population that spends $575 billion (according to Synovate’s 2004 U.S. Hispanic Market Report).”
Given the attention that the presidential candidates, especially those from the Democratic party, have been paying to the population of Hispanic voters, that last paragraph should resonate very loudly for politicians, as well as voters with disabilities. This group of individuals have the power of a very sizable voting block. It is up to you to use that power.
If you are not registered to vote, do it. When any runoff elections take place, vote. And, finally, hit the polls in November and make your vote count.
After you are registered to vote, there is one more thing to consider. The strength of the larger population relies on acting as a group in a unified manner. Become active in disability rights organizations. Read up and understand the issues that are going to impact your life. Write to your senators and representatives to let them know which way you want them to represent you. If they don’t vote to support your interests, get active in supporting a candidate who will support what is important to you.
Friday, March 07, 2008
More information about Abilene Christian University and possible accessibility of iPhone/iPod Touch
This is an update to the post I originally wrote last week about
Abilene Christian University
(ACU) giving iPhone and iPod Touch players to incoming freshmen. Due to the new information I have to share, I’m writing this as a separate post.
Just to let you know, I still have not received a reply to the email I sent to Lynne Bruton, ACU’s media contact person, in which I inquired how the university planned to address the accessibility concerns for any freshman students who are unable to use the Apple products due to a physical disability.
Perhaps the reason I have not heard from her is that Ms. Bruton Does not consider a blog traditional media. One would believe that a university that is so quick to embrace technology such as the Apple devices would similarly acknowledge a blog as new media as well. Even if the university does not want to acknowledge this blog, one would at least expect that they would want to address a concern as legitimate as a question about the accessibility of the university’s implementation of a required technology .
After all, when the school has
developed nearly two dozen applications
for use on the iPhone and iPod Touch that will need to be used by both students and faculty alike, the device becomes an integral and mandatory part of participating in the university’s programs. It would seem obvious that accessibility for everybody would be an important concern. However, my query about the university’s plans to address these needs continues to go unanswered.
All is not lost, though. There was a big announcement on the Apple technology front which may be of interest to the administrators at ACU. Apple chief Steve Jobs held a press conference yesterday to announce the release of the beta of the
Apple Software Development Kit,
or SDK, which will allow third-party (a.k.a. non-Apple) software developers to create software applications that will run on the iPhone and iPod Touch. This means that somebody with a concern about accessibility might already be creating the applications that will allow access to the Apple devices for those who are physically unable to use the touchscreen.
The full version of the SDK won’t be released until June. This means that users won’t be able to access any of the programs developers have created until then. Let’s see…June is just two months before August, when fall classes traditionally begin. That timeline might work for ACU to get some accessibility modules in place for the Apple products. Then again, it also might not.
To further spur innovation in this area, Kleiner Perkins, a well-established venture capital firm in the Silicon Valley, has set up a
$100 million fund
to invest in new companies who are seeking to develop iPhone applications.
Are you listening, ACU?
Note: I sincerely promise that I am not on a quest to bash Abilene Christian University. I had sought input from the university to offer their plan on addressing accessibility concerns with the Apple products. I am just asking for a reply. Anybody in authority at ACU may feel free to
contact me.
Abilene Christian University
(ACU) giving iPhone and iPod Touch players to incoming freshmen. Due to the new information I have to share, I’m writing this as a separate post.
Just to let you know, I still have not received a reply to the email I sent to Lynne Bruton, ACU’s media contact person, in which I inquired how the university planned to address the accessibility concerns for any freshman students who are unable to use the Apple products due to a physical disability.
Perhaps the reason I have not heard from her is that Ms. Bruton Does not consider a blog traditional media. One would believe that a university that is so quick to embrace technology such as the Apple devices would similarly acknowledge a blog as new media as well. Even if the university does not want to acknowledge this blog, one would at least expect that they would want to address a concern as legitimate as a question about the accessibility of the university’s implementation of a required technology .
After all, when the school has
developed nearly two dozen applications
for use on the iPhone and iPod Touch that will need to be used by both students and faculty alike, the device becomes an integral and mandatory part of participating in the university’s programs. It would seem obvious that accessibility for everybody would be an important concern. However, my query about the university’s plans to address these needs continues to go unanswered.
All is not lost, though. There was a big announcement on the Apple technology front which may be of interest to the administrators at ACU. Apple chief Steve Jobs held a press conference yesterday to announce the release of the beta of the
Apple Software Development Kit,
or SDK, which will allow third-party (a.k.a. non-Apple) software developers to create software applications that will run on the iPhone and iPod Touch. This means that somebody with a concern about accessibility might already be creating the applications that will allow access to the Apple devices for those who are physically unable to use the touchscreen.
The full version of the SDK won’t be released until June. This means that users won’t be able to access any of the programs developers have created until then. Let’s see…June is just two months before August, when fall classes traditionally begin. That timeline might work for ACU to get some accessibility modules in place for the Apple products. Then again, it also might not.
To further spur innovation in this area, Kleiner Perkins, a well-established venture capital firm in the Silicon Valley, has set up a
$100 million fund
to invest in new companies who are seeking to develop iPhone applications.
Are you listening, ACU?
Note: I sincerely promise that I am not on a quest to bash Abilene Christian University. I had sought input from the university to offer their plan on addressing accessibility concerns with the Apple products. I am just asking for a reply. Anybody in authority at ACU may feel free to
contact me.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Adventures in Education offers useful student resource
I firmly believe that we are only as strong as our resources. This is true for all of us, but particularly so for students, both with and without disabilities, who are preparing to head to college.
With this thought in mind, I offer a powerhouse resource in the
Adventures in Education
Web site.
The bilingual site offers a litany of information for students, ranging from middle school up through college level, and their parents. There are also links for education professionals.
From the web site:
“From college planning advice to financial aid information to career guidance, AIE has the reliable information students and parents need to make the right decisions for the future. Get FAFSA help and financial aid assistance, learn about college admissions, and search scholarships for free.”
Features of the site include links for calculators, financial aid calendars, and even a text-only version of the page.
One of the common elements of the site is FAFSA. There are links for finding FAFSA related answers, and even one titled, “FAFSA made easy.”
It probably won’t surprise anybody to find out that the site is sponsored by
TG Online,
A service of Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. While it might explain the drive behind the site, it nonetheless provides a good resource for students preparing to head off to college.
(Thanks to Michael McCarty at
Fred’s Head Companion
For this informative lead.)
With this thought in mind, I offer a powerhouse resource in the
Adventures in Education
Web site.
The bilingual site offers a litany of information for students, ranging from middle school up through college level, and their parents. There are also links for education professionals.
From the web site:
“From college planning advice to financial aid information to career guidance, AIE has the reliable information students and parents need to make the right decisions for the future. Get FAFSA help and financial aid assistance, learn about college admissions, and search scholarships for free.”
Features of the site include links for calculators, financial aid calendars, and even a text-only version of the page.
One of the common elements of the site is FAFSA. There are links for finding FAFSA related answers, and even one titled, “FAFSA made easy.”
It probably won’t surprise anybody to find out that the site is sponsored by
TG Online,
A service of Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. While it might explain the drive behind the site, it nonetheless provides a good resource for students preparing to head off to college.
(Thanks to Michael McCarty at
Fred’s Head Companion
For this informative lead.)
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Assistive technology review: Victor Reader Stream
I wrote here last Friday that I was going to spend some time taking my new
Victor Reader Stream
For a test drive. I’m here today to share my initial thoughts on this powerful, yet very affordable, piece of assistive technology.
What the Stream does
The Stream is a portable, rechargeable media player designed for the blind that is about the size of a deck of cards. It plays a few forms of audio files, most notably MP3, wav, and OGG Vorbis. It has a screen reader that will read the folder and file information, as well as .html and .txt formats. (The .html files will be able to be read using the associated formatting attributes.) It plays DAISY and NISO books. Additionally, in the U.S., it plays books from Bookshare and the NLS. Finally, it is also a mono voice recorder.
The unit will play approximately 15 hours on a charge, according to the manufacturer. It will take about four hours to recharge. While it is recharging, the user can use the unit.
The files can be listened to through the built-in speaker or ear buds, also shipped with the unit. My own experience finds the small speaker has sufficient sound quality for my own liking, despite the volume limitations. The Stream can also play through external speakers via the earphone jack. The unit allows separate volume levels for ear buds and internal speaker and remembers the settings.
As stated, the voice recorder is set to record in mono, not stereo, and has a decent built-in microphone. . An external microphone can also be used if preferred.
Files play on the device from a Secure Digital (SD) card. It is also shipped with a plug that will allow a USB drive to be used. However, the USB drive will be “read only” and, if using the voice recorder, these cannot be save on the USB drive; they must be saved on an SD card.
The Stream will read documents and allow the user to move by many increments, such as headings. However, I think that one of the most usable features of the product is that it has the ability to go to a specific page in a book. Just as sighted students do in class, students who are blind can enter the specific page number that their teacher/professor is discussing.
What the Stream does not do
The device will not play files in Windows Media (.wma) format. If a user rips CDs to the computer using Windows Media Player, it puts the audio files in this .wma format. To listen to these files on the Stream, the user will need to convert them to one of the audio formats the unit supports.
The Stream ships with a USB cable so that it can be connected to a pc. File transfers can be performed using this setup, but the manufacturer instructs users that using an SD card reader will be quicker. When connected to the pc, the user cannot operate the Stream.
It will not read documents with .doc and .rtf file extensions. The solution for reading these files on the Stream is simple; save the file in either .html or .txt and it can then be read by the Stream.
My Thoughts
I am very impressed by the Stream. The learning curve is only slight. Once familiarized with the button configuration, it was just a matter of playing with the device for a little bit before I felt totally comfortable using it.
So far, all I have done on the unit is read over some of the built-in tutorial and listen to music on it. There is so much more to come for me and this nifty, electronic box. I will be doing more with it in coming days, such as reading documents and books, and will write more about those impressions as they occur.
One of the Stream’s most appealing features is its price, only $329 from the manufacturer,
Humanware,
Which also adds on a shipping fee of $20 and sends the product 2-day delivery.
However, the savvy web shopper can find it for less, from vendors such as
Adaptive Information Systems Incorporated,
which sells the device for $299 and sweetens that discounted price by offering free shipping.
Any user of assistive technology will recognize that, whether purchasing from the manufacturer or a vendor, the price is low and affordable to people on fixed incomes. The product for that money appears to be a durable and lasting piece of accessible technology. It gives people who are blind the ability to take documents or book to meetings, just as their sighted counterparts. With the device’s ability to navigate through these, the Stream user can be on an even playing field with their peers.
The price is also friendly to the tight budgets in place at most disability support service offices. The product you get for that investment is a very user-friendly piece of assistive technology that will allow your students to have accessible textbooks at their fingertips.
The Victor Reader Stream is one of the most talked about pieces of assistive technology hardware that has come out in a long while. Add the affordability to the quality design, and you have an appealing product that can be used by many blind people. For a taste of the buzz in the blind community about the Stream, you might want to look at the recent
Ranger Station poll
About the product.
Finally, if interested in reading more information about the product, check out the official
Victor Reader Stream FAQ page.
Victor Reader Stream
For a test drive. I’m here today to share my initial thoughts on this powerful, yet very affordable, piece of assistive technology.
What the Stream does
The Stream is a portable, rechargeable media player designed for the blind that is about the size of a deck of cards. It plays a few forms of audio files, most notably MP3, wav, and OGG Vorbis. It has a screen reader that will read the folder and file information, as well as .html and .txt formats. (The .html files will be able to be read using the associated formatting attributes.) It plays DAISY and NISO books. Additionally, in the U.S., it plays books from Bookshare and the NLS. Finally, it is also a mono voice recorder.
The unit will play approximately 15 hours on a charge, according to the manufacturer. It will take about four hours to recharge. While it is recharging, the user can use the unit.
The files can be listened to through the built-in speaker or ear buds, also shipped with the unit. My own experience finds the small speaker has sufficient sound quality for my own liking, despite the volume limitations. The Stream can also play through external speakers via the earphone jack. The unit allows separate volume levels for ear buds and internal speaker and remembers the settings.
As stated, the voice recorder is set to record in mono, not stereo, and has a decent built-in microphone. . An external microphone can also be used if preferred.
Files play on the device from a Secure Digital (SD) card. It is also shipped with a plug that will allow a USB drive to be used. However, the USB drive will be “read only” and, if using the voice recorder, these cannot be save on the USB drive; they must be saved on an SD card.
The Stream will read documents and allow the user to move by many increments, such as headings. However, I think that one of the most usable features of the product is that it has the ability to go to a specific page in a book. Just as sighted students do in class, students who are blind can enter the specific page number that their teacher/professor is discussing.
What the Stream does not do
The device will not play files in Windows Media (.wma) format. If a user rips CDs to the computer using Windows Media Player, it puts the audio files in this .wma format. To listen to these files on the Stream, the user will need to convert them to one of the audio formats the unit supports.
The Stream ships with a USB cable so that it can be connected to a pc. File transfers can be performed using this setup, but the manufacturer instructs users that using an SD card reader will be quicker. When connected to the pc, the user cannot operate the Stream.
It will not read documents with .doc and .rtf file extensions. The solution for reading these files on the Stream is simple; save the file in either .html or .txt and it can then be read by the Stream.
My Thoughts
I am very impressed by the Stream. The learning curve is only slight. Once familiarized with the button configuration, it was just a matter of playing with the device for a little bit before I felt totally comfortable using it.
So far, all I have done on the unit is read over some of the built-in tutorial and listen to music on it. There is so much more to come for me and this nifty, electronic box. I will be doing more with it in coming days, such as reading documents and books, and will write more about those impressions as they occur.
One of the Stream’s most appealing features is its price, only $329 from the manufacturer,
Humanware,
Which also adds on a shipping fee of $20 and sends the product 2-day delivery.
However, the savvy web shopper can find it for less, from vendors such as
Adaptive Information Systems Incorporated,
which sells the device for $299 and sweetens that discounted price by offering free shipping.
Any user of assistive technology will recognize that, whether purchasing from the manufacturer or a vendor, the price is low and affordable to people on fixed incomes. The product for that money appears to be a durable and lasting piece of accessible technology. It gives people who are blind the ability to take documents or book to meetings, just as their sighted counterparts. With the device’s ability to navigate through these, the Stream user can be on an even playing field with their peers.
The price is also friendly to the tight budgets in place at most disability support service offices. The product you get for that investment is a very user-friendly piece of assistive technology that will allow your students to have accessible textbooks at their fingertips.
The Victor Reader Stream is one of the most talked about pieces of assistive technology hardware that has come out in a long while. Add the affordability to the quality design, and you have an appealing product that can be used by many blind people. For a taste of the buzz in the blind community about the Stream, you might want to look at the recent
Ranger Station poll
About the product.
Finally, if interested in reading more information about the product, check out the official
Victor Reader Stream FAQ page.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Jumping into the stream...Light blogging ahead; Campus makes facilities equally accessible
I anticipate light blogging for the next few days. I just received my new tech toy, a Victor Stream Reader, the digital media player manufactured by
Humanware.
The VRS playes a variety of media files, including mp3, wav, DAISY, and will even read documents. It also has a built-in voice recorder. The VRS has been wildly popular among the blind/VI community, leading one friend to recently call it the “iPod for blind people.”
There is a slight learning curve to the device, but I'm also going to load my SD card with some books and audio files to give the unit a good workout. I'll be off swimming in the stream for the next few days.
While I’m gone, here’s something to peruse on this fine leap day.
News about how a Tennessee
Campus made its facilities equally accessible.
Humanware.
The VRS playes a variety of media files, including mp3, wav, DAISY, and will even read documents. It also has a built-in voice recorder. The VRS has been wildly popular among the blind/VI community, leading one friend to recently call it the “iPod for blind people.”
There is a slight learning curve to the device, but I'm also going to load my SD card with some books and audio files to give the unit a good workout. I'll be off swimming in the stream for the next few days.
While I’m gone, here’s something to peruse on this fine leap day.
News about how a Tennessee
Campus made its facilities equally accessible.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Abilene Christian University gives away iPhones, but seems to have forgotten accessibility
If you haven’t heard, Abilene Christian University is
giving iPhones and Ipod Touch players to incoming freshmen.
I personally think its great when universities embrace technological advances and strive to understand the digital convergence taking place in the lives of their students.
However, maybe these people are acting a bit hasty. Do the great minds that comprise the ACU administration not realize that the
whizbang technology of the Apple touchscreen lacks accessibility?
What about incoming freshmen who are unable to access the information on their Apple device due to a motor impairment or blindness, precluding them from effectively using the touchscreen?
I wondered that myself and, in the interest of giving a fair presentation about this matter, contacted Lynne Bruton, the university’s
media contact person.
In my email, I informed her that accessible cell phones exist which can employ voice commands or screen readers that provide inclusion for all. At this time, I’ve not received a reply from Ms. Bruton; however, I will update this post when I do.
To the administration of ACU, I offer a phrase I coined a few years back: “If you’re not including somebody, then you’re excluding them.” These administrators are now aware that their decision, while grand and headline-garnering for offering up these cool Apple products, fall a bit short of offering a usable option for everybody.
For the record, I am not an Apple hater. What I am, though, is an advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
giving iPhones and Ipod Touch players to incoming freshmen.
I personally think its great when universities embrace technological advances and strive to understand the digital convergence taking place in the lives of their students.
However, maybe these people are acting a bit hasty. Do the great minds that comprise the ACU administration not realize that the
whizbang technology of the Apple touchscreen lacks accessibility?
What about incoming freshmen who are unable to access the information on their Apple device due to a motor impairment or blindness, precluding them from effectively using the touchscreen?
I wondered that myself and, in the interest of giving a fair presentation about this matter, contacted Lynne Bruton, the university’s
media contact person.
In my email, I informed her that accessible cell phones exist which can employ voice commands or screen readers that provide inclusion for all. At this time, I’ve not received a reply from Ms. Bruton; however, I will update this post when I do.
To the administration of ACU, I offer a phrase I coined a few years back: “If you’re not including somebody, then you’re excluding them.” These administrators are now aware that their decision, while grand and headline-garnering for offering up these cool Apple products, fall a bit short of offering a usable option for everybody.
For the record, I am not an Apple hater. What I am, though, is an advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
KNFB Reader Mobile also marketed as assistive technology for LD
Realizing the multi-faceted strengths of its product, the manufacturer of the
KNFB Reader Mobile
Is now also marketing the
handheld OCR device to people with learning disabilities.
The latest stage for the innovative assistive technology device is the Chicago Hilton, the host of the currently on-going annual conference of the
Learning Disabilities Association of America.
(Warning: this site had audio streaming when I loaded it. I don’t know if that is always the case, but be warned.)
Product information from the official KNFB press release:
“The pocket-sized device is the first of its kind, and enables users to take pictures of and then read most printed materials at the push of a button, using the high-resolution camera in the state-of-the-art Nokia N82 cell phone. Users can hear documents, signs, menus, receipts, even currency - most any printed text - read aloud in clear synthetic speech, at an adjustable speed.”
“KNFB Reading Technology is the brain child of Ray Kurzweil, a thirty-year innovator and pioneer in assistive technologies and the inventor of the world's first print-to-speech reading machine. The kReader uses a combination of unique intelligent image-processing software with text-to-speech and text-tracking features, which makes interpreting text much easier for individuals with learning disabilities. They can now enlarge, read, track, and highlight text using the phone's large, easy-to-read display.”
Given the background of the Kurzweil 1000 and 3000 products, the KNFB Reader Mobile seems a logical advance in integration of these two pieces of assistive technology. Using the video screen of the cell phone as a text magnifier for people who are visually impaired seems like a no-brainer, but I tip my hat to Mr. Kurzweil for employing the K3000 aspects in the Mobile Reader to also make it usable by people with LD.
If interested in pricing and related information, you may wish to read my
earlier post announcing this product.
KNFB Reader Mobile
Is now also marketing the
handheld OCR device to people with learning disabilities.
The latest stage for the innovative assistive technology device is the Chicago Hilton, the host of the currently on-going annual conference of the
Learning Disabilities Association of America.
(Warning: this site had audio streaming when I loaded it. I don’t know if that is always the case, but be warned.)
Product information from the official KNFB press release:
“The pocket-sized device is the first of its kind, and enables users to take pictures of and then read most printed materials at the push of a button, using the high-resolution camera in the state-of-the-art Nokia N82 cell phone. Users can hear documents, signs, menus, receipts, even currency - most any printed text - read aloud in clear synthetic speech, at an adjustable speed.”
“KNFB Reading Technology is the brain child of Ray Kurzweil, a thirty-year innovator and pioneer in assistive technologies and the inventor of the world's first print-to-speech reading machine. The kReader uses a combination of unique intelligent image-processing software with text-to-speech and text-tracking features, which makes interpreting text much easier for individuals with learning disabilities. They can now enlarge, read, track, and highlight text using the phone's large, easy-to-read display.”
Given the background of the Kurzweil 1000 and 3000 products, the KNFB Reader Mobile seems a logical advance in integration of these two pieces of assistive technology. Using the video screen of the cell phone as a text magnifier for people who are visually impaired seems like a no-brainer, but I tip my hat to Mr. Kurzweil for employing the K3000 aspects in the Mobile Reader to also make it usable by people with LD.
If interested in pricing and related information, you may wish to read my
earlier post announcing this product.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Pro-Bank is database of programs targeting youths with disabilities
While looking over some of the searches that draw people to Access Ability, I noticed one from somebody who was searching for online databases. This subject sounded interesting enough to explore, so I checked out some of the query returns and found one that I think merits attention here.
Pro-Bank
Is a database of programs geared towards youth with disabilities. It isn’t exactly the postsecondary group of students that many disability service professionals interact with, but if you are like I was at my last position, you probably have a good number of high school contacts as part of a transition program. This is a useful database to share with the high school folks and their students.
Below is information about the database from the web site:
Pro-Bank is an online database of promising programs and practices in the workforce development system that effectively addresses the needs of youth with disabilities. Pro-Bank was established to:
• Provide you with easily accessible information about promising practices through a trusted resource;
• Supply you with information that can be used to improve products and services within your own programs; and
• Promote quality program services to youth with disabilities throughout the workforce development system.
Pro-Bank
Is a database of programs geared towards youth with disabilities. It isn’t exactly the postsecondary group of students that many disability service professionals interact with, but if you are like I was at my last position, you probably have a good number of high school contacts as part of a transition program. This is a useful database to share with the high school folks and their students.
Below is information about the database from the web site:
Pro-Bank is an online database of promising programs and practices in the workforce development system that effectively addresses the needs of youth with disabilities. Pro-Bank was established to:
• Provide you with easily accessible information about promising practices through a trusted resource;
• Supply you with information that can be used to improve products and services within your own programs; and
• Promote quality program services to youth with disabilities throughout the workforce development system.
Web accessibility acknowledged as a CAPTCHA concern in Ars Technica
While it wasn’t necessarily directed at being an article about assistive technology, or web accessibility for users of such, a recent Ars Technica article nonetheless address these concerns when describing how
Google’s Gmail CAPTCHA was able to be cracked.
(CAPTCHAs are those squiggly letters and numbers internet users sometimes have to type into a form field to prove they are not a robot.)
In the article, the author describes some alternative means of creating CAPTCHAs to avoid getting cracked by malicious spam robots. Two of the alternative methods mentioned are audio CAPTCHA and an another one where the user has to select a number of similar visual images.
What was most noteworthy, though, was that this article was in
Ars Technica,
a well respected magazine for technology enthusiasts, and after describing those two alternative means, it spelled out the difficulty these types place on people who are hard of hearing and blind, respectively.
It is encouraging to see accessibility raised as a concern in a professional discussion on web security. While it may not affect the majority, those who are impacted know the hardships that being ignored places on them.
Google’s Gmail CAPTCHA was able to be cracked.
(CAPTCHAs are those squiggly letters and numbers internet users sometimes have to type into a form field to prove they are not a robot.)
In the article, the author describes some alternative means of creating CAPTCHAs to avoid getting cracked by malicious spam robots. Two of the alternative methods mentioned are audio CAPTCHA and an another one where the user has to select a number of similar visual images.
What was most noteworthy, though, was that this article was in
Ars Technica,
a well respected magazine for technology enthusiasts, and after describing those two alternative means, it spelled out the difficulty these types place on people who are hard of hearing and blind, respectively.
It is encouraging to see accessibility raised as a concern in a professional discussion on web security. While it may not affect the majority, those who are impacted know the hardships that being ignored places on them.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
MyVisionTest.com is rich resource; News about Swiss bionic eye implant
I just learned about a web site, which I want to share with you. It is of value as a rich visual impairment/blindness resource.
MyVisionTest.com
Is a web site that is useful for both its initial offering of a supplemental Amsler grid for patients who have been instructed by their eye doctor to monitor their vision at home, as well as for the wealth of news regarding vision, blindness, and on-going research relating to these subjects.
I’m finding news articles here related to blindness that I’ve not found elsewhere. I’m definitely bookmarking this site!
One interesting news story I found on the site was that
A patient in Switzerland has received a bionic eye implant.
The patient in the article received an Argus II implant, which will remain in place for approximately three years.
The device uses technology, which was only being inaugurated when I wrote a research paper for an undergrad writing class several years ago. It involves a camera mounted on a pair of eyeglasses that takes in the images, and then sends them to a processor on a belt clip, which then sends them back to the eyeglasses where a receiver sends them to electrodes for subsequent processing in the brain.
Projections are that future recipients will enjoy increased refinements in technology as well in their vision beyond the shape, object, and place recognition currently available.
This event was news to me, as I’ve been aware of the research being done, but not that any of these implants had actually been performed. Not only has this been done in Switzerland, but also the article notes there have already been ten other similar procedures done globally.
MyVisionTest.com
Is a web site that is useful for both its initial offering of a supplemental Amsler grid for patients who have been instructed by their eye doctor to monitor their vision at home, as well as for the wealth of news regarding vision, blindness, and on-going research relating to these subjects.
I’m finding news articles here related to blindness that I’ve not found elsewhere. I’m definitely bookmarking this site!
One interesting news story I found on the site was that
A patient in Switzerland has received a bionic eye implant.
The patient in the article received an Argus II implant, which will remain in place for approximately three years.
The device uses technology, which was only being inaugurated when I wrote a research paper for an undergrad writing class several years ago. It involves a camera mounted on a pair of eyeglasses that takes in the images, and then sends them to a processor on a belt clip, which then sends them back to the eyeglasses where a receiver sends them to electrodes for subsequent processing in the brain.
Projections are that future recipients will enjoy increased refinements in technology as well in their vision beyond the shape, object, and place recognition currently available.
This event was news to me, as I’ve been aware of the research being done, but not that any of these implants had actually been performed. Not only has this been done in Switzerland, but also the article notes there have already been ten other similar procedures done globally.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Updated: Six resume writing tips worth remembering
A sharp and outstanding resume is key for anybody getting hired, no matter what the position. This point is just as true for somebody seeking their first job, or their twenty-first job. And, this is also true for anybody, not only students with disabilities.
Now, with all that said, I want to emphasize that it is imperative for students with disabilities to master this critical aspect of job hunting. To be considered qualified for a job, and to get invited to that all-important personal interview, where you can personally demonstrate your professional competence despite your disabilities, one must first present yourself with a strong impression on paper. If you can’t get this particular fine point down, it won’t matter how well prepared you are for the interview. If the employer isn’t impressed with your resume, then you won’t be called for the interview.
In my graduate-level class on professional practice, we explored resume writing as a quintessential tool for marketing and employment. Perhaps it was my specific school’s leaning, and things were different in the school of business, but we were taught to write a two-page resume and instructed that this was the preferred format.
I also learned of different styles through my own involvement in shared governance, when I was a student representative on various job search committees. In that role, I saw everything from the lengthy c.v. of academic professionals to the tidy, one-page business brief, as well as many of the two-page variety I had been schooled in. However, I always marveled at a sharply written, one-page resume that said what it needed to say without wasting my time.
This is all background, leading to the meat of today's post. At a recent professional development seminar, two successful, business consultants highlighted the value and importance of the one-page resume to the audience. In their explanations, they also reminded me of some important resume writing tips that any soon to be graduate would be wise to remember.
1. Put your greatest strengths in the top third of the resume.
This is what the reviewer will see first and will make the greatest impression on him/her. This means you need to get your strengths mentioned in your profile/objective and in your most recent job skills.
2. Keep the resume limited to one page.
One reviewer said that if somebody turns in a five-page resume, many reviewers would probably throw it aside or in the trash, because they don't have the time to read it. She said this is true of most hiring executives, their time is precious, so make the most of it.
3. Make sure you list your computer skills.
A good rule is to list that you are familiar with MS Office Suite, as it is the most common package for workload production. It includes Access, Excel, Powerpoint, and Word. You don't have to be great in all of the applications, but should have one or two definite areas of strength among the applications. Also, make sure that you are familiar in how to use each of the programs, even if you aren’t totally proficient in all of them.
Also, make sure that you list the computer programs which you use regularly and are familiar with.
4. Don't worry if you have some information or employer left off.
A statement at the bottom of your resume should read "additional information and references upon request."
If they are interested in you, they can ask for more. The key is to get them interested in you in this one page of information.
5. Write your resume specifically for the job you're applying for.
Do not use one resume for every job you apply for. Tailor the resume to the job you're applying for. Look at the job description and see what the posting says are the necessary skills needed to do the job. Then write the resume to highlight your experience and how it gives you these skills.
6. Don't forget to write something about personal information.
They want to know the person you are away from work, where your passions and interests lie. This should include, at a minimum, your interests and community involvement.
I've heard differing information about resume writing in my experience, but this was coming from seasoned professionals in the field, so I take it as golden advice.
Update 02/26/08
Note: People who are interested in this post might also want to read my previous posts about
A useful web Site for job seekers with disabilities,
And
Job interview tips for soon to be graduates.
Now, with all that said, I want to emphasize that it is imperative for students with disabilities to master this critical aspect of job hunting. To be considered qualified for a job, and to get invited to that all-important personal interview, where you can personally demonstrate your professional competence despite your disabilities, one must first present yourself with a strong impression on paper. If you can’t get this particular fine point down, it won’t matter how well prepared you are for the interview. If the employer isn’t impressed with your resume, then you won’t be called for the interview.
In my graduate-level class on professional practice, we explored resume writing as a quintessential tool for marketing and employment. Perhaps it was my specific school’s leaning, and things were different in the school of business, but we were taught to write a two-page resume and instructed that this was the preferred format.
I also learned of different styles through my own involvement in shared governance, when I was a student representative on various job search committees. In that role, I saw everything from the lengthy c.v. of academic professionals to the tidy, one-page business brief, as well as many of the two-page variety I had been schooled in. However, I always marveled at a sharply written, one-page resume that said what it needed to say without wasting my time.
This is all background, leading to the meat of today's post. At a recent professional development seminar, two successful, business consultants highlighted the value and importance of the one-page resume to the audience. In their explanations, they also reminded me of some important resume writing tips that any soon to be graduate would be wise to remember.
1. Put your greatest strengths in the top third of the resume.
This is what the reviewer will see first and will make the greatest impression on him/her. This means you need to get your strengths mentioned in your profile/objective and in your most recent job skills.
2. Keep the resume limited to one page.
One reviewer said that if somebody turns in a five-page resume, many reviewers would probably throw it aside or in the trash, because they don't have the time to read it. She said this is true of most hiring executives, their time is precious, so make the most of it.
3. Make sure you list your computer skills.
A good rule is to list that you are familiar with MS Office Suite, as it is the most common package for workload production. It includes Access, Excel, Powerpoint, and Word. You don't have to be great in all of the applications, but should have one or two definite areas of strength among the applications. Also, make sure that you are familiar in how to use each of the programs, even if you aren’t totally proficient in all of them.
Also, make sure that you list the computer programs which you use regularly and are familiar with.
4. Don't worry if you have some information or employer left off.
A statement at the bottom of your resume should read "additional information and references upon request."
If they are interested in you, they can ask for more. The key is to get them interested in you in this one page of information.
5. Write your resume specifically for the job you're applying for.
Do not use one resume for every job you apply for. Tailor the resume to the job you're applying for. Look at the job description and see what the posting says are the necessary skills needed to do the job. Then write the resume to highlight your experience and how it gives you these skills.
6. Don't forget to write something about personal information.
They want to know the person you are away from work, where your passions and interests lie. This should include, at a minimum, your interests and community involvement.
I've heard differing information about resume writing in my experience, but this was coming from seasoned professionals in the field, so I take it as golden advice.
Update 02/26/08
Note: People who are interested in this post might also want to read my previous posts about
A useful web Site for job seekers with disabilities,
And
Job interview tips for soon to be graduates.
Accessibility checkers for web developers; WebXact, Bobby no longer available, but many alternatives exist
Being that the Watchfire web tools
WebXact and Bobby are no longer available,
developers of web content who wish to make their content accessible may be scrambling for other methods for checking their pages.
Fear not.
Here’s a list of
25free web site accessibility checkers.
(Actually, that list should be titled 24, not 25, as the first offering listed is WebXact. To be fair to the author of that list, I kept the original number intact .)
The list contains a variety of tools that will aid any developer seeking to be one of the good guys on the web. If your office refers your school’s web developers to WebXact or Bobby, please share this overly abundant list as sufficient proof that accessible content needn’t cost their department any funding.
WebXact and Bobby are no longer available,
developers of web content who wish to make their content accessible may be scrambling for other methods for checking their pages.
Fear not.
Here’s a list of
25free web site accessibility checkers.
(Actually, that list should be titled 24, not 25, as the first offering listed is WebXact. To be fair to the author of that list, I kept the original number intact .)
The list contains a variety of tools that will aid any developer seeking to be one of the good guys on the web. If your office refers your school’s web developers to WebXact or Bobby, please share this overly abundant list as sufficient proof that accessible content needn’t cost their department any funding.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Library of Congress facillitates accessible communication for staff
To facilitate better communication between employees who are deaf and hard of hearing with their colleagues, the Library of Congress has just installed
New video relay technology,
Using videophones. Library officials claim this system to be superior to older TTY technologies.
According to the article,
“Using the new system, deaf or hard-of-hearing employees are either able to communicate directly with each other or transmit their message in ASL to an interpreter, who in turn relays the message in English to a hearing colleague via a standard phone line.” “
The new system, provided free of charge by Sorenson Communications, will benefit 17 of the library’s employees. Additionally, library officials hope that this model of private/public partnership that they’ve initiated with Sorenson will be emulated by other entities.
For additional information, you may want to also read the
Business Wire press release.
New video relay technology,
Using videophones. Library officials claim this system to be superior to older TTY technologies.
According to the article,
“Using the new system, deaf or hard-of-hearing employees are either able to communicate directly with each other or transmit their message in ASL to an interpreter, who in turn relays the message in English to a hearing colleague via a standard phone line.” “
The new system, provided free of charge by Sorenson Communications, will benefit 17 of the library’s employees. Additionally, library officials hope that this model of private/public partnership that they’ve initiated with Sorenson will be emulated by other entities.
For additional information, you may want to also read the
Business Wire press release.
Disability rights advocate Bender speaks up for passage of ADA Restoration Act
There is an interesting article by Joyce Bender, titled
The waiting Game Must End for People with Disabilities,
which was just published in
The Cutting Edge News.
In this well-crafted opinion piece, Bender draws upon the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. to link the civil rights movement to the disability rights movement. Once that connection is established, she skillfully transitions to make the argument for people with disabilities to be active participants in seeing through passage of the ADA Restoration Act of 2007.
Her call to action reads:
“In his book, “Why We Can’t Wait,” Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “the Negro had been an object of sympathy and wore the scars of deep grievances, but the nation had come to count on him as a creature who could quietly endure, silently suffer, and patiently wait. He was well trained in service and, whatever the provocation, he neither pushed back or spoke back.” This sounds familiar to me. This is the attitude of many of us in the disability community. We in the disabilities community just sit back and wait. We have waited now for almost 20 years. “
She then strongly encourages the affected population to find their voice by getting registered to vote, as well as contacting their Representatives and Senators in Washington D.C., to promote passage of the ADA Restoration Act.
Joyce Bender, a widely recognized disability rights advocate, is the President and CEO of
Bender Consulting,
A technology consulting firm, specializing in creating competitive employment and career opportunities for people with disabilities.
The waiting Game Must End for People with Disabilities,
which was just published in
The Cutting Edge News.
In this well-crafted opinion piece, Bender draws upon the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. to link the civil rights movement to the disability rights movement. Once that connection is established, she skillfully transitions to make the argument for people with disabilities to be active participants in seeing through passage of the ADA Restoration Act of 2007.
Her call to action reads:
“In his book, “Why We Can’t Wait,” Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “the Negro had been an object of sympathy and wore the scars of deep grievances, but the nation had come to count on him as a creature who could quietly endure, silently suffer, and patiently wait. He was well trained in service and, whatever the provocation, he neither pushed back or spoke back.” This sounds familiar to me. This is the attitude of many of us in the disability community. We in the disabilities community just sit back and wait. We have waited now for almost 20 years. “
She then strongly encourages the affected population to find their voice by getting registered to vote, as well as contacting their Representatives and Senators in Washington D.C., to promote passage of the ADA Restoration Act.
Joyce Bender, a widely recognized disability rights advocate, is the President and CEO of
Bender Consulting,
A technology consulting firm, specializing in creating competitive employment and career opportunities for people with disabilities.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Assistive technology continues to evolve, becoming more mainstream
Most often, the steps that assistive technology uses to make computers accessible to people with disabilities is to allow them an alternative method of inputting information into the computer. This is true for screen readers, which allow the operator to use keyboard commands to perform mouse executions; speech input, which allows hands-free computer operation; thought-actuated computer programs, which can execute computer functions by mere thought; head pointers that let people without arm functionality point to the screen to execute commands; and, the various alternative mice that are on the market, which use footpads and other methods to allow input and do not require hand or fingers to operate them.
I’ve recently written posts highlighting advances that demonstrate how
Assistive technology has become more mainstream,
and, more recently, how
Man and machine are integrating much more than ever before.
In that last post, I was struck by the words of the reporter who was chronicling those events on a morning news program. He said that the way technology often works is that it is developed to meet a medical need first, and is very expensive. Then, later it evolves into something more affordable when it becomes more mainstream and applications are developed for the general public.
Immediately, I thought of botox. It was used first here in the U.S. to relieve spasticity in people who have various forms of dystonia. I was actually a little floored when a friend who got botox treatments for her cerebral palsy first told me about the medication and that it was derived from the toxin in botulism cells. That was several years ago, prior to botox becoming legalized for cosmetic applications. Today, you can’t turn on any television celebrity gossip show that doesn’t discuss the latest star getting botox treatments as cosmetic surgery.
Then, I looked at the marvels of assistive technology, just as the reporter was intending. And, here today, I offer proof of the reporter’s assessment.
First, The BBC reports about how
headset controllers using thought and emotion actuation
are the coming trends for gamers. And, as the reporter predicted, the unit is refined from the older versions, which were assistive technology of a unique sort. It no longer requires electrode arrays with gel on the scalp. And the cost is projected to be only $399, not the tens of thousands of dollars previous versions have cost to provide alternative computer input.
Do I think the technology in the gamer’s headset is comparable to that of somebody who would use thought input to operate a computer? Not at all, at least not yet. We all know that technology evolves, and this is equally true for assistive technology. Give it time and the gamer’s unit in just a few years will outperform the current assistive technology devices of today by leaps and bounds. And, I predict this will be mutually beneficial, providing greater accessibility and lowering costs for all.
Additionally, good old Microsoft is looking to its next big thing, called Windows 7 (for now,) which will incorporate input via
speech and touch.
Here again, if Microsoft is putting something into its system, eventually we will all have it. If not from Microsoft, then it will be from other computer companies that will offer their version just to stay competitive.
And, while robots aren’t exactly mainstream yet, understanding how a robot learns and
applying that to the ultimate robotic hand
definitely has broad implications for the future of prosthetics and assistive technology.
Perhaps that reporter was correct.
Note: Thanks to the editors of
Axistive.com
For the original information about the robotic hand.)
I’ve recently written posts highlighting advances that demonstrate how
Assistive technology has become more mainstream,
and, more recently, how
Man and machine are integrating much more than ever before.
In that last post, I was struck by the words of the reporter who was chronicling those events on a morning news program. He said that the way technology often works is that it is developed to meet a medical need first, and is very expensive. Then, later it evolves into something more affordable when it becomes more mainstream and applications are developed for the general public.
Immediately, I thought of botox. It was used first here in the U.S. to relieve spasticity in people who have various forms of dystonia. I was actually a little floored when a friend who got botox treatments for her cerebral palsy first told me about the medication and that it was derived from the toxin in botulism cells. That was several years ago, prior to botox becoming legalized for cosmetic applications. Today, you can’t turn on any television celebrity gossip show that doesn’t discuss the latest star getting botox treatments as cosmetic surgery.
Then, I looked at the marvels of assistive technology, just as the reporter was intending. And, here today, I offer proof of the reporter’s assessment.
First, The BBC reports about how
headset controllers using thought and emotion actuation
are the coming trends for gamers. And, as the reporter predicted, the unit is refined from the older versions, which were assistive technology of a unique sort. It no longer requires electrode arrays with gel on the scalp. And the cost is projected to be only $399, not the tens of thousands of dollars previous versions have cost to provide alternative computer input.
Do I think the technology in the gamer’s headset is comparable to that of somebody who would use thought input to operate a computer? Not at all, at least not yet. We all know that technology evolves, and this is equally true for assistive technology. Give it time and the gamer’s unit in just a few years will outperform the current assistive technology devices of today by leaps and bounds. And, I predict this will be mutually beneficial, providing greater accessibility and lowering costs for all.
Additionally, good old Microsoft is looking to its next big thing, called Windows 7 (for now,) which will incorporate input via
speech and touch.
Here again, if Microsoft is putting something into its system, eventually we will all have it. If not from Microsoft, then it will be from other computer companies that will offer their version just to stay competitive.
And, while robots aren’t exactly mainstream yet, understanding how a robot learns and
applying that to the ultimate robotic hand
definitely has broad implications for the future of prosthetics and assistive technology.
Perhaps that reporter was correct.
Note: Thanks to the editors of
Axistive.com
For the original information about the robotic hand.)
Arlington National Cemetery heightens accessibility for visitors
An interesting event is taking place at the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
A Braille flag monument
Is being placed At the front of the historic, final resting place for so many of our national heroes.
The Braille flag says the words, “red, white, and blue,” and also has the pledge of allegiance written across the stripes.
Now, blind veterans and visitors alike can literally get a feel for the flag that strikes awe in so many others at Arlington.
Read the KWCH article linked above to learn how this inspiring project came about.
A Braille flag monument
Is being placed At the front of the historic, final resting place for so many of our national heroes.
The Braille flag says the words, “red, white, and blue,” and also has the pledge of allegiance written across the stripes.
Now, blind veterans and visitors alike can literally get a feel for the flag that strikes awe in so many others at Arlington.
Read the KWCH article linked above to learn how this inspiring project came about.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Technological advances are bringing man and machine much closer together
There seems to be a recent convergence of information about man and machines coming together.
I first read this interesting BBC article about Ray Kurzweil, the grandfather of optical character recognition as well as oft-cited inventor and futurist, predicting that
machines will match man by 2029.
In the article, Kurzweil predicts that machines will reach artificial intelligence on the same level as humans just over 20 years from now. He believes that humans will have tiny robots implanted into their brains to achieve higher levels of intelligence.
From the article:
“The engineer believes machines and humans will eventually merge through devices implanted in the body to boost intelligence and health.”
Kurzweil stated, "We're already a human machine civilisation; we use our technology to expand our physical and mental horizons and this will be a further extension of that."
That was interesting enough, but then this morning, I was watching one of the morning news programs and they had an expert discuss how the innovations that Kurzweil spoke of might come about. He cited three specific projects that are not new, but are definitely continuing, and showing great promise to fulfill Kurzweil’s predictions.
* The bionic eye project at Stanford University.
In this meeting of the minds,
Ophthalmologists and physicists teamed up to create artificial vision.
The work appears promising, using cameras to send visual images to the brain with clarity that was Sufficient enough so that patients have the potential to see with a visual acuity of 20/80.
* Matt Nagel, a man who is quadraplegic and had an electronic array implanted into his brain so that he could
execute motor functions by thought process alone.
* Duke researchers who had a
monkey move a robot 7,000 miles away,
purely by mental commands.
Then, to complete my convergence trifecta of news about man and machines, I found a news alert this morning telling how the
Duke project has a future application in war situations.
Bob Dylan sang so many years ago, “The times, they are a-changing.” With the advances scientists are making in technology, it appears that so are we.
I first read this interesting BBC article about Ray Kurzweil, the grandfather of optical character recognition as well as oft-cited inventor and futurist, predicting that
machines will match man by 2029.
In the article, Kurzweil predicts that machines will reach artificial intelligence on the same level as humans just over 20 years from now. He believes that humans will have tiny robots implanted into their brains to achieve higher levels of intelligence.
From the article:
“The engineer believes machines and humans will eventually merge through devices implanted in the body to boost intelligence and health.”
Kurzweil stated, "We're already a human machine civilisation; we use our technology to expand our physical and mental horizons and this will be a further extension of that."
That was interesting enough, but then this morning, I was watching one of the morning news programs and they had an expert discuss how the innovations that Kurzweil spoke of might come about. He cited three specific projects that are not new, but are definitely continuing, and showing great promise to fulfill Kurzweil’s predictions.
* The bionic eye project at Stanford University.
In this meeting of the minds,
Ophthalmologists and physicists teamed up to create artificial vision.
The work appears promising, using cameras to send visual images to the brain with clarity that was Sufficient enough so that patients have the potential to see with a visual acuity of 20/80.
* Matt Nagel, a man who is quadraplegic and had an electronic array implanted into his brain so that he could
execute motor functions by thought process alone.
* Duke researchers who had a
monkey move a robot 7,000 miles away,
purely by mental commands.
Then, to complete my convergence trifecta of news about man and machines, I found a news alert this morning telling how the
Duke project has a future application in war situations.
Bob Dylan sang so many years ago, “The times, they are a-changing.” With the advances scientists are making in technology, it appears that so are we.
Web security feature may be problematic for screen reader users
A web site administrator recently advised me about a security feature of web page design that poses a potential problem for blind computer users like myself, who use a screen reader to access the internet. The security feature lies in hidden links on a web page, designed to trap the malicious robots that are trolling the internet for content and email addresses to harvest. However, the problem is that the same traps that grab the robots, or bots, also look like clickable links to screen readers and could land the unknowing blind computer user in a virtual never-never land on a site that was previously a prized and valuable resource.
Theoretically, the way it works is that once the bot sees the link and clicks it, it is entered into a blocked database. From that time forward, that computer will only see blank pages whenever it returns to that web site.
And, this doesn’t interfere with sighted computer users, as the visual representation of the “bot trap” is almost unnoticeable on the screen, as they are hidden links and are only one pixel in size.
That’s all well and good for trapping the bots, but the problem arises for blind computer users who rely on the screen reading software, like JAWS or Window Eyes, to let them know which items on a page are links and which are not. So, while I’m going down a web page, and there is a link that JAWS identifies that sounds like it has some content I might be interested in, it might just as well be a trap. If I click that link out of curiosity, I could lose the ability to have access to any of the information on all the pages on that entire web site.
I consider myself pretty savvy on assistive technology in general and screen readers in particular, but this is something I have never heard about before. As a result, I’m posting about it here for anybody who might have some feedback.
Any thoughts?
Theoretically, the way it works is that once the bot sees the link and clicks it, it is entered into a blocked database. From that time forward, that computer will only see blank pages whenever it returns to that web site.
And, this doesn’t interfere with sighted computer users, as the visual representation of the “bot trap” is almost unnoticeable on the screen, as they are hidden links and are only one pixel in size.
That’s all well and good for trapping the bots, but the problem arises for blind computer users who rely on the screen reading software, like JAWS or Window Eyes, to let them know which items on a page are links and which are not. So, while I’m going down a web page, and there is a link that JAWS identifies that sounds like it has some content I might be interested in, it might just as well be a trap. If I click that link out of curiosity, I could lose the ability to have access to any of the information on all the pages on that entire web site.
I consider myself pretty savvy on assistive technology in general and screen readers in particular, but this is something I have never heard about before. As a result, I’m posting about it here for anybody who might have some feedback.
Any thoughts?
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