What’s New in Technology?

Amy Salmon, Hadley School for the BlindKorey Singleton, GMU Assistive Technology Initiative

AER Virginia Conference March 2nd-4th, 2011

• Introductions – Amy & Korey

• Review/Demo of the latest technology• Screen Reading/Screen Magnification• Scanning and Reading• eReaders• Mobile Technology (i.e., note-takers, mp3 devices,

etc.)• Braille Technology• Research/Trends

• Q & A

Today’s Agenda

SCREEN READING &

SCREEN MAGNIFICATION

• Research It is a feature introduced in JAWS 11 that provides quick access to information while also making it easy to return to your primary task.

• Think of it as a quick Google search-type widget (i.e., Google it)

• An Internet connection is required to use the Research It tool.

• Keystroke: Insert + Spacebar, R

• Jaws Research It Demo• Learn more about the Research It tool on the Freedom Scientific website

Produced by Freedom ScientificJaws “Research-It” Tool

• Funding issues • At the moment, it continues to remain free and open-source, however, developers will not be able to

work on software full time after July 2011

• Currently restructuring their organization to more easily receive donations, support, business alliances, etc.

• New logo -

• Website: http://www.nvda-project.org/

Produced by NVAccessNVDA Update

SCANNING & READING

• “Cloud-based” scanning and reading application.

• Very simple interface that is easy to access and navigate. The only other thing you need is a

scanner connected to your computer.

• Using Internet Explorer (works best), access the Docuscan Plus website. Follow the steps to

create an account (use free 7-day trial option).

• Important Features: Support for Braille Displays; Multiple languages; Different scanning options

– Simple scan, Batch scan, Auto-Read; Ability to save file in many different formats (i.e., DAISY,

mp3, brf, text, etc); Low Vision features;

• Inexpensive compared to alternatives - $299

• Docuscan Plus Demo

Produced by Serotek CorporationDocuScan Plus

• Features: • Very simple to use – Place a printed page

under the camera, and the SARA CE instantly starts reading it. The camera automatically senses when a new page is presented.

• Built-in keypad with brightly-colored tactile keys – Eliminates need to know how to use computer.

• Control reading experience – pause, reading rate, speech

• Scan and read in one of 16 languages.

• Onboard 160GB hard drive. Can also download books to a USB thumb drive.

SARA CECampus Edition Scanning And Reading Appliance

• Features: • Audible menus, Built-in Help, and an audible onboard user manual.• Low Vision features – change text and background colors, letter spacing, word

tracking (i.e., highlighting)• Price:

• $1,895 before March 31, 2011; $2,395 thereafter• Annual Maintenance - $190

• Want to try it out? • Visit the FreedomScientific table at AER 2011!!

SARA CE cont…

EREADERS

Amazon Kindle

• Kindle 3• Voice Guide feature provides voicing through menus

• One-time activation, that remains on for future use• Enables access to menus and non-book reading functions• Fully accessible using 5-way key located in lower right hand corner

• Text-to-Speech feature enables one to read books, magazines, newspapers, or other materials in Kindle Store• Speech access depends on whether or not publisher chooses to make their content accessible to speech.• Not sure of the numbers• Few, in my experience, have limited access.

• Low Vision – ability to adjust font sizes and screen contrast (does not offer negative contrast)

• Kindle for PC accessibility plug-in (Free)• Text-to-speech reading with adjustable voice settings• Voice-guided menu navigation• Large font sizes• High contrast reading mode• Keyboard navigation• Accessible shortcuts

• Note: In order to use text-to-speech, you must have a screen reader installed. Jaws and NVDA have been tested.

• More info: Kindle for PC Accessibility Plug-in

Blio eReaderFrom KNFB Reading Technology, Inc.• Free• Download:

• Go to http://www.blio.com/downloads• Download the ‘Accessibility Release’

• System Requirements:• Windows XP or later• Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1• Internet connection to search and download books• Still a “work in progress” – optimized for use with Jaws 11 and

12 only

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

• KeySoft v9.1 Improvements: • Improved access to Word documents – In Keyword, now opens

any kind of document created or edited on a PC with MS Word 2007 or later and saved as "Word 97-2003 Document" (.doc).

• KeyBook now supports access to audiobooks from NLS, unprotected EPUB books, and Audible Enhanced books.

• Simpler wireless connections. More secured encryption supported (WPA2-PSK, WPA-Enterprise, and WPA2-Enterprise).

• Support for zipping/unzipping files.

• Note: Supported by all BrailleNote APEX models. Will not work with PK or mPower models.

• Price: Free to download and install from Humanware website

BrailleNote APEX updatesFrom Humanware, Inc.

• APEX as Braille Display • Now offers Braille Support for Apple

Products and Braille Support with Jaws 12 with the APEX.

• The APEX provides Braille Support and Keyboard input (Contracted Braille) via Bluetooth to the iPhone, iTouch, iPad and the Mac Computer products

The APEX provides contracted Braille input via Bluetooth or USB through JAWS 12/WindowEyes/Supernova/HAL to applications like explorer, word and excel.

• Want to try it out? • Visit the Integration Technologies/Humanware

table at AER 2011!!

BrailleNote APEX updatesFrom Humanware, Inc.

• Interface designed specifically for individuals with low vision and blindness.

• Includes the functionality of a Voice Recorder, Music Player, Text to Speech Player, DAISY-Audio Book Player, Radio, Clock, Alarm, Agenda and RFID Tagging System called “SpeakOut”. The Radio, Agenda, and SpeakOut are “software extras.“

• Comes with 1GB internal storage, with support for up to 32GB SD Card.

• Supports the following formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, TXT, DAISY 2.02, Audible, and books from NLS.

• The following formats are planned or already under development: HTML, RTF, DOC, DAISY 3.0, (RFB&D, Bookshare).

• Hardware Add-Ons: Woodscan, Fame• Price: $450 from Independent Living Aids• Other Models: Milestone 212, 310• Visit http://www.bones.ch for more information

Milestone 312From Bones

• ZoomReader will be a combination video magnifier and OCR app.

• Features: • 4X Zoom• Color filtering (6 different options)• Take a picture of something and have the text in that image

read out loud. • Voice recognition capability

• Price: $19.99

• Watch the ZoomReader video that explains the functionality of ZoomReader. You can also go online to mobile.aisquared.com for more information and screen shots of the app itself!

ZoomReader app for iPhone/iPod TouchFrom AiSquared, Inc.

• New, accessible e-book app for the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch to be released Q1 2011.

• From within app, students can search, download, and read Bookshare books and periodicals.

Features:

• Reads DAISY 2.02 and 3.0 files from other sources as well

• Word-by-word highlighting with simultaneous text and speech

• Ability to adjust font size, color and background color

• Supports all levels of DAISY navigation that are included in book.

• Price: $19.99

• Be alerted when app is available in app store, Read2Go notify list.

• Learn more at http://www.bookshare.org

From Benetech, Bookshare, and Shinano Kenshi Co.Read2Go app for iPhone/iPod Touch

• There really isn’t a reliable option out there for Android• Most Notable Option: Eyes Free Project

• Consists of Eyes Free Shell, TalkBack, SoundBack, KickBack

• All apps are free from Android Market

• Some phones are more accessible than others

• Both Code Factory (Mobile Speak) and Nuance (TALKS & ZOOMS) have hinted at developing solutions to address the lack of accessibility in the Android platform. No timeline has been mentioned, although Code Factory has recently put out their software for beta testing.

Android Accessibility

BRAILLE TECHNOLOGY

• First portable Braille display with active tactile control (ATC) technology

• ATC means that display senses location of fingers on the display. Research has shown that the reading finger has highest area of pressure on Braille display.

• As user moves fingers along display, device automatically advances Braille

• Plug and play drivers, connects via USB or Bluetooth

• Works with Windows, support not complete for Apple products yet

• Also works as a note-taker with ability to store books

• Price: $6990

• Learn more at the HandyTech NA website

Active Braille DisplayProduced by HandyTech North America

• New single-sided embosser which can produce both high-quality Braille and high-resolution graphics.

• Embosses approximately 50-60 characters/second

• Tractor fed, print comes out of the front

• Simplified interface: Power, Online/Offline, Top of Form, Form Feed

• Firebird Software Suite (included with Phoenix) – Firebird Transcriber (Braille translator) and the Firebird

Graphics Editor

• Also allows you to configure many of features that are typically configured with keypad

• Still fully compatible with Duxbury Braille Translation software

• Price: $4,995, starts shipping in Spring 2011

• Want to try it out? Visit the Enabling table at AER 2011!!

Produced by Enabling TechnologiesBraille Phoenix

RESEARCH/TRENDS/CUTTING EDGE

• 2 ultrasonic sensors on the handle can detect obstacles within a 2 meter distance, 55 degrees vertically and 25 degrees horizontally, vibrating with more intensity as you get closer to the obstacle.

• Color sensor can detect 10 colors, as well as intensity (i.e., brightness level), this information would be transmitted to the blind through voice prompts.

• This cane was put to a test from over 600 blind and the results were satisfactory, calling much attention to its color sensor.

• Battery life – 72 hours standby, 11 hours continuous

• Price: Quoted at $800-$900 from 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. Company is currently looking for distributors.

• Video - iSonic Vibrating Cane on YouTube

iSonicVibrating Cane for the Blind made by Primpo Inc.

• Developed as possible replacement/alternative for Talking Tactile Tablet (actually created by Touch Graphics) and IVEO.

• Also developed to address the need for better access to STEM subjects for individuals with severe visual impairments. (STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

• How does it work? • As students explore various raised-line and textured

images, they tap the tip of the pen to any feature they would like to know about. Subsequent taps reveal more information about the feature.

• Video – Audio Tactile Apps for Livescribe Pulse Pen

Talking Tactile PenProduced by Touch Graphics, Inc. c/o Smith Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

• Pen’s cost (approximately $100-$150) is significantly less than that of Tactile Talking Tablet and ViewPlus IVEO.

• Current applications• Motor Neuron - $25• Sudoko - $45• Periodic Table - $60• Scientific Calculator - ??

Talking Tactile PenProduced by Touch Graphics, Inc. c/o Smith Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

• Future Applications…

• Fundamental computer science algorithms

• Biological and anatomical diagrams

• Trigonometry and Geometry diagrams

• Data Representations

• Probability distributions

• Molecular models and crystal structures

• Optics

• etc.

• Contracts/Partnerships…

• BART System & Station Maps (under contract with San Francisco Lighthouse)

• NYC Subway Map Route

• Assessments & Distance Learning Courseware (in Collaboration with Nimble Assessment Systems)

Produced by Touch Graphics, Inc. c/o Smith Kettlewell Eye Research InstituteTalking Tactile Pen

• Want to try it out? • See Korey at any point during the AER 2011 Conference!!

Produced by Touch Graphics, Inc. c/o Smith Kettlewell Eye Research InstituteTalking Tactile Pen

QUESTIONS