Assistive Technology Bytes
AT Bytes from Jeni Mundl at Courage Center-
AT Bytes
December 2007 Issue
Assistive Technology Initiative
Jen Mundl, Lead Assistive Technology Specialist
Courage Center
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422
www.couragecenter.org
To Subscribe: jenim@courage.org
Hot Web Sites
IGoogle
This nifty site allows you to customize your Google site. It means you can add your own widgets to your webpage such as a calendar, weather forecasts, and headlines among many other choices. It is a great educational tool.
Paralysis Resource Guide
Paralysis Resource Center (info@paralysis.org or www.paralysis.org)
This resource guide can be obtained in hard cover or on line. It is a good beginning educational tool for individuals with paralysis covering all areas of disability, health, rehabilitation, research, active living, travel, tools and technology, and caregiving. Resources are provided in each section along with in depth information needed for adjustment and education to paralysis.
Hot Technology
Mobility
New Foot Mouse
http://www.bilila.com/foot_mouse_slipper_mouse
This new foot mouse is much easier to operate and control than earlier models sold. It allows for very smooth movement with the ability to set the speed of the mouse movement and clicking. There are two separate control modules where the right foot is used to move the mouse and the left foot controls the action such as clicking, right clicking, and double-clicking.
Word Prediction for Any Device
http://www.zicorp.com/eZiText.htm
eZiText® offers fast, easy, accurate text input for any electronic device, including mobile phones, telematic systems, set-top boxes and gaming consoles. From ultra low-cost handsets to the raciest power devices, eZiText will rise to the challenge. It is a word completion program, which gives possible words when typing.
Vision
Learning Resources Calc-U-Vue® Talking Calculator
Calc-u-vue Talking Calculator
This unique calculator offers some different features not found on other talking calculators. There is a repeat function, which will say the answer over again when the individual using the device does not understand the result on the first try. The second beneficial feature is the output is a word rather than just digit spoken. For instance, 26 is spoken twenty six and not two followed by six. The buttons on the calculator are larger than many other simple calculators making it easier to operate for individuals with fine dexterity issues.
TextAloud
TextAloud is an easy way to make audio books for your students or MP3 files for easy listening. TextAloud uses voice synthesis to convert text into spoken audio. Listen on a PC or create MP3 or WMA files for use on portable devices like iPods, PocketPCs, and CD players.
- Directly open Word, PDF, and HTML files
- Advanced Pronunciation Tools
- Toolbar plug-ins for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Outlook
- Optional premium voices for a wide variety of accents and languages
- TextAloud is for Windows. Mac Users
K-NFB Reader
This handheld portable reader can store thousands of printed pages by transferring files from your computer or Braille notetaker. It reads the information aloud with natural sounding voices by entire pages or a few lines for identification. This device has a camera, which will convert pictures of menus or ATM receipts into auditory material.
Hard of Hearing and DEAF/deaf
Text4Deaf
www.Text4Deaf.com is a new communication based website for individuals who are deaf and individuals who need to communicate with deaf and hearing people. This website enables real-time texting with a web interface to cell phones regardless of the carrier. It allows for sending and receiving of messages from a PC, Macintosh, PDA or mobile phone. A group broadcast is possible for those needing to contact multiple people at one time. Text reminders are another feature of this website enabling people to manage their lives by sending messages as a reminder. A scheduled text message can be sent on a timed basis such as a birthday or anniversary.
Communication
Communicator UX
This speech-generating device is a wonderful solution for those individuals who like the portability and compact design of a PDA but are unable to utilize a stylus for operation. This small communication device has a built-in keyboard with a stylus besides. In addition, it has a high level of understandable speech output called NeoSpeech with a human sounding voice.
Spok21
The Spok21 is a new sophisticated text to speech communication device that is ideal for direct selection or scanning. It has a modem, ergonomic design, large display, two lines of text facing the typist and the reader, and high quality speech synthesis. Phrases can be programmed into the device for easy retrieval and quicker conversations.
TalkingAid Wireless with Built-in Cell Phone
The device is a full-functioning text-to-speech communication aid with a large, multi-line display and function-keys for rapid access to three phrases per key, word completion options and simplified setups. The unit has a rugged, moisture resistant case, a field replaceable battery, a built-in removable keyguard, and features the DECtalk speech synthesizer with 7 voices. It has voice recording as well, and many other unique features.
Learning and Cognitive
WYNN 5.1
The latest developments in scanning and voice output software include better recognition, ability to read foreign languages with correct pronunciation, webpage reading, and better voices, The software program provides the ability to scan in information, read Microsoft Word or PDF documents, and navigate websites and voice output.
Iron Man Triathlon Datalink
IRONMAN* Triathlon® Data Link® USB
Product Code: T537223Q
www.Timex.com
This sport watch works and acts like a PDA. It provides the convenience of a personal organizer with the performance of a full function timekeeping device. With the computer software included, it has features for schedules, appointments, alarms, and contacts along with some other miscellaneous options. It costs $90 and plugs into your computer for downloading information on to the sport watch giving it both written information and times.
Hot Terms
Macro is a series of commands or instructions that can be placed together then triggered by a keyboard shortcut or mouse click.
Simple Solution -- Macros
If you perform a task repeatedly in Word, you can automate the task by using a macro. A macro is a series of Word commands and instructions that you group together as a single command to accomplish a task automatically. Instead of manually performing a series of time-consuming, repetitive actions in Word, you can create and run a single macro— in effect, a custom command — that accomplishes the task for you.
Here are some typical uses for macros:
- To combine multiple commands; for example, File/print/save/close/exit.
- To speed up routine editing and formatting
- To make an option in a dialog box more accessible.
Word offers two ways for you to create a macro: the macro recorder and the Visual Basic Editor.
Recording a macro
The macro recorder can help you get started creating macros. Word records a macro as a series of Word commands in Visual Basic for Applications. When you record a macro, you can use the mouse to click commands and options, but the macro recorder doesn't record mouse movements in a document window. When you're recording a macro, you can temporarily pause recording and then resume recording where you stopped.
For quick access to your macro, you can assign it to a toolbar, a menu, or shortcut keys. Running the macro is as simple as clicking the toolbar button or menu command or pressing the shortcut keys. You can also use the Macros command (Tools menu, Macro submenu) to run a macro.
Do It Yourself
Instructions for an Adapted Laser Pointer for Low Tech Communication
Nicely put together step-by-step instructions on how to create a laser pointer for low-tech augmentative communication. It is available in pdf format, and can be downloaded from: www.ucsf.edu/brain/als/resources/resources.html
The instructions are designed to be simple, so that even a non-techie person can put it together.
Minneapolis Public Library Adaptive Technologies
Do you need a place to study, research or explore but need adapted technologies? The New Downtown Minneapolis Public Library has lots of technology for people with disabilities. Whether you need a special key board or a screen reader, the library holds possibilities for you to use. For more information, contact Jennifer Nelson at jrnelson@mplib.org or by phone at 612-630-6469.
On the Horizon
Voice Computing
“Ah," "ee," "aw" and "oo" are not just vowel sounds, but vocalizations that can now control a computer cursor. The Vocal Joystick detects sounds at 100 times a second and then turns them into movements on the screen.
The device could help people with disabilities surf the Internet, draw, play video games, control an electronic wheelchair and even operate a robotic arm.
"If you have full vocal capabilities, it's very natural and doesn't require anything special," said Jeff Bilmes, an associate professor of electrical engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle.