Michael+B'+s+test+page



The following list is an example of assistive technology tools prescribed for a visually impaired adult to gain access and remain independent for personal, safety and also electronic access:

Cane- gives helpful location information and is also used as identification to the sighted LED flashlight- bright white light aids in location in low or no light situations Talking watch- audible sound for telling time 20/20 pens- a dark line ink without bleeding through the paper to assist with writing Victor Stream- a daisy book player, recorder and more Trekker Breeze- GPS that assists in independent travel Digital recorder- a recorder to take notes Smartphone with Mobilespeak software added- audibly speaks functions of the phone Computer which has Openbook, ZoomText, Jaws software for electronic access Senseview Duo magnifyer- pocket sized magnifier Powerpacks and chargers for all Ear buds- to not disturb and not to allow others to hear private information.

Many blind/visually impaired have to carry AT access with them. It is important to remember that each person has an individualized need and uses the technology that best suits their situation as prescribed by the vision professional.

While there are many ways of learning these technologies, personalized training, reading the manuals (usually available on cd), contacting technical support and practice, practice, practice by actually using the technology is recommended.

Here are a few resources for the AT devices mentioned:

For Daisy Books: www.rfbd.org For Trekker Breeze: www.humanware.com For Zoomtext: www.aisquared.com For JAWS: www.freedomscientific.com For Mobile Speak: www.codefactory.es

For self-paced online training to try software programs and applications go to : www.carroll.org

For a disabled person to borrow a device or software to see if it is appropriate, Pennsylvania has an assistive technology lending library, please go to:
 * 1) disabilities.temple.edu/programs/**assistive**/atlend/

______________________________________________________________________________________ Here is a link for free demos or various keyboarding software: [|http://www.emptech.info/product_details.php?ID=1348&SIM]

1. Dolphin Guide: Screen Reader “Guide” as it is commonly called is a talking screen reader with easy to use menus that gives the user access to email, scanning and reading documents and the Internet. Dolphin is a good choice for seniors or anyone with vision issues that may or may not have past computer exposure. This software is one of the simplest to learn and use. [] This software “Guides” the user through the various functions. There are very few key commands or hot keys to remember. There is a list available for those who prefer them. This list also offers the voice commands for Dolphin Guide Handsfree. [] Dolphin Guide Handsfree is available for those with a physical disability that makes using the keyboard difficult. Commands and menus are voice activated and controlled by the user’s voice. Navigation is simple and easy to learn. [] Here is a YouTube video demonstration of Guide: [] Below is a YouTube video demonstration of Guide HandsFree: [] Dolphin offers support training, tips, manuals, forums, discussions and information that will assist the user if they require it. [] Dolphin offers a free download to test compatibility before purchase: [] Many users love the simplicity of Dolphin Guide. Please read a few reviews and user stories: [] [] []
 * 2/12/2010

The only drawback is that experienced computer users may think that “Guide” is too simple. Guide takes over the entire computer and changes the look of the Windows environment. Users may not be able to access all websites.

2. Digital Voice Recorders: This is a general electronic product that can be used as recording device for note taking, for music playing and for creating recordings of events to remember. A digital voice recorder is relevant because it gives access to anything audible. Some play Daisy or audible books and is valuable to the blind/vi because it can be used to keep notes, lists and directions. The digital recorder complements software, AT, and the web because notes, websites or any information that a user would write down as a note can be recorded and played back later, making the digital recorder like a notebook or list for someone who cannot read notes and is not carrying a computer. The recorder is small enough to fit in a handbag or pocket and simple to learn and use. A digital recorder can be purchased at a department store, online or wherever electronics are sold. There are a number of brands and features as noted in the videos below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgldpGd-8PU&feature=rel6ated This video is a general description of digital recorders, included because it gives a good explanation of how these devices are used.  Some recorders have an audio book feature. This means that it is possible for the device to upload as well as download information to and from the computer. These devices are great for podcasts also.  While this recorder in the above video gives a general description of these devices, there are many others available. For blind users a digital recorder is a great device.  Below are a few more that are currently in use.  [] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHOpLb03s5U&feature=related []

3. Speed Skins Special Needs Typing Covers for the Visually Impaired, Blind, and Manually Impaired : these are rubber skins that fit over any standard keyboard. It is removable and portable and a great adaptation to use for keyboarding and accelerates keyboard memorization. The skin are printed with large print, Braille, markings or color depending on ability. __ [] __ Skins are also available in Dvorak Left-Hand or Right-Hand Covers for the Manually Impaired: <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dvorak keyboard character layouts for either left-hand use only or right-hand use only are now quickly and easily available to anyone with this special need by placing the Dvorak left-hand or right-hand cover on the keyboard. <span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here are teacher testimonials : [] <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is the link for a free demo : [] <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Additonal keyboarding products: [] Here is an instructional video about keyboarding []