Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Fortune Academy – School for Kids with Language Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia (Martha Robinson & Jim O’Donnell)www.TheFortuneAcademy.org

How to Add Text to Photos Easily Using Preview in Mac OS X bit.ly/12SwxIg

Nuance Brings Dragon Notes to Windows 8 Tablets and PCs bit.ly/16LPAt8

Stevie Wonder advocates accessibility for disabled - bit.ly/165eioS

Is Dragon the best option for Assistive Technology? – IPAT ND Assistive Technology Blog bit.ly/15N7Xye

ADA Online Learning – Accessible Technology Online Series bit.ly/12B6Zit

Hashtag #AAC

App: TalkRocketGo www.BridgingApps.org

www.EasterSealsTech.com

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

In the world of US public education, there is a process that helps students with disabilities get the supports they need.  A group of education professionals work with the student and family member to create an Individualized Educational Plan or IEP, which outlines the services and supports that are needed to help a child succeed in the classroom.  While developing the plan, the IEP team is required to consider the need for assistive technology — technology that sometimes crucial to a student’s success.  Check our show notes for a link to learn more about AT in the IEP process.

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Considering Assistive Technology — National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities bit.ly/16LR6LT

Image Source: EnableMart.com

The Kaufman Speech Praxis Test for Children identifies the level of breakdown in a child’s ability to speak. This type of test can help identify if and what kind of  treatment can be used and how improvement can be tracked. Easy to administer and score, the test helps to measure a child’s imitative responses to the clinician, locates where the childs speech system is breaking down, and points to a systematic course of treatment.

This assistive technology testing device includes:

• Items organized from simple to complex motor-speech movements, using meaningful words whenever possible
• An imitative, stimulus/response format that can be administered easily without pictorial stimulation
• Norm-referenced and standardized items that provide a raw score, a standard score, and a percentile ranking for each part of the test
• A diagnostic rating scale that assists in delineating severity levels on a continuum
• Normative information related to the normal speaking population of children and the disordered population

You can learn about other speech and language screening tests at EnableMart.com.

For 25 years, the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst (APSE) has promoted the advancement of integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. Join APSE from June 25 to June 27 at their national conference in Indianapolis! This year’s theme is “Race to Success: Employment Comes in First!” Sessions include state-of-the-art practices in integrated employment, transition, public policy and funding, leadership and personal development, and consumer, family and self-advocacy. The event includes a special, one-day track for students, parents/guardians and school personnel to learn more about the employment issues. Topics covered include “Workplace Do’s and Don’ts”, learning about interests and passions, self-advocacy on the job among others.

The APSE Conference is happening June 25-27 at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. The full conference is $235 for people with disabilities and their family members. It’s $590 for professionals. The one-day student track fee is $25 for students, school personnel and parents/guardians attending with the student. You can register here. If you have more questions, you can contact APSE at 301-279-0060 or APSEConference@apse.org.
The INDATA Project will be broadcasting live on AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com during the conference.

Image Source: AbleData.com

Braille Cards are braille greeting cards designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Each card includes a braille graphics design and a braille message. Occasions include Anniversary, Birthday, New Born Child, Graduation, Wedding, Retirement, Easter, Father’s Day, Friendship, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Sympathy, Teacher, Thank You, Thinking of You, Valentines Day, Get Well Soon, Christmas, New Years, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Grandparents Day, and Good Luck. Available languages include English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Norwegian.

Braille Holiday Cards are braille greeting cards designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Three designs are available: (1) A Chrismas tree with the braille inscription, “String of Dots” printed inside; (2) a holiday wreath with the braille inscription, “The berries on this wreath are more than they may seem: for they are really dots of braille with a most important theme. Peace on Earth is the message hung upon the door; touch it with your finger and feel some peace some more”; and (3) a Star of David with no inscription inside. These cards come in a boxes of 8 cards and envelopes in a single design or in mixed sets.

These and other cards are available from AbleData.com.

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Steve Swain on Accessible Gardening (www.BreakingNewGround.com)

agrability.missouri.edu/gardenweb/

forums.gardenweb.com/forums/accessible/

www.agrability.org/toolbox/

Researchers Create Smartphone App That Helps Blind Photographers Line Up Shots bit.ly/17vhJVh

U.S. Patent on Spell Checking Algorithms for Dyslexics Awarded to Ghotit | Virtual-Strategy Magazine bit.ly/18LpKVl

Arthritis presents problem for aging population of farmers –  bit.ly/12B6KEi

App Kindle for IOS www.AppleVis.com

Hashtag: #slpeeps

www.EasterSealsTech.com

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

2013

103-05-03-17 – Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)

Show Notes

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

The Assistive Technology Industry Association or ATIA is a non-profit membership organization of manufacturers, sellers and providers of assistive technology products or services. The group is most well known for their annual training conferences, webinars, and other training opportunities to foster the growth of the AT industry.  They also seek to  ”speak with a common voice” for the Assistive Technology industry and foster dialog with the IT world, government and other entities impacted by Assistive Technology.  Learn more at ATIA.org

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Assistive Technology Industry Association (www.ATIA.org

Image Source: AbleData.com

Sometimes standard products can be used by people with disabilities as pieces of assistive technology (AT). AT includes equipment that is adaptive, accessible or helpful for people with disabilities. These can be high tech products like smartphone apps or eye tracking devices. Or, they can be lower tech devices that let people live more independent lives.

The Honeywell Easy-to-See Thermostat is a prime example of a low tech device that’s helpful for people with disabilities. It’s a large-number and tactile thermostat designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This mercury-free thermostat controls both heating and air-conditioning in an apartment or house. Its large, easy-to-see numbers are tactually raised, and the thermostat clicks at every 2-degree setting change from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. With these adjustments to a standard thermostat, it makes this devices more friendly to people with low vision. It is 4 inches in diameter and 1.75 inches deep.

A braille homeowners guide is available from Honeywell at 1-800-468-1502. You can learn more about this product at AbleData.com.

The IPFW Special Education Programs and Division of Continuing Studies is hosting 2 public workshops on Autism Spectrum Disorders on June 17th and June 18th at 6:30pm at the IPFW Alumni Center. These sessions will focus on strategies and information for educators.

On Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18 you can learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders from  6:30-9pm. This event is open to the public. Speakers include a professor at IPFW, an Autism specialist, a therapist and an Easter Seals ARC. Each day is $15 for the public.

On Monday June 17th, space will be available for agencies/organizations to display their materials/information for the workshop participants. The participants for the workshops will be teachers, family members and other community members. If you’d like more information about the workshops or are interested bringing materials to share with participants please contact Jane Leatherman by phone at 260-481-5742.

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Thanks to our guests on this special episode: Brian Norton, Belva Smith, Craig Burns and Mark Stewart.

www.EasterSealsTech.com

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

Many people rely on their smart phone, computer calendar or a schedule written on paper with a pen or pencil to make sure they don’t forget their daily activities.  Some people with intellectual disabilities may struggle with a traditional schedule and may not have the literacy skills required to interact with an electronic calendar.  To help in this situation, it may be useful to create a visual schedule or picture-based calendar.  Simple stick figure symbols for wake up, make bed, brush teeth and comb hair may be useful prompts to help with those daily activities.  Other times, sequential photographs of a person performing these tasks may do the trick.

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Visual Schedules:  http://bit.ly/13IYuTo

Image Source: EnableMart.com

People with low vision may benefit from using an assistive technology device that enlarges the print on a computer’s keyboard. Some keyboards are made with large print letters, but if yours is not, there is a way you can convert your keyboard to a large print version. ZoomText’s large print skin keyboard is the perfect solution for making the letters on your keyboard larger. It simply sits directly on top of your existing Mac keyboard and you displays larger letters. This product is designed to protect your Apple keyboard from liquids, dust and debris or to convert your current Apple keyboard to Large Print for easy viewing. It is available in white and black keys.  It is available for $35 on EnableMart.com.

Features include:

• Largest print available for key size
• Ultra-thin high grade silicone material
• Exact fitting
• Soft and flexible yet tough
• Protects against dirt, dust and spills,
• Fully washable

Image Source: AbleData.com

Occupational therapists, educators and care givers can use multiple methods to communicate with kids with disabilities. Once way is to use pieces of assistive technology to make communication easier. Assistive technology can also help a child focus more easily on the task at hand.

Hands and Feet Markers are floor footprints and hand markers designed for use in by children with disabilities during motor skills activities. These colorful hand and feet markers can be used by therapists and classroom educators to create activities that combine movement and cognitive skills. They can be set up an obstacle course that requires motor planning, right left discrimination, bilateral coordination, and other therapeutic goals. These tough, poly vinyl markers are soft and flexible. The set contains 12 hands or 12 feet outlines. Hands are 7.5 x 7.5 inches and feet are 9 x 4 inches. Each dozen includes 2 each shapes of of blue, green, orange, purple, red and yellow.

This assistive technology product is $21.99 for one set of hands or feet. You can learn more about the Hands and Feet Markers from AbleData.com. It is manufactured by Therapro, Inc, a company that aims to “revolutionize the way occupational therapists, educators, and parents provide preventive, developmental, and rehabilitative care.”

Image Source: Tobii.com

The Tobii C8 communication aid allows people with communication disabilities to easily achieve more indepenence. The Tobii C8 is a small, lightweight and portable communication aid for text and symbol based communication. This device is designed for people who have use of their hands. It works well for people who:

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes: Dr Julie Kinn bit.ly/Zj2WFg

Toucher Is iOS-like Assistive Touch For Android, Except Better And More Feature Rich |  bit.ly/11uJAjs

ATIA 2014 Strand Descriptions – Assistive Technology Industry Association bit.ly/10Ryt7G

Verifying App Accessibility on iOS: Test Accessibility on Your Device with VoiceOver bit.ly/10RyicI

How to Connect a Mac to a TV bit.ly/10RxxQT

How A Deaf DJ Turns To Tech To Make His Music – PSFK bit.ly/Zxxu9S

Hashtag: #axs

App: Note Shelf www.BridgingApps.org

www.EasterSealsTech.com

——————————

Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers are programs that are funded by the US Department of Education.  These centers are charged with the task of conducting advanced research in how technology might improve the lives of people with disabilities.  These centers are located across the US and here are some examples of the projects they conduct: Accessible Kiosks, Voting Booths and ATM Machines; Talking Signs; and devices to help medical professionals measure therapy goals or hearing levels.  Check our show notes for a link to learn more about the RERCs and the important work done there.

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers 1.usa.gov/10pLw95

Image Source: EnableMart.com

Brain Fitness is a software program that aims to prevent and treat cognitive decline. It’s an assistive technology produce for the elderly. Sessions include exercises designed to cross-train the brain in long-term memory, short-term memory, language, computation, visuospatial orientation, and critical thinking. It was developed to help people continue to use a wide range of cognitive areas on a regular basis. Benefits of using this produce may include: vast improvements in memory and protection against the effects of age-related cognitive decline.

Benefits of using Brain Fitness Pro:

• Thousands of rigorous and challenging exercises included to sharpen your mind
• Proven results as seen in clinical trials
• it’s a definitive cognitive training regimen for you to stay sharp and combat mental decline.
• Over 300 hours of exercises at 5 different difficulties as well as complimentary manufacturer updates of new materials to keep workouts fresh

This piece of assistive technology can be purchased at EnableMart.com.

Image Source: AbleData.com

Students with physical limitations may benefit from using a desk that is specifically designed for them. Here are a few options of desks that are pieces of assistive technology. You can learn more about all these desks and other options at AbleData.com.

Classroom Positioner Desk

The Classroom Positioner Desk/Stander is height-adjustable and is designed for use by children with mobility or neurological disabilities. This desk can be used with the Classroom Positioner Chair or independently. Features include height and angle adjustability, a multi-adjustable desktop, adjustable knee block, and lateral pelvic pads for standing positions. The desk can be used to enable the user to experiment with the sit-to-stand movement or the child can be supported in the standing position.

ADA Compliant Wheelchair Accessible Desk

The ADA Compliant Wheelchair Accessible Desk is also height adjustable, but is purposefully designed for use by children who use wheelchairs. This table has a polyester powdercoated frame, nickel-chrome plated legs, and either a laminate or plastic desktop. The telescoping legs are adustable by sliding the lower leg inserts into the upper legs and tightening a set screw. The lower leg inserts have adjustable nylon glides and optional locking wheels.

AlphaBetter Desk

The AlphaBetter Desk (pictured above) is an adapted student desk designed for use by children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (DHD). This height-adjustable desk allows students to sit or stand and to swing their legs based on their natural energy levels, so they can learn in a way that is more consistent with the developmental needs of their minds and bodies. The desk has a swinging pendulum footrest, allowing students a noise-free outlet for expending their natural energy, burning calories, and fidgeting. The desk has a steel frame with powder-coat finish, and a desktop covered with 3D thermoplastic laminate. A lower shelf provides additional storage space for books and supplies.

Last week, the INDATA Project published our 100th podcast! A huge thank you to all of our show guests who made the podcast as successful as it is. We love sharing our assistive technology knowledge with our listeners (and learning for ourselves a bit too!).  We’ve discussed everything from fonts designed for people with Dyslexia to AT for people with Diabetes to smartphones that assist people who are Deaf.

We broadcast two podcasts each week.

Assistive Technology Update: Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Accessibility Minute: It’s a one minute look at those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

If you are an AT professional and interested in being featured on our podcast, you can email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org to learn more. Thanks for listening!

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Thanks to all our guests, friends and listeners for making these first 100 episodes so enjoyable!

www.EasterSealsTech.com

——————————

Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes (template)
Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.
Are you a regular listener to our Accessibility Minute? Did you know that this episode marks our 100th episode? For podcasters, 100 episodes is a major milestone. Did you also know that we produce another weekly podcast called Assistive Technology Update? It features the week’s news, app reviews and fascinating interviews with thought leaders in the field of assistive technology. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the first 100 episodes of Accessibility Minute. We also hope that you’ll check out the 100th episode of Assistive Technology Update at www.AssistiveTechnologyUpdate.com
For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.
Assistive Technology Update: www.AssistiveTechnologyUpdate.com

The Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning at Gallaudet University created a series of iPad storybook apps for deaf children. The series is designed to help children with difficulty hearing learn how to read American Sign Language and English. The first book in the series of three is called The Baobab. It’s about a curious young girl on an adventure. The digital book features an American Sign Language glossary with 170 English to ASL words.

Some of the features include:

• story told in ASL and English
• Vivid Retina supported watercolor illustrations
• Easy & accessible navigation designed for children
• Rich interactive narrative with direct English to ASL vocabulary video translation
• Audio voice-over provided for all vocabulary words
• 170-word American Sign Language glossary to encourage parents to learn ASL along with their child

The mobile app design is based on proven research in bilingualism and visual learning. The ability to view the story in both, ASL and English leads to greater literacy skills in both languages in young children. It’s available to download for $6.99 in the Apple App Store.

Image Source: AbleData.com

Some chairs and seats are designed for use by children with neurological and/or severe physical disabilities. These assistive technology devices are available at AbleData.com.

Corner Sitter

The Corner Sitter is designed to help improve posture and promote upper body control. It includes a reclining backrest with adjustable sides for lateral support. The backrest angle is adjustable from a 20 degree recline to 15 degrees prone. It has a hip belt and an adjustable depth, removable pommel. The chair folds flat for storage. This assistive device has an option for high-back head support that provides 4 to 7 inches of additional height and a height and angle-adjustable removable tray.

Corner Seat

The Corner Seat is portable for use anywhere indoors or outdoors and can also be used in a bathtub. It has an H-strap and hip belt to stabilize the shoulders, pelvis, and trunk and a built-in abductor to help maintain leg extension and reduce thrust. Features include a broad, stable base and easy-to-wash polyethylene surface. This seat can hold a person up to 200 pounds and maximum user height is 60 inches. It is the color aqua.

Koala Corner Chair

The Koala Corner Chair aims to provide seating and positioning for a child with microcephaly, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities. Made to dimensions specified by a therapist, this unit includes a chair with a footrest and a table that enable the child to be seated in a posturally and functionally correct position for learning, eating and playing. It’s made of plywood and includes a pedestal seat with a winged back for shoulder protraction. The seat and back panels are equipped with fabric-covered foam cushions. Other positioning aids include a pelvic belt, a pommel, and footcups on the footrest.

Image source: AbleData.com

AbleData lists several thermostats that are designed for people who are blind or have low vision.  Here are a selected few of their list.

Honeywell Easy-To-See Thermostat

The Honeywell Easy-To-See Thermostat tactile thermostat with large numbers that’s designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision. This mercury-free thermostat controls both heating and air-conditioning in one unit. Its large, easy-to-see numbers are raised. The thermostat clicks at every 2-degree setting change from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kelvin Talking Thermostat

The Kelvin Talking Thermostat is a low vision thermostat designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision, mobility disabilities, or severe physical disabilities. It is a programmable thermostat that controls the heat, fan, and air conditioner functions. It can be operated by pushing its large tactile buttons, all of which talk, or through voice commands. To initiate voice commands, the user presses a button, claps hands, knocks on a table or desk, or whistles. When a button is pressed, a clear voice states what that button signifies. The thermostat can also announce the time, room temperature, and temperature setting. Programming buttons include “Set Day,” “Set Time,” and “Raise” or “Lower” temperature.  It can also be programmed for weekends or vacations to lower or raise the temperature when residents are away from the home.

Visually Impaired Programmable Talking Thermostat

The Visually Impaired Programmable Talking Thermostat is a voice output thermostat designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This programmable thermostat has voice output to guide the user through set-up and temperature options. It also includes a display with oversized LCD characters. Verbal guidance is provided for every step of the programming process. Dirty filter and low battery warnings and temperature reports are provided verbally and displayed. The thermostat is designed for 24-volt central air conditioning and heating systems. It comes with a set of instructions available in large print, audio cassette, or on a floppy disk that can be used with a computer text-to-speech program.

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Call our listener line and share your best AT tip for our 100th episode: 317-721-7124

Derek Bove Technical Product Manager - www.AI Squared.com

Teaching All Students: Voice Control on Android bit.ly/11fMTrX

Battery Tester for People who are Deaf Blind bit.ly/Z33dQ4

How to Block Spam Text Messages on the iPhone (or Any Phone) bit.ly/ZgNZDw

GoTalk Now Free for iPad on the iTunes App Store bit.ly/ZqSUVD

Hashtag: #lowvision

App: Story Patch www.BridgingApps.org

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

In the US the weather is warming up and many folks are thinking about summertime plans.  One of the most popular activities in the warmer months are summer camps. For some people with disabilities, summer camp is a great opportunity to enjoy the out of doors as well as some skill building and social opportunities that are entirely unique to a summer camp experience.  Locating a summer camp in your area that meets your needs might be a challenging task.  The National Dissemenation Center for Children with Disabilities has a web site that helps you locate a camp that’s perfect for you.  Check our show notes for a link to that camp listing.

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Camps for Children with Special Needs — National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities bit.ly/ZxsY7E

Image source: EnableMart.com

Augmentative communication devices are used by people who communicate differently with other people. This piece of assistive technology is a tool that features pictures and buttons. Each button corresponds with a word or phrase. These are customizable. For example, a person could select a button with a toilet and the device would say aloud, “I have to go to the bathroom?” These devices are used by people who may need assistance communicating verbally with other people.

SymPrint Overlay & Design Software was designed by an AT specialist specifically for people who use augmentative communication devices. customers It can be helpful for teachers, speech therapists, parents and caregivers. It features simple to use tools, an intuitive symbol & image search and a Microsoft Office-style toolbar that makes getting started easy! The software program allows people to create customizable buttons for these devices.

What is the value of this software?

• More than 100 Built-in Templates
  It includes templates for all of today’s most popular AAC devices & classroom tools.
• Use our Images or Your Own
  You can choose from the 12,000+ symbols included in both color and black & white. You can search terms & keywords for each of them.  It also includes a library feature that allows you to add new images and symbols to a convenient folder for easy access. It also include pre-designed templates.

This device is available from EnableMart.

People who are Deaf Blind can use pieces of assistive technology to make every day tasks more convenient. These devices are pieces of technology that are specifically designed for people with disabilities.

If you’re like me, you probably have a place in your home (for me, it’s junk drawer in my kitchen) with old batteries, rubberbands and other knick knacks. If you are Deaf Blind, you may difficulty determining if those old batteries work. The EZ Test Battery Tester is an audible or audible and vibrating battery tester. It’s designed for individuals who are Blind or Deaf Blind or who have low vision. The tester is available in an audible version that reports battery status by beeps, and an audible/tactile version that reports battery status by vibrations and beeps. A flexible testing wire allows you to test batteries of different sizes including AAA, AA, C, and D. Also included are two contacts for testing 9-volt batteries. The unit comes with instructions in print, braille, and on cassette. An attached elastic band holds testing wire while the unit is stored. The devices uses 2 triple-A batteries.

This produce is available from AbleData.com and has a one year warranty.

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Professor Dave Edyburn – Research and Literature in Assistive Technology people.uwm.edu/edyburn/ |www.knowledge-by-design.com/handbook.html

Call our listener line and share your best AT tip for our 100th episode: 317-721-7124

Helmet with ultrasound sensors could help firefighters detect objects in the dark | KurzweilAI bit.ly/YXtWNd

The Social Radio bit.ly/YQU4td

Hashtag: #edtech

App: ChorePad HD (www.BridgingApps.org)

Special thanks for the fanfare sound effect from: www.fxprosound.com/

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes
Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.
Siri is a service built in to many apple products. It allows users with or without disabilities to simply press a button and issue a command or dictate an email or text message. For individuals with mobility challenges it may provide an easier option than typing on a touchscreen keyboard. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired may find it faster than typing long messages. Many learning disabilities can be accommodated by dictating with Siri rather than spelling words individually. If you have an iPad or iPhone you may already have access to this important accessibility tool. Check our show notes for a link to learn more.
For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.
Apple – iOS 6-Use your voice to do even more with Siri. bit.ly/151Uf9q

For people who have trouble seeing small print, a large print keyboard could be a very helpful assistive technology device for you. These large print keyboards have been designed specifically for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision. A bigger and bolder typeface makes the keys easier see.

The Keys-U-See large print keyboards have been designed specifically for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision, such as:

• Macular Degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Cataracts
• Age related vision loss

The keyboard also includes one-touch internet, email buttons and media control buttons. Three different color options are available, black, white and black and yellow. It connects to a personal computer just like a regular print size keyboard would connect. The only difference is the size of the letters on the keys. It is available for $24.95 at EnableMart.

By now, you’ve probably caught on that we at the INDATA Project at crazy for new technology, especially smartphone and tablet apps that make assistive technology more accessible to all people. If you’re interested in learning about assistive technology mobile apps, you can find more information here.

Today, we’re highlighting the Color ID Free app. It’s available for both the iPhone and the iPad in the Apple App Store.

It uses your phone’s camera to detect the color of everyday objects and say the color aloud. This app is particularly useful for people who are visually impaired. You can tap the color square at the top left corner to toggle between Simple Colors and Exotic Colors. The color names are fun and specific. Some examples are: Paris Daisy, Lavender Rose and Moon Mist. The app also supports Simple Colors like blue, light green and dark red. It will also tell you the hex value of the color, so you can identify exactly what color the camera sees.

This assistive technology app can be helpful for a person who is visually impaired or has difficulty distinguishing different colors from each other. Imagine not being able to determine if your shirt matches your pants; this app can help with everyday decisions like that.

The app is developed by Greengar Studios.

These tips originated in an article in Ed Tech Magazine. The magazine focuses on ”helping school district technology managers do their jobs better. The publication offers best practices, features, product reviews and case studies from the field that show how technology can be leveraged to improve teaching, learning and administrative services on school campuses of all types and sizes.”

1. Make Assistive Technology Training Ongoing. Technology is constantly improving, so it’s important that teachers continue to learn and be trained to use new technology. School districts can hold individual or group training sessions for teachers about how to use assistive technology. 
2. Go Outside the Classroom to Learn. Research online best practices for teaching with assistive technology. You can find a wealth of resources — including lesson plans, templates, digital reading materials, and visual and audio supplements – to implement in your classroom.
3. Let the Students Teach. Young students, including students in special education, are “digital natives”, says Diane Moog, a teacher at the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind in Great Falls, Mont. Teachers should give them opportunities to play with, explore and demonstrate what these new devices can do. Many students will learn these tools on their own.
4. Know which tools work and stick with them.  Make it a habit to recognize what specific pieces of assistive technology are working particularly well for your students. Keep those devices around because they’re working!

If you’d like to learn more about these tips, check out the original article in Ed Tech Magazine.

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Lynn Wehrman, Founder & CEO of Weco www.TheWeCo.com

Assistive Technology Blog: Bebionic3: Prosthetic Arm For Daily Use bit.ly/ZmWxHE

Vibrating watches for blind and visually impaired bit.ly/11Mx7H8

hashtag: #AppFriday

app Tap Tap See: www.AppleVis.com 

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes  (template) (copy)

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

Many times assistive technology is used for the purpose of going to school or performing job functions.  Established by a federal law in 1973, Vocational Rehabilitation (which is  sometimes called the Bureau of Rehab Services) provides funding and services to assist with that process. If you feel that your disability is preventing you from working, you should consider contacting your local vocational rehabilitation services agency. With the assistance they provide you may be able to develop a plan to work and thereby increase your independence.  Check our show notes for more information.

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Vocational rehabilitation – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia bit.ly/11mjcJ7

We are celebrating our 100th episode of Assistive Technology Update‘ by having friends of our show tell us their “Best Assistive Technology Tip”.  To be on our show, call our listener line at 317-721-7124 and leave your name, your web site and your best AT tip.  Please try to keep your message around 30 seconds and you may be included in our 100th episode which is scheduled to be released on April 26, 2013!

Recently, we, the INDATA Project, surpassed 1,000 blog posts! We’re so excited about this achievement and couldn’t be more excited for the future! About 3 years ago, we began blogging nearly every day featuring Monday Technology Tips, assistive technology products and highlights of our INDATA Podcasts. Several interns have helped make this blog what it is today and we couldn’t be more thankful for these students service to our organization. We’re written about everything from nonprofits to assistive technology apps to hardware.

For those of you who regularly follow our blog, we’re thrilled that we get to share our journey through assistive technology advancements with you.  If you have any suggestions for blog topics or questions about material we write about on our blog, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thanks for your continued support!

Image source: www.lflegal.com

In June, 2012, Walmart became the first national pharmacy retailer to offer free, Talking Prescription Containers to people with visual impairments.  The ScripTalk Talking Prescription program is offered to customers across the country through Walmart mail order.  In addition to the national mail order program, Walmart now offers ScripTalk at 33 stores around the country.

If you’d like to order ScripTalk talking prescription containers, first you should contact Walmart. You can call Walmar’s dedicated toll free phone line for ScripTalk requests.  The toll free number is 1-888-227-3403.

To listen to the talking label provided by Walmart, you will need reading device from Envision America, the company that makes ScripTalk.  The device you will need is called a ScripTalk reader (or the ScripTalk machine or device) and is
available free of charge to Walmart pharmacy customers who are blind.  Envision America has a dedicated toll-free line for requests, and for general ScripTalk service & inquiries.  You can reach Envision America by calling 1-855-773-2579 (1-855-SPEAK-RX.)

If you are a Walmart customer with a visual impairment who’s store is not yet offering ScripTalk, contact Walmart at 1-888-227-3403 to request that the ScripTalk containers be offered at your store.

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Your weekly dose  of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

Show Notes:

Jaco Robotic Arm – Laurie Paquet, Kinova | www.kinovarobotics.com | info@kinovarobotics.com

CanAssist Mini Dog Ball Launcher with Shayla and Bear – YouTube bit.ly/YadOIv

Adding Speak Cells for Accessibility in Excel | Business 2 Community bit.ly/YadoBO

Wear your iPhone on your wrist at Cool Mom Tech bit.ly/ZmVs2u

ZoomText ImageReader is Released! – ai squared-making accessibility simple bit.ly/YFnozC

Hashtag #augcomm 

MS podcasts:

Podcast Library « Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis bit.ly/10K3Xto 

Webcasts : National MS Society bit.ly/YFt7Wc

App “Bugs & Buttons”(www.BridgingApps.org)

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Listen 24/7 at www.AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com

If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org

Check out our web site:  http://www.eastersealstech.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject

Like us on Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/INDATA

Show Notes

Hi folks. Welcome to “Accessibility Minute”, your weekly look at Assisitive Technology—those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing or other special needs.

From playing with an adaptive toy to composing your doctoral thesis, these are just two examples of what people can do with switches.  Some disabilities mean that physically touching an object, like a toy, or accessing a computer’s keyboard and mouse just isn’t possible.  In many situations a single switch or button can be placed within the user’s reach and activated with a hand movement, head movement, foot movement or even a blink.  Once a reliable method for activating a switch is determined, the possibilities for using that switch are almost endless.  Check our show notes for an article to learn more about what’s possible with switch access.

For more information, to read our blog or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. That was your accessibility minute for this week. I’m Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads, in Indiana.

Switch access – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia bit.ly/YFvatc

Experts at Vanderbilt University developed a system to coordinate with a French-built Robot companion, NAO. Children with Autism may find it difficult to relate to other people and this robot helps children learn “joint attention,” a skill that is typically learned naturally. Joint attention is the ability to focus on a certain object or person in a social setting. Without joint attention, it could make classroom learning challenging.

The robot acts as a system to help children focus on specific objects or other people. It tracks the child’s head movements to determine what the child is focused. If the child is not focused on the proper object or person, the robot will redirect the child’s attention with phrases like “Look over here.” The system uses cameras, sensors and computers to work with the friendly robot and track a child’s movements. This system is call ARIA, which stands for Adaptive Robot-Mediated Intervention Architecture.

Research shows that children engage more with the robot compared to its human therapist because it’s less intimidating. That causes less anxiety for the child, says Nilanjan Sarkar, a Vanderbilt professor of mechanical engineering.

“Children experience anxiety dealing with people because they think they have to live up to expectations,” Sarkar told Mashable. “Here, they know the robot doesn’t expect anything and so they’re not intimated by demands, whereas a human therapist may get annoyed or impatient.”