Global Assistive Technology Wiki - Recently Updated Pages

Head Tracking and Pointing

CameraMouseOrg — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:35:27 CST

A wireless optical sensor tracks a tiny and disposable reflective target, which is usually placed on the user’s forehead, cap or glasses. The user moves their head and controls the movement of the mouse cursor. When this capability is combined with a mouse button clicking solution and on-screen keyboard software, the HeadMouse can completely replace the functions of a conventional mouse and keyboard.

Headmouse

A headmouse can be operated through the use of a reflective dot being placed on the user's forehead/glasses. If head movement ability is limited the dot can also be placed anywhere on a body part which does have good movement. For instance the dot can be placed on a fist, forearm, foot etc. whatever has the best movement. The tracker can be pointed in many directions. In that sense the term "headmouse" or "headtracker" is unnecessarily limiting and constrained. The rest of this article mainly uses the word "head" but please remember that this also refers to other functioning body movements. When the user moves his/her head, the movement of the headmouse is recognised by an infrared receiver which in turn translates the head movements into cursor movements on the screen. Clicking solutions
Using a headmouse in practice:

In addition to cursor movement another element is required for full mouse functionality. Button clicking. Mouse button selections are made either by using a dwell and click software application whereby the user pauses over the on-screen target for a user definable period of time, at the end of which, a pre-defined button click (left, right, double left, click and drag, scroll etc.) is generated. Alternatively, clicks can also be generated using a physical external switch (link to switches) that can be activated by fists, fingers, arms, foot etc.

Webcam head controlled pointer

The interface of a Webcam Head Controlled Pointer System

Webcam Head Controlled Pointers are the latest and most innovative devices available to the person unable to use the traditional mouse. The user sits in front of the Web Cam and looks at the screen. When the user moves their head the cursor follows in real time. The software automatically transforms detected movements into cursor movements or even into commands. The software includes motion detection systems that are able to detect and analyse any small movements.Typically all the software packages have basic pointer and dwell selection controls and some include spelling gesture control (a nod of the head to the left for a mouse click, for example). One of their big advantages is that no headgear is required. On the negative side they do require top of the range computers to run on.

Free Camera Mouse

There is also a completely free head-tracker solution if you already own a Web-cam. Many laptops already have a built in Webcam. It is called Camera Mouse www.cameramouse.org/index.html . It tracks a unique feature on your face such as the bridge of your nose etc. This works quite well and doesn't require much processing power. However It's not as precise as a dot tracking unit such as the Tracker Pro by Madentec. It doesn't work in the dark or poor lighting conditions but it is well worth a try. It might just work for you.

SmartNav 4

Using SmartNav 4 together with a sip+puff switch

User with MS

Using SmartNav with Grid 2

Using SmartNav with Mac OS X

Head tracking for VR displays using the Wii Remote

DREAM MOUSE is a new development that enables two individuals to share equal access to a PC at the same time. Plug Dream-Mouse directly into a USB port and Windows will automatically recognise it and install it on your computer. Dream-Mouse works with Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP. Dream-Mouse uses head movements (or other body movements) to give the user full control over games, e-mail, documents or access to the internet. Dream Racer Blog

CAP-MOUSE uses motion sensors activated by head movements to position a PC cursor. Cap-Mouse is based on similar technology we designed for the Dream-Racer and Dream-Gamer products. Anyone driving a Dream-Racer car or playing a game on the Sony PlayStation with Dream-Gamer will be able to use Cap-Mouse to send e-mail, access the internet, play games on a PC.

Synapse Head Tracker

The Synapse Head Tracking device provides full mouse control of a computer. Requires good headcontrol. Moving one's head moves the cursor on the screen. Activating a 'sip and puff' switch or other external switch makes selections. On-screen keyboards such as WiViK® allow for word processing and other text entry.

You can change the Synapse Head Tracking device from Apple to Windows compatibility just by flipping a switch. Full support for one, two, and three button mice is built in. You can operate the mouse button with the puff switch mounted on the headset or plug other switches into the back of the control box. If the user has acceptable speech then Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition facilitates efficient voice recognition keyboard entry and speech activated mouse button clicks.

More information about Synapse . . .

Dwell and Click applications

Point 'N' Click .

Free alternative to clicking software This is a dwell-and-click software solution called point-n-click www.polital.com/pnc/ . This software is extremely feature rich and stable and works on both Windows XP and Vista. This software also works perfectly in conjunction with Madentec and Smartnav tracker hardware. For example, the combination of the $399USD Smartnav tracker (or the Tracker Pro), the FREE point-n-click software and the FREE Microsoft virtual keyboard delivers a very cost effective and functional solution for hands free computing.

MagicCursor2000.

It's for people who can't, or don't want to click the mouse button. It performs all the mouse button functions automatically through software. All you need to be able to do is point: MagicCursor automatically takes care of the rest. It is an ideal companion for the Tracker head operated mouse products. Instead of clicking the mouse button, simply dwell over the item you want to select. After a preset amount of time, MagicCursor will automatically perform the click for you. More information about MagicCursor2000 . . .

Head Pointers

Head Pointers now come in quite a variety of designs. Unlike forehead protrusion pointers, an 'out from the chin' device allows closer proximity to the item being accessed and reduces the head movement needed to activate such a device. It eliminates the barrier imposed by the forehead pointers because it doesn't interrupt either the wearer's field of vision or the full view of the wearer's face.

Zygo Pointer		Using the Zygo Head Pointer

Using a head pointer and a foot mouse		FRS Pointer Image: Forbes Rehab Services

Using head mounted laser pointers to communicate

The Ace-Centre have started to put together a list of currently known head pointer designs, in an attempt to inform the buyer of the capabilities and pitfalls of each particular product. More information . . .

Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia

invisiblebloke — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:31:25 CST

The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia has been created by AbilityNet, the UK's largest provider of advice and information on all aspects of Access to technology. Its' purpose is to provide live and up to date information on everything to do with Assistive Technology. Unlike other static websites, this one is a Wiki, which means that anyone who is a registered user of Wetpaint can enter information.

The wiki is moderated and all comments and opinions are those of the individual contributor not necessarily that of AbilityNet.

Information is power, but it is only distributed information which is truly empowering (1)

What's in the Wiki

Translate this wiki into 10 different languages - instantly.

The link will take you to an image like this one. Just click the appropriate flag and this page (and the rest of the site) will be translated into your desired language.

Accessibility help . . .

Guidance for creators and writers

Site map to aid navigation . . .

Case studies

The experience and impact of AT is illustrated through case studies.

Access Technology in the workplace

Working with different needs

Vision

How a person with a vision impairment access a computer - bigger fonts, magnification, screen reading software and braille devices.

Physical Needs

Some disabilities will require to consider an alternative to the standard keyboard and mouse which comes with a computer. In this section you will find a range of keyboard and mouse alternatives, including on-screen keyboards, eye pointing and head tracking technology.

Language and Communication

AT to assist giving the user a voice - augmenting or offering speech. AT to assist with giving the user improved access to written communication as a reader or writer.

Learning Disability

People with learning disabilities have difficulty taking information in through the senses and processing the information with accuracy. This may lead to difficulty learning and performing in school and work. Most learning disabilities are manifested in poor reading, writing and math which subsequently affect a broad range of functions and skills.

Hearing

People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can configure Windows to use visual cues in place of sounds, or increase the volume level of program and system sounds.

Education

Employment

Home

Other Sources of Information

Knowledge Banks

If you can't find what you're looking for on the GATE, where else can you find information on assistive technology or sources of support?

Link to Knowledge Banks . . .

What is Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology - Enabling Dreams

A history and definitions of Assistive Technology, from ATTrain . . .

Technology Spotlight

FREE Technical Support for Disabled computer users

Did you know that there is a National network of volunteers who will visit disabled people in their own homes and fix any computer technical problems that they might be having?

IT Can Help

They can help you in the following ways:

Provide impartial advice on computer hardware and software
Install new equipment and software
Solve technical problems that may arise
Give advice and assistance with hardware and software upgrades
Help you get connected to the Internet and use e-mail
Help you get started with standard packages such as word processing
Help you get the most out of your computer and software

For more information, go to www.itcanhelp.org.uk

dapting and adjusting your computer

Adapting and adjusting your computer

OS Tweaks

Things you can do to adjust settings from within your operating system or main applications to make the computer more accessible and matched to your needs

Hardware

Different input and output devices, i.e. Keyboards, Mice, Voice Recognition software, eye and head track systems, that make it easier for you to put information into a computer and get information out.

Software

Additional software solutions that make accessing information and comunicating on a computer easier, i.e. Word Prediction, Magnification, Communication, Voice Recognition, Screenreaders.

Other Platforms

Mobile Phones

The rapidly changing field of mobile phones creates a range of issues for disabled users. This area explores models of phone with high levels of accessibility and how phones canbe optimised for individual needs

Digital TV

Access to Digital Tv is an increasingly significant issue as The UK along with other EC countries seeks to turn off its analogue signal. This section looks at how disabled people are accessing asnd using DTV

PDA's

PDA's or Personal Digital Assistants descibe those portable or handheld computers that are used to carry information and resources with the user. examples include the HP Ipaq or the PalmPilot series

Communication Aids

Augmentative Alternative Communication aids (AAC), for people who have lost the power of speech through disability. It includes the use of eye pointing, gesture, signing, symbols, word boards, or a speech output device. Augmenting communication involves speech and writing. In some cases, it also involves technology relating to teaching and learning, mobility, environmental control and employment

(1) Based on a quote by Tom Watson, Minister for Digital Engagement, as he outlined the next steps in the Government's Power of Information programme

This Wiki is supported by the Information Technologists Company

Further Information

davebanes — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:50:40 CST

Case studies The personal experiences of people actually using assistive technologies

Sources of support Where you can find more information about assistive technology

Latest Assistive Technology news Read the latest on what's happening in the world of assistive technology

Blog central
A list of Assistive Technology related blogs

AbilityNet blogspot Gaming blogspot Heather's Assistive Technology Blog Center for Persons with Disability Electronic Assistive Technology WebSIG Tim O'Brien's AT blog AssessTech Fred's Head - this snippet is about Accessible phones for vision impaired Instructables - for projects or discussions related to adaptive equipment and assistive technology -- equipment, hardware or software, or modifications which make things easier to do, or able to be done at all.	AbilityNet

AbilityNet blogspot
Gaming blogspot
Heather's Assistive Technology Blog
Center for Persons with Disability
Electronic Assistive Technology WebSIG
Tim O'Brien's AT blog
AssessTech
Fred's Head - this snippet is about Accessible phones for vision impaired
Instructables - for projects or discussions related to adaptive equipment and assistive technology -- equipment, hardware or software, or modifications which make things easier to do, or able to be done at all.

AbilityNet

Disability Statistics A wide range of statistics about disability, disabled users and general accessibility

International Assistive Technology resources Assitive technology links from around the world

Alternative Formats The many different ways of making information accessible - Braille, Daisy, MP3, CD, DVD, PDF etc

VAT exemptions for disabled people Useful guides to what VAT exemptions are available, how to claim and what forms to complete

Knowledge Banks There are many organisations who have websites devoted to providing information about asistive technology and accessibility. This is a growing selection.

Video Playlist There are many videos on this wiki which show bopth assistive technology and those people who use it.

Screenreaders and Text to Speech

invisiblebloke — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:28:07 CST

It is often thought that a graphical interface such as Windows, with its pictures and "icons", is inaccessible to those without vision. In fact these operating systems are still, in reality, text-based and often pictures are purely cosmetic or accompanied by a text label.

A blind computer user can know what is on the screen by having the necessary information spoken by a synthetic voice. This could include having each character or word echoed back as you type. On computers that can produce sounds and music the speech output can be produced in a similar way, through the main speakers. In other instances a separate piece of equipment may be required to make the computer talk.

The software programs that control the speech (called "screen readers") vary in their reliability and intelligence. The more sophisticated allow the user effective and reliable "eyes-free" use of the vast majority of DOS or Windows 95/98/NT programs (as well as some running under other operating systems).

RNIB factsheet: What is a screenreader

WebAIM Screenreader Survey 2009

Survey question: Which of the following screen readers do you commonly use? (select all that apply)

49% of respondents commonly use more than one screen reader. 23% use more than two and 8% use more than three screen readers. System Access or SAToGo and NVDA are relatively commonly used (23% and 26%, respectively), yet are less common as a primary screen readers (5% and 3%). When compared to the results from our previous survey, JAWS and Window Eyes use is almost identical, yet NVDA, Voice Over, and System Access usage increased tremendously. (Source: WebAIM)

Accessing the web using JAWS		Accessing the web with a screenreader

Accessing the web using JAWS

Accessing the web with a screenreader

Browsealoud

Browsealoud is a Free Windows program that instantly speech-enables websites, reading the text that users require with the hover of a mouse. Free to download, easy to use with control over the voice, pitch and speed, browsealoud is there when you need assistance as you navigate the Web. Browsealoud can only read sites that have been enabled for its use. While a growing number of websites are enabled, it will provide access only to those sites whose owners or webmasters have elected to utilise this service. For full accessibility, another text-reader or talking browser should be chosen for those sites that are not enabled for Browsealoud.

Browsealoud features		Browsealoud options

Downloading Browsealoud

Guide

An all-in-one computer package, for people who are blind or partially sighted. It has been designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn. Guide has its own in-built screen reader, so it will read out the text on every screen, even while you're typing. It has its own in-built screen magnifier, so you can enlarge the text on every screen, whether you are writing a letter or surfing the Internet. It turns your computer into an easy-to-use Reading Machine. Printed text documents are placed on the scanner and then both spoken out and magnified on the screen. It is available as a CD to be loaded onto an existing computer, or as a complete computer package, all setup and ready to be used. It offers many features, integrated within one package, so that there is no need to switch between different programmes to complete each task. These features include: Write letters and documents; Spell-checker; Dictionary and thesaurus; Magnify handwriting, diagrams or pictures; Print or edit photos from your digital camera; Send and receive emails; Surf the internet; Addresses and contacts; Calendar and reminders and playing CDs and MP3s. Guide-Handsfree is an all-in-one computer package which can be fully controlled by your voice. No keyboard or mouse required.
Guide Demo Part 1		Guide Demo Part 2

Guide Demo Part 3		Guide Hands-Free Introduction

JAWS

A screen reader which works with a PC to provide access to software applications and the Internet. It has an internal software speech synthesizer which works with the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications. JAWS also outputs to refreshable braille displays, providing braille support for a variety of screen readers. Essentially to use JAWS, you need to be familiar with the keyboard. Ideally you need to be a touch typist. A standard keyboard is recommended, as it has the full range of keys - and where you would expect them to be. More about this . . .

JAWS 11 now available. Compatible with Windows 7 . . .

JAWS training Resources MakeLifeBetterNow FreedomScientific Azzabat TandT Consultancy		Useful JAWS user manual Using JAWS with voice recognition software JAWS common keystrokes (Better Living Through Technology)
JAWS Screenreader - Hear an example		Using JAWS to examine website structure

JAWS overview

HAL

Another screenreader developed for blind computer users, Hal is a software screen reader that works by reading the screen interactively and communicating through a speech synthesiser or a refreshable Braille display. The makers claim: It is Vista compatible and a few fully featured screen reader. It can be used independently - in other words, not just on a desktop PC, but can be transported on a USB stick to use at any university, internet café, library or work place. Users are able to carry their screen access, with their favourite settings with them at all times. Hal users can apparently also connect remotely on terminal servers or Citrix mainframes. The latest v9.3 works with Vista. More about this . . .

HAL version 10 now available. What's New ?:

Support for Mozilla FireFox
All new Setup Wizard
Improved Internet Quick Navigation Keys
Virtual Focus Text Selection
URL Specific Document Settings for Internet Explorer
Support for Winamp Media Player
Multi-Core ready
Product Improvement Programme

Find out more about it . . .

User manual for HAL v9.0 (English) Other languages available here . . .

Pocket HAL. This a version of HAL which is designed to run on a compatible PDA. Dolphin no longer list this software on their website,, as it is no longer in development. However, if you can get hold of a copy, they tell me it will only work on a PDA running Windows Mobile version 5.

More screenreaders

Window-Eyes Window-Eyes is a software application for the blind and visually impaired, which converts components of the Windows operating system into synthesized speech allowing for complete and total access to Windows based computer systems. Using the web with Window Eyes		Talklets and the Textic Toolbox Talklets let you listen to any web text in clear, life-like speech with a choice of accents and languages. Website owners can easily add Talklets accessibility to a website to provide vocalised web text for all visitors without the need for downloads or special software.The standard Talklets Toolbar offers a range of speech and visual controls and provides a handy way of adding such enhancements to a web page with the addition of a small JavaScript snippet to each page to be speech enabled.http://www.textic.com/ Windows Light 2007 Developed in 2004 by Ha See-Hung, a blind computer user in Hong Kong. Supports Braille output and 3 languages - Cantonese, Putonghua and English.

Window-Eyes
Window-Eyes is a software application for the blind and visually impaired, which converts components of the Windows operating system into synthesized speech allowing for complete and total access to Windows based computer systems.

Using the web with Window Eyes

Talklets and the Textic Toolbox

Talklets let you listen to any web text in clear, life-like speech with a choice of accents and languages. Website owners can easily add Talklets accessibility to a website to provide vocalised web text for all visitors without the need for downloads or special software.The standard Talklets Toolbar offers a range of speech and visual controls and provides a handy way of adding such enhancements to a web page with the addition of a small JavaScript snippet to each page to be speech enabled.http://www.textic.com/

Windows Light 2007
Developed in 2004 by Ha See-Hung, a blind computer user in Hong Kong. Supports Braille output and 3 languages - Cantonese, Putonghua and English.

Tip Top Text Reader

A text to speech reading aid for those who find reading text on a computer screen difficult, for example due to being partially sighted, dyslexic or maybe English is not a first language. Use it to read emails, webpages, documents - anything. Download Tip Top Reader from TipTopBanana . . .		How to use Tip Top Text Reader

A text to speech reading aid for those who find reading text on a computer screen difficult, for example due to being partially sighted, dyslexic or maybe English is not a first language. Use it to read emails, webpages, documents - anything.

Download Tip Top Reader from TipTopBanana . . .

How to use Tip Top Text Reader

Talking ClipBoard

Talking Clipboard is a free text to speech program, that can read text documents, RSS feeds and webpages using realistic synthetic voices and can convert text to audio files for your music player. It can read text from any application using clipboard and can read a large number of native document formats directly, like: ePub, PDF, DOC, RTF, HTML, TXT. You can also convert large number of text documents to audio WAV or MP3 (with ID3 tags) files, using batch command line conversion or GUI tools. In Talking Clipboard, you have full control over reading like Play/Pause/Stop, jump to next or previous paragraph or line via menu or media remote or keyboard media buttons. Other features include bookmarks, spell correction, text manipulation using regular expressions, RSS reader, Wordnet dictionary, talking reminder, Drag & Drop support, etc. More information about Talking Clipboard . . .

Talking Clipboard is a free text to speech program, that can read text documents, RSS feeds and webpages using realistic synthetic voices and can convert text to audio files for your music player. It can read text from any application using clipboard and can read a large number of native document formats directly, like: ePub, PDF, DOC, RTF, HTML, TXT. You can also convert large number of text documents to audio WAV or MP3 (with ID3 tags) files, using batch command line conversion or GUI tools. In Talking Clipboard, you have full control over reading like Play/Pause/Stop, jump to next or previous paragraph or line via menu or media remote or keyboard media buttons. Other features include bookmarks, spell correction, text manipulation using regular expressions, RSS reader, Wordnet dictionary, talking reminder, Drag & Drop support, etc.

More information about Talking Clipboard . . .

SaToGo

There is a really good screen reader called System Access To Go (SaToGo) which compares favourably to high-cost screen readers such as Jaws, Window-Eyes and Hal in many areas (it also competes favourably with Thunder, NVDA or other free screen readers) and is now free of charge. It requires an internet connection but installs no files so you can use it on any machine that has a net connection regardless of admin rights (it has no video intercept but relies on MSAA and the object model). Just roll up to a machine and hit Windows+R to bring up the Run dialog and then type www.satogo.com and it will come up talking. Works for unlimited session length and unlimited times. Saves your settings/preferences to their server so will come up the same on any subsequent machine. Use it in libraries or internet cafes as makes no odds if machine totally locked down to sw installs.

It uses mostly Jaws keystrokes which makes any subsequent transition to Jaws very straightforward. Also has nice features no other screen reader has - such as when you land on a website with unlabelled images and you label an image that label is sent to the server and anyone else landing on that page will experience those images already labelled. Of course the same happens for you with any images labelled by others.

For home users with a net connection it's the obvious choice now it's totally free. Also for anyone who is blind and having to use other people's machines. www.satogo.com / http://serotek.com/cas.html

DixerIT. Dixerit reads your website aloud, helping people who may have difficulty reading your content for themselves. No downloads or plug-ins are required: just add a link or button and start listening. More information about DixerIT. . .

TextAloud. TextAloud reads text from email, web pages, reports and more, aloud on your PC. TextAloud can also save your daily reading to MP3 or Windows Media files ready for playback on your iPod, PocketPC, or even on your TV with Tivo's Home Media Option. More information about TextAloud . . .

Open Source

NDVA

This Open Source screen reader for Windows is rapidly gaining features and an enthusiastic user base. At least one Jaws user has been heard to say that they are now able to use a Windows PC without Jaws. It currently supports speech in 13 languages but Braille support is not yet available. A good range of Windows programs are supported and Mozilla Firefox gives a particularly rich accessible browsing experience. NVDA not only works with programs that make themselves accessible through the MSAA accessibility technology but also supports the growing number of programs that offer richer accessibility though the IAccessible2 Open Standard. More Information and Download . . .		Using NVDA with PacMate braille display

This Open Source screen reader for Windows is rapidly gaining features and an enthusiastic user base. At least one Jaws user has been heard to say that they are now able to use a Windows PC without Jaws. It currently supports speech in 13 languages but Braille support is not yet available. A good range of Windows programs are supported and Mozilla Firefox gives a particularly rich accessible browsing experience.

NVDA not only works with programs that make themselves accessible through the MSAA accessibility technology but also supports the growing number of programs that offer richer accessibility though the IAccessible2 Open Standard. More Information and Download . . .

Using NVDA with PacMate braille display

D-Speech.

This is a free TTS (Text To Speech) program with functionality of ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) integrated. It is able to to read aloud the written text and choose the sentences to be pronounced based upon the vocal answers of the user. OS: Win2000/NT/XP/2003.

Features: Allows you to save the output as a .WAV or .MP3 file. Allows you to quickly select different voices, even combine them, or juxtapose them in order to create dialogues between different voices. DSpeech integrates a vocal recognition system that, through a simple script language, allows you to create interactive dialogues with the user. Allows you to configure the voices in an independent way. Thanks to apposite TAGs, it allows you to dynamically change the features of the voices during the playback (speed, volume and frequency), to insert pauses, emphasize specific words, or even to spell them out. Allows you to capture and reproduce the content of the ClipBoard. DSpeech is compatible with all vocal engines (SAPI 4-5 compliant). AI dialog system. Not really useful, but amusing. It does not work in every language.

Features:

Allows you to save the output as a .WAV or .MP3 file.
Allows you to quickly select different voices, even combine them, or juxtapose them in order to create dialogues between different voices.
DSpeech integrates a vocal recognition system that, through a simple script language, allows you to create interactive dialogues with the user.
Allows you to configure the voices in an independent way.
Thanks to apposite TAGs, it allows you to dynamically change the features of the voices during the playback (speed, volume and frequency), to insert pauses, emphasize specific words, or even to spell them out.
Allows you to capture and reproduce the content of the ClipBoard.
DSpeech is compatible with all vocal engines (SAPI 4-5 compliant).
AI dialog system. Not really useful, but amusing. It does not work in every language.

TypeIt ReadIt - Freeware text to speech

TypeIt ReadIt can help users who are visually impaired, cannot read, desire to improve their reading comprehension, or just want to listen to their documents read aloud. This program changes the font color and font size with ease. This program also reads text aloud to the user. For users who wish to listen to their documents on CD, iPod, or other media, TypeIt ReadIt can convert text to a spoken sound file by using its text-to-speech technology. These sound files can be inserted into iTunes, CD, an iPod, PowerPoint, iMovie, Audacity or any other software or device that supports sound files. This can allow students, with speech difficulties, to place the sound files in their presentations, so they can participate with lessons and class activities. With TypeIt ReadIt, students can listen to their documents on their iPod. Business people can convert their emails, documents, and memos to listen to them on their car radio while they are stuck in rush-hour traffic. Also, TypeIt ReadIt is a useful alternative for young children’s typing lessons instead of using a confusing word processor. Download TypeIt . . .		TypeIt for Windows

TypeIt ReadIt can help users who are visually impaired, cannot read, desire to improve their reading comprehension, or just want to listen to their documents read aloud. This program changes the font color and font size with ease. This program also reads text aloud to the user. For users who wish to listen to their documents on CD, iPod, or other media, TypeIt ReadIt can convert text to a spoken sound file by using its text-to-speech technology. These sound files can be inserted into iTunes, CD, an iPod, PowerPoint, iMovie, Audacity or any other software or device that supports sound files. This can allow students, with speech difficulties, to place the sound files in their presentations, so they can participate with lessons and class activities. With TypeIt ReadIt, students can listen to their documents on their iPod. Business people can convert their emails, documents, and memos to listen to them on their car radio while they are stuck in rush-hour traffic. Also, TypeIt ReadIt is a useful alternative for young children’s typing lessons instead of using a confusing word processor.

Download TypeIt . . .

TypeIt for Windows

BalaBolka. A Text-To-Speech (TTS) program. All computer voices installed on your system are available to Balabolka. The on-screen text can be saved as a WAV, MP3, OGG or WMA file. The program can read the clipboard content, view the text from DOC, RTF, PDF, FB2 and HTML files, customize font and background colour, control reading from the system tray or by the global hotkeys. Balabolka uses various versions of Microsoft Speech API (SAPI); it allows to alter a voice's parameters, including rate and pitch. The user can apply a special substitution list to improve the quality of the voice's articulation. This feature is useful when you want to change the spelling of words.

Hindi screen reader breakthrough for blind.

Prologix Software Solutions presented Vaachak Indian Text-to-Speech (TTS) software to assist 480 million Hindi speakers worldwide. In addition, Vaachak now allows visually impaired people to access electronic Hindi content through the SAFA Screen Reader. More about this . . .

ORCA.

A free, open source scriptable screen reader. Using various combinations of speech, braille, and magnification, Orca helps provide access to applications and toolkits that support the AT-SPI (e.g., the GNOME desktop). The command to run orca is orca. You can enter this command by pressing Alt+F2 when logged in, waiting for a second or so, then typing orca and pressing return. Orca is designed to present information as you navigate the desktop using the built-in navigation mechanisms of GNOME. These navigation mechanisms are consistent across most desktop applications. (Source: Linuxlandit)

Online text to speech translator (Source: http://text-to-speech-translator.paralink.com/)

Wikipedia list of Screenreaders

Text to speech software reviews

NaturalReader and BrowseAloud (Source: http://edtech.ed.sc.edu/kseibert/Software_Review.htm)
Penscanner - Text to Speech (Source: PCMag.com)

Screenreaders and Accessibility

The rise in the use of AJAX to dynamically change web content without refreshing the page (Web 2.0 applications) has resulted in accessibility problems for users of Assistive Technology such as Screen Readers. The problem can be divided into two issues:

Users not having access to content changes.
Users not being aware of the changed content if they can access it.

(more on this at http://css.dzone.com/news/ajax-and-screen-readers-conten ).

Isolani - Ajax and Accessibility (Alternative format)

Other Screenreader Resources

Windows Narrator in Windows XP only lets you use the Microsoft Sam voice. This is bad if you're having to use Narrator for situations where your screenreader will not work (e.g. safe mode) or you are not an English speaker and need to do some testing.

How to set Narrator Voice Options in XP

How to change Windows Narrator voice (from Microsoft Sam)
VoiceOver in Mac OS X Leopard. To make it easier for the blind and those with low vision to use a computer, Apple has built a solution into every Mac. Called VoiceOver. It provides a wide variety of requested feature enhancements. These include a new high-speed, high-quality voice, plug-and-play support for refreshable Braille displays, international language support, an interactive built-in tutorial, and the NumPad Commander, which make navigation easier for new Mac owners who previously used Windows screen readers.

Once you’ve customised your own Mac, you can take all your VoiceOver settings with you on the road. To do so, connect a USB flash drive to your Mac and choose Create Portable Preferences from the File menu in VoiceOver Utility. When you connect the flash drive to a Mac, VoiceOver automatically its presence and instantly reconfigures itself to match the Portable Preferences saved on the flash drive for such items as your Pronunciation Dictionary, Braille input key assignments, and NumPad Commander settings.
VoiceOver in more detail . . .

How to use Voiceover

Navigating the Dock and Menu Bar
GhostReader. Text to speech software for the Apple Mac. Convert documents to audiobooks to listen to on an iPod or iPhone. Convert text from news sites and emails to audiobooks to listen to on an iPod or iPhone. Point the cursor at text in Safari, TextEdit, Mail or Pages 2008 to hear the paragraph below the cursor.
InfoVox. Naturally sounding voices in a language of choice for use by any Mac OS X application
MathPlayer: A Math reader for Blind Students

This was copied from a blog called Fred's Head.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Design Science has developed a product called MathPlayer to help the visually impaired. The player reads mathematical text aloud, and you can alter the way it reads certain functions (for example, you may prefer close parens or you might like it to just say parenthesis). The program understands the need to know whether a portion of a fraction is the numerator or the denominator, it understands that you would need to know when the argument of the square root ends, etc. MathPlayer enables Microsoft Internet Explorer to display mathematical notation in web pages. It is based on MathML technology and requires Internet Explorer for Windows version 6.0 and later. "We make MathPlayer available for free in order to foster the adoption of MathML in the math, science, and education communities". Right-click on an equation and see what MathPlayer lets you do with it! You can cut-and-paste math into any one of a growing number of MathML-compatible software packages, such as Maple and Mathematica. You can open it in our WebEQ and MathType products for further editing, reuse in your own documents, and much more>.

Click this link to visit a demonstration page where you can hear JAWS for Windows read a website with and without MathPlayer.
Click this link to download MathPlayer.
Posted by Michael McCarty at 11:10 AM

How to use Voiceover		Navigating the Dock and Menu Bar

Screenreaders for Mobile Phones and PDAs

There appears to be only a limited number of screenreaders available for mobile phones (Smartphones) and PDAs:

A Smartphone is a mobile which can do a lot more than the typical mobile phone - in fact very much like a computer. A smartphone is a phone with advanced features like e-mail and Internet capabilities, and/or a full keyboard. The Nokia N95 for example, is a smartphone.

iPAQ 214

A PDA (or Personal Digital Assistant) is a handheld computer – also known as a palmtop. Some of the latest PDAs can also be used as mobile phones – and these are often referred to as Smartphones. They can do this either in their own right or via a Bluetooth connection to a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The Blackberry is described as a PDA phone. Another PDA is the Hewlett Packard iPAQ 114, described by HP as a Handheld PC. It is powered by Windows Mobile 6 but because it's a PDA, is not compatible with Smart HAL.

The new iPAQ 214 allows you to write emails, with the help of Outlook Mobile. It has integrated wireless networking so that you can get online whenever and wherever you like; at home or in the office, or even in a cafe - you'll always have access to the internet and email. It also includes Microsoft Office Mobile, which would allow you to write documents. However, it's a Windows Mobile 6 device, so will not work with Smart HAL or Pocket HAL, both of which only work with Windows Mobile 5.

Mobile Speak, by Code Factory. Needs a Symbian series 8 or 9 phone.
Compatible phone list: http://www.adapt-it.org.uk/products/mobile-speak.asp
Nuance ‘Talks’. Running on Symbian™ Series 60 phones, Nuance TALKS converts the displayed text on the mobile handset into highly intelligible speech. With Nuance TALKS, blind and low-vision users can take advantage of most features, including contact directories, caller ID, text messages, help files, access to the Nokia web browser, and other screen content, available on their mobile phones. TALKS&ZOOMS support the newest Nokia handsets, like the Nokia E51, E90, N81, N82 / N82 8GB, and N95 8GB!. More info: http://www.nuance.com/talks/

View the Talks video . .
Dolphin Smart HAL for Smartphones with Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. According to Dolphin, Smart HAL won’t work on a Symbian based phone. Smart HAL will apparently work on certain Mobile 6 smartphones but not PDAs.
Compatible phone list: http://www.yourdolphin.com/dolphin.asp?id=99.

There doesn't appear to be screenreader available yet for a Blackberry. It uses it’s own operating system called RIM Blackberry.

Text Help and Word Prediction

invisiblebloke — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:33:20 CST

Word prediction is an "intelligent" word processing feature that can alleviate writing breakdowns for a range of students simply by reducing the number of keystrokes necessary for typing words.

Word prediction works like this. As a student types, the software monitors the input letter-by-letter, and produces a list of words beginning with the letter sequence recorded. Each time a letter is added, the list is updated. When the target word appears in the list, it can be chosen and inserted into the ongoing text with a single keystroke. (Typically word lists are numbered and words can be chosen by typing the corresponding number).

Students with Motor Impairments

Many word prediction programs were first developed for students whose keyboarding skills were severely limited by their motor impairments. For students who cannot use the standard keyboard, alternate methods for selecting letters--switches, trackballs, head and mouthsticks--can be slow, increasing the gap between generating ideas and capturing them in writing. Word prediction can reduce this gap simply by reducing the number of selections necessary for encoding words.

Students with Learning Disabilities

Educators are beginning to see the power of word prediction for students with learning disabilities. Many students who are poor spellers avoid words they are unsure of and therefore have extremely limited writing vocabularies. Others are less constricted while composing, but find that spellcheckers frequently do not generate appropriate choices. Word prediction provides poor spellers on-line assistance, making the whole endeavor less stressful (Source article: NCIP).

People with Dyslexia also find TextHelp and Word Prediction programs invaluable.

Read more about this on the AbilityNet factsheet, called Dyslexia and Computing.

Useful list of dyslexia oriented products from Dyslexic.com

Useful Text Help and Word Prediction Resources

Word Q / Speak Q. A word prediction and speech recognition package.This word prediction has pretty good flexible prediction, so may well offer some competion for Co:Writer, but works with other applications. Some really nice features such as context sentences for homophones on the fly and text to speech that works beyond it's window. The speech is a plug in for the Word Q is interesting, but in my limited experience... ineffective! Teachers I have shown this to really like the other elements of the program though. Costs about £120. Free demo on the website, though I have problems with the download- have reported this. You can also contact them, or their UK distributor which appear to be REM for a demo disk. Definitely worth knowing about if you are doing any work with schools/students. More information about Word Q . . .

ClaroRead. A text to speech support tools that allow computer users to read and write independently. By making a computer speak any text with a human voice, text documents can be proofed out loud along with web pages, e-mails and any other text. ClaroRead can reduce reliance on teachers, partners, support staff and parents by giving its user the opportunity to achieve the same standards as everyone else. More information about ClaroRead . . .

ClaroRead Tooolbar

ClaroRead for PC V5 word prediction (explained by the onboard voice)		ClaroRead for PC V5 spell check tutorial (explained by the onboard voice)

ClaroRead for Mac V4 (explained by Acapela Rachael)		ClaroRead for Mac reading in Safari tutorial (explained by Acapela Heather)
More videos on the ClaroRead YouTube channel . . .
Extract from AbilityNet Newsletter Autumn 2009. ClaroRead V5 has new some features including Visual highlighting. The new focus sentence feature greys or dims out sentences in MS Word not being spoken. This is helpful for focussing the eye on the text, and also tracking the position in a document. The word trail feature allows effective word by word highlighting, with minimal visual disruption. The new ClaroCapture program lets you collect text from any document and web page, grouping it as a project file. This can be sent to Word or PowerPoint. Claro has always aimed to offer the highest quality voices and now has two new excellent voices, a Scottish female and an English male.

Reading Made Easy. America and Canada. A huge range of products available. They have developed a complete suite of products that address "reading, writing and information transfer" needs for individuals with visual, cognitive and mobility challenges. www.readingmadeez.com/Products.php
Virtual Reading Ruler by Crossbow Education. It works just like an ordinary reading ruler, removing the glare so stabilising the print on any area of the page. At the same time it can mark the specific line or paragraph being read. It can be used with any application - including the internet - and moves with the mouse. Read more about Virtual Reading Ruler . . .

TextHelp Read&Write 8 / Read&Write 8 Gold - Auto copies to clipboard once highlighted and then reads out. Also converts docs into MP3 format. R&W Gold is good at detecting homophones and 'confusables', like rough and tough, through etc. Takes over control of spellchecker - using it's own. Uses speech to read out possibilities in the context of the sentence. Reads web pages and includes a Daisy reader. Also does a very good job at scanning in text - even from coloured brochures and then reading it out.

Read&Write Gold V8 Toolbar

Using TextHelp Read&Write Gold V8:		TextHelp Read & Write Gold V8 Screenreader:

Using Read&Write Gold to read PDF files		Using Read&Write Gold with Vista and K12 Maps
Text Help Read and Write 9 has some new features including Screen masking, to help with some of the visual issues associated with dyslexia, the ability to block out any text you are not reading. Other options include: Tint my whole screen Tint the window I am typing in Tint the line I am typing on Tint everything except the line I am typing on Underline the line I'm typing on Underline my mouse point It also comes with Tim and Tina! These new voices have been specifically designed for Education purposes to ensure that students have the best listening experience. The Screenshot Reader in Read&Write 9 GOLD speech-enables inaccessible text, such as 'locked' PDF documents or Inaccessible Flash. Examination boards frequently use inaccessible Flash for online exams. For instance, the City and Guilds GOLA exams are written in Flash. Read&Write 9 GOLD will read this text.

Free Download. Sensory software free downloads. www.sensorysoftware.com
Wordbar_v2 from Crick (and similar to Clicker 5) provides writing support for students. It is a toolbar which sits along the bottom of your screen and attaches itself to whatever word processor you are using. Every grid contains words or phrases that can be sent to the word processor with a click. Faster writing, improved spelling and accuracy. It includes high quality speech so you can hear words or phrases before you write. Good for 'mental blocks'. Free downloadable Grids
Mind Mapping. Brainstorming and concept mapping tools for visual thinking and learning. Inspiration has a 'quick fire' mode which auto exports text into boxes. The 'outline' view almost creates the document - with headings etc. You can move information round in outline view by dragging and dropping. Also speech output. Mind Genius will convert mind maps into Word docs or Powerpoint. Inspiration_v76

Using Inspiration v8 - Lesson 1

Using Inspiration v8 - Lesson 2

Using Inspiration v8 - Lesson 2

Creating an outline in Inspiration v8
Co-Writer. Works straight out of the box. In Word, the working window appears underneath. Everything stays in this window until the word is completed and then it is transferred to Word. Text is read out instantly Spells with you as you type. Prediction appears underneath the word being typed. (Best to turn off the word learn function for dyslexics). Co-Writer now comes preinstalled on the AlphaSmart. www.donjohnston.com

Co-Writer SE
ieSpellCheck - a spell checker for Internet Explorer. A free Internet Explorer browser extension that spell checks text input boxes on a webpage. www.iespell.com/
Inclusive Writer. Predictive text etc www.inclusive.co.uk
Clicker. Text help with images www.cricksoft.co.uk

Using Clicker 5
Widgit. Text help with images.www.widgit.com
PenFriend XP. Highlight the desired text and copy to clipboard. It is then read out. Word prediction appears in a floating window. Minus point - you have to take eyes off screen to see keyboard. Program learns from what is being typed (word frequency and patterns). In setup, uncheck 'learn new words'. (for dyslexics). Can add words to lexicon, but any docs have to be saved to .txt format (then add from file). Penfriend now integrates with the newClicker 5.2. www.penfriend.ltd.uk

17/11/09 Note: The new version of Penfriend 3.3.2.7 xl, text prediction software, now has letter phonics available when you use the speak letters feature. Few text to speech programs give you this option so it is useful to have the choice.
Tool Factory Reader.

Features on the tool bar include Font, Spacing, Homophones, Spell Check and Settings. Homophones are words that are pronounced alike although they differ in spelling and meaning, for example, “pair” and “pear”. Tool Factory Reader will highlight homophones in the document by selecting the “Show Homophones” button, or alternatively have them highlighted as you type. Then by clicking “Check” the document will review all homophones, suggest alternative words, and provide the meanings of those words. This check feature provides a single button for use in Microsoft Word that combines a homophone dictionary, thesaurus and spellchecker, making the checking of your text and documents easier and more comprehensive. Text can be spell checked individually or as a whole of a document, also featuring over 1000 pictures to help visualize word meanings. More information about Tool Factory . . .

Co-Writer SE

Using Clicker 5

Free Homophone checking software

tcpIQ Dictionary 1.1. This is freeware. The tcpIQ Dictionary is a free application that sits in your system tray monitoring clipboard. When you copy a piece of text into the clipboard, the dictionary opens up. Double clicking on the icon will take you to www.dictionary.com where the definition of the word will be displayed. It also features: a thesaurus spell check search the word using Google homophone look up anagram look up rhyming word look up search the quotations database and search the encyclopedia its freeware ...and it can be set to run automatically on start up. Goto website address http://wareseeker.com/free-homophones/ and scroll down the page.	Grammarian Pro X 1.8.2. This shareware. Grammarian PRO X reads through your text and analyzes each sentence for potential spelling, grammar, and punctuation problems. Has much more spelling and grammar checking power than the limited checkers in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office. Has over 200 built-in spelling and grammar writing rules compared to MS Office s 26 error corrections. Checks a large number of homophones--words that sound the same but are spelled differently such as its for its, accept for except, loose for lose, to for too and two, and many more. Goto website address http://wareseeker.com/free-homophones/ and scroll down the page.

tcpIQ Dictionary 1.1. This is freeware.

The tcpIQ Dictionary is a free application that sits in your system tray monitoring clipboard. When you copy a piece of text into the clipboard, the dictionary opens up. Double clicking on the icon will take you to www.dictionary.com where the definition of the word will be displayed. It also features:

a thesaurus
spell check
search the word using Google
homophone look up
anagram look up
rhyming word look up
search the quotations database and
search the encyclopedia
its freeware
...and it can be set to run automatically on start up.

Goto website address http://wareseeker.com/free-homophones/ and scroll down the page.

Grammarian Pro X 1.8.2. This shareware.

Grammarian PRO X reads through your text and analyzes each sentence for potential spelling, grammar, and punctuation problems. Has much more spelling and grammar checking power than the limited checkers in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office. Has over 200 built-in spelling and grammar writing rules compared to MS Office s 26 error corrections. Checks a large number of homophones--words that sound the same but are spelled differently such as its for its, accept for except, loose for lose, to for too and two, and many more.

Goto website address http://wareseeker.com/free-homophones/ and scroll down the page.

Free toolbar, which overrides the page settings for font size and colour. Very effective and easy to use. www.techdis.ac.uk
Curser help. Find the curser. Follow.exe is no longer available. Alternative is Mouse&Caret. www.ahf-net.com/Mcbuddy.htm

AlphaSmart Neo. A portable word processor. Just type in the text (disregard spelling), connect to laptop with Word running in the background. NeoSmart transfers text into Word, which converts (spell checks) on the fly - but autocorrect needs to be set up first. AlphaSmart Neo

The new AlphaSmart Neo 2

Wireless Printing. NEO 2's built-in 802.15 wireless connectivity can be used to allow it to print wirelessly. This can include network printers.
Responder. NEO 2 has the functionality of the Classroom Response System (CRS) built into it. Essentially, the teacher can pose a question to the class and the students can respond on their Alphasmart Neos. The results are returned to the teacher’s PC and these can be shown in a graph using the 2Know

software.
More Memory. NEO 2 has twice the 'Flash' memory of NEO 1. This allows for twice as much room for additional applications, such as the Accelerated Reader quiz-taker, and the Responder applications.
Accelerated Reader. Using the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet allows a NEO 2 to be used to take Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader quizzes.

Text and image source: AlphaSmart UK

AlphaSmart Dana and AlphaSmart 3000. A teacher commented: "When I showed the AlphaSmart 3000 to three children, between ages 8 and 12, each of them was completely familiar with it, and began using it immediately. "I only have to remember which number computer I used and which number button to press," said eight-year-old Joshua Atwater. As they each quickly composed documents of their whimsy, it became clear to me that the AlphaSmart concept has merit in the education field, offering a simple solution for beginning computer users". (Source: Pencomputing) .

The Alphasmart Neo and what it can do:

OmniPage Lite is a very basic scanner. Kurzweil 3000 is also very good. OmniPage Pro

Using the Kurzweil 3000

Using Kurzweil 1000

Text to Speech Resources

Converting text to speech. www.digitalfuturesoft.com
Dasher is a unique interface to predict text to aid spelling.

Dasher demonstration
DSpeech. Free software. You can copy and paste text into DSpeech and it will read it out. Can also save as a .wav or .MP3 audio file.
Dolphin Easy Converter. It quickly creates Large Print, MP3, DAISY and Braille versions of learning materials that can either be scanned from paper, or input from Word, PDF, HTML, Nimas, Kesi, DAISY Xml, text or image files.

Creating a digital talking book
Spoken Text. Free Online text to audio converter. Record PDF, Word, plain text, PowerPoint files, ,RSS news feeds, emails and web pages, and convert them to speech automatically. Download your recording as an iPod book or mp3 file. And every member gets a personal podcast URL , which you can use to download recordings to iTunes or your iPod. More about Spoken Text . . .
ReadEasy by VisualEyes. A simple to use reading machine. Place a printed document on top and it is immediately read out loud. www.visualeyesuk.com
Screen Readers
TextAssist 4.0 is an application that converts text into speech. It can be used to read email messages and text documents, recite poetry, sing songs and make Internet chat rooms come alive. TextAssist is apparently easy to operate and requires a minimum amount of set-up. Simply highlight the text. TextAssist is fully customisable, offering several different voices that can be modified in pitch, volume, and speed. Individual voices can be tailored to the user's specifications and associated with targeted applications. Works with any Windows 95/98/NT 4.0/2000/XP application that features text-editing: word processors, email programs, web browsers and newsgroup readers, etc. www.mindmaker.com/

Using OCR text recognition to convert text to speech. www.visionconnection.org/
ReadPlease. Free text to speech software. www.readplease.com
TypeSpeak enables the higher-functioning user to participate in real-time conversation, by writing and speaking the message directly from the device, through an on-screen soft keyboard (colour-coded for ease of use), or via the user's own cursive, or block-capital, handwriting recognition. Advanced features also provide design and selection for word and next letter prediction, a message gallery, etc. Also TextSpeak Mobile. www.touchspeak.co.uk
Converting mobile phone text to speech. www.nuance.co.uk
AllWrite is a basic word processor with many special features to make it suitable for people with different special needs, especially dyslexia, visual impairment and cognitive difficulties. AllWrite has all the essential word processing tools, including text formatting, inserting pictures and spell checking, but none of the complexity of a large word processing program. You can select which tools are available for each user as well as the appearance of the program. www.smartboxat.com/allwrite
BrowseAloud. Reads web pages aloud. For people who find it difficult to read online. Reading large amounts of text on screen can be difficult for those with literacy and visual impairments. Free to download. It will only read pages which have been 'Browsealoud' configured by the website owners. Browsealoud makes using the Internet easier for people who have:

Low literacy and reading skills
English as a second language
Dyslexia
Mild visual impairments

The video is in dutch but the principal is the same
WriteOnline. New online word processor from Crick Software with speech output, word prediction and word bank support.
- Document defaults – open a new document and have it start with your preferred font style, size and line spacing
- On screen keyboard grid – so non- keyboard users can access the programme
- Switch access options – the software can now be controlled by owners of a Crick USB switch box and a switch
- Visual impairment – options to improve display access
Scan and Read Software. No screen reader required. Easy to use with spoken help and installation. www.portset.co.uk
ZoomText 9.0 is a magnification program with speech. The new xFontNeoSpeech reads out aloud applications and documents. The magnification displays high-definition text. The new UK supplier is www.sightandsound.co.uk/ and www.aisquared.com
Iansyst has launched new software called CapturaTalk. Designed to help dyslexics and partially sighted people anywhere. It is claimed to be the UK's first mobile phone software that converts text to speech from a digital photo. It enables user to take a photo of text which is then scanned by CapturaTalk.Other electronic gadgets to help with Dyslexia - www.iansyst.co.uk

It recognises the text and then reads the information out loud.
NaturalReader. A free Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAVMore about NaturalReader . . . for your CD player or iPod.

Software dictionaries and thesauri.

Examples: MS Word, Spellcatcher

Software dictionaries contain definitions of words and also help the user to avoid making mistakes by alerting them to spelling errors. Features can include spellchecking, word suggestion, word prediction, homophone support(where similar sounding words are flagged). A software thesaurus is a useful tool and increases the available word choices by providing a list of relevant words. A software dictionary or software thesaurus can be standalone or part of common software such as MSWord or part of a specialised reading and writing program.

Speaking Dictionary and Thesaurus

A speaking dictionary and thesaurus is useful to those with a learning difficulty and to anybody prone to spelling errors. It will give definitions and synonyms of words entered on a small keyboard, and reads them back.

A useful feature is that it can recognize when a misspelling is entered and will suggest the correct word.

Example: The misspelling Theater will result in the list of suggested words headed by Theatre.

Aging

invisiblebloke — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:32:32 CST

Image source: The Independent

IBM helps seniors shop online (watch the video)

Other useful resources

Magnification

Mobile Phones

Free technical support

Computer mice

Keyboards

The world's population has never been older, according to IBM. In fact, 20% of the U.S. population will be over 65 by 2030. IBM has been helping Mitsukoshi, one of Japan's leading retailers, to take advantage of what they see as a unique opportunity. They have already helped Macy's and Bloomingdales make their websites more accessible to the elderly.Go to original article and video . . .
Typical issues affecting the elderly include:

Vision impairment and blindness
Arthritis and other physical difficulties
Stroke (loss of speech and mobility)
Memory loss. There are many methods employed to help someone who has difficulty remembering things.

MEM-X is a VOCAL MEMORY AIDE allowing people to cope with frequent memory related issues (due to Alzheimers, Pakinson's - or just old age), when too many things must be remembered. MEM-X is a device to assist, support, and ultimately reassure elderly people. There is only one button on the front to press. The programming buttons are reached by opening a hinged door at the back. Can store up to 90 messages of 10 seconds in length.
Microsoft's guide for aging computer users
Discover How to Make the Computer Easier to See, Hear, and Use
Buying a computer. So you want a computer and don't know where to start? UKOrbit have a very informative website, providing advice on buying computers and using them for online shopping. Find out more at UKOrbit . . .

Computer Resources

Guide

An all-in-one computer package, for people who are blind, partially sighted, or just new to computers. It has been designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn. Guide has its own in-built screen reader, so it will read out the text on every screen, even while you're typing. It has its own in-built screen magnifier, so you can enlarge the text on every screen, whether you are writing a letter or surfing the Internet. It turns your computer into an easy-to-use Reading Machine. Printed text documents are placed on the scanner and then both spoken out and magnified on the screen. It is available as a CD to be loaded onto an existing computer, or as a complete computer package, all setup and ready to be used. It offers many features, integrated within one package, so that there is no need to switch between different programmes to complete each task. These features include: Write letters and documents; Spell-checker; Dictionary and thesaurus; Magnify handwriting, diagrams or pictures; Print or edit photos from your digital camera; Send and receive emails; Surf the internet; Addresses and contacts; Calendar and reminders and playing CDs and MP3s. Guide-Handsfree is an all-in-one computer package which can be fully controlled by your voice. No keyboard or mouse required.
Guide Demo Part 1		Guide Demo Part 2

Guide Demo Part 3		Guide Hands-Free Introduction

SimplicITy

SimplicITy computer for the elderly A new computer aimed at people aged over 60 who are unfamiliar with PCs and the internet has been unveiled. The simplified desktop - called SimplicITy - has just six buttons directing users to basic tasks such as e-mail and chat. The computer uses the Linux Mint operating system and comes pre-loaded with 17 video tutorials from television presenter Valerie Singleton. More than 6 million people over the age of 65 have never used the internet, according to government figures. Read the original review by the BBC . . . Making adjustments in Linux Mint . . .		Val Singleton introduces the SimplicITy
Alex
Welcome to Alex ! alex comes complete with a suite of simple, practical programs that are always available on-screen at the touch of a button. alex is a subscription-based service. There's no maintenance, no anti-virus system to manage and alex is always up to date - the system makers take care of all of that for you. New features and enhancements are continually added that you receive automatically as part of your subscription, all backed up by a comprehensive help package available online, on paper and by telephone from their support team. What you get . . . a laptop, a mouse and a latch key (security USB pen).		Screenshot of Alex website
Alex Demo

Other Resources

e-Citizen for the elderly		Computer training for older people

e-Citizen for the elderly

Computer training for older people

User reviews are always welcome. Add yours to the discussion at the bottom of the page.

Ten Tips for the Awkward Age of Computing

Here are ten tips on how you can use Windows XP to counter the effects of the awkward age. We encourage you to copy, print, or post these cartoons, reproduce them in company publications, or forward them to friends and colleagues. (Images and Text: Courtesy of Brian Basset and Microsoft Corporation)

A Screen Too Far

Enlarge		Do you find yourself fighting the urge to press your nose against the screen because you can't see text and objects clearly? Windows XP and Microsoft applications offer several options that can help, from changing your monitor display settings to increasing the icons or text size of individual documents and Web pages. Review the tutorials: Windows Vista: Change the size of text and icons, Change screen resolution, Zoom in on a Web page, Change text size on Web pages Windows XP: Use large icons, Increase or Decrease the Font Size of Web Pages Displayed on Screen

Built-in Bifocals

Enlarge		Having trouble seeing things that are close up? Around age 45 for most people, eyes start to lose the ability to adjust their focus to see objects that are near. Microsoft Magnifier, one of the accessibility features in Windows XP, opens a floating window that enlarges different parts of the screen—just like a magnifying glass. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: Make items on the screen appear larger (Magnifier) Windows XP: Turn On and Use Magnifier

Lights, Camera, Action

Enlarge		If stiff joints or other dexterity issues are slowing you down, try using the speech recognition features in Office XP and Office 2003 to combine voice commands and dictation with mouse and keyboard commands for a more flexible work environment. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: Start Speech Recognition Windows XP: Installing and Training Speech Recognition

Tune Out, Tune In

Enlarge		Are you having trouble hearing email alerts and other audible notifications of system events? With SoundSentry, you can make parts of your screen flash whenever a system sound occurs. To "see" speech and other sounds, use Windows XP to display closed captions. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: SoundSentry: Turn on visual notifications for sounds Windows XP: SoundSentry: Turn on visual notifications for sounds

Talk to Me

Enlarge		If your vision is beyond the point where magnification is enough, Narrator in Windows XP can help by converting text and captions to speech. If this problem is persistent, you may need a device called a screen reader. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: Hear text read aloud with Narrator Windows XP: Turn On and Use Narrator

Cursor in a Haystack

Enlarge		If you find yourself searching for your cursor or mouse pointer more often than you search the Web, use Cursor Options to change the size, appearance, width, speed, color and blink rate of your cursor, or the mouse setting in the Control Panel to modify your pointer, to make them easier to see. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: Change what the mouse pointer looks like, Change pointer settings including motion and visibility, Change mouse button settings Windows XP: Adjust Cursor Blink Rate and Cursor Width

Losing Your Grip?

Enlarge		Use MouseKeys to transfer mouse functions to your numeric keypad, or try a Microsoft mouse that is designed for maximum comfort. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: MouseKeys: Control the mouse pointer with the keyboard Windows XP: MouseKeys: Control the mouse pointer using the keyboard

All Together Now

Enlarge		StickyKeys allows you to hit one key at a time to execute commands that usually require simultaneous key combinations, such as using SHIFT to type a capital letter, or CTRL+ALT+DEL to display the task manager. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: Press keyboard shortcuts one key at a time (Sticky Keys) Windows XP: StickyKeys: Press One Key at a Time for Key Combinations

All Shook Up

Enlarge		If you have a mild tremor or your stiff fingers are creating typos and other keyboard errors, FilterKeys can give you the equivalent of a steady hand by enabling your computer to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes that you make accidentally. Review the tutorial: Windows Vista: Ignore or slow down brief or repeated keystrokes (Filter Keys), Turn on Repeat Keys and Slow Keys Windows XP: FilterKeys: Ignore brief or repeated keystrokes and slow down Repeat Rate

Easy on the Eyes

Enlarge		If the images on your computer screen appear indistinct or don't seem quite as sharp as they once did, choose one of several high-contrast displays to make text easier to read. This is also a great feature if you find that using your portable computer in certain types of light makes text on the screen all but disappear. Review the tutorials: Windows Vista: Change the size of text and icons, Change screen resolution, Turn on High Contrast and change the settings, Change the color and size of mouse pointers Windows XP: Choose screen resolution, Choose a High Contrast color combination to improve screen resolution

Magnification Software

invisiblebloke — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:52:16 CST

An Introduction to Screen Magnification Software

If you have difficulty seeing what's on your computer screen, then you may have to consider some form of magnification. The main operating systems now incorporate magnification capability and so do most web browsers. However, when those offerings are still not enough, then you may have to resort to others means.

A number of programs such as word processors allow the user to considerably increase the size of the text in the window where the document appears. This does not affect the size in which the text is printed out. Most buttons on the toolbar (the row of small pictures at the top of the screen that can perform an operation when clicked with the mouse) can be enlarged also by choosing the right option within the program..

A number of products are available that produce an enlarged image on the computer's screen. The sizes of enlargement possible the image quality and the method of control vary. Enlarging characters in this way always means that only a portion of the whole screen is visible at any time. Use of such software is relatively simple and is available for DOS and Windows 95/98/NT as well as other operating systems. There are also a number of word processing packages specifically designed for use with large characters.

Magnification within operating systems and web browsers

Using a mouse with a scrollwheel between the buttons such as the standard microsoft ergonomic mouse. Hold the Ctrl key on the keyboard whilst moving the scrollwheel backwards or forwards. Using a mouse with a trackball such as the Kensington Expert Pro. Hold the Ctrl key down on the keyboard whilst turning the scrollwheel ring surrounding the trackball. Using the percentage resizer in Microsoft Word 2003. Either select one of the default % or type the desired % and then press the enter key. Using the percentage resizer in Microsoft Word 2007. Select the 'View' tab and choose the 'Zoom' section. Use either the magnifying glass or go into the % sub menu. Using the scrollbar at the bottom right hand side of the program page (Microsoft Word 2007 only). Using the % magnifier at the bottom right hand side of the Internet Browser (IE 7). Enlarging the screen contents in IE 6. Unless you can 'Zoom' using the mouse as described in 1 and 2 above you only have the option of increasing the text size. Select 'View' on the main toolbar and then choose 'Text size' from the drop down list. Choose the desired size. In Vista, just hold the Ctrl key and press the + key. Press - (minus) to decrease the size again. The Firefox Web browser now has full page zoom so web page text and images are zoomed. Use the 'Ctrl' key with '+' to increase size ' ' to decrease or '0' to reset. Mouse zooming is also provided with Ctrl + mouse wheel as above.
Windows 7 magnification		More about Windows 7 Accessibility

Windows XP magnifier

Mac OS X full screen zooming feature		Point N See target magnification for Mac OS X Point N See lets you magnify a portion of the screen to read fine print or magnify an image. (image source: Macupdate) More information about Point N See . . . Independent review of Point N See . . .

Commercial magnification packages

MAGic. Magnification with Speech. From the makers of JAWS screenreader. MAGic is fully compatible with JAWS and uses many of the same reading commands. This makes MAGic easy to use for those who already use JAWS for screen reading. Also adds visual enhancements when used in conjunction with JAWS. Read more about MAGic . . .

LunarPlus. Offering all the benefits of a screen magnifier LunarPlus also offers added speech output to provide extra support for partially sighted computer users. For people with low vision or deteriorating sight at home at work and in education. www.dolphincomputeraccess.com

Key Benefits:

Includes supporting output to speech which can read documents web pages menus and button prompts and talk as you type.
Access complex websites with ease by choosing to list links headings or frames.
Reduce eye strain and increase the magnification during the day as your eyes become tired or to suit levels of visual impairment.
Choice of magnification style with many options such as split screen whole screen lens and window so you can set it up to suit you.

SuperNova. Supernova offers magnification speech and Braille support. More about SuperNova . . .

It includes a full screen magnifier with features such as variable magnification multiple screen management styles and a variety of colour replacement options to overcome partial sight impairments.
It also includes a full screen reader for people who are blind which can cope with text and Braille input together with speech and Braille output.
SuperNova case studies (Source:Dolphin UK website)

Dolphin Tutorials . . .

(Screenshot of Dolphin Tutorials page)

ZoomText

ZoomWare by AI Squared. Apparently a replacement for 'BigShot'. Screen magnification software that magnifies and enhances everything you see on your computer screen web pages email documents menus dialog boxes everything. It's designed for those who squint at their computer screen lean forward to read emails and view web pages or complain about eye fatigue. Provides up to 2 times magnification so that hard to read text is larger clearer and easier to see. You can also apply a soft tint to white areas of the screen or reverse all colours to eliminate that familiar blinding glare.

ZoomWare suppliers:

ZoomWare Demonstration

Dixerit Plus is a professional service for automatically speech enabling of web contents. As well as as text-to-speech, Dixerit Plus also includes screen magnification and colour contrast tools, all presented through an easy-to-use control panel. Features: No downloads or browser plug-ins required to listen to pages - just click and listen Fully-featured screen magnification tool to help those who may find text too small to read Fully-featured colour contrast adjustment tool which helps many people, including those with dyslexia, who have difficulty reading text on a bright background Real-time conversion of content to speech Uses the highest quality voices User can listen to entire pages, hover and click to listen to paragraphs, highlight and click to listen to specific blocks of text or listen to a list of links on the page Reads many formats including HTML, PDF, plain text More information about DixerIT . . .		DixerIT Plus in action

Dixerit Plus is a professional service for automatically speech enabling of web contents. As well as as text-to-speech, Dixerit Plus also includes screen magnification and colour contrast tools, all presented through an easy-to-use control panel.

Features:

No downloads or browser plug-ins required to listen to pages - just click and listen
Fully-featured screen magnification tool to help those who may find text too small to read
Fully-featured colour contrast adjustment tool which helps many people, including those with dyslexia, who have difficulty reading text on a bright background
Real-time conversion of content to speech
Uses the highest quality voices
User can listen to entire pages, hover and click to listen to paragraphs, highlight and click to listen to specific blocks of text or listen to a list of links on the page
Reads many formats including HTML, PDF, plain text

More information about DixerIT . . .

DixerIT Plus in action

Magic Lens Max. A screen magnifier and display filter to zoom rotate enhance filter and capture any area or the full of screen display. With built in highly optimized resampling and enhancing filters Magic Lens Max boasts very clear and sharp display effects to suit individual visual needs in various situations. It is also able to greatly reduce screen glare with realistic anti glare texture filters. More information about Magic Lens Max . . .

Magic Lens Max. A screen magnifier and display filter to zoom rotate enhance filter and capture any area or the full of screen display. With built in highly optimized resampling and enhancing filters

Magic Lens Max boasts very clear and sharp display effects to suit individual visual needs in various situations. It is also able to greatly reduce screen glare with realistic anti glare texture filters.

More information about Magic Lens Max . . .

Open Source, Free, Freeware or Shareware Programs

Virtual Magnifying Glass V3.3

A free Open Source screen magnification tool for Windows and Linux. It is simple customizable and easy to use. Once installed and loaded the magnifier can be activated in an instant either by using a hotkey combination or by clicking on the program icon in the Taskbar.

The magnifier is controlled by the mouse cursor. Just drag it oround the page and over whatever needs enlarging. The magnifier is easily configured by right clicking on the Taskbar icon and selecting the appropriate settings to change. You can change the size of the magnifier amount of magnification and invert the colours.

Virtual Magnifying Glass

Using Virtual Magnifying Glass, ZZoom and MagicalGlass:

As with anything which is free it has it's limitations. However if you have limited funds or want something simple this is worth a try. Downloadable from: http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/

DeskZoom. Free magnifier

DesktopZoom is a zoom/magnify program with lots of options :

Zoom an area around the mouse, zoom a fixed window or zoom the entire desktop
Use the mouse inside the zoomed window
Use the mouse wheel or arrow keys to adjust the magnification strength
View the entire screen as a thumbnail in the right-bottom corner
Follow the caret & menu items
Change the colors to grey or invers the color
Show a bigger mouse and/or a crosshair
Use Alt-keys to change the zoomvalue and to enable/disable tracking and the crosshairs
Basic speech support

Note: This program only works on "Windows XP", "Windows 2000" and "Windows Vista", because it depends heavily on "transparency", a feature that Microsoft has only supported since "Windows 2000". (Info Source)

Download DeskZoom . . .

iZoom.

The iZoom Screen Magnifier & Reader. It makes viewing web pages and emails easier with SmartAlign, a technology which doesn't require you to scroll horizontally over and over to read paragraphs extending beyond the screen. You can carry your iZoom Screen Magnifier & Reader on a portable thumb drive and use it on any Windows compatible PC without administrative privileges or installation.

Although most schools, libraries and public clusters prevent installation of any kind, most screen magnifiers require installation...which means you can't use a computer you want to. iZoom allows you to use any computer, anywhere without licensing or installation issues. iZoom works equally well on laptops and desktops. It's not free, but there is a 30 day demo.

Fatbits Magnifier

A very fast compact easy to use and versatile FREEWARE (for non commercial use) screen magnifier for Windows 9x/ME/NT4/2000/XP/2003. It magnifies an area of the screen centered around the mouse pointer and paints the giant pixels into a small tastefully decorated window. This can be indispensable when you want to see something right down to the last pixel. Also useful as an accessibility tool. It can perform text smoothing and can modify the colors it displays to help those with color vision deficiency.
More about Fatbits . . .

Other Useful Resources

Linux magnifiers Kmagnifier and Gnome and Firefox has full page zoom.
RNIB information on video magnification
More magnifiers from magnifiers.org: http://www.magnifiers.org/links/Cool/
EmpTech list of magnification software: http://www.emptech.info/products_by_subcategory.php?ID=197
ZoomIt. A screen zoom and annotation tool for technical presentations that include application demonstrations. ZoomIt runs unobtrusively in the tray and activates with customizable hotkeys to zoom in on an area of the screen move around while zoomed and draw on the zoomed image. I wrote ZoomIt to fit my specific needs and use it in all my presentations. This is Freeware. Download link to ZoomIt . . .

ZoomIt How To Zoom In Like A Mac On Windows:
ieZoom. With febooti ieZoom it is possible to zoom in and out Internet Explorer contents change Internet Explorer window size to evaluate web page contents as they will be seen by end users in different screen resolutions. Color Picker allows to pick RGB value in decimal hexadecimal or percent format from any pixel on screen. Web page history provides basic and statistic data on web page visits.Requires 64 bit versions of windows and Internet Explorer 7 64 bit Edition.
More information about ieZoom . . .
Lightning Magnifier with Speech.

(Image from ClaroRead)

Lightning with Speech (formerly called Storm) is an integrated combination of the popular Lightning Magnifier and the Thunder Screenreader. Whatever appears on the computer screen can be magnified up to 36 times. It is easy to install and just as easy to use. With lightning you can magnify the entire screen or an area you choose, with a magnification strip or lens. Lightning works well with all Windows applications. You can even magnify video clips.

Lightning with Speech . . .
NVIDIA QuickZoom. To assist with eye strain and enable ergonomic computing NVIDIA added the QuickZoom feature to ForceWare Release 60. QuickZoom allows users to zoom in on any part of their desktop by pressing a single hotkey. When enabled QuickZoom does not require an additional zoom window making it optimized for both single and multi display configurations. QuickZoom works by zooming in on either the entire display or the current grid.
More information about QuickZoom . . .

AAC Hardware

invisiblebloke — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:45:46 CST

Examples of current AAC Technology

Proloquo2Go - AAC on an iPhone

Proloquo2Go™ is a new product from AssistiveWare that provides a full-featured communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. It brings natural sounding text-to-speech voices, up-to-date symbols, powerful automatic conjugations, a default vocabulary of over 7000 items, full expandability and extreme ease of use to the iPhone and iPod touch.

If you know how to use an iPhone or iPod touch you know how to use Proloquo2Go. While Proloquo2Go has a lot of advanced features the basics are extremely simple and easy.

Proloquo2Go is now available for purchase on the App Store

More about Proloquo2Go . . .

AMDi TechTouch.

Using a computer based platform, the Tech/TouchTM can be customized for special needs of users.The Tech/TouchTM is encased in a customized housing to ensure durability. With Windows® XP Professional operating system, 20 GB hard drive, 256MB of memory and 10.4 inch LCD touch screen. It can function as a basic computer with the capability of adding components from Wireless Adapters to custom communication software packages, such as Grid2, depending on the necessity of the users special needs.

Pathfinder.

A communications tool that features both a static keyboard plus a colour display. It comes pre-installed with vocabulary and pictures, computer keyboard emulation and infrared controls. It's apparently lightweight and compact.

The makers claim a battery life of over 10 hours of continuous use. The device can be accessed directly via a keyboard and touch screen display, through infrared head pointing or with switch-activated scanning ( single and double switch and joystick options).

Parameters can also be adjusted to create the most effective access to the device. Auditory promptshelp users with vision impairment.

Q-Talk

A communication Aid based on the Samsung Q1Ultra SSD UMPC. SSD means 'solid state drive' and means that there are no moving parts inside. This makes it very robust and ideal for something which may get bashed about a bit.

The Q-Talk software was developed by. two parents, one a software engineer, the other a teacher and CAP assessor. The editing suite is 'what you see is what you get' (WYS/WYG). A button wizard enables you to create symbol pages with the click of a button.

The Q-talk comes with symbols as standard In the editor you can simply drag the symbols from a directory at the side of the page and away you go.

You can also build visual scene displays (interactive pictures), design your own onscreen keyboard, access the internet and many other things.

MegaBee

A simple-to-use writing tablet to aid frequent communication. The tablet uses eye movement and blinking as the method to select letters, which are displayed on the integral screen. It's fully portable and can be used for bed-confined, home-care and chair-mobile situations. Whilst the unit does not require computing equipment for its basic operation it does however have Bluetooth® wireless communication ability should the user require to display on a larger screen or input text into a personal computer. For example the letter ‘K’ would be selected by looking first at the blue block where the letter K is located and blinking (the carer then presses the blue button), then, as the letter ‘K’ is black, the user looks at the black block and blinks (the carer presses the black button and the letter ‘K’ appears on the screen). Similar protocols exist for deleting text and adding spaces, as well as accessing various menu functions such as bluetooth, contrast, scrolling and other housekeeping facilities. There is an LCD display on each side of the tablet, visible to reader and writer. A powerful vocabulary facility is also provided. This allows users to compile their own set of shorthand words or phrases which can be uploaded at will. For example ‘T2’ might assigned to ‘Television’, or ‘H1’ means ‘I am too hot’. These phrases can be changed to suit varying situations such as bed care, mobility, or in the case of ward supervision, can be changed for different users.

http://www.megabee.co.uk/index.html

LightWriter

A portable text-to-speech communication aid.It hasdual displays, one facing the user so they see what is being typed, and a second outfacing display to allow communication in a natural face-to-face position. Suitable for the needs of people with some literacy skills but nt so good dexterity/mobility skills and for those who have problems with speech, and want messages that can be typed and read out in stages. It can be used by those who are hard of hearing. Font sizes can be enlarged and there is version with larger keys which is useful for people with vision impairment.

Meet some Lightwriter users . . .

Using the Lightwriter
SL40 User guide . . .

Horrifically injured army hero Ben Parkinson utters his first words since bomb blast - using hi-tech speech synthesiser
(Daily Mail 1th November 2009)

A hero soldier left unable to speak because of brain damage suffered in an Afghan mine blast has uttered his first words - using a new hi-tech speech synthesiser called a Lightwriter.

The Lightwriter SL40 allows him to talk on the phone for the first time, send SMS messages and speeds up conversations thanks to predictive speech software. It also has a choice of high quality Acapela voices for improved intelligibility and intonation, and an easy-to-use adjustable keypad.

Read the full story about Ben and his new Lightwriter . . .

Ben Parkinson with his parents (Daily Mail photo)

Autism and the DynaVox

Abbey and her DynaVox III

GUS Communicator 6000

GUS Communicator Q1

Glenn and his communicator

Tap-to-Talk for the Nintendo DS

Introduction to the Liberator Vantage Lite

Overview of the Vantage Lite

Liberator Vantage Lite tutorial with Minspeak/LLL

Persona Mobile communicator. Based on an HTC mobile phone.

For text-to-speech voice output, the intuitive Persona communication program is icluded. It’s also a full-functioning PDA with a cell phone, stereo Bluetooth®, built-in satellite GPS navigation, digital camera, built-in WiFi®, an integrated, detachable keyboard and a carrying case. The color touch screen is very bright with a wide viewing
angle. You can conversations face-to-face or over the phone, send SMS text messages or e-mails, surf the web, listen to music, and more.

More information about the Persona . . .

Persona Mobile communicator

Say It Sam

The Say-it! SAM Communicator has been one of their most popular products since 2003. Now they've completely updated the design. The Say-it! SAM Communicator has a new look with a larger speaker for better sound, plus more battery life, a faster processor, and an easier-to-use, more robust charging port. It responds quicker to the touch, starts up easily even if the battery runs all the way down, and has a day-light display. they've added a NeoSpeech voice option to the traditional DECtalk voice.
www.words-plus.com/

Say-IT Sam and CALLtalk

Say-IT Sam and MessageMaker

The FuturePad - by SmartBoxAT

The FuturePad is a Windows XP based communication aid that is light and rugged enough to be carried, or can be mounted on a desk stand or wheelchair.

It has a finger-operated touch screen and a battery life of about 5 hours. The FuturePad is supplied with The Grid 2 pre-installed, so it is ready to use for either text or symbol based communication.

More about SmartBoxAT communicators . . .

SmartBoxAT PowerBox 4
SmartBoxAt PowerBox 3

Super Auggie AAC
Super Auggie consists of a 'slate PC' (about the size of a piece of paper), running Windows XP Home, with a 12.1" true touchscreen. With this device you can:

Use their own, included, AAC software, PTP-PC!
Surf the Internet! (it has built-in WiFi *and* Ethernet port, and a 56K modem)
Play any DVD movie!
Operate by direct touch, *trackball, *joystick, *switch(es), *head tracking

More information about the Super Auggie . . .

The FAB (Frenchay Alphabet Board)

FAB is suitable for any person who is literate but is unable to speak. This may be due to vocal chord damage, swallowing difficulties, tracheotomy, stroke, MS, MND, ALS, Rett syndrome, dyspraxia, Parkinsons disease, or people with general communication problems, ventilation or speech difficulties. It is also a useful spelling device when trying to talk to people with hearing problems. FAB is a useful emergency back-up for users of higher technology equipment such as eye-tracking of text to speech devices. Having no batteries it is always available.

Offers additional benefits to existing products.

Positive finger location for letter selection
Washable, hygenic design
Non-slip, antibacterial rubber base
Spill-proof
Choiceof sizes and layouts

Full details are available at their website at www.fab.uk.com

The Tellus Mobi

A portable version of the popular Tellus 3+, providing the same versatility via the Windows Operating System. It is the first communication device with an integrated mobile Phone option, allowing users to be able to make and receive phone calls.

It can be used with a wheelchair mounting system if required. The Mobi is supplied with MindExpress, keyboard, mouse, USB memory stick, USB hub, carry case & AC Adapter.

Tellus 3+

A Fujitsu tablet computer that has been adapted to create a very robust, wheelchair mountable dynamic screen communication aid.
Finger Touch Screen (resistive)...True finger touch access
GEWA Module for environmental control

External battery or wheelchair power cable
Switch or Joystick interface

More informaion about Tellus 3+ . . .

More information about the Tellus Mobi, from Techess . . .

VOCA Suppliers

VOCA

invisiblebloke — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:38:08 CST

If I had a VOCA

Brilliant video of a song performed by VOCA devices

AAC Software

invisiblebloke — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:21:28 CST

An overview of communication software

Windbag

Windbag is a simple to ease, but powerful text based communication aid program for people with literacy skills. It provides many ways to store and retrieve messages. It has two main screens - the chat box and the phrase bank.* Type and speak your messages.* Use abbreviations.* Predictive typing to speed up input.* Smart context-based message storage.* Keep commonly used messages near the top of the list.* Speak from the clipboard.* Use recorded or synthetic messages.* Works with most text to speech systems for Windows.* Use Windbag to read back text created in other programs.
Read more about Windbag

Windbag can be used with other languages, but you may have to configure your keyboard to suit. An alternative is to use an online keyboard to write your desired text and then copy/paste it into Windbag. This resource caters for several languages . . .

Langover. Free software to easily change languages on a keyboard.

Grid 2

An all-in-one package for communication and access. The Grid 2 allows people with limited or unclear speech to use a computer as a voice ouput communication aid, using symbols or text to build sentences.You can also access your Windows desktop and other programs, with the built in Computer Control features.In addition to this, you can send and receive email and sms messages, browse the web, listen to music... and more too! The Grid 2is accessible to everybody, accepting input from switches, headpointer, touchscreen, mouse, and other options too.

Read more about Grid 2 . . . Grid 2 Resources . . .		Grid Keys - a computer control program that allows users of switches and pointing devices to use standard Windows programs without either the keyboard or mouse.

Grid 2 - Default keyboard		Grid 2 - Personalised keyboard

Say it Sam. Text and symbols based communication.

Say it Sam and CCS

Say it Sam and Message Maker

Say it Sam and IDV/2-A

Say it Sam and IDV/2-B
TypeSpeak enables the higher-functioning user to participate in real-time conversation, by writing and speaking the message directly from the device, through an on-screen soft keyboard (colour-coded for ease of use), or via the user's own cursive, or block-capital, handwriting recognition. Advanced features also provide design and selection for word and next letter prediction, a message gallery, etc. Also TextSpeak Mobile. www.touchspeak.co.uk

EZ Keys XP

Designed for users who have at least a third-grade reading level and cannot speak, or for users who speak and desire adapted computer access. Users with a wide range of disabilities find EZ Keys XP simple to operate and essential to everyday communication. EZ Keys XP allows the literate user to do everything from typing a letter, to engaging in conversation with a friend, to exploring the worldwide web. World-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking uses the software to communicate, write papers, and deliver lectures around the world.

EZ Keys for Windows is a text based communication and computer access package. It allows a user to communicate and to control the computer by means of anything from a single switch to a keyboard. Communication is achieved through EZ Keys powerful SideTalk utility, using instant phrases, text, abbreviations or the Reader facility. Messages to be spoken in a conversational manner can be generated in various ways: Instant phrases allow you to speak quickly and store and retrieve commonly used phrases and sentences on any topic. Phrases can be grouped into categories to enable faster, easier access.

Frank Vanik using EZKeys with a bite switch

Voice4Me

Voice4Me is designed as a quick and simple way to bring speech to users who have difficulty speaking. There are 154 Text-To-Speech (TTS) areas that can be customised to meet the users needs. Also, there is a text area for the user to type whatever they want the computer to say. This software is designed to turn computers in to communication devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC). This program is freely downloadable from SchoolFreeware.com

Voice4Me for the Mac

Voice4Me for Windows

More information about Voice4Me software . . .

AAC on your IPhone or iPod Touch

This is an introduction video about Proloquo2Go, the new cool Augmentative and Alternative communication solutions for the iPhone
and iPod touch. Learn more about Proloquo2Go . . .

Apple Mac Resources

invisiblebloke — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:33:40 CST

Mac Voice Recognition

How to use the Macs' built-in speech recognition		MacSpeech Dictate voice recognition

MacSpeech Dictate - how it transcribes and voice records		MacSpeech practical demo

TypeIt - Freeware Text to Speech TypeIt ReadIt can help users who are visually impaired, cannot read, desire to improve their reading comprehension, or just want to listen to their documents read aloud. This program changes the font color and font size with ease. This program also reads text aloud to the user. For users who wish to listen to their documents on CD, iPod, or other media, TypeIt ReadIt can convert text to a spoken sound file by using its text-to-speech technology. These sound files can be inserted into iTunes, CD, an iPod, PowerPoint, iMovie, Audacity or any other software or device that supports sound files. This can allow students, with speech difficulties, to place the sound files in their presentations, so they can participate with lessons and class activities. With TypeIt ReadIt, students can listen to their documents on their iPod. Business people can convert their emails, documents, and memos to listen to them on their car radio while they are stuck in rush-hour traffic. Also, TypeIt ReadIt is a useful alternative for young children’s typing lessons instead of using a confusing word processor. Download TypeIt for the Mac . . .		TypeIt text to speech for the Mac

More about speech recognition in Mac OS X >

ScreenReaders

VoiceOver in Mac OS X Leopard. To make it easier for the blind and those with low vision to use a computer, Apple has built a solution into every Mac. Called VoiceOver. It provides a wide variety of requested feature enhancements. These include a new high-speed, high-quality voice, plug-and-play support for refreshable Braille displays, international language support, an interactive built-in tutorial, and the NumPad Commander, which make navigation easier for new Mac owners who previously used Windows screen readers.
GhostReader. Text to speech software for the Apple Mac. Convert documents to audiobooks to listen to on an iPod or iPhone. Convert text from news sites and emails to audiobooks to listen to on an iPod or iPhone. Point the cursor at text in Safari, TextEdit, Mail or Pages 2008 to hear the paragraph below the cursor.
InfoVox. Naturally sounding voices in a language of choice for use by any Mac OS X application.

Assistive resources for the Mac

AssistiveWare. makers of assistive technologies for Mac OS X -- has announced the launch of a new Web site called AssistiveGaming.com. The new site offers game-related information for Mac users who suffer from physical disabilities. The new site features articles about general gaming topics, reviews of games, and short descriptions of games with a special focus on their accessibility. The site welcomes contributions from any Mac gamer using assistive technology, regardless of disability.
Apple accessibility website
Apple Assistive Technology hardware and software guide.
AssistiveWare videos on computer accessibility
www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility has a series of changes to make to the OS and web browser
Mac accessibility features. Excellent source of information from the ICT Hub knowledge base. www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk
Apple iChat AV Video conferencing
Shareware and Freeware for the Mac. http://www.specialink.com/mac.htm
Web accessibility - Total Validator Tool for Mac OS X

AT Products

VisioVoice is an application that enhances access to Mac OS X for blind and vision impaired users.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

invisiblebloke — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:56:48 CST

Dragon Naturally Speaking uses a minimal visual interface. Dictated words appear in a floating tooltip as they are spoken, and when the speaker pauses, the program transcribes the words into the active window at the location of the cursor. Like other speech recognition software,

NaturallySpeaking has three primary areas of functionality. Dictation, whereby spoken language is transcribed to written text; commands that control, whereby spoken language is recognized as a command to click widgets (controls); and finally text-to-speech whereby written text is converted to synthesized audio stream.

(Source: wikipedia)

The Dragon Bar

Using in a school environment In the following video, Rhodri Buttrick shows you how voice recognition software transformed his schoolwork. He explained," When l was 9 years old, I was given a demonstration of voice recognition/ text reading software. I tried it out and it worked for me. Everyone (teachers, especially) had told me that the software didn't work for children. As my severe dyspraxia/dyslexia meant I wasn't able to learn to write or type, I was getting nowhere in school. It was that trial which helped my parents to decide to buy the software and help me to learn to use it. l used it for my GCSE exams, which I passed with high grades, and am now studying for A levels".

Using Dragon Naturally Speaking with a Digital Notetaker		Transfer Audio From An Olympus WS-110 To A PC

Browse the web with Dragon		Using Dragon V10 with MS Office 2003

Using Dragon Naturally Speaking		Ultimate Access V1

Ultimate Access v2

Read about Katie, who has Friedrichs Ataxia and her experiences with Dragon Naturally Speaking > . . .

Hands Free Computing voice recognition demo video > . . .

Dragon Naturally Speaking Commands

There is information about Dragon Naturally Speaking commands on Wikipedia. It's in it's early stages but worth having a look from time to time. Go there . . .

Dragon Naturally Speaking v7 user guide . . .>
Dragon Naturally Speaking v8 quick start guide . . .>

Dragon Naturally Speaking v9 quick start guide . . .>
A free tutorial for Dragon:
A tutorial for using Dragon to word process

Using 'MouseGrid' to control the cursor (source: Dragon basics):

Dragon Naturally Speaking mousegrid Dragon NaturallySpeaking provides a Mouse Grid navigation system similar to that used in previous and current versions of Dragon Dictate to move the mouse pointer. Saying "MouseGrid" displays a 3x3 grid with nine numbered squares which cover the entire screen. Saying the number of a square "refocuses" the grid to the selected square. Repeating the selection process moves the mouse pointer to the desired object by a process of approximation. Saying "click" selects the object. Saying "MouseGrid" opens the Mouse Grid in the current window. Additional fine-tuning of the mouse pointer can be accomplished by using a limited set of mouse movement commands. Say "mouse (up, down, left or right)" followed by a number between 1 and 10, will move the mouse a few pixels in the selected direction. For example, saying "mouse up 9" will move the mouse pointer up about one-eighth of an inch. More about Mousegrid . . .

HippoCampus MouseGrid The Hippocampus Mouse Grid is designed to assist with voice only or keyboard only control of the mouse pointer for v5.0 or later Dragon NaturallySpeaking® voice-recognition software. When launched the application parks itself in the Taskbar adding a number of global mouse positioning voice commands. More information about HippoMouseGrid . . .

Using dragon with special macros to control the mouse cursor

Some useful hints and tips to get Dragon naturally Speaking working properly

Re-enrolling.
Re-enrol using a different user name. Can then be sure of a “clean” start and use most current understanding of dictation and correction technique to build the system’s knowledge of the user’s voice and vocabulary. Almost certainly re-enrol when using a new microphone.
In general – especially given the availability of tools that build personal vocabulary from existing e-mails and documents – re-enrolment should not be feared and can be very helpful.

Training.
As a general rule individuals who attempt to use voice recognition without training and support will not succeed. The current list of authorised Dragon specialist resellers and trainers is at www.nuance.co.uk/naturallyspeaking/locator.

Dictation Style.
Dictation style is important in order to dictate effectively to Dragon. While it can be fast and very natural, is not quite conversational speech. Talk to the system in a relaxed manner but with just a little more care with articulation, at least at first. In time the user will be speaking more and more naturally, without losing accuracy.

PC Processor.
Adequate RAM. A faster processor, dual-core if possible will help to ensure success.

Dragon Edition.
Only Professional fully supports Outlook.

Changing working position.
When using voice recognition it is very important to use relaxed postures, and even to stand occasionally, “unhooking” the body from the need to deliver the hands to the desktop in a single operating posture.

Dragon Naturally Speaking V10 – some personal observations from an experienced trainer

"Dragon’s accuracy is FANTASTIC. Demoing it to new people is akin to magic. And there is no doubt that Dragon looks most fantastic when dictating at flat-out speed - from a newspaper or a prepared script. Then it clearly lives up to its billing – 300% faster than typing, 100% spelling improvement, almost no errors. V10 enhances speed and introduces some smart-looking search facilities with natural language commands.

Accuracy is said to be improved by 20% but they said that, and promised “up to 99% accuracy”, in the last three releases. So expect your 99% to go up to 99.2%.

Strong recommendation NOT to try to carry v9 voice files to v10. Much better to do a clean new enrol on v10 and do the vocabulary enhancement with existing documents and mail. It IS possible to extract macros/commands from previous voice files and insert them into v10 … but you will have to ask Nuance how this is done.

Other V10 Notes

V10 starts and launches applications faster.
Dragon Voice Shortcuts - New natural language commands.
Examples:
“Search web for Plantronics” – uses your chosen search engine.
“Search desktop for legal template” – uses Google desktop.

Dragon Naturally Speaking V10 demo

“Search images for …..”
“Search Amazon for …..”
“Search Youtube for ….”
“Search wikipaedia for …”

Improved natural language commands for Office 2007 are only available in DNS Professional. The very smart and genuinely NEW search commands can be said to open up DNS for a new type of (non-disabled) user; one who is not so much a writer of lots of words as a searcher, researcher and surfer.

The command, “send mail to Joe Bloggs” will launch your e-mail application and start a new message, with the address in.
No-training option produces excellent accuracy. The view is that training not necessary at all for an experienced user. We are getting closer all the time to speaker independent speech recognition.
A new, third training option on the new user screen is labelled for children and impaired speech (so three options: no training, normal training (6-7 minutes), special training).
The US version includes new regional accents. Expect news about additional future UK English accents and a new option for child users.
‘Small word’ recognition is said to have improved.
The “cap that” irritation/bug (you say ‘cap that’ to capitalise something and get “That”!) is apparently fixed.
Reduced “latency” = faster transfer from the “box” to the application.
Wireless microphone effectiveness apparently improved. With an ear-mounted Plantronics CS60, a DECT/USB connected mic, the results are very impressive – even with the speaker many metres away. The similar Plantronics Callisto, a Bluetooth device, gives similar quality, we are told. For about £50 extra you can now get some Dragon editions with Plantronics mics in the box. But check which one. Beware of tiny buttons on wireless headsets that disabled people can’t find or press, and check out if the user can handle the re-charging and connection process. (All wireless mics need to pick up power from somewhere).
“Blindingly fast” in Office 2003 and XP.
2Gb ram still recommended although the box may still say 1Gb.
There is an option to run a scheduled accuracy upgrade.
Upgrades only go 2 versions … so v8-10 is ok, 7-10 not.
Nuance confirm that DNS does run under BootCamp (Windows under Mac).

Dragon Naturally Speaking V10 and Windows 7

Nuance has apparently performed testing on Windows 7 and found that Dragon installed and ran on this operating system with no major issues and should get official confirmation from Microsoft that it is a compliant application shortly. So for anyone who is wondering if Dragon will run on Windows 7, the short answer is yes!

Using Dragon - general notes from an experienced trainer

In Dragon Naturally Speaking, the green ball at the top of the screen, is the 'select and say' button. If greyed out, then some areas of the underlying program are not compatible, i.e. Powerpoint. ("Start Powerpoint"). Dragon recognises words in context - NOT as single words in isolation. After an upgrade to a more up to date version of Dragon, it's always best to discard the saved voice file and start a new one. If using a digital voice recorder, always use a noise cancelling microphone - VXI are best. Can be used via BlueTooth with dongle. A 'Buddy' reduces the noise interference (the yellow bars on DNS enrolling process).

Using the following phrase,"What can I say?", will bring up a list of available commands relevant to the current application. Also: Under the Help Menu you can view the help topics. Also you can view the Accuracy Center. Select “Improve My Accuracy” from the help menu. Chose “Sample Commands” a list of global commands will appear on the right side of the screen.

The old version - Dragon Dictate - is still out there. Dictate accepts input one word at a time, which suits people with certain vocal difficulties. It does not work very well with Windows XP. Dragon Professional can be configured for complete hands free use. A cheaper option is Dragon Preferred, with Talking Point software running alongside.

Dragon V9 supports 'Roaming Profiles' on a network, but there are usually problems because of IT security restrictions. The 'Tap System' is an interface for use between a Dragon user's computer and the host network computer. Some network software is not fully compatible with Dragon. Sometimes Pixel Mapping (Grids) is required for those which only allow mouse clicks. Professional allows a 3rd party to edit saved voice files, without affecting the original sound recording. The DNS command 'Heard Word' can be used to change a command phrase.

A number of international languages are supported. This German website, Abitz.com, offers a particularly detailed description of what the program offers.

Dragon Naturally Speaking does not currently operate on an Apple Mac (accept under boot camp - windows on mac), although the new MacSpeech Dictate uses the Dragon engine.

Using voice recognition with other software

Dragon Naturally Speaking and JAWS (Screenreader). If you want to use Dragon with JAWS, you need a bit of 'go between' software like J-Say Pro, which was developed specially for this. You do not have to have a vision impairment to use J-Say Pro. More about this > . . .
Vista and JAWS. J-Vist allows a JAWS user to talk to their computer with Windows Vista voice recognition. More about this > . . .
What J-Say users say about the product (Source: T&T Consultancy
Dragon stories - some personal experiences

Suppliers

Eye Pointing

invisiblebloke — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:46:11 CST

Eye-tracking systems serve as a replacement for common input devices such as mouse, keyboard or remote control. Using such systems, users with complex physical disabilities can operate computers and other connected devices simply by moving their eyes.

An eye-tracking system consists of a camera which continuously scans one of the user's eyes and of a software which analyses the picture captured by the camera to determine which exact point on the screen the user is looking at.

Image Source:EyeTech

In case the user is not able to operate any other form of switch to make selections, staring or blinking at a certain button or other object on the screen is equivalent to clicking on that same object with a mouse.

By displaying a computer keyboard or control panels of other devices on the screen, the user is able to fully operate a computer and control systems connected to it. This enables him or her to type, surf the web, use e-mail, control environment, play games, synthesize speech etc.

Technological Requirements

Eye-tracking systems consist of a camera, stand, software and some other equipment. As proper connection to the PC and installation of the whole system is quite complex, this is usually done by qualified staff sent by the retailer

Examples of eye tracking systems

Eye Gaze.

A communication and control system for people with complex physical disabilities. The system is operated entirely with the eyes. By looking at control keys displayed on a screen, a person can synthesize speech, control his environment (lights, call bells, etc.), type, run computer software, operate a computer mouse, and access the Internet and e-mail.

The EyeGaze 'Edge'

Images source: (EyeGaze)

EyeTech

The EyeTech SGD is a dedicated speech generation device, which when used in conjunction with the EyeTech TM3 (formerly known as Quick Glance 3SH) allows the user to generate speech using eye control.

Setting up the EyeTech TM3

Using Dynavox with the EyeTech TM3

Using EyeTech TM3 with Grid2

Using EyeTech TM3 with Dragon Naturally Speaking

More about the EyeTech . . .

Quick Glance.

An eye tracking system that is operated entirely with the eyes. The software is designed to run in the background while the user is working with standard Windows applications. It allows the user to place the mouse pointer anywhere on the screen simply by looking at the desired location. "Clicking" can be done with an eye blink, a hardware switch, or by staring (dwell). Quick Glance can be used for writing, surfing the Web, computer-aided design, games etc.

Alea Technologies IntelliGaze IG30 System.

Uses the latest camera technology and sophisticated image processing and calibration methods. The IG-30 system claims to be far superior to alternative gaze input systems at a similar price point. The modular structure of the system allows patients with a degenerative disease, the continued use of their touch-screen or scanning software package. Using existing computers and monitors, the IG-30 system can also be easily integrated into an existing PC setup.

Using the IG30 to play games

GUIDe EyePoint.

The EyePoint™ software allows users to perform basic mouse operation by using a combination of gaze and hotkeys. It reduces / eliminates the dependency on the mouse for most everyday tasks such as surfing the web.

Dasher.

Eye tracking systems can be integrated with other forms of Assistive technologies One example integrates withDasher, to create and eye tracking system for text recognition and speech output.

It is a complex program - a zooming interface. You point where you want to go and the display zooms in wherever you point. Where you are pointing is painted with letters, so that any point you zoom in on corresponds to a pice of text.

The more you zoom in, the longer the piece of text you have written. You choose what you write by choosing where to zoom. You can read more about this clever software at: News BBC / Dasher

Dasher can also be used without an eye tracking system - it can be used with just a mouse or on a keyboard single handed.

ROLLTalk

Compact Rolltalk is a communication aid for people with speech disabilities.

Compact Rolltalk also lets you operate a wheelchair, control your environment, and use mobile phones, e–mail and the Internet.

DynaVox EyeMax.

It is comprised of two parts: a DynaVox Vmax and a DynaVox EyeMax Accessory. The EyeMax System allows augmented communicators to access their Vmax with a simple blink, or by dwelling on a desired area of the screen.

The EyeMax does not need the user to “do” or “wear” anything. Simply sit in front of it, go through an initial calibration and the user is ready to go. The only item that the EyeMax will work with is the DynaVox Vmax.

It will not work with any other device – including the V, DV4, 3100, etc. It will not work with other SGD devices, nor with any commercial computer/laptop/tablet item. EyeMax + Vmax = the DynaVox EyeMax System. No other combination exists.

ERIKA.

Eye tracking system with patented zooming methodology, which magnifies areas on the computer screen to allow the user to more reliably execute a mouse action at a desired location. This allows the user to access almost any Windows application.

MyTobii (P10)

A portable eye-controlled communication device. Everything, including the monitor screen, eye control device and computer, is integrated into one unit. It just needs connecting to a power source, such as a wall socket, power wheelchair or separate battery. The device can be mounted for use at a desk, wheelchair, bed or anywhere suitable for the user. What they say about the MyTobii

Jasmine using a MyTobii

Open Source Eye Gaze

ITU Gaze Group. The Gaze Group is a research group located at the IT University of Copenaghen. They are primarily focused on eye tracking, gaze interaction and the use of gaze for usability studies. They aim to establish accessible alternatives for gaze tracking systems to raise awareness about this technology and bring it to the mainstream.

Gaze Tracking
ITU Gaze Tracker
Open-source gaze tracker developed at the IT University of Copenhagen.

Gaze Typing
GazeTalk
Multilanguage eye-typing application with predictive text input

Opengazer.

An open source application that uses an ordinary webcam to estimate the direction of your gaze. This information can then be passed to other applications.

For example, used in conjunction with Dasher, opengazer allows you to write with your eyes. Opengazer aims to be a low-cost software alternative to commercial hardware-based eye trackers.

The user first selects "load points", which loads and matches a previously selected set of point trackers on the face, which allows opengazer to extract the image of the eye and compute head orientation. Then, the "calibrate" routine displays a series of red points on the screen, at which the user is ask to look. As the calibration progresses, the current gaze estimate, represented by a small blue circle is getting better and better. Finally, the user selects "test", which displays a series of green points to test and show the accuracy of the gaze tracking. More about Opengazer . . .

Eye Gaze Resources

COGAIN (Communication by Gaze Interaction). An organisation at the cutting-edge of expertise on interface technologies for the benefit of users with disabilities. The network aims to gather Europe's leading expertise in eye tracking integration with computers in a research project on assistive technologies for citizens with motor impairments.

A link to their last conference - some great info here
Sarah Yeo's experiences with eyegaze
Music Editor. A gaze-operated application that allows you to compose, edit and play music by eye movements.

Eye Writer. Software and hardware which allows someone using an eye tracking system to draw.

The EyeWriter project is on ongoing collaborative research effort to empower people, who are suffering from ALS, with creative technologies. The deveopers teamed-up with LA graffiti writer, publisher and activist, named Tony Quan, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2003. The disease has left him almost completely physically paralyzed… except for his eyes. But, the ALS hasn’t touched Tony’s sharp mind, creative energy or his desire to write graffiti. In August of 2009, artist from around the world, converged on southern California and began to work with Tony on a low-cost, open source eye-tracking system that would allow ALS patients to draw using just their eyes. 10 days later the EyeWriter 1.0 prototype was finished. This system is constructed from material found in local hardware and electronics stores and the software is open source. Tony subsequently drew his tag for the first time in over 5 years.

More information about Eye Writer . . .

Image source: Free Art & Technol

Eye Tracking Suppliers

SmartBoxAT - MyTobii suppliers

Translate this wiki

invisiblebloke — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:41:48 CST

Translate this wiki into 10 different languages - instantly.

The link will take you to an image like this. Just click the appropriate flag. The page (and the rest of the site) will be translated into your desired language.

Keyboards

invisiblebloke — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:28:01 CST

General information

With more than a hundred relatively small and crowded keys and their small print and sometimes low-contrast labels, a standard computer keyboard is a relatively complex device. Operating it can be troublesome for users with limited arm, hand or finger movement ability.

Video Demo of Keyboards and Keyguards		Using a keyguard

Using standard keyboard with motor difficulties		Amputee using a keyboard

Compact Keyboards

Small keyboards can be more easily positioned and are often suited to single handed users. They can fit between the arms of a standard wheelchair. The actual key sizes are fairly similar to a standard keyboard. Space is generally saved by removing the numeric keys and reducing the gaps around the editing and function keys.

If the numeric pad is essential, then it is possible to buy them separately and position them to the left or right as needed.

Compact keyboards are generally smaller in size. They are designed for users with smaller hands or limited range of motion, and may have smaller keys, a lower number of them or an alternative key layout.

Some feature a built-in track ball and wrist rest. Often, the alphanumeric keys and a toggle/lock button replace the functionality of a separate numeric pad. Certain compact keyboards are also designed for use with a head/mouth stick.

Compact keyboard (source: Infogrip http://www.infogrip.com/images/products/ezreachkeyboardweb_lg.jpg)

Keyguards

These are plastic or metal plates, placed over the keys of a keyboard, with holes through which the user presses the keys. This is useful for people who tend to hit more than one key at a time or need to rest before pressing the next key. Kyguards generally tend to come with keyboards as a pair, but sometimes one from one keyboard model will fit another model. What you have to consider is how the holes sit over the individual keys. Laptop keyguards are harder to find. The image below is taken from the website of Computer für Behinderte who appear to be able to supply a guard for any make of laptop. For the best fit, they ask that they have the laptop for a day (this service probably only practical for customers in Germany).

Keyguards for keyboards

Image source: Computer für Behinderte

Keyguard for laptops

Image source: Computer für Behinderte

Ergonomic Keyboards

Ergonomic keyboards are aimed at those wanting to touch type using both hands. Generally they incorporate a split between keys operated by each hand with the aim of reducing strain in wrists and arms. A number of variations on this design are available, including those pictured above.

GoldTouch

Maltron

Maltron Keyboards

The DataHand

The DataHand keyboard is not a chorded keyboard. With three main modes plus a ten-key mode, it has more keys than most other keyboards: 134 keys without counting the ten-key mode, 174 if the ten-key mode is counted.

The DataHand key assignment display is above the fingers, always visible, never covered by the fingers. Each of the modes is differentiated on the display by a different color: green for Normal (alphabetic) mode, blue for Numbers and Symbols mode, yellow for Function and Mouse mode, and red for Ten-key mode. The user's fingers move less than half an inch in each direction. More info and images . . .

Using the DataHand keyboard

SafeType

The 'SafeType' keyboard claims to place the user in a position that is completely 'Orthopedically Neutral'.

They say,". . . only keyboard demonstrated in a Major University Study to virtually eliminate the high-stress postures that contribute to Repetitive Stress Injuries, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you stand with your arms relaxed at your sides, and use only the biceps to bring your hands up and forward until your forearms are parallel to the floor, you are now in the most relaxed typing position possible, with your palms facing each other. That is the position you are in when typing with the SafeType KeyboardTM.

It's certainly an usual design, in which the user's hands are in a kind of 'holding something' position. Mirrors placed forward of the hands allows the user to see which keys are being pressed.

YogiType

The 'YogiType' keyboard is a similar idea to the SafeType. The main differences:

* the position of the hands
* individual keys light up when pressed from behind - no need for mirrors.
* all weight is taken off the wrists, which sit in soft supports alongside the keyboard.
* integrated mouse, with scrolling function

More information . . .

Expanded keyboards

Expanded keyboards can help in situations where it is difficult to accurately locate a normal sized keytop. The larger size gives more area to "aim at". Many expanded keyboards have a "built-in guard" as the letters are slightly sunk beneath the surface of the keyboard.

IntelliKeys USB plugs into the computer's USB port. It is a flat membrane keyboard which is pressure sensitive and is particularly usefull for people who: - have mild tremors - the slide and press action is helpful, - have dexterity and sight difficulties; - need to use a guard and find the larger key size helpful It comes with a number of "overlays" which define the action of areas on the surface of the board. Because the surface is flat, it can be operated with a 'slide and press' action. You can change layouts "on the fly". In addition you can design your own layouts. This can be useful if you only want to work with a small number of keys. A trainer or teacher simply slides an overlay over its programmable surface to create keyboards for different students and curriculum areas. The universal design of the overlays provides large, well-spaced keys in highcontrast colors to help students locate letters, numbers, words, and directional arrows. More information > . . .		Introduction to Intellikeys

Using the Intellikeys keyboard to access the web:		Using Overlay Maker with Intellikeys

Young student with cerebral palsy using Intellikeys		Exploring the New folder in Overlay Maker

In case of severe motor impairments the use of a standard keyboard with a keyguard is often insufficient. For these computer users an expanded keyboard may be a powerful aid. An expanded keyboard prevents unintentional activation of one or more than one key at a time by well spaced, enlarged and slightly recessed keys and allows the user to stabilize limb on keyboard without activating keys. (Info and images:Computer für Behinderte).

Sumo2000 Expanded keyboard and Mouse emulator

M42 mouse emulator

Mouse emulator with mini joystick

See more innovative products from Computer für Behinderte . . .

Expanded keyboard with keyguard (Source: Maltron)

Expanded keyboards for use with children (Source:Zuim)

Concept keyboards are also flat and pressure sensitive. These come in A4 and A3 sizes and have a number of predefined "cells" on their surface. Using a software package it is possible to assign certain keystrokes/sounds/actions to particular areas on the concept keyboard. After defining the areas on the keyboard, a paper overlay can be printed or drawn to show the active areas.

HelpiKeys keyboard.

Designed to meet the needs of learning and physical challenged individuals. Helpikeys is also beneficial for visual or cognitive disabilities. It's a programmable alternative keyboard which can be changed by using one of the five overlay sheets, or by using the Helipkeys Layout Builder software that allows you to design and print your own keyboard layouts. More information > . . .

ZoomText Large Print keyboard.

The new ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard provides large, high-contrast lettering that’s easy to see, even in low light conditions.

The ZoomText Keyboard also includes 16 programmable feature keys, allowing you to access your favorite ZoomText, Internet and multimedia commands with the touch of a button. Used with ZoomText Magnifier or ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, your low-vision computer workstation is complete. More about the ZoomText large print keyboard . . .

Large Key Keyboards

Keyboards with larger keys can help in situations where it is difficult to accurately locate a standard sized keytop. The larger size gives more area to aim at. Some have a built in guard as the letters are slightly sunk beneath the surface of the keyboard.

Vision Keyboard The Vision board keyboard is black, features 1 inch square, white keys, with large bold, black upper case legends and all the punctuation found on a standard UK keyboard. Ideal for the visually impaired, children and those with large hands/fingers. Has a 2 port USB hub, built in. The keyboard also has all 12 function keys. Image: Keyboardco.com	Big Keys LX Image: Inclusive Technology
Jumbo Colour Keyboard The Jumbo keyboard has large, colourful, and easy to read keys. The function keys have been moved off to the side, which helps avoid unwelcome inputs from busy hands. The large keys make locating letters much easier. (PS2 connection) Supplier: TTS Group	Jumbo XL

One Handed Keyboards

Source:TechReady

One-handed keyboards allow for typing with only one hand. One-handed keyboards often have special shapes and letter layouts. There are also software programmes that allow the user to type on a standard keyboard with minimal movement. The image is of a Maltron left handed keyboard.

Matias Halfkey keyboard

(image source: TechReady)

The FrogPad

A one-handed keyboard which enables its user to hold documents, tools or other items while entering information on a PDA, Pocket PC, smart phone, laptop or other mobile device.
Both the layout and use of full-size keys contribute to overall ease of use and small size.

The ergonomics have apparently been shown to significantly shorten learning time compared with the traditional QWERTY layout. As many users do not touch type but use a “hunt and peck” approach, the FrogPad presents an opportunity for faster keyboard input.

More about the Frogpad . . .

The CyKey keyboard.

The CyKey is what is often referred to as a Chord keyboard. These have only a few keys and rely on keys being pressed in combination to generate letters. They therefore work well for single handed users with independent movement in each of their fingers.
The CyKey is a wireless device that uses the MicroWriting Chord key system to input data. It can be used with many Palm PDA's, or with an Infrared Receiver, with almost any computer (in support of the normal keyboard). Could also be used with the feet.
More information about CyKey . . .

WinMini

A mini keyboard designed for use by isomeone with limited upper extremity range of motion, with use of only one hand, or who fatigue easily. This keyboard plugs directly into the keyboard port of the computer and requires no special software. Available in a choice of the standard QWERTY layout or a frequency of use layout with the most frequently used letters placed toward the center of the keyboard, this unit features closely-spaced membrane keys for easier access. Audible feedback is provided when a key is pressed.

BAT one handed keyboard

Infogrip's BAT Keyboard is a one-handed, compact input device that replicates all the functions of a full-size keyboard, but with greater efficiency and convenience. The BAT is apparently easy to learn and use. Letters, numbers, commands and macros are simple key combinations, "chords,".

The BAT's ergonomic design reduces hand strain and fatigue for greater comfort and productivity. The BAT is a good typing solution for persons with physical or visual impairments and is proven to increase productivity when used with graphic or desktop publishing software.

Supplier . . .

One Hand Resources

Foot operated keyboards

PJB Systems designed foot operated keyboard. The keyboard layout is not QWERTY and can be modified to suit particular needs.

Half the number of keys compared to a standard keyboard, but has two layers.
The characters for Layer 1 are displayed on the top half of the keys and the characters for Layer 2 are on the bottom.
Pressing the LAYER key allows for fast switching from Layer 1 to Layer 2 and visa versa.
Three keys emulate the mouse and a trackball is included to work in conjunction with these keys (these are the only keys that could not be moved around).
The keyboard casing is made of aluminium to reduce weight and to make it more portable but heavy enough to prevent it slipping
Sealed switches prevent the ingress of dust and dirt but allow for easy cleaning. The unit also has a removable front panel
All switches sit sub-flush to the front panel which means the foot can rest when typing without knocking the switches

The keyboard can be made to order and costings would depend on any modifications required.

PJB Keyboard

The PJB systems keyboard is used by Dave Williams (see photo), who commented, " PJB provided a first class service. They provided me with a high quality keyboard which meets my requirements perfectly. They look great and already my typing speed has improved. The new keyboards you supplied are great. I am definitely faster with them..”

For more information about the keyboard and price, contact Sharon Simmonds at PJB Systems on +44 (0) 1329 826156

Miscellaneous keyboards and Peripherals

orbiTouch Keyless keyboard is a keyless ergonomic keyboard solution that removes the barrier posed by the traditional keyboard/mouse combination. People who may benefit include those with repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome , other hand and finger injuries, limited fine motor skills, reduced finger function and other cognitive and physical challenges. The orbiTouch® Keyless creates a keystroke when you slide the two domes into one of their eight respective positions. You type the different characters by sliding the domes to create letters and numbers. The orbiTouch® also has an integrated mouse, so moving the domes gives you full mouse and keyboard capability. More information about the orbiTouch . . .

The Y-mouse Serial Mouse Adapter is the fast and simple way to attach two pointing devices to one computer. With this small, easy to use, Y-shaped adapter you don't have to open your computer or install any software, just plug it in and you're ready to go. Dual PS/2 mouse, Dual Tablet and Mouse, Dual Keyboard and Dual Monitor adapters also available. (Source: Ergosci)

The MyKids Keyboard

Link to MyKids supplier . . .

Rubber keyboard coverHere is an example of a waterproof keyboard which is made out of rubber. It is designed to work in harsh environments, and can be wiped clean after use.

If you prefer to use a standard keyboard, there are many plastic covers available which can be fitted over the top of the keys.

Maltron Mouth Stick Keyboard
The shape of the Maltron Single Finger/Mouth Stick Keyboard matches natural head movement and the key arrangement minimizes finger or stick activity, raising speed and relieving frustration. (Source: iShopergonomics).

Device for one handed Ctrl+Alt+Del logging on (before sticky keys can be activated)

Image source: Gizmodo

FingerWorks TouchStream LP Zero-Force Keyboard.

The FingerWorks zero-force "keys" require no pressure (which may lessen possible repetitive strain injury type damage).

The built in "mouse" is a great timesaver and again can help prevent RSI, the gestures put dozens, maybe hundreds, of shortcuts literally at your fingertips.

It's available both in DVORAK and QWERTY configurations.
More information . . .

Review of the FingerWorks LP keyboard

Using the FingerWorks Keyboard

Split Keyboards

Also referred to as 'Butterfly' keyboards. There is the GoldTouch the Kinesis the Fujitsu Siemens and the BTC-8120

GoldTouch	Fujitsu-Siemens	BTC-8120
Key Ovation is the manufacturer of the Goldtouch line of ergonomic and security computer peripherals technology. The Goldtouch product line includes ErgoSuite, which is a bundling of ergonomically designed computer accessories for the desktop , including mice, mouse pads , numeric devices and gel-filled wrist pads. www.keyovation.com/

Kinesis FreeStyle Convertible Keyboard	The Evoluent Keyboard

Using the GoldTouch

Elexia Keyboard

The Elexia in action

The Elexia Keyboard - The keyboard of many colours.The keyboard is being developed by BabelTech Ltd and was designed to aid typing skills for those with dyslexia, visual difficulties and to help prevent migraines or headaches. It was demonstrated at Bett 2008 and has been tried by members of the Nottingham Dyslexia Association.

The Elexia keyboard is unique, in that It has translucent keys that are back lit in any choice of colours with any mix of red, green and blue. This combination results in a huge range and depth of colours in various shades.

The keys have small lights beneath them which apparently produce up to '1.6 million colour' variations. The colour combinations are adjusted via three dials on the side of the keyboard, Individuals can save their chosen combinations, via the accompanying software, and they can be adapted at any time to suit user preferences. The keyboard connects via USB, but currently requires it's own power source. It is still in prototype and under development.

For more information about the Elexia, contact BabelTech on Tel. 0115 8781580.

LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse And Keyboard) enables people with physical impairments, such as cerebral palsy, quadriplegia and carpal tunnel syndrome, to easily and effectively operate a computer. Using a specially designed keyboard in conjunction with state-of-the-art light sensor technology, a hand or head pointer controls a beam of light that enters, then confirms, the key or mouse function. Confirming each key helps ensure the correct selection is entered, reducing errors and increasing the speed of operation. Pure geometric forms and soft radii support its simplicity and ease of use.
More information . . .

Changing from Qwerty to Dvorak

The Dvorak keyboard layout, designed for speed and efficiency by Dr. August Dvorak in the 1930s, can increase typing speed and decrease finger fatigue. It places all the vowels in the left hand of the home row and the most commonly used consonants in the right hand of the home row. Because the frequently-used letters are right there underneath your fingertips and the next most common are directly above, typing involves much less reaching. In this sample paragraph, 70% of the letters are on the home row in Dvorak, with 15% top and 15% bottom. In QWERTY 30% are on the home row. Beware, it takes a little getting used to, especially if you're transitioning from a standard QWERTY.

Change to Dvorak on Windows XP

Select Start->Control Panel.
If you're viewing by categories (the default), click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
Click Regional and Language Options.
Click the Languages tab
Click the Details button
Click the Add button
Under Keyboard Layout/IME, select United States-Dvorak (or Left- or Right-handed), then click OK.
If you want it to be default, select United States-Dvorak again in the Default input language pull-down
Click OK to close the control panel.

(Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Switch-to-a-Dvorak-Keyboard-Layout ).

Changing to the Dvorak layout

Keyboard Accessories

Mouth Stick

EuroMedical mouthsticks

Maltron Mouthstick keyboard

Using a laptop with a mouthstick

Adjustable-angle mouth sticks that allow better visibility and a more natural writing/typing position. One is a pointer for keyboards or page turning; the other holds implements such as a pen, pencil or paintbrush. The telescopic end makes it easier to adjust the length. (Mouthstick supplier: EuroMedical)

Keyboard Resources

AT Keyboard Suppliers

Smart phones and Accessibility

invisiblebloke — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:07:12 CST

Mobile phones are becoming more accessible, thanks to developments in screenreader software. First, there was Apple making the iPhone accessible with the addition of VoiceOver. And now, there will soon be a screen reader available specially for the Blackberry smart phones. Many other 'Smart phones' may also soon be become more accessible. This page seeks to highlight some of the available phones and what they offer in terms of accessibility.

Blackberry

Humanware, a company specialising in assistive technology for the blind, has created a screen reader specially designed for the Blackberry, called — Orator. It was created in collaboration with two other companies: Research in Motion (RIM), who designed the line of Blackberry phones, and Code Factory, which designed Mobile Speak, a screen reader supported on many other Windows and Symbian phones.

Orator is designed so that all core blackberry applications are fully accessible. Many of the third party applications developed for the blackberry may also have the chance to become accessible. RIM has created an accessible applications interface, which, if third parties chose, can help them streamline the process for creating applications that the entire potential customer base can utilise, even if some of those customers have disabilities. (original article . . .)

Blackberry Storm v iPhone

iPhone

The iPhone could be considered the leader in accessibility as far as accessibility features is concerned.

The latest iPhone 3G Currently offers:

Touchscreen (with speech feedback)
Voiceover screenreader (as on the Mac computer range)
Universal zoom, which magnifies the whole screen
White text on black background
Mono audio combines left and right, so that both ears can hear the sound
More information about iPhone accessibility features . . .

The iPhone can now also be used as a Communication Aid, thanks to a new App called Proloquo2go. (more information about Proloquo . . .)

Google G1 Android

Made by HTC, this G1 was unveiled circa September 2008. The image shows a G1 with iAugComm AAC software installed.

The Daily Telegraph (www.telegraph.co.uk) published an early review of the phone. Here is an extract from their review website:

' Although the reviewers were given only a few hours access to the HTC-made handset at its launch, and most of their conclusions are cautious, there appears to be emerging consensus. Namely that although the G1 is far from ground-breaking, it offers an operating system that could, with improvements, tempt users away from the Apple iPhone. You can click on the website names to read the reviews in full, and offer your own first impressions of the handset at the comment box at the bottom of the story. It doesn’t have quite the finish of the iPhone (both in terms of hardware or user interface), but it comes pretty **** close. And more importantly, it matches the iPhone on many fronts. It’s got GPS, WiFi, a touchscreen, an accelerometer, a camera, Gmail, Google Maps, a Webkit-based browser (just like Safari on the iPhone), and an App market.
Tech Crunch

From a hardware perspective, the G1 isn't a game changer. But under the hood, the Google Android software greatly improves the mobile Web experience for users, making it a compelling competitor to the Apple iPhone and a hands-down winner when compared with other smartphones.
CNET

While I was more impressed by the T-Mobile G1 than I thought I'd be, the list of catches for Android and the phone are quickly piling up - some that might very well be dealbreakers. Topping the list, it's tightly integrated with your Google account - so tightly that you can only use one Google account with the phone.
Gizmodo

Read more extracts and see the original reviews at: www.dailytelegraph.co.uk/technology . . .

T-Mobile Google G1 Review

What is Android?

Android was developed by the Open Handset Alliance. Android was built from the ground-up to enable developers to create compelling mobile applications that take full advantage of all a handset has to offer. It was built to be truly open. For example, an application can call upon any of the phone's core functionality such as making calls, sending text messages, or using the camera, allowing developers to create richer and more cohesive experiences for users. Android is built on the open Linux Kernel. Furthermore, it utilizes a custom virtual machine that was designed to optimize memory and hardware resources in a mobile environment. Android is open source; it can be liberally extended to incorporate new cutting edge technologies as they emerge. The platform will continue to evolve as the developer community works together to build innovative mobile applications.

More about Android . . .

Nokia

Magnifier

Vlingo Voice Recognition

iPhone - Accessibility & Apps

invisiblebloke — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:02:39 CST

New accessibility features in the new iPhone 3GS

TOUCH-SCREEN TECH.
VoiceOver is already built into the Mac and iPod Shuffle, but for iPhone this screen reader is a whole new ball game. Calling it the world’s first gesture-based screen reader, VoiceOver for iPhone reads aloud what is touched on the screen. Users can then gesture with a double-tap, drag, or flick to control the phone. According to Apple, users can “interact directly with objects on the screen to more naturally understand their location and context.” Touching the upper-left corner of the screen, for example, will prompt the spoken voice to announce what’s there; as users drag their finger around the screen, they’ll learn what’s nearby, providing “a true sense of how things appear on screen, not just descriptions of what they are.”
WILL THE BLIND LIKE IT?
While it sounds complicated, like any new technology it can be learned over time. While the blind community is “cautiously optimistic” until they can try out the device, according to Blind Access Journal, the new iPhone marks a huge leap by Apple to bring accessibility to blind and visually impaired users. That’s because VoiceOver for iPhone is built-in, finger-and-touch-based and fully integrated with other apps like Phone, iPod, iTunes, Mail, Safari, and Maps. Another unexpected new feature is a hands-free, voice-control interface. By loading an app, users will be able to dictate commands to perform various tasks, such as calling a friend or playing a song in the phone’s iTunes library. Many tech experts predicted the new iPhone would include voice control, which holds obvious potential for the visually impaired as well as for sighted users, who relish being able to have hands-free, eyes-free control over their phones while driving or exercising.
…AND FOR THE DEAF.
Additionally, the iPhone 3G S (the S stands for speed) includes a new universal Zoom function that magnifies the entire screen, and the White on Black feature, which reverses the colors on screen to provide higher contrast for people with low vision. iPhone 3G S also supports Mono Audio, which combines left and right audio channels so that they can be heard in both earbuds for those with hearing loss in one ear. Overall, the iPhone 3G S (the S stands for speed) will be faster, with better graphics and longer battery life. It will come with an a video recording and editing tool and a three-megapixel camera with an autofocus feature called “tap to focus.” It also features Compass, a digital compass for instant navigation.

EASY ACTIVATION.
VoiceOver for iPhone comes in 12 languages. It alerts visually impaired users to status information such as battery level, Wi-Fi and cellular network signal levels, the cellular network provider, and time of day. It can be activated through iTunes using a compatible screen reader or in the Accessibility menu. Apple is also working with iPhone software developers so they can make their applications VoiceOver compatible.

Source: AbleBody.com

iPhone3GS Accessibility FeaturesIn addition to the many features that make iPhone easy to use for everyone, the accessibility features available on iPhone3GS are designed to make it easier for users with visual, auditory, or other physical disabilities to use iPhone. The iPhone3GS accessibility features include:

VoiceOver
Zoom
White on Black
Mono Audio
Speak Auto-text

With the exception of VoiceOver, these accessibility features work with all iPhone applications, including third-party applications you download from the App Store. VoiceOver works with all applications that come preinstalled on iPhone. In addition, third-party developers can use the iPhone Accessibility API to make their applications accessible for Voice Over users. Individual accessibility features can be turned on and off in the Accessibility settings on iPhone3GS. You can also turn accessibility features on or off in iTunes when iPhone3GS is connected to your computer.

Turn accessibility features on or off in iTunes:

Connect iPhone3GS to your computer.
In iTunes, select iPhone in the sidebar.
In the Summary pane, click Configure Universal Access in the Options section.
Select the accessibility features that you want to use and click OK.

Setting Up iPhone Using VoiceOverIf you are sight imparied, VoiceOver may help you set up iPhone without outside assistance. VoiceOver describes aloud what appears on the screen so that you can use iPhone without seeing it. When you connect iPhone to your computer, iTunes detects when you’re using a compatible screen reader on your computer, such as Voice Over on a Mac or GW-Micro Window-Eyes on a PC, and automatically enables VoiceOver on iPhone. Or a sighted user can enable VoiceOver on iPhone for you, using the Accessibility settings.

Using the iPhone or iPod Touch as a communication aid

Proloquo2Go - AAC on an iPhone or iPod Touch

Proloquo2Go™ is a new product from AssistiveWare that provides a full-featured communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. It brings natural sounding text-to-speech voices, up-to-date symbols, powerful automatic conjugations, a default vocabulary of over 7000 items, full expandability and extreme ease of use to the iPhone and iPod touch. If you know how to use an iPhone or iPod touch you know how to use Proloquo2Go. While Proloquo2Go has a lot of advanced features the basics are extremely simple and easy. Proloquo2Go is now available for purchase on the App Store
How Proloquo2Go works Use the Grid or List view to quickly tap items that optionally speak as they get inserted into the Message window. Hold one of the items to automatically get access to conjugations, plurals or possessives. Tap the message window to speak your sentence. Hit the plus button to permanently add the sentence to your vocabulary in a category of choice. Select the Recents view and have Proloquo2Go speak one of the things you said an hour ago. Tap the plus button if you want to add this to your vocabulary. Select a symbol for your new item in the Symbol Chooser or pick a photo from your library, or, on the iPhone, take a picture. Go to the Typing view and use the iPhone keyboard to type a paragraph. Hit save and your text is symbolised.		Introduction to Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go appearance settings Part 1		Proloquo2Go appearance settings Part 2

Proloquo2Go appearance settings Part 3		Proloquo2Go appearance settings Part 4

New Product - Huetility ColourBlindness Simulator App for the iPhone

The Huetility Colourblind Simulator app is intended for people who know someone who is colourblind and want to better understand how he or she perceives colour. It's ideal for parents with children who are colourblind or people who have friends who are colourblind. It's also useful for designers, content creators and developers who want to check that colours they have used are colourblind friendly.

The app has three important views: 1) normal colour vision, 2) colourblind view (including severe red-green, blue-yellow and complete colour loss) and 3) an error view which highlights, using a grayscale intensity image, the regions of the colour image that change colour the most and hence are likely to cause a colourblind viewer the greatest problems. When you rotate the device (left) it shows you the comparison of the original and simulated colourblind viewers. When you rotate the device (right) it shows you a view of all the different types of colourblindness for the loaded image. Other options include: save image, view image histogram.

The images can be loaded directly from the camera, your photo album or from the samples folder included in the application; the samples folder contains 28 images selected to highlight the accessibility barriers colourblindness presents.

Background
Luke Jefferson (29) completed a PhD in computer science at the University of East Anglia in 2008, where he developed computer software to improve accessibility for colourblind computer users. Luke Walsh (26) completed a MEng in electronics engineering at the University of York in 2008. The two met whilst studying in the United States via the prestigious NCGE/Kauffman Global Scholars Program at Harvard and Stanford; they formed a company called Scratchface in 2007 (based in Liverpool). They won HSBC Unipreneurs in 2008 which allowed them to focus full-time on their business after they finished university. More recently, they won a Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award in February and an UnLtd award in May.

The product will be available on Apple App Store from Saturday 6th June
and is priced at £1.79.

More information about this colourblindness app at:

www.huetility.com

Digital notetaking on iPhone

VoiceNotes		Jott

Use the iPhone as a magnifier

Why spend hundreds of pounds on an electronic magnifier, when the chances are, you already have one in your pocket !

The iCanSee on-screen magnification controls even adapt to varied environmental situations including low-light. Once the application is launched, iPhone then magnifies anything held in front of it by as much as four times the original size, helping users read the fine print on labels, menus, contracts, books or other materials discreetly without the need for separate reading glasses.

iCanSee - Magnifier App demo		iCanSee - Magnifier App

iMagnify - up to 4x magnification

Other iPhone Apps

Voice recognition - web searching		New Voice Memo App with firmware 3.0

VSearch - web searching by voice command		Vlingo - Voice Recognition

Voice Text Pro - Voice activated text messaging		Autism software for the iPhone and iPod Touch

iPrompt for people with Learning Disabilities		iPrompt - Picture based communication
What they say about iPrompt:
"My wife and I have both been using iprompts for our son for several months now, I've just been a slacker with the review! He was diagnosed with Autism by our school district last year, and received a medical diagnosis just a couple weeks ago. Life has been hectic since we got a diagnosis, thus my forgetting to leave our review here. Anyhow, we are 100% thrilled with this app. Our son is very "picture dependent" and this app completely replaced our need for the old whiteboard and stickers schedule since my wife and I both have iPhones. We have a schedule and/or picture/choice on demand wherever we are! This app has been of of the best things we've discovered since our son's diagnosis. Thanks to the developers of this app. We look forward to it's continued improvement! ". (Source: AppStoreHQ)		"Our child has autism and we've always used printed pictures to help him (from Boardmaker CD's, etc.). iPrompts is so much better than printing and carrying around those binders full of velcro-backed cards! Plus, with the camera, we can immediately use custom pics. Highly recommended! ". (Source: AppStoreHQ) "My son has Asperger's autism and this is wonderful for structuring his day - if he "sees" his schedule he feels like he has more control. We're using ABA and consider this a huge help because it's entirely portable - no notebooks or flash cards that get left behind on the kitchen counter when leaving the house! ". (Source: AppStoreHQ)

Apps for the hearing impaired

New assistive hearing app for iPhone & iPod touch

soundAMP is the first assistive application that turns your iPhone and iPod touch into an interactive hearing device. It accepts audio input from iPhone’s built-in mic (or wired headset with mic), and provides real-time volume and tone modifications which are delivered instantly to the user’s headphones or earbuds. Simply plug-in your headset with mic, insert your earbuds, launch soundAMP and instantly hear nearby sounds better.

Developed by experts in software, sound processing and hearing, soundAMP improves your hearing, whether or not you have hearing loss. For those of you without hearing loss, launch soundAMP and relax, as there is no more straining to hear what is said. For those of you with hearing loss, soundAMP reawakens your sense of hearing; sounds come to life, and you hear better again.

soundAMP's advanced sound processor softens loud sounds and amplifies soft sounds to maximize hearing comfort. soundAMP's processor is combined with audio filters designed to help with speech intelligibility, bringing the important sounds around vividly into your life.

You get sonic clarity at all volume levels, with limited distortion. It allows you to adjust the tone and to improve the clarity of consonants. It even reduces the ambient and microphone motion-related hissing sound. And feedback or howling is minimized.Learn more on the iTunes App Store!!itunes.com/app/soundAMP

To find out more, please visit Ginger Labs

Apps for memory help

ReQuall reQall is a voice-enabled memory aid that seamlessly integrates your mobile phone, email, text messaging and IM into a powerful organizer, reminder system and productivity assistant. The reQall Memory JoggerTM is the heart and soul of reQall Pro. The proactive memory assistance it provides is based on years of memory research and a thorough understanding of how, why and when people forget. The Memory Jogger constantly watches for opportunities to keep you well-prepared and memory-strong. It analyses your situation—looking at the current time, your current location and the upcoming items on your calendar—predicts when you’ll forget, and automatically delivers timely, relevant memory assistance. It can also predict when you'll forget and send you periodic "memory refreshers" to prevent forgetting. More information about ReQall . . .

New York Times review of ReQall		ReQall review

Whiteboards

invisiblebloke — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:48:29 CST

An interactive whiteboard, or IWB, is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface, where users control the computer using a digitalpen, finger or other device.

The board is typically mounted to a wall or on a floor stand. They are used in a variety of settings such as in classrooms at all levels of education, in corporate board rooms and work groups, in training rooms for professionals and more. (Source: wikipedia)

Whiteboard resources:

Whiteboard Suppliers:

A beginners Guide


Promethean		Smartboard

Low cost alternatives

Multi-point Interactive Whiteboards Using the Wiimote

The Wiimote (Wii Remote Controller) can track sources of infrared (IR) light, and can therefore track pens that have an IR led in the tip. By pointing a wiimote at a projection screen or LCD display, you can create very low-cost interactive whiteboards or tablet displays. Since the Wiimote can track up to 4 points, up to 4 pens can be used. It also works great with rear-projected displays.

Low cost multi-touch whiteboard using a Wii remote		Using WiiMote software

How to build a low cost IR pen		IR Pen and Wii remote suppliers (these links are provided purely for information and you should take the usual precautions when purchasing items online) IRPENS (they also supply the smartbaord software on a USB memory stick) WiiTeachers (e-bay seller based in US)

Web Accessibility

invisiblebloke — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:56:41 CST

The Issue

In the 21st century increasingly we all communicate across the Internet. Whether to learn, to consume, to play or just to interact, the internet and websites are a crucial medium for us all. But for some users with a disability the very medium is rendered unusable as a result of poor design not only by individuals, but sometimes because the platform upon which the website is constructed does not allow the designer to support people with a disability.

There are many organisations and individuals seeking to support users to access the web both through Assistive Technology and through the education and training of designers and engineers.

Access to the internet is a very real issue for us all. The moral and social case is clear in designing for an inclusive society. But equally the business case is strong. There are 9.8 million disabled people on the UK alone offering a huge market for business as well as being voters and members of communities. website accessibility is an issue that touches us all.

Web accessibility through the eyes of a screenreader		The importance of HTML headings for accessibility

Contrast website overlay tool helps dyslexic users		Screen magnification for accessibility for visually impaired users

Accessible website navigation using a speech enabled links list

Implementing the requirements for Level 'A' WAI compliance for websites

(move the page up or down by using the scroll bar, or just place the arrow over the page,
hold the left click button and drag the page up and down)

LowBrowse

LowBrowse - Internet browsing for the visually impaired. LowBrowseTM, an add-on to Mozilla's Firefox browser, enables people with moderate or severe low vision to view web pages as the original web author intended, as well as read the text on those pages in a format that is tailored to their own visual needs. Some of the features of this new extension include: a reading frame at the top of the browser in which users can customize font, text size, color contrast and letter spacing while preserving the original site layout below image enlargement speech capability More about LowBrowse . . .

LowBrowse Introduction		More browsing on LowBrowse

eSSENTIAL Accessibility

The provider of a software-based service that makes online environments fully accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.

The software includes many assistive technology features which gives users with physical limitations the tools they require to access a website.

eSSENTIAL website (and free download)

Fully compatible with external tracking devices like Quick Glance, SmartNav, Tracker One, Head Master, joysticks or switches and already includes built-in tools like:

Onscreen Keyboard and Layout Designer
WebCam Mouse
Auto Click
Auto Scan
Manual Scan
XY Mouse
Radar Mouse
Direction Mouse

Includes a Page-Reader system which allows any user with a vision limitation to:

Read the content of any web page out loud
Read the title of the frames out loud
Read the content of a selected frame out loud
Read the links on an open web page out loud

Fully compatible with the following Voice Recognition systems:

Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking 8.0 and above Microsoft Speech recognition 6.1 or greater

Research

AbilityNet carries out regular state of the enation reports which explore the current state of play in accessible design for a specific sector of industry or government. eNation archives > .

If you are interested in taking part in social networking, AbilityNet is conducting research into the accessibility of Social networks. Go to AbilityNet social networking >

Techniques and Solutions

The WebAim website contains a wealth of useful information on accessible design.

Useful AbilityNet Articles

Key New Features of the Web Accessibility Toolbar 2.0

Since our article on 19th September 2006 – Testing Your Website for Accessibility, the Web Accessibility Toolbar has been updated and improved. Version 2.0 of the toolbar which has been available from June 2007 is currently in beta and can be downloaded from here .

Accessibility Issues by disability Category

Cognitive

Blind

Visual

Colour blindness

Understanding sensory impairment when designing a website: When dealing with website design and sensory impairment, we need to consider both Vision and Hearing. Thus article address some of the key issues to consider in the design process.

Break Reminder Software

invisiblebloke — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:05:53 CST

Break Reminder Software monitors computer activity and prompts for breaks. Helpful for RSI.
The software reminds you to take regular breaks to assist with and prevent RSI and maintains healthy computer use.

Some links to providers of the software:

MacBreakZ for Mac OS X		MacBreakZ overview

Workrave.org		Cheqsoft.com

RSIGuard.com (Keytools video)		Posture Minder

Try using mousekeys to avoid using the mouse

RSI Guard V4 - Stretch Edition.

RSI Resources

Desk Doctor - very useful information about RSI, it's causes and some solutions

Using Inspiration v8 - Lesson 1		Using Inspiration v8 - Lesson 2

Using Inspiration v8 - Lesson 2		Creating an outline in Inspiration v8

Say it Sam and CCS		Say it Sam and Message Maker

Say it Sam and IDV/2-A		Say it Sam and IDV/2-B

Global Assistive Technology Wiki - Recently Updated Pages

Head Tracking and Pointing

Headmouse

Clicking solutions

Webcam head controlled pointer

Free Camera Mouse

Dwell and Click applications

Head Pointers

Using head mounted laser pointers to communicate

Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia

Further Information

Screenreaders and Text to Speech

WebAIM Screenreader Survey 2009

Browsealoud

Guide

JAWS

HAL

More screenreaders

Tip Top Text Reader

Talking ClipBoard

SaToGo

Open Source

Text to speech software reviews

Screenreaders and Accessibility

Other Screenreader Resources

Monday, March 16, 2009

Screenreaders for Mobile Phones and PDAs

Text Help and Word Prediction

Useful Text Help and Word Prediction Resources

Text to Speech Resources

Software dictionaries and thesauri.

Speaking Dictionary and Thesaurus

Aging

Computer Resources

Guide

Other Resources

Ten Tips for the Awkward Age of Computing

Magnification Software

Magnification within operating systems and web browsers

Commercial magnification packages

Key Benefits:

Open Source, Free, Freeware or Shareware Programs

Other Useful Resources

AAC Hardware

Examples of current AAC Technology

VOCA Suppliers

VOCA

If I had a VOCA

AAC Software

An overview of communication software

AAC on your IPhone or iPod Touch

Apple Mac Resources

Mac Voice Recognition

ScreenReaders

Assistive resources for the Mac

AT Products

Dragon Naturally Speaking

The Dragon Bar

Dragon Naturally Speaking Commands

Some useful hints and tips to get Dragon naturally Speaking working properly

Dragon Naturally Speaking V10 – some personal observations from an experienced trainer

Dragon Naturally Speaking V10 and Windows 7

Using Dragon - general notes from an experienced trainer

Using voice recognition with other software

Suppliers

Eye Pointing

Technological Requirements

Examples of eye tracking systems

Open Source Eye Gaze

Eye Gaze Resources

Eye Tracking Suppliers

Translate this wiki

Keyboards

General information

Compact Keyboards

Keyguards

Ergonomic Keyboards

Expanded keyboards

Large Key Keyboards

One Handed Keyboards