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Title: Bookshare - VR Stream Download Training

Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Time: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

• Review of the Victor Reader Stream main features and benefits.
• How to download content from Bookshare and use Companion Software to transfer content to the VR Stream.
• Questions and Answers.

Register

Another chapter in the patent lawsuit between Freedom Scientific and GW Micro was concluded last December when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected Freedom Scientific's appeal of the original ruling which would, in essence, wipe out the place marker patent. Freedom Scientific is allowed another appeal of the ruling, and filed this appeal in February. We have provided links to the October appeal and the resulting decision handed down in accessible plain text,. In the 12-page appeal, Freedom Scientific attempted to explain how their system of inserting place markers is different than the one employed by IBM's Home Page Reader, in that it provides more enhanced functionality. According to the claim, "the more complete story is that Freedom Scientific is a world leader in the development of products for the visually impaired (see www.freedomscientific.com) and is merely seeking to protect its substantial investment in research and development." The 23-page response gives a multitude of reasons for the rejection, many of which were based on the IBM patent.

Read the appeal and the court's response and leave your opinions in the comments. The following files were converted from .PDF images using Omnipage Professional OCR software and may contain errors.

Freedom Scientific Appeal from October 28, 2009
Rejection Notice from December 7, 2009

By the way, the cost for filing each of these appeals is $540, according to documents available on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's website.

Post a commentA T Guys has the KNFB Reader Mobile
Buy with the Nokia N86, and save on Mobile Speak or Talks,. Share: | Twitter, Facebook, del.icio.us, Digg, Yahoo

I've mentioned before that I love game shows! I am the guy who watches the Game Show Network all the time. I like the classic shows better than all these new drama-based programs, but I'm open minded to new things and a game show through podcasting is certainly different. What a cool way to bring accessibility to the game show!

From the website:

"If you’re over 18 and from any English speaking country, you can play.  It’s a different kind of quiz show.  It doesn’t just involve your knowledge.  If you can convince people that a wrong answer is actually correct, you may end up winning the game.  We’re giving away cash and prizes to winners.  It’s comparable to the prizes on GSN Radio.  It’s a once-a-week show that we’ll do over Skype (or some phone if absolutely necessary), so it takes no time out of your day.

If you think you have what it takes to play, feel free to enter.  It costs nothing to play and we’ll work with everyone’s schedule.  And again, winners get some cash and prizes so we’re making this a competitive show.  I hope you’ll enter, and we can’t wait to showcase this project.  We’re still doing the news, I just wanted to add a new element and I really hope you enjoy it."

Click this link to enter BuzzerBlog's Podcast Game Show "Double Cross"

The Independent Living Aids online store has the Snapfon (TM) ez ONE Unlocked GSM Cell Phone for $99.95. This phone is small enough to fit in a pocket and it has large print and bright easy to see buttons, making it simple to use. The phone displays numbers in a 28-point font and it has a speaking key pad for easy dialing. The phone includes an S.O.S feature. If there's an emergency, a five second press of the button will send out an alert and consecutively call 4 programmable numbers until you receive a response as well as calling your local emergency response center when the S.O.S. button is first activated. Other features of the phone include a high-intensity, LED flashlight that works up to 20 feet, 3-5 hour talk time, a Hi Fi headset, and a digital FM tuner. Note that sighted assistance is needed for setup and the phone requires a sim card for operation. It also works with pre-paid SIM card providers, so it will work without a contract. It is compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and other GSM providers in the USA. Shipping is free on all orders over $75.Post a commentA T Guys has the KNFB Reader Mobile
Buy with the Nokia N86, and save on Mobile Speak or Talks,. Share: | Twitter, Facebook, del.icio.us, Digg, Yahoo

In this post, Mark Taylor publishes a dramatized audio version of a story entitled The Call of Abraham, as described in the Holy Bible, as an approximately 27 minute Candleshore podcast.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Tech chat 54, Thursday March 11 at 9PM Eastern, outlined many online resources for educational information. these included tutorials, documentaries, dictionaries, books and more.

View Tech Chat 54 – Several Educational Resources Online Via Accessible Event

Listen to MP3 of Tech Chat 54 – Several Educational Resources Online

 

A tentative settlement was reached in the trademark infringement case involving Freedom Scientific and Enhanced Vision, according to court documents obtained by Blind Bargains. The out-of-court settlement means the case will not go to trial. Last november, Freedom Scientific aledged that Enhanced Vision wrongfully used their name to profit from their business, for instance, by buying the Freedom Scientific keywords on advertising platforms and linking to the Enhanced Vision website. Enhanced Vision has also used Freedom Scientific in their metatags, which are often used by search engines. No further details are known about the settlement, and we will report when we learn more. Post a commentA T Guys has the KNFB Reader Mobile
Buy with the Nokia N86, and save on Mobile Speak or Talks,. Share: | Twitter, Facebook, del.icio.us, Digg, Yahoo

Type I Saw Today: the Creature

John Hilton III wrote an article claiming Creative Commons makes more derivative works possible. And on that score, he is quite wrong

Studio Recorder

Originally created by APH to serve as an internal tool for creating direct-to-digital audio recordings, Studio Recorder PC software contains many features that make recording, editing, and proofreading audio books easy. It is a powerful digital recording and editing software package geared specifically for making recordings of the spoken word and includes features not found in similar programs primarily designed for music production. These features include:

• Accessible to blind and visually impaired users
  
• Speed up playback with no pitch distortion
  
• Index tone generation and removal
  
• Three levels of phrase detection
  
• Instant open on large files
  
• Instant cut, copy, paste, delete
  
• Intercom functionality
  
• Simple user interface
  
• Multiple user marks and notes
  
• External controller support

Other features aid production of CDs and analog cassette tapes from digital masters.

Minimum Requirements to Run Studio Recorder

• PC running Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP
  
• 64MB RAM
  
• Pentium 166 MHz
  
• Windows compatible sound card and speakers
  
• 5MB hard disk space for program installation
  
• Twice as much free hard disk space as the total size of the files which are to be edited at one time

Studio Recorder:

CD Version:
Catalog Number: D-03600-00

Electronic Download:
Catalog Number: D-03600-ED

Download APH Software Demos: www.aph.org/tech
Click this link to purchase Studio Recorder.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org WavePad

WavePad is a free sound editor program for Windows. This audio editing software lets you make and edit voice and other audio recordings. You can cut, copy and paste parts of recording and, if required, add effects like echo, amplification and noise reduction.

WavePad is designed to be a very easy and intuitive to use audio editing package. Within minutes you will be able to open or record a file and edit it. But if you take time to explore the other features you will find many powerful tools designed with the professional sound engineer in mind. Features include:

• Screen reader friendly.
  
• Supports a number of file formats including wav (multiple codecs), mp3, vox, gsm, realAudio, au, aif, flac, ogg and more.
  
• Edit functions include Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Insert, Silence, AutoTrim and others.
  
• Effects include, Amplify, Normalize, Equaliser, Envelope, Reverb, Echo, Reverse, Noise Reduction, Sample Rate Conversion and more.
  
• Supports sample rates from 6000 to 96000Hz, stereo or mono, 8, 16 or 32 bits.
  
• Ability to work with multiple files at the same time in seperate screens.
  
• Includes a CD ripper to load audio directly and quickly from CD.
  
• CD burner function allows you to burn your sound files to CD.
  
• Player includes Scrub/Cue control for precise editing.
  
• Recorder supports autotrim and voice activated recording.
  
• Tools include spectral analysis (FFT), tone generation and speech synthesis.
  
• Easy to use interface will get you up and running quickly.

For more information on Wave Pad, or to download this FREE program, click this link to visit NCH Swift Sound: http://nch.com.au/wavepad/index.html. Audacity

Audacity is another audio editing program that is screen reader friendly and packed with tons of features. It has so many features, it would be impossible to list them all here, but to give you a little taste, a few of the features include cutting and trimming audio files, reducing static and interference, recording custom MP3s, amplifying sounds and mixing audio tracks, among others. It's kind of like a mini recording studio! Be sure to download the add ons for Audacity. They add even more functionality to this awesome free program!

You can download Audacity and all of its add ons by clicking this URL: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows. Audacity Tutorials for Podcasters

The Audacity Tutorials for Podcasters Website is the definitive step-by-step guide on how to podcast. The video tutorials include: recording setup, editing tools, basic editing & trimming, adjusting levels, importing audio & adding music, saving & exporting the MP3.

Click this link to visit the Audacity Tutorials for Podcasters Website.

It's quite refreshing to see some quality posts from some of the new technology blogs on the scene. Access4 Us has impressed us with their series which gives an in-depth technology review on a product after spending a week with the device. This time, they spend a week with the newly-released Book Port Plus from APH. Check the link to read the review.Post a commentA T Guys has the KNFB Reader Mobile
Buy with the Nokia N86, and save on Mobile Speak or Talks,. Share: | Twitter, Facebook, del.icio.us, Digg, Yahoo

Toronto 18 vs. CBC

by Donna J. Jodhan

A very interesting question for us to ponder this day but it should not come as either a shocker or shaker. With more and more aging baby boomers poised to exit the labor force, many are wondering if employers would be willing to drop their attitude barriers and look to the blind and sight impaired labor force for help. There still exists that in tangent barrier that smacks of an attitude problem when it comes to employers not being very willing or ready to hire blind and sight impaired persons.

With the present economic uncertainty, you may see that some pre-retirees are probably going to stay on a tad longer in the workplace, and you may find that more retirees would be seeking to find jobs to help supplement their incomes but this does not negate the fact that there is going to be a labor shortage sooner than later. As a matter of fact, many countries have already started to experience labor shortages due to employees taking early retirement. So, here is the question once again. Could blind and sight impaired workers benefit from the shrinking labor force? I for one will be watching very closely. Whatever the outcome, it will be very interesting to see how things play out.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

The University of Colorado at Boulder invites speaker proposals for its 13th annual Accessing Higher Ground Conference that will take place November 15-19, 2010. Keynote Speaker: George Kerscher, Secretary General of the DAISY Consortium. The conference focuses on the implementation and benefits of Assistive Technology and Accessible Media in the university and college setting. Other topic areas cover legal and policy issues, including ADA and 508 compliance. The creation of accessible media and information resources, including web pages and library resources are a particular focus of the event. For the main conference, accepted out-of-town speakers will receive a 10% discount off conference registration fees. Local speakers will receive a 5% discount. Additional incentives are provided for accepted pre-conference proposals. For more information, please go to the 13th annual Accessing Higher Ground Conference website.

by Donna J. Jodhan

This is one of the most difficult challenges of my life. What really happens when things fall? In the ordinary world, a mainstream person simply bends over and picks up the fallen object or if the object has managed to roll away to some out of sight location, the mainstream person simply uses their vision to find it.

For me, the process is quite different. If something falls out of my grasp I can usually locate it by using my sense of hearing to determine where it has fallen but it all depends on whether or not it makes noise as it clatters to the floor. If the object in question falls on to a hard surface, then the task is not too difficult but if it decides to roll away from me then I am in trouble. If the object falls on to a carpet, or if the object itself does not make any noise as it falls, then all hell breaks loose.

A funny thing happened to me a few days ago. A friend was over helping me with some computer related stuff and on his way out he noticed something small lying on my carpet. When he picked it up and put it in my hand I realized that it was an SD card. To my horror I realized that the card had been lying on my carpet for almost three weeks during which time I had vacuumed around that spot a few times. The card had slipped out of my Victor Stream player over three weeks ago and I never knew that it did because I had not had cause to use my player during that time.

O boy! What if my vacuum cleaner had swallowed up my SD card? I would never have known and would only have known when I went to use my MP3 player and even at that! I would never have known what happened to my poor SD card. Horrifying and terrifying! Ah yes! The joys of having to deal with falling objects that do not make sounds and noises.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

by Laura Legendary

It took me quite awhile to become an Amazon shopper. It wasn't because I didn't like to save money, or have merchandise delivered to my door, or because I felt no desire to join the online shopping revolution. It was that I was intimidated by the Amazon website, which for someone who uses a screen reader, can seem overwhelming. In an effort to sell nearly everything on Earth, Amazon has made for a serious time commitment for those who are unfamiliar with the landscape. I've heard even sighted users complain about the mind-boggling number of choices, and that navigating the Amazon website can be as formidable as navigating the actual South American Amazon.

Amazon is serious about getting your business. I know that because I complained to them about a certain inaccessible feature that had prevented me from using their site. I was subsequently contacted by a very solicitous person from the executive customer relations department, who immediately set about the task of correcting the problem. Further, he asked me to advise him as to other areas of the site that could use similar improvements. He thanked me for my contribution, and left me feeling as though I had made a real difference for those who would follow in my screen reading footsteps.

He left me with a few tips, too. One of which has proved to be useful not only for shopping at Amazon, but other websites as well. He pointed out that the mobile version of the Amazon website was a more accessible version of the main site, and it could be used by both desktop and mobile users. He said it lacked the "bells and whistles" of the main site, which I interpreted to mean the graphics, flash animation and other visual debris that can interfere with efficiency.

This was very good news.

As it turns out, the Amazon mobile site is the most wonderfully accessible, easy to use shopping interface imaginable. I can make a purchase at lightening speed, probably faster than a sighted person could. Fewer screens, fewer distractions, fewer "rabbit trails" that take you to a screen leading to nowhere.

To see this accessible alternative, go to http://www.amazon.com/access.

Facebook also has a mobile version of their site. Again, it's all text, no graphics, and lacks the ads and other happy hoopla that makes the site appealing to the light-dependent crowd.

Click this link to visit http://www.m.facebook.com.

More sites are now offering mobile versions of their main web properties, meant specifically for use with mobile phones. However, used with your desktop, these alternative versions also provide some great accessible options for anyone who is visually impaired, time-constrained, or who has anger-management issues and who detests the graphic flotsam and jetsam of most shopping or social media destinations.

Know of others? Send them my way!

Laura Legendary is a speaker, author and educator specializing in disability awareness, accessibility and assistive technology. Visit Eloquent Insights at http://www.eloquentinsights.com to request Laura for your next event. Find Laura's Accessible Insights blog at http://accessibleinsights.info/blog.

by Laura Legendary

If you have recently lost your eyesight, you may be wondering if you will ever use a pen to write again. Yes, you will. You may not be able to read what you're signing, but you will still need to sign that dinner check, write a sentiment at the bottom of a greeting card, or mail off some correspondence. You may be wondering how exactly that can be accomplished, other than by asking a sighted person to do it. Check out the variety of writing guides that can help you get the job done. Writing guides come in all sorts of sizes, are made of a variety of materials and have lots of uses.

Writing guides can really make your life much easier. It's time to stop struggling with trying to line up your writing to address an envelope without over-writing a line, or writing straight on the printed line of your checks, or signing on the dotted line of a credit card or other receipt. Try a sturdy aluminum guide to keep your writing legible and to be more independent. Carry a flexible plastic credit card sized signature guide in your wallet. Use cardboard guides if you need to cut one down to a custom size or fit.

Just lay the guides over the envelope, check or signature line of whatever it is you are writing, and you'll have no difficulty taking care of business on your own. You can even paper clip or tape down the guides so that you need not worry about slipping. If you have a loved one with vision loss, this is an inexpensive gift that will benefit them every day. It may be a little thing, but it can make a big difference for those who want to preserve their privacy and independence.

Laura Legendary is a speaker, author and educator specializing in disability awareness, accessibility and assistive technology. Visit Eloquent Insights at http://www.eloquentinsights.com to request Laura for your next event. Find Laura's Accessible Insights blog at http://accessibleinsights.info/blog. APH Signature Guide

Aids people who are visually impaired in writing their signatures. Small, pocket-size frame has an opening with an elastic band. The band provides a guide for writing and flexes to allow for the descenders of letters.

Revised guide is made of durable, flexible plastic with the same rubber backing as before to prevent sliding. Measures 4 1/2" x 2 1/4". Recommended ages: 8 years and up.

Catalog Number: 1-03530-01
Click this link to purchase the APH Signature Guide.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

10 reasons to bring your child to an Actionnaires club

So you may be thinking about it, but would like to know: