Assistive Technology Services of Maine

Shopping Online, Tonight on the Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:17:13 +0000

With the holidays fast approaching, many folks are doing some last minute online shopping. OK, truth be told, some of us, not me naturally, are just beginning their online shopping. But what’s online shopping like when using assistive technology?

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show, we’ll look at online shopping, how it works and what challenges you might face. We’ll also discuss some possible sources of last minute holiday deals, not that I’ve been particularly frantically compiling such a list. So, whether you’re new to online shopping, thinking about online shopping, or a seasoned online shopper, come join me tonight, for this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show.

The Assistive Technology Show takes place Wednesday evenings between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT. For more information, please visit the Assistive Technology show homepage at: http://www.atmaine.com/atshow .

I look forward to seeing everyone tonight, for another edition of the Assistive Technology Show.

Serotek Releases System Access 3.0

Steve — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:41:53 +0000

Oh boy! Oh boy! We’ve anticipated this for what seems like forever, we’ve discussed it on the show and now, it’s finally here!!! Below is Serotek’s official announcement concerning the release of their new, top notch, totally awesome new product. Not that I’m excited or anything.

Steve

*** Original announcement***

Serotek releases System Access 3.0

Serotek Corporation continues to raise the bar in the assistive technology industry with its latest software release of System Access 3.0. In this release, there is a great deal to be excited about both for new and existing customers.

The update to version 3.0 will happen seamlessly for existing customers with no need for user intervention. And for new customers, it is not necessary to find and download an installation package. Users can simply log in to http://www.satogo.com or visit www.serotek.com and initiate the automated installation process. In this way, users can begin a trial or create a paid account without any complexity.

Serotek is proud to release the first full-featured screen access product with support for 64-bit operating systems. This support is not only an essential breakthrough for IT professionals working in 64-bit environments in the course of their employment, but for the average consumer as well. Blind individuals can now walk in to any of the increasing number of retail stores who stock their shelves exclusively with machines running 64-bit operating systems, and purchase a new computer without wondering whether or not the machine will be accessible when they take it out of the box. From the smallest Netbook to the most powerful server, System Access delivers fast, reliable, and easy to use accessibility.

Remote Training and Support is now better than ever. System Access users have long had the ability to remotely access other users’ computers for the purposes of support, training, or just for fun. Now System Access has added a voice over IP feature which allows for crisp and clear voice chat between connected users, eliminating the need to communicate by phone or through third-party VOIP software such as Skype.

Accessibility Anywhere is right at your fingertips with support for the Alva BC640 Braille display. With this light, portable, and fully plug and play Braille display, users can have full access to Braille in all their favorite applications both at home and on the go.

But screen access to computers isn’t just for work anymore. It’s also for fun, and for those living the accessible digital lifestyle, System Access brings you the most compelling support for iTunes 8 available on the market. And since everyone enjoys playing games, the Serotek team and the team at All In Play have collaborated to bring you a game-playing experience you’ll want to return to again and again. All In Play features four games that are appealing to blind and sighted individuals alike, and with all plans being less than $8 per month, the fun is accessible and affordable for all. Combine System Access support for Anagram Tag, Texas Hold`em, Crazy Eights and the classic game of poker with the crisp clarity of the System Access Mobile network chat system and you’ll have accessibility and entertainment wherever you go.

And whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll always want the ability to keep in touch with friends and family. In addition to Serotek’s built-in client supporting MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger, subscribers to the SA Mobile Network can now easily communicate with each other through text or voice. Users can add their SAMNet friends to a list of SA Mobile Network contacts, and have the ability to initiate a text or voice conversation with those friends.

These are just a few of the many exciting features available in the release of System Access version 3.0. If you’d like to see a more comprehensive list of features, you can read “what’s new in System Access 3.0”.

Oops

Steve — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:45 +0000

Well, I’m not sure what happened, but last night, the Feedmail service decided to resend a post from July 2008. No, we’re not using TC5 this week to host the Assistive Technology Show and no, I haven’t a clue how this happened. Normally, Feedmail only sends posts that have been added, i.e. new posts, or those which have been edited. I’m still trying to figure out why this happened last night, but I think it’s just one of those weird things that just sometimes happens. My apologies to everyone who may have been confused by last night’s message.

Steve

Duplicate emails, especially on Wednesdays

Steve — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:19:25 +0000

In my attempt to make things as easy as possible and to offer the blog in as many formats as possible, I seem to have caused a bit of confusion. Many of you have written notifying me that you’re receiving duplicate messages concerning the show on Wednesdays. If this is happening to you, continue reading to see why.
I offer two Email-based services, an announcements list via which I announce up-coming show topics and a feedmail service which Emails daily digests of blog entries. As the first of these is pretty self explanatory, let’s look more at what feedmail is and how it works. Throughout the day, I might post entries to the blog. At some point during the day, usually during the evening, Feedmail gathers up all those entries, combines them into one Email and sends it out with the subject of Assistive Technology Services of Maine. Within this Email are all those blog entries whether there be only one, or multiple. OK, so here’s the problem. Let’s say that I don’t post anything to the blog except the show announcement. In that case, the only entry feedmail can send is the show announcement, it being the only thing I’ve posted. Unfortunately, as this gathering process generally happens after the show is well under way, that mail isn’t of much use. Of course if I’ve posted other things besides the show announcement, those would be contained in that Mail. Now, if you also happen to subscribe to the announcements list, you would have gotten a show announcement from there as well, hence the duplication. Up to this point, my strategy has been to write the announcement and to post it both to the blog and the announcements list simultaneously. Going forward, I realize I should submit the blog copy at least a day ahead of time thereby getting it into Tuesday’s digest. so, why for many weeks have you only received the feedmail message on Wednesdays? Well, um, that’s my fault and for that I can only apologize. If nothing has been posted to the blog, well then there’s nothing for Feedmail to send. I haven’t kept up with the blog as much as I should an as a result, the feedmails haven’t contained much. I’ll definitely do a better job where that’s concerned as I really want for the blog to be a great and, um yes, a timely resource.

Thanks for your understanding, if I’ve managed to confuse you even more, definitely feel free to contact me.

Steve

Tonight, we give thanks on this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:01:18 +0000

On the eve of Thanks Giving, I thought it appropriate to dedicate tonight’s program to giving thanks to the developers, distributors and instructors of assistive technology without whom, we might not be where we are today. For some, maybe it’s a particular assistive technology product that’s made the difference while for others, maybe the belief of an instructor, VR counselor, family member, or other person has made all the difference in the world. Tonight, on the Assistive Technology show, we’ll have the chance to give thanks to those who have made it all possible.

The Assistive Technology SHow takes place Wednesdays, between 7:00-9:00PM, EST. For more information, or to join the show, please visit the Assistive Technology Show homepage at: http://www.atmaine.com/atshow . Not able to make it, but still want to find out what’s going on? The Assistive Technology Show is both archived and podcasted — new programs are generally available within an hour after the show. Also, if you’re unable to make it, but would like to give thanks on tonight’s show, drop me an Email, steve@atmaine.com and I’ll do it on your behalf.

I look forward to seeing everyone tonight, for the Thanks Giving edition of the Assistive Technology Show!

Steve

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:45:19 +0000

It’s great to be back and to again be bringing you another edition of the Assistive Technology Show. This week, we’ll talk about Serotek’s new release of System Access version 3, the first screen reader able to run on 64 bit machines. We’ll also talk about a note taker alternative I’ve recently come across, a device that can almost fit in the palm of your hand and which costs less than $400.

Whether you’re interested in assistive technology, hoping to learn something new, or have resources to share, come join me for this evening’s edition of the Assistive Technology show. When? The Assistive Technology show takes place on Wednesday’s between 7:00-9:00 PM, EST. For more information, or to join the program, please visit http://www.atmaine.com/atshow .

I look forward to seeing you tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show!

Steve

No Assistive Technology show for this evening

Steve — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:08:46 +0000

Yesterday, I suffered the worst migraine I’ve had in the last six months. As I’m still somewhat recovering, I will not be hosting this evening’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show. I look forward to seeing everyone for next week’s show.

Thanks and have a great week,

Steve

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology SHow

Steve — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:26:25 +0000

Wanting to learn something new about assistive technology, or technology in general? Have a question you’d really like answered and don’t know where to turn? Perhaps you’ve heard about a new program, or service and want to hear opinions concerning it?
Come join me, tonight, for another edition of the Assistive Technology Show. Although there is no specific topic for this evening’s program, those often prove to be the most interesting. Driven by participant comments, questions and feedback, you never know what might be discussed.

When? Tonight, between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT. Where? http://www.atmaine.com/atshow. On the Assistive Technology show page, you will find directions for logging on to the show and links for listening to past editions. Need help? As always, feel free to contact me via Email: steve@atmaine.com or phone: (207) 512-2387.

I look forward to seeing you tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show — you never know what you might learn.

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:26:49 +0000

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology show, we introduce you to the world of blogs. World of what? Blogs, or web logs are an ever increasing way to receive information. In their simplest form, blogs are a journal, a journal in which news might be printed, or on-going development efforts to a product, or service documented. The art of Blogging, or publishing ones own blog is not restricted to the ultra geeky, however, leading to millions of blogs written by folks just like you and I. You can blog about anything whether it’s your own life, your attempts at gardening, a trip you’re taking — anything you can imagine. And even for those things you can’t imagine, like rowing solo across the pacific, or hiking the world’s highest mountains, someone has blogged about it.

On tonight’s show, we’ll talk more about blogs, what they are, how they’re created and where one can find them. we’ll also look at different ways to read and manage blogs in addition to answering any questions you may have. So, whether you’re interested in blogging, already blogging and want to share what you’ve done, interested in finding blogs to read, or just want to learn something new, come join me for this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show. When? The Assistive Technology show takes place Wednesday evening’s between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT (2300-0100, UTC). For more information, or to join the show, please visit the Assistive Technology SHow home page at: http://www.atmaine.com/atshow . If you’re unable to attend, but want to listen after the fact, feel free to check out the Assistive Technology Show archives/podcast also available from http://www.atmaine.com/atshow .

I look forward to seeing you tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show,

Steve

Tonight, on the Asistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:56:47 +0000

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show, we introduce you to the ever growing world of podcasts. For those unaware, podcasts are audio programs that can be listened to on demand. Basically, you subscribe to programs of interest and with the help of some additional software, the programs are downloaded to your computer. You then have the ability to listen at your convenience, either on your computer, or on a portable audio device such as an MP3 player. Tonight, we’ll explore just what a podcast is, how you can go about finding podcasts of interest and what you’ll need to do in order to listen. There are literally thousands and thousands of podcasts out there on just about every topic, so no matter what your area of interest, there’s a podcast for you.

Podcasts not your thing? During each show, time is left for questions on all things assistive tech related and for other topics of interest. When? The Assistive Technology Show takes place Wednesday evenings between 7:00-9:00PM, EDT (2300-0100, UCT). For more information, to be part of the program, or to hear past episodes, please visit the Assistive Technology Show’s home page at: http://www.atmaine.com/atshow .

I look forward to seeing you tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show!

Listening on the go, on this week’s Assistive Technology Show!

Steve — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:54:49 +0000

This week, on the Assistive Technology show, we look at different ways to listen to audio on the go. In the past, we’ve discussed using portable MP3 players, the Victor Stream and the new accessible iPod, but what’s it like to actually use one of these devices? MP3, OGG, AAC, what’s it all mean? How complicated is it to digitize audio, to put it on a portable device and finally to actually listen to it? On this week’s show, we’ll attempt to answer these questions and much much more. Whether you use a portable device for listening to audio and have experiences to share, or if you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of taking audio on the go, this week’s show is for you. In addition to your experiences and questions, I’ll also be demonstrating the talking menus available in Apple’s newest 4TH generation iPod Nano.

The Assistive Technology Show takes place Wednesday’s, between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT. For more information, or to join the program, please visit the Assistive Technology Show home page at: http://www.atmaine.com/atshow .

I look forward to again bringing you this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show.

Steve

Do you remember what you were doing?

Steve — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:36:47 +0000

When I was younger, I remember talking about the Kennedy assassination with my father and him saying that he remembered exactly what he was doing when he heard the news. At the time, I remember both wondering if memories around such a tragic event could really be that clear while hoping that I never had to witness such an event in my lifetime.

On September 11, 2001, i was working as a tech support specialist providing support to users of a web based telephony service. Although it wasn’t allowed, I took advantage of the fact that I was wearing a headset to keep a German radio station streaming in the background. After all, having something in the background besides the monotony of my co-workers dealing with angry customers probably helped assure my sanity. I remember receiving a call from a woman, but can’t at all recall what she was calling about. At some point during the call, I remember thinking it odd that the German station was reporting a heck of a lot of something about New York. Eventually, try though I might, my mind wandered from the customer’s issue and I found myself listening with incredulity to the German broadcaster. Eventually, it became clear to my customer that I was not paying attention and she rudely asked if I was still on the line. I assured her I was and asked if she happened to be near a TV. She admitted she was and I asked her to please tune in CNN. I don’t know why she didn’t hang up on me, I’d probably hang up if a tech support rep asked me to do such a thing, but she obligingly turned on CNN. After maybe a few seconds, I heard her sharp intake of breath and realized with sudden clarity that I wasn’t misunderstanding the German newscaster.
That particular support call lasted about thirty minutes, way longer than the time allotted by my employer for such calls. My customer kept up a steady dialog describing what she was seeing on the TV, both of us apparently having forgotten her original issue. I don’t know if that particular call was ever monitored for quality assurance, but if it were, the person monitoring it would have heard us both in tears by the end.

As mentioned above, I was providing support for an Internet based phone company and as such, I received calls from all over the world. over the next few days, I received many frantic calls from people desperately trying to contact friends and relatives in and around New York. I received two calls I’ll probably never forget.
The first caller was a man from a country in the middle east. After waiting forever to talk to me, he informed me that he felt so terrible about what happened that he was calling all the US companies with which he was doing business to personally apologize. I remember him tearfully trying to explain to me that such actions are not condoned by Islam and that the events that took place in New York were something he would regret for the rest of his life. I really had the impression the man was sincere, after all, it must have been important to him given the amount of time he had to wait to speak with me, especially given the cost per minute for the call itself. I wondered if I’d feel strong enough to do what he did, personally apologize to people I never met for events I had nothing to do with.
My second call was from a woman who was trying to contact her sister. She knew her sister was fine, but was frustrated that her call wasn’t being completed over our network. I could see that her calls were being routed via one of our data centers in New York, a center that for obvious reasons had gone offline. I tried explaining this to the woman and attempted to reassure her that call capacity would soon be restored. As I was doing my best to calm her, she broke in saying, “oh, does this have to do with that silly bomb thing in New York?” I didn’t know what to say, I mean how can one respond to something like that? Our call was “accidentally” interrupted, I’m not sure if my slamming the button to hang up had anything to do with it, but suspect it might have. How could one guy feel so passionate about what happened that he was moved to call around the world to apologize while someone right here in the US felt inconvenienced by what she termed “that silly bomb thing??

Like everyone, OK almost everyone, the events of September 11 effected me greatly and I came to realize what my father meant when talking about his memory surrounding the Kennedy assassination all those years ago. I remember hoping i’d never have to witness something so traumatic and realize my kids will now undoubtedly be hoping for the same thing. To all those effected by September 11, know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.

Steve

Switching to the Mac, on this week’s Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:49:11 +0000

Curious about all the hype surrounding the Mac and its built in screen reader? Perhaps you’ve wondered how difficult the transition from the Windows environment to the Mac really is. This week on the Assistive Technology show, we present you with a round table consisting of folks who have made the successful leap from Windows to the Mac operating system. We’ll discuss the obstacles they’ve faced, the concerns they’ve had, the challenges they’ve overcome and most importantly, the way they now feel having made the successful transition.

As is the case with every show, there will be ample time to pose questions, voice your own concerns and gain first hand knowledge about the exciting Mac operating system.

For those unfamiliar with the Assistive Technology Show, it’s a weekly round table style program consisting of folks wanting to learn something new, or with resources to share. Using the Ventrilo voice conferencing software, participants have the ability to speak directly with one another. When? The Assistive Technology Show takes place every Wednesday between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT. For those unable to attend, the show is archived and podcasted. To join this week’s show, to learn more, or to access the podcast, please visit the Assistive Technology Show home page at: http://www.atmaine.com/atshow . Of course if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: steve@atmaine.com or call (207) 512-2387

I look forward to bringing you this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show!

Steve

This week, on the Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:09:12 +0000

As is the case with every show, there will be ample time to pose questions, voice your own concerns and gain first hand knowledge about the exciting Mac operating system.

I look forward to bringing you this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show!

Steve

Tonight, the Assistive Technology Show in its new home

Steve — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:54:13 +0000

Tonight, I am proud to bring you the Assistive Technology Show in its new home. Due to technical issues experienced with the TC5 conferencing software, I’ve decided to switch the show over to Ventrilo. Ventrilo is another high quality audio conferencing solution which some of you may remember we discussed a few months back on the show. In addition to bringing you the Assistive Technology Show, Ventrilo might be a good option for those interested in an accessible online conferencing solution for small groups such as a local computer users group, visually impaired support group, or other community.

Although there is no specific topic for this evening’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show, I thought it best to take the opportunity to make sure people are abel to use the Ventrilo conferencing software comfortably. I’ll answer any Ventrilo questions you may have and will assist with any technical issues you may be experiencing with the software. Of course any assistive tech, or general technology questions are fair game, so whether you’ve got a question, or just want to learn something new, come join me. When? As always, the Assistive Technology Show will take place this evening between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT. How to get there? Well, this is where things are a bit different. Below, find directions for downloading, installing and configuring the Ventrilo client along with a link to an audio tutorial that I’ve created. Should you need additional assistance, however, or if the below steps seem a bit complicated, feel free to contact me as I’ll be more than happy to assist. The following directions and link to the audio presentation can also be found at the Assistive Technology Show home page should you need them in the future.

In order to join this evening’s program, you will need to install and configure the Ventrilo client. Should you prefer, you can access the audio tutorial which takes you step by step through the following instructions.

So, here’s how to get up and running. First, download Ventrilo. Clicking the above link will take you to Ventrilo’s download page. Choose the first Ventrilo client which is the Windows version. A Macintosh client also exists and directions for getting it running are similar to those written here. After choosing your version, you’ll be presented with an agreement page basically warning you that it’s illegal to export the software to Iran, Cuba, etc… Simply hit agree and the download finally starts. You can choose to either save, or run the downloaded file — I chose to run it as I didn’t think I’d be needing to reinstall it again. Either way, you’ll be presented with a standard installation wizard, the same one you’ve probably seen countless times when installing other software. Simply “next” your way through the wizard and choose finish when prompted. Ventrilo will have placed an icon on your desktop, simply choose it to run the program.

When running Ventrilo for the first time, you’ll be asked if you want to read the beginner tutorial. If you’re curious, choose yes, otherwise, choose no to just get started. This is now where things get a wee bit tricky. Fear not, you’ll only have to do this once. You’ll be on a user name field, actually it’s a combo box. Hitting tab once will take you to an unlabeled button. Press space to activate this button. Basically, what we’re doing here is creating a new user profile. The users, once created, appear in that combo box, but in order to create them, we need to use the user manager i.e. the unlabeled button. Choose new to create a new user and type in your name. Tab to ok to creat create the user. You can now set options for your newly created user, although the defaults are perfectly fine. Tab to OK, unless there’s something you really do want to change. After choosing OK, you’ll be placed back on that unlabeled button, press tab. You’ll now be on a server field, yet another empty combo box. Pressing tab again will take you to yet another unlabeled button, this is the server manager. Choose this unlabeled button and as before, choose new to create a new server entry. Once created, the server entries will appear in the combo we just skipped over. Although this may seem complicated, the advantage is that you can define multiple servers and simply choose the one you want to connect to. Anyway, after hitting new, you’ll be asked for a name. call the server whatever you wish — I called mine A T Maine, but you can put whatever you’d like here. Press ok to create the entry. You will then be able to define settings for the newly entered server profile. The first attribute we need to define is the server’s host name, or address. In the case of my server, the address needed is: v45.darkstarllc.com . I have my Ventrilo server hosted which is why we have a darkstarllc address and not an atmaine one. Pressing tab will take us to the “port” value. By default, 3684 will be filled in, we need to change this in our case to 5881. Although 3784 is the standard Ventrilo port, mine is different because it’s hosted by another company. Pressing tab will move us between additional options — the defaults are fine. Press ok to finish adding the server. Whew, wasn’t that fun? Look at the bright side, you only have to do it once :).

OK, now that we’ve got our user profile created and our server added, we can simply tab to connect and hit space. That’s it! You’ll be connected, you’ll hear a really cool sounding connect sound and you’re in. From then on, in order to use the server, you need only start Ventrilo from the desk top, tab to connect and hit space… You don’t even have to go back to the A T Maine web site.

In order to talk, simply use your left control key. You can change this hotkey, but I think I’ve caused enough confusion for one day :).

As always, if you have any questions, pleas feel free to Email me, or call me at (207) 512-2387.

I look forward to seeing everyone tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show!

Steve

Tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show

Steve — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:18:57 +0000

For months now, we have been experiencing a number of technical issues with TC5 which I’ve not been able to get resolved. I’ve therefore decided to move the Assistive Technology show to Ventrilo, another voice conferencing solution. On tonight’s show, we’ll look at Ventrilo, how to get it, how to install it and of course how to use it. Tonight’s show will take place in our TC5 room as normal between 7:00-9:00 PM, EDT. I’ll also be modifying the Assistive Technology show home page to include directions for obtaining, installing and configuring Ventrilo. Again, tonight’s show will take place as normal in our TC5 room with next week’s show being the first to take place on Ventrilo. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.

I look forward to seeing you on tonight’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show!

Steve

New Contest from Ai Squared

Steve — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:54:44 +0000

The following is taken from Ai Squared’s Zoom News, August edition.

Steve
–

This month, we’re interested to learn what other products you use to assist you in your daily life – whether it’s for leisure, cooking, reading, etc. – where you use them, and in what capacity. Maybe there’s an innovative way to use a tool that no one has thought about before that would be useful to other ZoomText users.

Feel free to talk about 1 product or as many as you would like. Anyone who enters this contest will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate. Send your interesting tips to Becca at rproskin@aisquared.com by August 18 to be in the raffle!

No Assistive Technology Show for this evening

Steve — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:44:12 +0000

Unfortunately, I will be unable to host this week’s edition of the Assistive Technology Show. I will, however, leave the room open for those who wish to log in and chat. I look forward to next week when I can again bring you the Assistive Technology Show.

Steve

Join the Braille Caravan

Steve — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:03:59 +0000

I just received the following in my Email and thought it might be of interest to some of you. Admittedly, this isn’t assistive technology related, but it could make a great gift especially as finding Braille toys can sometimes be a challenge.

Steve

–

The hottest item at all three national conventions this summer was The
Braille Caravan by Creative Adaptations for Learning, and now available
from National Braille Press.

This educational toy, made in the USA, consists of 30 goldenrod
non-toxic plastic blocks. Each block represents the braille cell,
designed with six black pegs that can be manually pushed up or down to
form dots 1-6. Using a finger, stylus, or pencil, a young child can
easily make letters, works, even whole sentences by manipulating the six
dots on each block, and joining them in a “caravan.”

This is the perfect tool, built like a toy, to get young blind children
acquainted with braille at the earliest age; to introduce braille to a
sighted parent in a friendly or non-threatening way; or to help person
who need to learn braille later in life, even those who may have reduced
tactile sensitivity.

And, we discovered that sighted kids also love playing with the blocks
and handing them to their braille-reading parents (or grandparents) to
check out what they wrote! They did this simply by studying the alphabet
chart that comes with each caravan.

In each set, you get 30 “refreshable” braille blocks, a canvas carrying
bag, a print Activity Guide, and an English Braille Symbols Chart. In an
effort to get these into the hands of children at the earliest age, we
are selling the Braille Caravan for only $30. We believe this is the
least expensive braille learning device on the market today. (If you
wish to have the Activity Guide in braille, pease call us at the number
below).

To order or read more about this book online, visit
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/CARAVAN.html

******
To order any books, send payment to:
NBP, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115-4302
Or call and charge it: toll-free (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext
20.
Or order any of our books online at
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html .

Thoughts on Freedom Scientific GW Micro Lawsuit

Steve — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:47:34 +0000

For those that aren’t yet aware, Freedom Scientific has filed suit against GW Micro for of all things, patent infringement. Apparently, Freedom Scientific has issues with the implementation of a feature contained in GW Micro’s recent beta of their Window Eyes screen reading product. So, what is this major issue? In it’s latest beta, GW Micro introduced a placemarker feature, something that has existed in Freedom Scientific’s Jaws screen reader for a while now. Basically, this feature allows the user to keep track of a place while reading a web page. Great if you’re reading a news article and need to go away from it for whatever reason. Or, if you frequently visit a page containing a bunch of navigational content above the main area — by setting a place marker, a user could quickly jump to the content area of interest VS needing to wade through the navigational stuff each time the page is visited.

Certainly, I’m not a patent attorney and haven’t seen the specifics of Freedom Scientific’s filing, but this all doesn’t seem like a thing worth suing over. After all, there are many features the two products share, links lists and access to the system tray just to name a few, and we’ve not seen lawsuits claiming patent infringement from either side.

Sadly, this isn’t the first time Freedom Scientific has filed suit against another assistive technology company for, what to me are silly reasons. In May of 2007, Freedom Scientific sued Serotek Corp. over the use of the word “freedom” in the name of one of their flagship products. Serotek had developed a voice-enabled web portal known as the “Freedom Box.” Using the Freedom Box, blind users and those with motor difficulties could easily gain access to Email and a wide variety of Internet-based content, all via a uniformed interface. For many, the Freedom Box solved challenges posed by needing to learn a web browser, a separate Email client, separate audio players, etc… Freedom Scientific, however, felt that users would confuse the term “Freedom Box” with their own corporate name and hence filed suit. The Freedom Box eventually became the very successful System Access Mobile Network which continues to provide access to information to those that otherwise might not have it.

GW Micro’s blog has a great post concerning this recent lawsuit and I’d encourage everyone to check it out. Like many others, I am appalled at Freedom Scientific’s filing and feel it’s only purpose is to delay the release of GW Micro’s latest version 7 of Window Eyes. Certainly, I respect the fact that Freedom Scientific has the right to protect it’s intellectual property rights, however, being able to mark ones place while reading a web page seems to me to be more of a conceptual thing.

I’ll definitely post any developments resulting from this unfortunate suit and would encourage anyone with comments to post as well.

Steve