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Posts Tagged ‘Technology’
Beta Testers Needed
May 9, 2012Blindsight is looking for Beta Testers to test our iPhone text detection app, on course to hit the Apple App-store in May!
What’s this app all about?
Blindsight, a small R&D firm in Berkeley, is developing an iPhone application that can detect and speak out text – be it a sign around you, a handout or a product you need to identify. The application uses the built in camera to capture the area the phone is pointed at. Our patented text detection algorithm analyzes the video stream and tells you whether there is text or not. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and VoiceOver will do the rest and speak the text that was detected – all within seconds.
What you’ll get
Be the first to use text detection and recognition in your day-to-day life before anyone else!
What we’ll ask you to do
Be honest! – provide us feedback on functions, ease of use and the way you are using it in your life and you’ll be a part of making this app a useful tool and a delightful experience.
Interested?
Sign up for Beta Testing.
If you have further questions, please contact us at info@blindsight.com.
NASA Seeks Amateur Radio Operators
May 4, 2012In 2013, NASA is launching a probe to study the moon’s atmosphere. Amateur radio operators can help by tuning in and listening to the sounds particles make as they are colliding with earth’s atmosphere. For more information and to learn how to participate please contact Brian Day at the below contact information.
Brian H. Day
NASA LCROSS Mission E/PO Lead
Planners Collaborative
Mailstop 226-4
NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
650-604-2605
Brian.H.Day@nasa.gov
Accessibility Out of the Box With The LightHouse, San Francisco
April 19, 2012Apple provides intelligent and innovative solutions for people with visual disabilities, allowing them to access and enjoy using Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Join representatives from the LightHouse, San Francisco, and learn about accessibility features for your Mac and iOS devices including screen magnification, VoiceOver, Text to Speech, settings for high contrast, and more.
When: Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Apple Store, San Francisco
One Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-0202
Please visit www.apple.com/sanfrancisco for additional details. Reservation is not required.
Hands-on with “Enhanced Vision” Low Vision Products in San Francisco and San Rafael
March 27, 2012Enhanced Vision is currently the number one manufacturer of desktop and handheld video magnification devices manufactured in California.
In April and May, representatives from Enhanced Vision will be at the LightHouse to present their most current reading devices so that you can see what works for you.
When: Friday, April 27 at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
When: Friday, May 11 at LightHouse of Marin, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
If you have useable vision and are having difficulty reading, this is an event you will not want to miss. Enhanced Vision has recently introduced some exciting new products that include “high-definition” video magnification devices in a variety of screen sizes and magnification levels; portable devices that provide both magnification and Text-to-Voice readers; and computer-compatible products that will help you to read again.
If you are not familiar with Enhanced Vision products, please check them out at www.enhancedvision.com.
Be sure to mark your calendar for this opportunity to see and try the latest devices available for people with macular degeneration and other causes of visual impairment. Those attending on April 27th in San Francisco can also can have a sneak-peak of our newly revamped, hands-on store, Adaptations, which offers practical solutions for living actively and independently.
For more information about the LightHouse and Adaptations, call 1-888-400-8933 or visit our website at www.lighthouse-sf.org. And remember to calendar this event!
Make Your Reservation for Provider’s Weekend: May 18–20
March 27, 2012Back by popular demand! Please join LightHouse for the Blind for Provider’s Weekend, held at our beautiful Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa.
The purpose of this weekend is to bring together a diverse group of professional service providers working in the field of blindness to exchange ideas and build a network. You will have the opportunity to stay in a lakeside cabin, the lodge or one of our fully accessible cabins next to the dining hall.
When: May 18–20, 2012
Where: Enchanted Hills Retreat
In addition to discussing philosophies, trends and issues we face in providing services for people with visual impairments, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, a lake for boating, trails for hiking and savory meals provided by a wonderful kitchen staff. You’ll learn from your peers, relax in a natural setting with many recreational opportunities and, most of all, YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME! For information and reservations contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org.
Applications Available for CCLVI Scholarships and Video Magnifier Awards
February 22, 2012Scheigert Scholarships
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to full-time entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate college students who are low vision, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community. Application materials must be received by March 15. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2012–2013 academic year.
To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an online application, please visit www.cclvi.org and click on the “Scholarship” link. Applications will be available to submit online until March 15 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Questions may be directed to CCLVI at 800-733-2258.
Dr. Sam Genensky Video Magnifier Memorial Award
CCLVI also announces the Dr. Sam Genensky Video Magnifier Memorial Awards. A total of five video magnifiers will be awarded to at least two students (K–12, undergraduate, graduate and vocational levels) and two non-students (adults and seniors). All materials must be received by March 31.
To read the award guidelines and complete an online application, please visit www.cclvi.org and click on the “About Our Scholarships” link. Applications will be available to submit online until March 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. To receive a hard copy application, please call 800-733-2258.
New Dates! Window-Eyes Training by GW Micro
February 7, 2012GW Micro will be offering a two-day Window-Eyes training at the LightHouse in February. Take the training that the American Foundation for the Blind raved about in their review of Window-Eyes training in the July 2010 edition of AccessWorld (www.afb.org/aw).
If you are a teacher who needs to know how to use the latest screen reading technology, an IT professional who needs to support blind clients, a student or current Window-Eyes customer who needs to know how to get the most out of Window-Eyes; then Window-Eyes training is made just for you.
When: Tuesday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 21
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
What do you get when you sign up for Window-Eyes training?
You get. . .
* Hands-on training with a GW Micro certified trainer
* The entire two-day curriculum on CD
* Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook using Window-Eyes advanced Office technology features
* Knowledge of the Internet and how to use it to its full advantage with Window-Eyes
* Knowledge of how to customize your computer, making graphics, words, and colors speak the way you want them to
* Continuing Education Units (for an additional fee)
* Many more skills. Check out www.gwmicro.com/training for more information
Unlike other training courses that can cost up to $1000 per day, the complete, two-day Window-Eyes training is only $650 per student. Check with your Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) counselor to see if this expense is covered under your DOR plan.
If you have any questions regarding the training, please contact Kimberly Cline at 260-489-3671 or kimberly@gwmicro.com for more information.
To sign up for the training, please register at https://www.gwmicro.com/Training/Window-Eyes_Training/Registration/. Make sure to select San Francisco, CA as the location for training. For more information, check out www.gwmicro.com/wetraining.
Blind Users Wanted for Chrome Usability Study
January 24, 2012Google is currently scheduling people who are blind for a usability study to take place on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at the Assistive Technology Teaching and Learning Center in Berkeley. The goal of this study is to learn more about the usability of ChromeOS.
The criteria for the study is as follows:
- be over 18
- be completely blind and use some form of assistive technology.
- have used ChromeOS
If you are interested in participating, please complete the short survey below. They will then schedule appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have difficulty accessing the link below this paragraph, please contact Philip Strain at pstrain@google.com.
Link to survey:
http://goo.gl/MbZvR
Technology Seminar: Accessible Gifts – the December Dilemma – 11/15/11
November 18, 2011The holiday season is fast approaching, and you’re wondering what accessible gifts to get for that special visually impaired or blind friend or family member. Or maybe you have been good this year and want to buy yourself a gift. Download the podcast and hear what people have to say about:
Apple TV (and all things accessible from Apple)
BraillePen Slim and BraillePen 12 (Bluetooth Braille enabled access tool for your smartphone or computer)
PenFriend (voice labeling system)
Dolphin Guide (simple talking computer software)
The Wilson (digital voice recorder)
iBill (talking money identifier)
SleepPhones (comfortable headphones for sleeping)
Give APH Your Input – Survey Deadline Extended to Nov. 15
November 7, 2011In 2001, the American Printing House for the Blind hosted a multiple disabilities focus group and conducted its first online survey to identify product needs for individuals who have visual and multiple impairments. The results of that survey guided APH over the last 10 years in the development of products for the visually impaired and multiply disabled population.
This year APH hosted two multiple disabilities focus groups: birth to grade 12 in March and adults in June. Each group helped create a product needs survey.
APH invites you to take the survey that addresses the specific population with whom you work or parent, or the group of which you are a member. The survey links will be available until November 15, 2011.