Movies with Descriptions: Accessibility in Entertainment

Accessibility Services, Assistive Technology Products No Responses »
May 202010

Child watching TV

Remember the Media Access Group at WGBH?  We wrote about them in our Accessible Movie Theaters post a while ago.  Now we are pleased to discover that this fine organization has complied a comprehensive list of movies that are available on DVD with audio description.

Audio description allows for more accessibility among people with disabilities.  Without it, a person with low vision would not be able to enjoy films in the same capacity that people without low vision do.  Audio description typically narrates characters, actions, scenery, and is careful not to overlap the movie’s dialog.  This is done by the Descriptive Video Service (DVS).

If you buy a DVD through Amazon via the Media Access Group website, the nonprofit organization will receive a portion of the proceeds.

Some of the DVDs listed include Up, Cinderella Man, 500 Days of Summer, Avatar, Julie & Julia, Public Enemies, and Toy Story.  Click here for the complete list.

Posted by SNorman at 1:17 pm Tagged with: , ,

Accessibility Features on the iPad

Accessibility Reviews, Assistive Technology Products 3 Responses »
May 192010
iPad

iPad

The INDATA team just got an iPad!  We quickly learned that this is a wonderful assistive technology device that is easy for almost anyone to use.  Not only is it conveniently lightweight, making it very portable, but it also has several accessibility attributes available for people with disabilities.  I’ll take you through some of these features now.

Getting to the Accessibility menu is just a couple of taps away!  First, tap the Settings button on the home page.  The screen will besplit into two sections, and you will see “Accessibility” on the right side.  From there you will be given different options to personalize your user experience on the iPad.  The first option is for VoiceOver.

VoiceOver menu on iPad

VoiceOver menu on iPad

VoiceOver is a great tool for people who have low vision, a print disability, or any type of disability that makes reading a challenge.  When turned on, VoiceOver will read aloud the items you tap on the screen.  This mode changes your gestures a little; for instance now you must double-tap to access something.

For those who struggle with reading black print on a white background, you can easily flip the colors so that the text is white on a black background.  You can also use Zoom, which will magnify the screen for you.  After activating Zoom, just double-tap the screen with three fingers to magnify whatever it is you wish to get a closer look at.  Then you can drag the screen up or down with three fingers to scroll.  Another great tool on the iPad is Closed Captioning for watching movies and shows, which you can turn on under the Video menu.

The last feature I want to mention is the word prediction tool.  Typing on the iPad may take some getting used to, so this is very useful for avoiding typos.  As you type, any time you hesitate a word suggestion will pop up, which you can select by pressing the Enter button.

Word prediction on the iPad

Word prediction on the iPad

The iPad is similar to its predecessors, the iPhone and iPod touch, however the larger screen makes reading, typing, and controlling the applications much easier for people with disabilities.  We look forward to seeing how this device can be used to help others gain independence.

Posted by SNorman at 1:16 pm Tagged with: , , ,

Indiana Center for Accessible Materials

Accessibility Services, Organizations 2 Responses »
May 132010

Girls using a laptop, photo credited to ICAM

The Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) is an online project managed by the Office of the Associate Superintendent, the Indiana Department of Education.  This project’s mission is to team up with educational facilities to provide accessible formats for students with print disabilities.  Some of its services include:

  • Serving as a state repository for textbooks and instructional material in specialized formats
  • Providing accessible materials to local educational agencies in a timely matter
  • Providing training to educational agencies on accessible technology

The ICAM website is a great resource of information.  They have training materials in the form of podcasts, videos, and written tutorials.  All of the necessary forms you might need for their services are available to download and print.  You can do a library search on their website to see who carries accessible formats (they even tell you if they’re free or fee based).  They also have a page with definitions to important terms that you might not be familiar with, like NIMAS.

To gain ICAM access for your school district, get in touch with your local PATINS Regional Site Coordinator.

Posted by SNorman at 1:51 pm Tagged with: ,

Interview with American Council of the Blind of Indiana's President John Huffman

INDATA Projects, Organizations No Responses »
Apr 292010

BrailleNote mPower

Today we would like to introduce John Huffman, the current president of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana.  After earning his degree in Political Science at Indiana University and obtaining his Master’s in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois, John worked for over 33 years in human resources or equal employment opportunity.  Besides Indiana, John has also lived in Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin.  He is married with one son.

INDATA: Are you an Indianapolis native?

John: I’m originally from nearby Lebanon, Indiana, but attended 12 years’ schooling in Indianapolis and have lived here approximately 16 years as an adult.

INDATA: How did you become involved with the American Council of the Blind?

John: I was invited to join ACB of Indiana at its formation in 1972.  Frequent relocations limited involvement; however, I was active with the Cleveland, Ohio ACB chapter (1987-91) before rejoining ACBI in 2000.

INDATA: What type of work does the ACB do?

John: The ACB, nationally and through state, local and special interest affiliates works in various ways to benefit the community of people who are blind or visually-impaired.  We advocate for both federal and state legislation to improve services for blind and visually impaired, protect civil rights of all persons with disabilities and improve access to our environment and to information technology.  We strive to educate the general public to both the capabilities and accommodation needs of people who are blind or visually impaired.  We work with service providers to improve rehabilitation and other services to blind consumers.  When necessary, we advocate on behalf of individuals to ensure that they receive goods and services needed to improve their productivity or access to goods that will increase their ability to participate in the larger society on terms of equality.

INDATA: What kinds of assistive technology devices do you use to read, travel, use the computer, etc?

John: I am a white cane user and generally feel comfortable when needing to work with sighted guides.  I use screen reading software and a Braille display for computer access.  I am a longtime Optacon user for direct access to printed/typed materials.  I also make extensive use of Braille or recorded materials when these are available.

INDATA: What activities do you enjoy in your free time?

John: I read extensively in a number of fiction and non-fiction genres.  I like music and have sung in choirs in every church of which I have been a member.  I keep and enjoy a large collection of music on LPs and compact discs.  I enjoy walking and swimming.

INDATA: What are some ways people can support the blind community?

John: Drivers could become more knowledgeable of “rules of the road,” especially as they relate to the safety of pedestrians.  Members of the general public could work to increase their use of public transportation and join in advocating for better-funded and expanded mass transit systems.  Employers could undertake to learn more about the potential of blind and visually-impaired people in their enterprises.  All people could strive for better understanding that those of us who are blind, like the rest of society, are people first, who happen to be blind.  We come in all shapes, sizes and colors, every faith and political stripe—including none at all, and we vary enormously in our interests and abilities.

Posted by SNorman at 1:40 pm Tagged with: , ,

Introducing Lee Martin, President of Circle City Chapter of National Federation of the Blind

Accessibility Services, INDATA Team No Responses »
Apr 212010
Braille, photo credited to lissalou66 on flickr

Braille, photo credited to lissalou66 on flickr

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Lee Martin, President of the Circle City Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).  Lee is also a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability (MACD) and the Blinded Veterans Association.

INDATA: Are you an Indianapolis native?

Lee: No, I grew up in Muncie, Indiana.

INDATA: I understand that you work with the National Federation of the Blind.  Could you describe the type of work you do?

Lee: We are an activist organization that’s been around for over 40 years working to dispel the myth of the difficulties associated with blindness.  We meet with Congress and community leaders to spread awareness.  Our mission is to reach out to schools, legislation, churches, and communities to educate them about technology and resources available.

INDATA: How did you become involved with the NFB?

Lee: I was introduced to the NFB in 2002 by Freddie Edwards three years after I lost my sight.  I was looking for direction in my life, and the NFB was there for me.  After going through their programs, I wanted to become an active member in the organization.

INDATA: Could you tell me a little about NewsLINE?

Lee: NewsLINE is one of the services provided by the NFB.  It provides access to local newspapers over the phone, as well as 200 national newspapers online, and even TV Guide.  It’s important that we make this information available to people who are blind, because knowledge is power.

INDATA: What kinds of assistive technology devices do you use to increase your independence?

Lee: I mostly use my computer with JAWS for Windows.  I also use my PACmate, which I take with me everywhere to take notes and read.  When I was introduced to Braille, I wanted to really challenge myself to learn it.  It took a while, but I did!

I continue to use a VoiceMate, also known as a Parrot, but they don’t make them anymore.  It’s a handheld device similar to the Victor Stream, and contains a contact book, appointments, and an alarm.

I use the KNFB Reader to store things like business cards and restaurant menus.  It’s so nice because I can access everything I need on this mobile device.

INDATA: What assistive technology do you use to get around the house and to travel?

Lee: I actually don’t use any devices to get around; I just use my basic skills.  I don’t use a cane; I rely on common sense to find my way around my house, my yard, and my community.  It helps to have familiarity with your surroundings.

For traveling, I believe the best means of going somewhere is the cab voucher program, I like it better than Open Door.

INDATA: What do you like to do in your free time?

Lee: I enjoy going to movies, working out at the gym, cooking, barbequing, and gardening.  I try to live the same way I did before going blind.

INDATA: What relationship do you share with Easter Seals Crossroads?

Lee: About four or five years ago, they came to me when I interviewed for a job.  When I got the job, one of their counselors trained me and Crossroads re-scripted my workplace’s computer so that JAWS could run on it.  I am very grateful for all the work Crossroads did for me.

INDATA: What are some ways people can support the blind community?

Lee: Blind organizations need to reach out to communities about the condition of blindness, as there are many misconceptions.  I think it’s important for people to realize that there is support for those who have lost their sight, and that they can lead normal lives.

I also think we need to share this information in the schools.  I have met several computer “experts” that have graduated college with a degree in Computer Science, and they have never heard of JAWS or any other type of assistive devices that are available.  If these people don’t know what these applications are, how are they going to help accommodate people with disabilities?

No one has to hide behind the ADA; it all comes through education.  Technology levels the playing field, so that people with disabilities can operate computers and other machines with as much independence as someone without disabilities.

I’d like to quote an old Chinese proverb: “Be not afraid of moving slowly, but be afraid of standing still.”

That wraps up our interview with Lee Martin from the NFB.  Stay tuned for a blog post about the American Council of the Blind!

Posted by SNorman at 1:56 pm Tagged with: , ,

Talking Book and Braille Library Welcomes Hoosiers with Vision Impairment

Accessibility Services, Asstive Technology Stories No Responses »
Apr 202010
Talking Book Player

Talking Book Player

The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is one of 57 regional libraries that provides FREE alternative reading sources for people with low vision.

The TBBL is a part of the Library of Congress’ National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  They offer large print, braille books, and books on tape to Indiana residents who have difficulty reading standard print.  You can even borrow digital talking book players.

TBBL also has a children’s summer reading program, a reference collection on disabilities and services, and publishes a seasonal newsletter that is distributed to over 8,00o agencies and individuals in Indiana.

  • Read about eligibility requirements here.
  • Do a basic search through the catalog here.
  • Read the TBBL newsletter, Indiana Insights, here.
  • Check out what types of materials you can borrow, including a list of magazines available, here.
  • Get your application here.
Posted by SNorman at 1:52 pm Tagged with: , , ,
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