Shelf loaded with books

Shelf loaded with books

Teachers- is your classroom accessible to all of your students?  Parents- does your child struggle to read standard print?  Now is the time to speak with your curriculum committee about acquiring textbooks in formats that everyone can read.

You may recall an earlier post we wrote about accessible formats for digital media, which also had a follow-up post.  Both posts are great resources for people who have difficulty reading standard print, whether they have vision loss, dyslexia, or a learning disability.  We would now like to focus on accessible classroom textbooks, and what kind of assistive technology you can use to read them.

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Window-Eyes

Window-Eyes

GW Micro is offering classes for students, assistive technology professionals, rehab counselors, or anyone wanting to get a thorough training in Window-Eyes.  This could benefit a number of different audiences, whether you already use the program and want a better understanding of its uses or if you’re using it for the first time.  The two day program covers the basics of Window-Eyes and goes over intermediate skills.

Classes of this nature typically run about $1,000 per session, but GW Micro is offering these courses for only $325 per day.  This is a great opportunity to get some hands-on learning with certified trainers without breaking the bank!  You will also get a CD containing the entire 2-day curriculum.

If you think you might be interested in the training, be sure to register for the upcoming class in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The training will be held at the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired computer lab on May 25 and 26.

To learn more, visit the GW Micro website.

iDex USB

iDex USB

Today I am reviewing the iDex.  This assistive technology device is no ordinary magnifier.  It’s easy to use, lightweight, requires no batteries and contains so many options for optimal use.  Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

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VictorReader Stream

VictorReader Stream

The VictorReader Stream is a portable DAISY player about the size of a pack of playing cards.  It has an SD card for storing books, files, music, voice recordings, and podcasts.  You can download your books and MP3s or transport them via USB.  The Stream is completely voice-guided for the visually impaired.

Sounds great!  Let’s test out some basic functions.

The Stream holds a charge of approximately 15 hours.  However, if it isn’t charged you can simply plug it into a socket and use it from there.  To turn it on, you need to locate the power button on the left side of the device and hold it down for a couple of seconds.  The green light on the front will come on and you will hear a “Beep” followed by a voice greeting.  To adjust the volume, use the arrows on the left side, below the power button.

VictorReader Stream side view

VictorReader Stream side view

To access the User guide, hold down on the 1 button.  This guide is helpful in getting started (especially if you cannot see the manual).  You can skip through the manual by using the right arrow key, or the 6 button.

Normally you’d press 1 to access the Bookshelf, but since I don’t have any books saved on this device, I’m going to instead learn how to create notes for myself.  On the right side of the device, you will notice a button with a red dot (similar to a “Record” button you might see on a VCR or video camera).  When you hold down on this button, a voice will say,”Start recording.”  You can then record a voice message.  When you are finished, you release the button and a voice will say,”Stop recording.  Note 1 created.”  Each note is given a number which you can find using the 4 and 6 buttons.

If you had a book saved on the device, you can access bookmarks you’ve placed by pressing the little check-mark button on the front of the device.  The button with the moon symbol will activate “Sleep” mode, and it will offer to sleep longer the more you press it.

These are just a couple of basic features the VictorReader Stream contains.  It is very easy to use once you’ve played around with it a little.  I also found this guide to be very helpful.

Try it out for yourself by signing up at our INDATA Loan Library!

To access Closed Captions, roll your pointer over the arrow in the bottom right corner of the video and click the “CC”.
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CCTV

CCTV

WHAT: The Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living (IRCIL) Senior Technology Fair

WHERE: Indianapolis Senior Center, 708 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis IN

DATE: March 25, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

See the newest most innovative technology for legally blind and totally blind seniors
Learn how IRCIL can help make your life more independent
Make new friends and get involved in community activities that will keep you in the know

PRESENTERS:

Sara Croft – Education and Outreach Coordinator for the INDATA Project

Bob Roe – Low Vision Community Guide for the IRCIL’s Older Blind Program

Lee Martin – National Federation for the Blind and Indiana Coordinator for Newsline

Exhibitors: INDATA, IMAG (Indiana Mobility Accessibility Group), Vision Aid Systems, Business Reps Amy and Bob Frey

To RSVP and for more information contact Jean Brown at 317-362-8306 or jb007@iquest.net

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