Information from the INDATA Project is now available via podcast! Every Friday, the INDATA Project will release two podcasts featuring new assistive technology projects. The podcasts are available for viewing on the INDATA Project website and on iTunes. The “Assistive Technology Update” is a fast-paced weekly update for AT professionals and enthusiasts. The “Accessibility Minute” is designed for all listeners to provide assistive technology tips and tricks.
Ideal for those who are hard of hearing or deaf, CapTel phones caption what the caller is saying. The phones work just like any other phone, only they have a display attached to them that reads what the caller says.
CapTel phone users can listen to the caller, and can also read the written captions in the CapTel’s bright display window.
How it Works
“You dial the other person’s number, exactly the same way as with any other telephone. While you dial, the CapTel phone automatically connects to the captioning service. When the other party answers, you hear everything they say, just like a traditional call. At the same time, the captioning service transcribes everything they say into captions, which appear on the CapTel display window. You hear what you can, and read what you need to.” – captel.com
Choosing a Phone
CapTel 840i
This phone is for users who have access to high-speed internet and telephone service.
•Captions can be turned on/off as needed
•Built in Answering Machine
•Extra large display screen
•Adjustable font sizes and colors including extra large font option
•Phone book stores frequently called numbers (95+ names)
•WiFi compatible
CapTel 800
This phone is for users who have standard analog phone lines.
•Captions are provided by a free service that connects to the call.
•Calls you make are automatically connected to the Captioning Service to provide captions.
•Incoming callers dial the service first, then enter your phone number in order for you to get captions.*
•Adjustable font sizes and colors
•Phone book to store frequently called numbers (95+ names)
•Easy access to voice mail and answering machine messages.
•Works just like a standard phone for people who do not need captions.
In many states, CapTel equipment is provided free or at a reduced rate to people with hearing loss. So the price for a CapTel Phone may vary from state to state. Check the specifics of Indiana, or your state, here. There is no cost for using the CapTel captioning service, it is provided free as part of your state’s relay service.
Learn more about how to find a CapTel equipment dealer here.
How many times have you dropped your smartphone? Be honest.
If the answer to this question is more than once, you should check out the Feinger. Designed by two local Indy guys, Cole Keesling and Jason McCrocklin, this piece of engineering genius looks like a ring that suctions to the back of your phone, making it easy to handle and decreasing the odds of dropping it.
Just slip the Feinger around your finger and your phone becomes a part of your hand. No longer are big bulky cases neccessary for protection, because this device makes it so that it is much more difficult to drop.
The Feinger consists of two parts “the Knuckle” which adheres to the back of the phone. Once that is in place, you can attach “the Sleeve” or the “Unimount/Lanyard.” The unit costs aqbout $15.
Once the unit is securely attached to the knuckle, it can spin to meet whatever needs you have, whether it is texting or taking a video and gives your hands added freedom.
The Feinger would be great for users who have dexterity issues stemming from conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, a spinal chord injury, MS, reduced grip abilities or even stroke. Since the phone or handheld device is always attached to the person, it won’t fall out of his or her hands.
In October of last year, one of the developers was in Chicago and witnessed two businessmen collide, only to drop and break their phones. Using this incident as his inspiration, Keesling developed the Feinger after he searched and search for something that would prevent phones from dropping.
The search proved unsuccessful, so he got to work.
In January, the duo had a working prototype.
The unit also functions as a stand for the phone, gaming set, or whatever you choose to attach your Feinger to. Speaking of multitasking, the Unimount accessory lets the user mount his or her phone anywhere, in their car or home, for instance.
In short, the way you handle your phone will never be the same with the Feinger. With the Feinger, you get to have complete control over how to use the phone with the added security of knowing that it won’t slip out of your hands.
Watch an interview with the inventors here!
Piano music can make you happy. It connects with your emotions, it brings people together, it’s calming, entertaining and inspiring. Whether it’s a concerto by Beethoven or a contemporary pop song, the piano soothes the soul. Believe it or not, anyone can learn to play the piano – you don’t need to be able to read piano sheet music to be able to play a tune. If you want to learn the piano or teach your children without having to pay for expensive lessons, here’s our three top tips.
Tip #1) Buy an illuminated keyboard
A good place to start learning is not to buy an expensive antique grand piano, but a decent keyboard with light-up keys. Most illuminated keyboards come with powerful lesson features which are perfect for novices who want to play their favourite tunes. You just press the key when it lights up! Some keyboards even
With this instrument you can make great music with very little effort or skill but as you progress the added features will enhance your performance greatly.
Tip #2) Get on YouTube!
Forget paying for a piano teacher – Youtube is full of thousands of free piano tutorial videos. Whether you want to learn simple chords or play along to your favourite tune, you can learn at your own pace. You can stop, pause, rewind and practice at a speed to suit you.
The best bit about Youtube though is that you can subscribe to videos you like – so as soon as a new video is up you’ll get an email and will be able to play along in no time.
Tip #3) Buy a colour chord book
Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to start learning some chords and expand your piano music skills. Whether you enjoy rock, jazz, blues, country or pop music, a book such as an encyclopaedia of colour picture chords will help you find the chords you need quickly and easily.
These diagrams are clearly set out, with colours and shapes for your hands. Studies have shown that if you picture things visually you will be more likely to remember them. And the best part is you only need to know 4 or 5 chords to play many of today’s pop tunes!
To sum up…
You don’t need to be able to read notes on a scale to play the piano – and this is what puts most people off. Sure it helps, but if you just want to play piano for enjoyment or for your friends then it’s not worth the amount of hours it will take to master.
Focus on the songs you like, nail down the basics and you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!
Watch as Tom Blackman demonstrates how to use the Topaz HD CCTV from Freedom Scientific.
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To view Closed Captioning, click on the “CC” in the lower right corner of the video.
