Reminder: MassMATCH and the U.S. Department of Education make no endorsement, representation, or warranty expressed or implied for any product, device, or information set forth on this website. Neither MassMATCH nor the U.S. Department of Education has examined, reviewed, or tested any product or device contained on the MassMATCH website.
Digit-Eyes Audio Labeler/Code Reader for iPhone
Digit-Eyes, a new audio labeling and product identification app for the iPhone, was released this month by Digital Miracles, L.L.C. Priced at just $29.99, it offers functionality comparable to other products on the market at a significantly lower cost.
The app reads standard UPC, EAN, and even ISPN codes found on books. With Digit-Eyes, an iPhone can identify the name of nearly any product in your home or at the store. Users can also print custom labels and record audio messages that are played each time the label is scanned—ideal for labeling items like prescription bottles or providing cooking instructions.
In a review by the American Federation for the Blind, the AFB noted that it may take up to 30 seconds to identify certain products, especially round containers. Performance can also be affected by lighting conditions, and the app requires some practice to use effectively.
Learn more at www.digit-eyes.com (which includes instructions and advice on finding bar-codes on items).
The Moshi Voice Control Alarm Clock
Unlike other talking clocks, the Moshi is the first “listening clock”–it allows you to set the time and alarm by your voice alone.
It is recognized by the World Blind Union and was awarded the VisionFree Award by the Stevie Wonder Foundation at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2009.
Features:
* Voice Activated
* Snooze
* 3 Alarm Sounds
* 3 Sleep Sounds
* Temperature
* Night Light (Single/Multi)
* Volume Control
Voice Commands:
- Time (tells you time)
- Set Time (set time by voice)
- Alarm (tells you time alarm is set for)
- Set Alarm (set alarm by voice)
- Alarm Sound (choose from 3 sounds)
- Turn off the alarm (turns off alarm; gives current time, date, & temperature)
- Sleep sound (choose from 3 sounds)
- Play sleep sound (plays 5 minutes of sleep sound
- Today’s date (tells you today’s date)
- Temperature (tells you current temperature)
- Night Light (turns on night light)
- Help (offers a help menu)
Online price: $39.00
Learn more at www.moshilifestyle.co
The MV-1: The World’s First and Only Mobility Vehicle
The MV-1 is a vehicle designed by the Vehicle Production Group* to be wheelchair accessible, not converted. It has capacity for up to two “common” wheelchairs, a built in telescoping wheelchair ramp with a 1,200 lb. weight capacity, flat load floor, and interior floor-to-ceiling height of almost 5 feet. It also has a “green option” with a dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powertrain system.
Learn more at www.vpgautos.com.
*Founded in 2006, The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) designs, develops and markets purpose built specialty vehicles to meet the needs of large niche vehicle segments that have historically been served by converting or retrofitting general use vehicles.
The FreeWheel(TM) Wheelchair Attachment
The FreeWheel(TM) Wheelchair Attachment was designed by Pat Dougherty, a quadriplegic, to allow users to push over surfaces that are usually unnavigable. The device is a large wheel that clamps to the footrest of a wheel chair and can spin 360 degrees. It lifts the smaller caster wheels and converts a chair from four wheels to three in minutes.
Dougherty lives in Boise, Idaho and loves the outdoors. The website advertises that FreeWheel “makes strolling, exercising, hiking or just checking the mailbox […] so much easier.”
The FreeWheel is made in Boise and sells for $499. Dougherty would like to mass produce it someday to lower the price. Testimonials and more photos are available at www.gofreewheel.com.
The OrbiTouch Keyboard
Children With Autism Use Alternative Keyboard To Communicate With Their Families And Their World
Scientists at Project Blue Skies are enabling autistic children to communicate and explore the online world using the color-coded OrbitTouch keyboard, which allows users to input letters, symbols, and commands using a video-game-like interface (less distracting than a keyboard and does not require finger motion).
Read the complete article from Science Daily
The OrbiTouch keyboard. (Credit: Blue Orb)
Camera Mouse 2009
Camera Mouse 2009 is a FREE program that allows you to control the mouse pointer on a Windows computer just by moving your head. You can find it at www.cameramouse.org.
The program was developed to help people with disabilities use the computer. The main audience for this program is people who do not have reliable control of a hand but who can move their head. People with Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, various neurological disorders use this program and its predecessors to run all types of computer software.
Camera Mouse works as a mouse replacement system for Windows computers so it should work with just about any application program. For example people use Camera Mouse with entertainment programs, education programs, communication programs, web browsers, and so on. (See the Downloads page for some of the programs and websites that we have used with Camera Mouse.) Camera Mouse works best with application programs that require only a mouse and a left click and that do not have tiny targets. It’s easier to use Camera Mouse with application programs that do not require extreme accuracy.
What equipment is required? Right now, a Windows Vista or Windows XP system and a standard USB webcam. We do our development work with a Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000. Camera Mouse works with other commercial USB webcams as well.
This program is available for free download. Partial support came from the National Science Foundation and now from generous gifts from the Philanthropy Committee of Mitsubishi Electronic Research Labs (MERL), from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, and from the Accenture Fund at Boston College. Boston College and Boston University also are most generous in providing support.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader Upgrade Offer
Ai Squared, makers of the ZoomText Magnifier, are offering customers a 50% discount for upgrading to their ZoomText Magnifier/Reader product. The offer is available to US and Canadian customers who purchased the ZoomText Magnifier prior to August 20th, 2009, and upgrade by October 1st, 2009. The upgrade increases the functionality of the magnifier product to include reader capabilities.
Click here for pricing details.
An upgrade to the ZoomText Magnifier / Reader includes:
- AppReader – Automatically reads documents, web pages and email within the parent application.
- DocReader – Reads documents in a special environment where text is reformatted for easier viewing.
- Speak It Tool – Allows you to spot read text that you click and drag over with the mouse.
- Typing Echo – Echoes each character and/or word that you type.
- Mouse Echo – Automatically reads all text that the mouse moves over.
- Program Echo – Speaks each item as you navigate through menus and dialogs.
- NeoSpeech Voices – Human sounding voices that are pleasant to listen to all day long (English Only).
The amount of information that ZoomText Magnifier / Reader speaks is adjustable by the user.
To place your order call (800) 859-0270.
Owners of ZoomText ESP Plans must upgrade their ESP to take advantage of this offer.
Payments may be spread out over a three month period.
Serotek Releases “Accessible Event” Online Platform
Serotek released Accessible Event™ in a press conference today at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The accessible, online platform makes group meetings, webinars, lectures and other events accessible to the blind, deaf and blind/deaf. Attendees who do not require assistive technology participate as they normally would; unaware that Accessible Event is running. No installation is required so no trace of use is left on any computer or device.
Accessible Event complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is available to corporations, educational institutions, public entertainment venues, online trade show and special event sponsors, and other organizations. It can be licensed on a per-event basis, monthly or annually, or implemented as an enterprise server solution. The platform requires only an internet connection and Adobe Flash to operate.
“Whether across the room or across the globe, virtually anything a presenter can display—from documents to websites—is now accessible to everyone, including individuals with visual and/or hearing impairments, regardless of whether the audience is ten or ten thousand,” said Mike Calvo, CEO of Serotek Corporation.
Similar to a traditional conference bridge, presenters schedule an event and provide a unique meeting code to participants. Attendees who rely on assistive technology simply visit the Accessible Event website from any web browser on a computer or portable device, enter the meeting code, and gain immediate access to the session.
“Accessible Event is a perfect illustration of how digital tools can be fully inclusive,” said Dan Hubbell, Technical Evangelist at Microsoft Corporation. “When paired with platforms like Microsoft® LiveMeeting, Accessible Event helps organizations expand their reach and inclusion initiatives with minimal investment or effort.”
Accessible Event supports presentations created in Microsoft® Word™, Excel®, PowerPoint®, and Adobe® Acrobat®, as well as those using Microsoft Outlook® displays or web content presented via Serotek SAMNet™, Microsoft Internet Explorer® 7 and higher, or Mozilla® Firefox®. It also integrates with popular online meeting platforms including Cisco WebEx, Citrix® GoToMeeting® and GoToWebinar®, Adobe Acrobat Connect®, Microsoft LiveMeeting, and others.
Presenters can set a specific expiration date for each session, allowing events to remain open for extended access or restricted to a set period. Accessible Event can run alongside any webinar or online meeting service. At the conclusion of the session, a pop-up alert prompts the host to end the event.
“For the first time ever, blind and deaf individuals can be fully included in online events,” Calvo said. “And students can carry Accessible Event codes on a thumb drive to share with professors, making any lecture accessible for a day or an entire semester.”
Lifetone HL™ Bedside Fire Alarm and Clock
Many individuals do not wake up to the sound of a typical smoke alarm. Those at highest risk include people with hearing impairments, individuals with high-frequency hearing loss, deep sleepers, and children between the ages of 6 and 16.
The Lifetone HL™ Bedside Fire Alarm and Clock is designed to sit beside your bed, detect the high-frequency tone of a standard smoke alarm, and respond with a 520 Hz square wave alarm at 90 dBA, combined with a vibrating bedshaker. The Lifetone HL delivers alerts that have been clinically shown to be most effective in waking individuals during a fire. The 520 Hz square wave signal has been validated in clinical studies as the most reliable for rousing those at risk.
The Lifetone HL™ is the first fire safety device to receive UL listing under standards 217 and 1971 for producing a 520 Hz square wave audible alarm and an intermittent tactile alert for individuals who are Deaf.
Learn more at www.Lifetonesafety.com
Proloquo2Go: AAC in your pocket
April 22, 2009: AssistiveWare released the Proloquo2Go™ for iPhone and iPod touch.
Proloquo2Go is the first full-featured communication solution for individuals with speech difficulties that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars. At last, robust augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is accessible to consumers and schools without dedicated funding. Never before has using a communication device been this portable or this appealing—Proloquo2Go, paired with an iPhone or iPod touch, offers a compelling, modern alternative. It represents a breakthrough in both pricing and technology, delivering natural-sounding text-to-speech voices, current symbol sets, advanced automatic verb conjugation, a default vocabulary of more than 7,000 items, full expandability, and exceptional ease of use—all within the iPhone or iPod touch.
Proloquo2Go is the ideal solution for anyone unable to afford a traditional AAC device priced in the thousands, yet seeking a tool with comparable communication power and usability. It’s especially well-suited to teenagers and young adults who want something as stylish as an iPhone or iPod touch. It’s also a strong option for children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, or apraxia. Additionally, Proloquo2Go supports adults with acquired conditions such as ALS, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. It can be a valuable resource in hospital and rehabilitation environments.
“The price is so compelling,” noted Dan Herlihy, owner of Connective Technology Solutions, “and the software and hardware platform Proloquo2Go runs on is so dramatically ahead of other devices in its category that—even if not a full paradigm shift—it clearly sets a new standard for accessibility, ease of use, and affordability.”
Special educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists have embraced Proloquo2Go as a proven solution for students and adults able to navigate an iPod or iPhone touch interface. Educators view it as a cost-effective tool in special education. Speech therapists and AAC specialists appreciate the simplicity of programming and customization. Users love that Proloquo2Go is not only powerful but runs on familiar, mainstream devices. Parents value it because it’s easy to manage and helps their children feel confident and modern. Proloquo2Go can be used as a companion to a larger tabletop system or serve as the user’s primary AAC device.
“When we set out to create Proloquo2Go, we aimed to deliver the kind of power typically found only in desktop applications,” said David Niemeijer, CEO of AssistiveWare. “Thanks to the iPhone, we were able to build a fully featured, fully customizable communication solution that fits right in your pocket.”
Learn more at the Proloquo2Go™ website.
The Eye-Pal SOLO
Released in January 2009, the Eye-Pal SOLO from ABISee, Inc.—a Massachusetts-based company—bills itself as “The World’s First Reading Appliance.”
The Eye-Pal SOLO is a compact, tabletop, stationary device that reads printed material without requiring any setup. It can process virtually any printed text, including newspapers. There are no manuals to navigate, no extra lighting or equipment to connect—ABISee compares its simplicity to that of any common kitchen appliance.
This device was specifically developed to appeal to seniors who may not be familiar with computers—the largest group needing reading assistance. No computer skills are necessary to use it. The Eye-Pal SOLO powers on and off with just a wave of the hand, and its voice output reportedly sounds synthetic rather than robotic. It can also magnify text and display it on an external screen.
Learn more at ABISee.com.
New JAWS Version 10
From the Carroll Center for the Blind:
On November 3, 2008, Freedom Scientific announced the release of JAWS version 10. JAWS remains one of the most widely used and versatile screen readers available, converting on-screen text into speech. Version 10 introduces a number of significant upgrades and new features.
A major improvement is the addition of an automatic “forms mode,” designed to streamline web navigation. When a user moves to an edit box using the arrow or tab keys, the program now automatically activates forms mode. A distinct popping sound lets the user know that forms mode is engaged and that typing can begin. This is a welcome update from earlier versions, where users had to manually switch forms mode on and off. While some well-designed forms allowed continuous navigation and input in previous versions, most required toggling the mode, which was inefficient. With this update, users can expect a smoother, more intuitive experience—particularly useful for filling out long or complex online forms. For those who prefer the original behavior, the settings can be adjusted to mimic earlier versions.
Another highlight of version 10 is the introduction of JAWS Tandem, a new remote access feature. This tool allows one user to provide remote control of their computer to another JAWS user. The host user obtains a code from the software and shares it with the assisting user, who enters it into a JAWS prompt to initiate the connection. From there, both users can control the same system simultaneously, with all of the host computer’s settings shared. The assisting user can also toggle between the two systems and transfer files. This feature is especially helpful for technical support purposes, peer training, or even enabling remote work when needed—such as during recovery from illness or injury.
Speech and voice enhancements also see a big upgrade. Since version 7, JAWS has allowed users to switch from the default Eloquence synthesizer to various SAPI 5 voices, which sound more natural. However, previous versions suffered from performance slowdowns with these voices. In version 10, Freedom Scientific introduces proprietary voices that are more responsive and bring improved performance closer to that of Eloquence. The updated dictionary manager now allows for customized pronunciations across different languages, voices, and synthesizers.
Finally, JAWS 10 brings built-in accessibility for iTunes, eliminating the need for third-party scripts required in versions 8 and 9. Users can now navigate iTunes directly with JAWS version 10.
For additional information on iTunes accessibility, visit: iTunes is now accessible.
To learn more about JAWS version 10, listen to the FSCast shows for August and September. Go to FSCast August FSCast September.
To upgrade to JAWS 10, go to jaws version 10.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
The Klango Player
Free software provides better access for people with low vision to listen to internet radio stations.
From The Carroll Center for the Blind:
How many of you have wished there were an easier way to find and listen to internet radio stations? The websites of many internet radio stations are filled with graphics, flash movies and Java script which makes navigation slow and inconvenient. Well, I’ve recently learned about a solution which is free and easy to use. It’s called the Klango player. With it, the user can find and listen to internet radio and a lot more.
Klango is different from most other computer programs in that it was developed from the ground up to be an audio-based program. This means that the main user interface is sound rather than a graphical user interface.
There are very few requirements necessary to run the Klango player. All you need is a computer running Windows 2000 or newer and a sound card. You don’t even need a speech synthesizer as Klango is self-voicing. To learn more about Klango and obtain a copy, go to klango.net. For the direct link to download the latest version of the Klango player, go to setup.klango.net/. For a demonstration of the Klango player, visit klango demonstration.
UBI-4000 Personal Tracking Device
Are you sometimes worried about where a loved one with a memory loss is? Then consider a personal tracking device.
The UBI-4000 is the first tracking device capable of real-time updates on a minute to minute basis. Direct GPRS data connection gives you the most accurate and reliable tracking data ever! The entire functioning unit is as small as a set of car keys. Tiny, accurate, discreet, and reliable. The next generation of GPS tracking is here.
The UBI-4000 is a self-contained complete hardware and software package small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.When placed with packages, vehicles, or personnel, the UBI-4000 provides detailed reports of routes traveled for quality-control and security purposes.
The smallest device on the market, but look what you get…
- Locate your Loved Ones anywhere they are is your family member home from their day program yet? Has your son reached his friends home? Has your father walked away from his group on a shopping trip? Locate them on-line instantly.
- Locate Valuable Assets keep the UBI-4000 in your glove compartment, laptop case or luggage and find it now.
- Set Your Geofence Want to limit your family members walking or driving range? Set the Geofence and you will be automatically notified if the car leaves the area.
- SOS Feature Want to make sure your child stays within their neighborhood zone? With the Geofence activated, you are automatically alerted if your child leaves this area.
Uses for the GPS Personal Tracker:
- Tracking individuals with Alzheimer’sto help keep wanderers out of harm’s way
- Tracking those with Autism and those that have developmental delays for safety reasons.
- Set as many GeoFences as you’d like and receive an e-mail alert or a cell phone text alert when the device leaves or comes into the area(s) you specify
- Encourage users to use the SOS alert button in times of need to track every 2 minutes for 40 minutes and to send an e-mail alert or a cell phone text alert every 2 minutes for 40 minutes you can easily set these to alert up to 5 different individuals at the same time!
When the SOS button is pressed and held for three full seconds, the device immediately begins sending out a track—or a snapshot—of its exact location. This data is posted to a web-based detailed map every two minutes for a total duration of forty minutes. Alongside the visual tracking, alerts are sent every two minutes for forty minutes to as many as five designated email addresses and/or mobile phones via text message. Setup for this feature is simple and straightforward, and it can be ready to use within just a few minutes.
Success stories and thank-you messages continue to arrive from across the country. In one case, an elderly man became lost during his routine walk. He held the SOS button for three seconds, triggering an alert to his daughter. Within minutes, she was able to locate him and bring him home safely.
To learn more about the UBI4000 GPS Tracking System, visit the Global Tracking Group website or call 1-800-774-9808.
Mount’n Mover
The Mount’n Mover is an innovative wheelchair mounting system created with a renewed focus on user control and independence.
Unlike other mounting systems that lock devices into a fixed position, the Mount’n Mover allows users to move their mounted items into and out of position easily and independently.
This system lets individuals decide when and where their devices, trays, or laptops are placed—ready when needed, and out of the way when not. With two ergonomic access points, adjustments are simple. Its intuitive setup and locking positions allow the Mount’n Mover to consistently return to the user’s preferred configuration.
See the Mount’n Mover in action on the BlueSky Designs website and view live demos on YouTube.
TeleStik Portable Reachers
…the lightest, smallest, and most portable reachers available
Regularly $29.95 plus shipping and handling
Now just $19.99—with a free standard reacher (a $15 value)
TeleStik was specifically designed with two key goals:
To create a reacher that requires minimal hand, shoulder, or finger strength
To offer the most lightweight and portable reacher on the market
Measuring under 8 inches when closed, the TeleStik fits easily into a fanny pack, saddlebag, or purse. It extends from 8 inches to 34 inches—and stops anywhere in between—providing the extra reach when needed.
TeleStik is the ultimate grab-and-go tool, and it’s the first reacher that many quadriplegics can truly operate. Take it anywhere.
Ideal for the office, school, or travel, TeleStik offers three versatile pickup mechanisms:
- Adhesive – A uniquely designed sticky pad that can lift objects up to one pound while being gentle enough to pick up a single sheet of paper
- Magnet – A powerful magnet for picking up metal items up to one pound
- Hook – A practical tool for pressing elevator buttons, dragging objects closer, picking up clothes, and more
- Let me know if you’d like this prepared for a flyer, web page layout, or email distribution.
Save money with this limited-time offer to get your TeleStik Portable Reacher.
The Viable VPAD
The VPAD is the first WiFi-enabled and portable videophone to be developed for VRS (Video Relay Service) users. The VPAD has a 10.2-inch touch screen, a USB port, audio/visual ports, and allows for one-click connection to ViableVRS. Founded in 2006, Viable is a private, deaf-owned company, and the majority of its employees are deaf and hard of hearing and are personally vested in the innovation and development of the company’s products and services. Visit Viable’s website for further information.
Learn about other telecommunications equipment options and relay services at the MassMATCH telecommunications funding guide web page.
AbleLink’s Schedule Assistant
AbleLink Technologies Enhances Cognitive Support Tool for Users with Brain Injuries
AbleLink Technologies, a leader in cognitive technology development, has released a new version of its specialized memory aid designed to support executive functioning for individuals with brain injuries and other cognitive challenges. Backed by research funded through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and refined through feedback from service members with cognitive injuries, the latest version of AbleLink’s Schedule Assistant brings enhanced functionality to handheld computing.
Schedule Assistant is a straightforward, PDA-based application that employs visual and audio cues to remind users of tasks and appointments scheduled for specific dates and times. A key addition to this version is the “Quick Event” feature, which allows users to create reminders on the fly by tapping the Quick Event icon, recording a voice message, and selecting the desired date and time for playback.
Also new is “Quick Timer,” which enables users to set time-based reminders without assigning them to the calendar. Functioning like a digital egg timer, Quick Timer helps track tasks that arise during the day, such as remembering when a break ends, when to remove dinner from the oven, or when to transfer laundry from the washer to the dryer. The user simply records an audio message and sets the countdown in hours or minutes—e.g., “Remove the clothes from the dryer.”
Learn more at the AbleLink website.
AT&T Introduces iPhone Text Accessibility Plan
From Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI)
New Rate Plan for Customers with Disabilities Includes Unlimited Messaging and Web Access
The iPhone just became more accessible to individuals who are deaf or have hearing or speech disabilities. AT&T Inc. has announced a new Text Accessibility Plan (TAP) for iPhone, offering unlimited text messaging, internet browsing, and streamlined email access for $40 per month.
“Our Text Accessibility Plan gives customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech disabilities the ability to tap out their communications while on the go,” said Carlton Hill, Vice President of Product Management, Voice Products and Affiliate Marketing for AT&T’s wireless division. “Now, with TAP for iPhone, users can tap, flick, and pinch through the iPhone’s Multi-Touch screen for a whole new level of functionality.”
The new plan is available to both new and existing iPhone users with qualifying disabilities through AT&T’s National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD). To enroll in the TAP for iPhone, customers must complete a qualification form, available online.
During iPhone activation, customers initially select a standard voice and data plan. After activation, they can email, fax, or mail the completed eligibility form to the NCCD to switch to the TAP for iPhone plan.
Existing iPhone customers who meet the eligibility criteria may also apply for TAP by submitting the required documentation. For questions, customers can contact the AT&T NCCD at 866-241-6568 (voice) or 866-241-6567 (TTY).
AT&T offers a variety of TAP plans for use with most handsets in its lineup. The NCCD also supports customers with disabilities by providing access to assistive applications like Mobile Magnifier, which allows users with low vision to zoom in on their screens, and Mobile Speak, which offers screen reading capabilities for users who are blind or visually impaired.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for publication or adapted for a specific platform.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com. For more information about AT&T’s NCCD or other offerings for customers with disabilities, visit their website.
Verizon Wireless Introduces Nationwide Messaging Plans
From Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI]
Verizon Wireless, the owner and operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, announced the availability of three new Nationwide Messaging plans that will allow customers to use unlimited messaging on their wireless handsets. The new plans do not require an accompanying voice plan and are designed to meet the needs of customers who primarily rely on messaging to communicate with others.
The Nationwide Messaging plans are available on most handsets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Smartphones inclusive of BlackBerry devices. Starting at $34.99 monthly access, the new Nationwide Messaging plans include unlimited text, instant, picture and video messaging, and offer per-minute voice calling rates as noted below:
Nationwide Messaging Plan
Monthly AccessIncludes unlimited text, IM, picture and video messaging, plus:
Per-minute Voice Rate
Consumer Devices
$34.99 Also includes mobile Web access and data usage
Per-minute Voice Rate $0.40
BlackBerry
$54.99 Also includes e-mail, Web browsing and data usage
Per-minute Voice Rate $0.25
PDA/Smartphone
$54.99 Also includes e-mail, Web browsing and data usage
Per-minute Voice Rate $0.25
“We developed these messaging plans in response to feedback from our customers,” said Robert Miller, vice president – marketing for Verizon Wireless. “We have a growing number of customers, particularly from the deaf or hard of hearing community, who are using their wireless phones to communicate via messaging. Our Nationwide Messaging plans offer an affordable solution for customers who primarily use messaging to communicate, giving them more choices to only pay for services they need.”
All three Nationwide Messaging plans allow customers to send and receive international text messages for $0.25 per message. Nationwide Messaging plans are available with a one- or two-year customer agreement (activation fees, taxes, and other charges apply).
Additional Messaging Capabilities with Mobile Email
Customers who sign up for the $34.99 monthly access Nationwide Messaging plan will also have the option of adding Mobile Email to their accounts for an additional $5.00 per month. With Mobile Email, customers can access popular e-mail services, as well as configure the service to work with their POP3 and IMAP accounts. Devices that support Mobile Email include the LG VX8300, VX8350, VX8700 and VX9400; Chocolate, VenusTM, enV and VoyagerTM by LG; MOTOKRZR K1m, MOTORAZR V3c, MOTORAZR V3m and MOTORIZRTM Z6tv; Samsung AliasTM (SCH-u740), Samsung SCH-u900 and SCH-u620, as well as the FlipShotTM by Samsung and the GleamTM.
All PDAs, Smartphones and BlackBerry handsets will be eligible for the Nationwide Messaging plans. The SMT5800, Verizon Wireless XV6900 and MOTO Q 9m will also support Mobile Email.
For more information about the Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Apple iTune Store Search Movies by “CC”
From Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI]
Apple has enhanced the iTunes store so that you can now search for movies that are close captioned.
Select “Search…” from the Store menu in iTunes to access the Power Search, then choose “Movies” from the pop-up menu. You’ll notice a new checkbox “Search movies that are available with Closed Captioning” under the row of edit text fields. Click the checkbox then click the Search button to view a list of all movies with Closed Captioning. Currently, we’re up to 52 titles with more being added continually.
Of course you can also fine-tune your search by adding text in the other fields too.
For more information, go to www.apple.com/itunes/store/
Apple Computer Announces Captioning Advances
From Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI]
Mike Shebanek, Senior Product Manager of Worldwide Product Marketing at Apple, announced this week that closed captioning playback is now supported in Apple’s QuickTime software, iTunes for both Windows and Mac platforms, and in the latest software for iPod and iPhone.
At last week’s MacWorld, Apple also unveiled a new version of AppleTV that includes closed captioning support. The updated AppleTV software will be made available to current owners via an Internet-based software update.
In addition, Apple has launched closed captioned movies on iTunes, making it possible to purchase or rent films that include captioning.
While not all movies on iTunes currently feature closed captions, Apple is actively collaborating with movie studios to expand the number of captioned titles as quickly as possible.
In an email to Cheryl Heppner of the Northern Virginia Resource Center, Shebanek explained that the captioning technology Apple uses is based on SCC files, which are commonly used for DVDs. The system is also compatible with traditional Line 21 captioning, the standard used for broadcast television. The tools needed to create these captions are already available to both professionals and consumers. Apple’s Final Cut Studio includes an application called “Compressor,” which enables users to add closed captions to video projects and export them for playback across all supported Apple platforms—including iTunes for Mac and Windows, iPod, iPhone, AppleTV, and QuickTime on both Mac and PC.
Furthermore, Shebanek adds that Apple’s Final Cut Studio and zeitAnker’s Annotation Editor are two examples of video editing software with captioning capabilities that are available.
Acrobat LCD
The most flexible 3-in-1 video magnifier is ideal for near, distance and self viewing. By rotating the camera, you can read, write, groom, and magnify images at any distance. The Acrobat offers a complete system for those at work, school or home.
Key Features
- 3 in 1 camera technology with memory for favorite settings
- Arm slides to the right and pivots to the front for a full inline position offering an optimal viewing experience
- Dual keypad for easy to access controls
- Detachable camera rotates 340 degrees
- 5ms high resolution 19″ LCD monitor
- Auto focus
- Seven (7) viewing modes
- Up to 65x adjustable digital magnification
- Rolling carrying case for easy transport (sold separately)
- Set-up is easy – just plug and play
- Computer toggle capability
- 2 year warranty
- Line markers, object locator, remote control and more…..
For more information on assistive technology for low vision or to schedule a no-obligation product demonstration please call
(888) 811-3161 or complete our online request form.
Active Life Station
Most of us take for granted the simple ability to access the tools we need to succeed in life.
When it comes to manipulating their environment,children with Cerebral Palsy face a continual physical challenge. The ability to simply turn around can turn around a life.
The Active Life Station is a new and exciting innovation aimed at providing “within reach” access for children for whom physical movement is challenging. Our goal is to facilitate success for these children by literally surrounding them with the tools they need and minimizing the effort required to access these tools.
In and effort to improve and refine this product, we are requesting your feedback in our “Participate and Benefit”Survey. This survey is by invitation only. The opinion of our target e-mail audience, Cerebral Palsy Resources, is highly valued in developing and improving the Active Life Station.
Please take a few moments to participate in this survey and help us in our effort to turn around lives.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Click here for the www.ActiveLifeStation.com site and survey
SelecTrials works in clinical trial management software and management. This survey is conducted as a product and market analysis. SelecTrails focuses on Phase I-IV Trials for the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. SelecTrials does not sell any products.
The New Heights Electric Elevating Wheelchair System,
manufactured by Bromac Assistive Technology
These wheelchairs offer the highest seat elevation of any product on the
market, and are designed to easily, and temporarily elevate you from a
standard seated height, to a height greater than that of a person
standing, or any height in between, providing full access to their users
in virtually any environment.
These wheelchairs will enable you to function independently in virtually
any environment, and will give you the freedom to do what you want to
do, without the need for assistance from other people.
For more information call us at 805-797-7989, or visit us on the web at
www.as.net/~bromac/5.html
BROMAC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
HC 1 Box 29
57899 West Rhodes Avenue
Dateland, Arizona 85333
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| Facilitate direct, unaltered, face to face communication between those who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing by providing portable, easy to use wireless devices that shatter the communication barrier and allow freedom of communication with anyone, anywhere and at any time. | Doug Strickland uses the UbiDuo to communicate with a co-worker. Learn more about his experience! |
Content is copyright sComm, Inc. except where otherwise noted
Learn more about this product at www.scommonline.com