Eyebridge, an app with human interaction for visually impaired!

An Eyebridge subscription provides live, on-demand, remote visual assistance to help blind or visually impaired individuals with navigating a crowded street, taking public transportation, object identification or written word interpretation. With a wifi connection and Bluetooth headset, a user connects to the service that automatically enables the rear facing camera on a smart phone for live video assistance anywhere in the world, 24/7!



INTRODUCTION TO EYEBRIDGE from EyeBridge on Vimeo.

QIAT Resource Bank - UDL Apps!

Have you been to the QIAT Resource Bank lately?  I was looking for a document and ran across this beautiful Placement of Core Apps Serving Learning for All!  Each of the three separate sections, Representation, Expression and Engagement, list apps in categories by student area of difficulty: LD reading, LD writing, LD executive functioning, physical, visual, hearing and communication.

If you're looking for educational app, I'd start here!  Thank you to Barbara Welsford, M.Ed., ATP, ADE for putting this together!

This is just one example of the excellent resources on the QIAT Resource Bank.  Check it out at http://indicators.knowbility.org/resource-bank.html

Bookshare YouTube Channel!

If you're looking for a quick, easy tutorial for creating an individual account or using Bookshare's new Web Reader, check out Bookshare's YouTube channel. Videos are two - three minutes long and show step by step instructions. Just re-watch them anytime for a refresher! The link will also be added to the Bookshare section of our Blog.

New Google Glass Feature Identifies Objects for the Visually Impaired

OpenGlass, a Dapper Vision project, is using Google Glass technology to help the visually impaired. The user asks Mechanical Turk or Twitter to identify an object by asking a question like, "what is this box?" Mechanical Turk is a web service that is working to make Human Intelligence Tasks, like identifying objects, simple and cost-effective. Memento (a database app) speaks information about a recognizable object, and can even include danger warnings.

OpenGlass apps are still in the testing phase, but watch for more in the coming weeks! Post title links to a video of visually impaired users trying out OpenGlass.

North Dakota Interagency Program for AT Explains How to Turn an iPad into a High End Video Magnifier

The North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology Blog is always posting useful information, and this post is no exception.  This adaptation was created for under $90 and the Blog includes step by step instructions with photos.  Definitely adding this Blog to our list!

New High Quality Accessible Graphing Calculator

The Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator is functionally identical to the Texas Instrument TI-84 and fully accessible! A high quality synthesized voice reads text and symbol information that's displayed on the screen, as well as each key press.  Information can be reviewed without affecting calculation. A USB connection allows for both printing and embossing of graphs.
Features include:

• Easy for teachers to help with - LCD display and keypad functionality are identical to the standard TI-84 Plus
• Learning Mode for instantaneous key identification without interrupting operation
• Calculator functions have the benefit of decades of experience from TI, the world leader in calculators
• Full access to all menus, expressions, text, and symbols displayed on the screen
• Use the screen reader to review the screen without losing your place
• Superb synthesized speech quality with choice of voices, speech rates, and pitch
• Full access to graphs through speech output of coordinates and the innovative SonoGraph^TM, including differential sounds for negative regions and axis crossing points
• Unique haptic feedback for multi-modal visualization of graphs
• Listen using stereo earphones or built-in stereo speakers
• Ergonomically designed; Large, tactile, functionally zoned keys
• Each key is spoken when pressed
• Repeat facility to speak the display (or parts of it) at any time
• Scroll the history of calculations and quickly recall input/output
• High capacity rechargeable battery
• Battery or AC adapter operation; charge from a USB port
• Connect to your computer via USB cable to print or emboss graphs and other work (requires a printer or embosser)
• Expandable hardware accessories using USB port
• Fully upgradable via supplied USB cable
• Dimensions: 9.3 inches x 3.5 inches x 1 inch
• Included accessories: High quality stereo earphones for private use, AC adapter/charger, user manual
• One-year limited warranty
• "The Orion TI-84 Plus will be available through APH's Federal Quota Program and units will ship in time for the 2013-2014 school year."

ATIA Spring 2013 Webinars

There's some great topics coming up, in fact today's webinar is about new approaches for AT services by Denise DeCoste. Other upcoming sessions include:

• iPads: What are the Possibilities for the Visually Impaired and Blind, April 9
• What's New? Top Apps for Individuals with Autism, April 16
• Sharpen Your Social Media Skills, May 2
• Written Productivity Profile Updates, May 15
• iPad and Writing: Apps for Reluctant Writers and Graphomotor issues

More are listed on the ATIA website for Fall 2013. Webinars cost $39 for one hour, $49 for 1.5 hours per participant. CEU's are offered.

Android Accessibility Website

Trying to decide on a new Smart Phone?  Here's helpful information with links to the eyes-free YouTube channel, an eyes-free Android Blog and an eyes-free mailing list. This post title links to a one-stop place for all you need to know for Android Accessibility.
If you're on LinkedIn, join the Assistive Technology Professionals Group for up to date information.  You can start discussions, create polls, and follow members.  There's also a LinkedIn Group K12 Assistive Technology Professionals for those of us that work with students and school staff.
If you're not familiar with LinkedIn, it operates the world's largest professional network on the Internet.  It's free and similar to Facebook, only for work.

"LINC" - Low Incidence Network Connection

This Area Educational Agency in East Central Iowa has done a marvelous job putting together this site of Resources, Links and Blogs for Low Incidence Students.  Categories include: Adapted Books & Song-boards, AAC, Visual Symbols, Early Intervention, Computer Access, Switch Skills and more!

Bookshare and Read:OutLoud video tutorials from CAST

More video tutorials for Bookshare and Read:OutLoud
* Overview
* View Options
* Download A Bookshare DAISY Book
* Open and Read a Book
* Navigate by Page
* Internet and Dictionary
* Create an Outline
* Add Notes
* Speech Menu
* Book Styles
* Student Central

VI Technology Assessment Checklists

Our local VI consultant forwarded this site to me. It includes numerous checklists that can be used to assess a visually impaired student on specific tools like Jaws, ZoomText, MS Word, Braille devices, keyboarding, Internet and email. Looks like a very comprehensive site for those working with the VI population.