[Free Webinar] Demystifying the Apple iPad for Special Education

Free webinar coming up from Cambrian Learning Technologies/Kurzweil Educational Systems:

Screenshot of firefly app

"The Apple iPad has quickly become a teaching tool since its introduction in 2010. Are you using it for your special education students but don't know which apps are the best? Or are you overwhelmed with the options for apps? Join us as Jennifer Edge-Savage, assistive technology specialist and occupational therapist, demystifies the iPad and shows you the benefits of using this mobile device for students who struggle to learn. She will also provide helpful hints on how to successfully use the Kurzweil 3000-firefly iPad app with this special student population."

When: Tuesday, October 29 at 2:00 PM ET - Webinar description and registration link

[Accessible Infographics] Advancements in Technology and Accessible Communications

Courtesy of T-Base Communications, a look at the past, present and future of accessible communications technology - likely the very first accessible infographic (audio available) you'll find on the internet today.

Use the link to the T-Base site to automatically download the .mp3 audio description of the infographic.

Writing Tools for Expressive Language and Learning Disabilities

Word Completion and Word Prediction

"Word prediction technology is used to assist with text entry. These software packages predict the word you are typing and the next word based on word frequency and context (Center, 2008)".

Two popular examples of word prediction software:

- wordQ 

- Co:Writer

Text to Speech Software

"Text-to-Speech software is used to convert words from a computer document (e.g. word processor document, web page) into audible speech spoken through the computer speaker (Center, 2008)".

For example, here it can be used to self-check/edit your writing by reading aloud what you have written:

- Write:OutLoud

Voice Activated Computing

"Voice Recognition allows a user to use his/her voice as an input device. Voice recognition may be used to dictate text into the computer or to give commands to the computer (such as opening application programs, pulling down menus, or saving work) (Center, 2008)".

In this example, you can see it used in combination with word prediction when writing:

- speakQ

[Free Webinar] Using ZoomText on the Web

AiSquared is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 on using ZoomText screen magnification for searching, navigating, and filtering through content on the web.

[Support] Website for Blind and Low-Vision Users of Apple Products

Great site recommendation from the inimitable Eggmann on the VIRN Tech listserve:

Applevis.com is "A community-powered website for blind and low-vision users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

AppleVis is a rich resource that strives to empower the community by offering multiple pathways to access and share relevant and useful information. As a community, we seek to encourage and support people in exploring the many ways in which these mainstream products and related applications can offer opportunities to the vision-impaired for personal enrichment, independence and empowerment.

AppleVis also offers resources and mechanisms for raising awareness of the accessibility of Apple products and related applications, and for promoting further advancement in accessibility."

Share and enjoy!

[Under Development] Lernstift, the first smartpen that vibrates when you make a spelling mistake

On Kickstarter:
Lernstift digital pen points out spelling errors with a subtle vibration to help kids and adults acquire better writing skills

[Free Webtool] MindMup Brainstorming/Concept Mapping

Website: MindMup - a free, open source, browser-based canvas for mapping ideas

Summary of some features that you find in MindMup that are similar to a lot of paid mindmapping software programs:

- you can use the "Tab" key to add nodes
- you can hit "Enter" to finish editing a node
- you can attach anything to a node (comments, images, etc.)

Another perk:

- real-time multi-user collaboration is enabled using Google Drive

The first PDF reader for visually impaired people

"The Swiss National Association of and for the Blind (SNAB), in collaboration with the Access for All foundation and the service provider xyMedia, has developed an important innovation for visually impaired people. The VIP PDF-Reader overcomes a previously insurmountable problem for people with a visual impairment who want to read and work with PDF files. This innovative product is now available free of charge to Windows, Mac and Linux users."

David Pogue: 10 top time-saving tech tips

[Humour] Lost in Translation

Anyone else out there have the daunting task of being the intermediary between their IT department and third-party software support? Well, I do. And this is pretty much what it amounts to:

Yup, Sigourney Weaver's character in Galaxy Quest. Here's a brief transcript. Enjoy the mid-week chuckle.

[Webinar] June 20, 2013: The Future of Higher Education and Disability Access

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day!

The EZfire Webinar: The Future of Higher Education and Disability Access that originally was supposed to happen today has been moved to June 20th (12PM-1:30PM CST) due to demand(!)

[Money Matters] Budgeting for Web Accessibility

Geared towards post-secondary educational institutions, but could apply to any other organizations as well:
Budgeting for Your Web Accessibility Plans (from NCDAE, the National Center on Disability and Access to Education)

[Re-blogged] How to turn on vision accessibility features in IOS

Thoughtfully posted at idownloadblog.com:
How to turn on vision accessibility features in iOS By Lory Gil, May 7, 2013

[Free] Webinars Galore!

Lots of great free webinars coming up for January-March 2013 (especially for those of us whose budget for next fiscal year are looking a bit on the bleak side):

Aroga Assistive Technology Learning Series webinars will focus on:
- MindView mind mapping software including for post-secondary
- Read & Write GOLD software and textHELP web apps for reading, writing and research
- Dragon Naturally Speaking for Learning Disabilities
- Clicker 6

Cambrium Learning Technologies upcoming webinars will be on:
- Kurzweil 3000 and firefly
- The SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) method using Kurzweil 3000

Bookshare also has some free training webinars coming up this week for those interested in learning how to set up access to their repository of accessible/alternate format texts.

[Presentation] [UDL] Resources for Faculty on Universal Design of Learning

Holy amazing resource, Batman!

I'm so excited that this exists: EnACT's UDL-Universe site actually has two sets of guides under it's UDL-U Faculty Development Curricula that provide ready-made resources (including promotional materials and two-hour or 2-day workshop presentations for post-secondary faculty on Universal Design of Learning).

I know A LOT of other hectic post-secondary Accessibility Services offices like ours that will definitely benefit from this information. Share and enjoy.

[Workplace] - AT Resources for Employers

I just stumbled across a couple of helpful adaptive tech and accommodations-related resources for employers - I'll definitely be sharing these with our Career Services department!

[AT] connects has a web portal on Assistive Technology for Employers and Business:

I also couldn't help but embed the SOAR (Searchable Online Accommodations Resource) widget from JAN (Job Accommodation Network) on the left panel of this site - I can see it coming in very handy.

They've also compiled a listing of disability information and accommodations-related issues.