USA: Toys ‘R’ Us to Bring Autism Therapy Robot to Masses
A fuzzy yellow robot initially used for autism therapy is going mainstream this fall, with Toys “R” Us marketing a consumer version that very well could be the next must-have Christmas item. The robot known as My Keepon is just 10 inches tall and features little more than two big eyes and a black dot for a nose. But, it responds to touch and can turn and even sneeze.
From www.disabilityscoop.com, August 23, 2011
USA: Plans Emerge to Increase Special Education Funding
There may be two different bills on the table designed to fully fund special education when Congress returns this fall if one lawmaker follows through on plans announced this week. U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo. says he intends to introduce legislation in September to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
From www.disabilityscoop.com, August 23, 2011
USA: Sensory-Friendly Entertainment Coming to Broadway
Autism-friendly screenings have become a staple at movie theaters in recent years. Now a nonprofit group is taking the concept to Broadway. The Theatre Development Fund — which works to make theater accessible to all — said Wednesday it will host an autism-friendly performance of Disney’s “The Lion King” Oct. 2 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre as part of a pilot initiative.
From www.disabilityscoop.com, August 23, 2011
USA: Pre-employment Tests Raise Disability Discrimination Concerns
A new tactic companies are employing to weed through job applicants may in fact serve to discriminate against people with disabilities. Businesses are increasingly using so-called “personality tests” as part of their online applications in an effort to assess potential candidates even before making contact. But lawyers are beginning to call out the approach saying that, at least in some cases, the tests may be unlawfully eliminating those with disabilities from applicant pools.
From www.disabilityscoop.com, August 23, 2011
USA: Missouri Teachers Sue to Block Social Media Law
In the face of a lawsuit, a Missouri state senator defended on Saturday a new state law that will prohibit teachers from communicating privately with students over the Internet. A teachers group filed a lawsuit Friday afternoon contending the new lawsuit violates free speech and other rights, but the senator who sponsored it says it does nothing of the kind.
From www.reuters.com, August 22, 2011
Opinion: Can the EU close Europe's Digital Divide?
The European Commission has set ambitious targets. By 2013, each household in the EU should be equipped with at least a basic broadband connection, which usually offers internet at a limited speed. At the moment, coverage for this service reaches over 95 per cent of the bloc's population – although in countries like Poland it is still below 80 per cent, and in rural areas the average is much lower. That leaves almost 25 million EU citizens without a connection.
From www.publicserviceeurope.com, August 22, 2011
TechNews: Smartphone Cameras Bring Independence to Blind People
Snapping an image with your smartphone camera brings more than just a pretty picture if you are blind. With the right app, it can increase your independence.
From www.bbc.co.uk, August 22, 2011
Canada: Accessible Technology Increasingly a Requirement for Businesses
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act, private businesses operating in the province will have to meet new accessibility standards for customer service by the beginning of next year. Other standards will follow over the next few years.
From www.itbusiness.ca, August 22, 2011
USA: MIT Launches New Center for Mobile Learning
The MIT Media Lab has announced the creation of the MIT Center for Mobile Learning, dedicated to transforming education and learning through innovation in mobile computing. The Center's formation is seeded by a gift from Google.
From web.mit.edu, August 18, 2011
Gaming can Promote Mobility, Balance and Coordination in the Ageing Population
Have you ever thought that gaming could make us live better and longer? Europe increasingly needs prevention and health promotion, integrated care, and independent living of elderly people. For this reason, the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing is seeking out creative ways to increase the average healthy lifespan of citizens by two years. One way to achieve this is through focused investments in R&D for breakthrough technology such as natural user interfaces (NUIs)—whereby people use gesture and speech to interact with their PCs and other devices such as Kinect for Xbox 360.
From www.microsoft.eu, August 18, 2011
