TechNews: UNICEF Upcycles Oil Drums into Solar-Powered Digital Kiosks for Uganda
Thousands of people in rural Uganda lack access to the kind of information and technology that the rest of us take for granted, but UNICEF is changing all of that with this awesome new solar-powered digital kiosk made of locally-sourced, recycled materials. Since oil drums are a ubiquitous feature of the African landscape and are also very durable, the designers chose to upcycle them into rugged information access points that can withstand the sometimes harsh climate. Read on to check out these bright green, sun-powered babies in action!
From inhabitat.com, November 01, 2011
USA: Massachusetts Grocery Retailer Incorporates Braille in its Labels
When Press executives heard about a blind California boy who launched Braille labels at the Thousand Oaks Whole Foods, they knew it was an effort they wanted to join. Tucked between the Carroll Center for the Blind and the Perkins School for the Blind, National Braille Press President Brian MacDonald knew the Newtonville Whole Foods would serve as an ideal venue.
From www.wickedlocal.com, October 27, 2011
UK: Man Gets Smartphone Dock Built Into Prosthetic Arm
A British man has become the world's first ever patient to have a smartphone docking system built into his prosthetic arm. Mr Prideaux, 50, can call and text his loved ones without moving the mobile, which is embedded into his fibreglass and laminate limb.
From www.telegraph.co.uk, October 27, 2011
USA: FCC's Proposed Internet Captioning Regulations Published
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was published in the Federal Registry today; thus, signaling the deadline for public comments and replies. The FCC is hoping to have these regulations go into effect by January 2012, so there is a tight deadline for input. Comments are due by October 18, while replies to those comments must be received by October 28.
From www.vitac.com, October 20, 2011
MobileTech: New Apps Part of Autistic Kids' Therapy
More parents are turning to apps to improve their children's skills because of the technology's ability to captivate, individualize and offer immediate feedback in ways other therapies can't. The ease and portability of the iPad, released a year and a half ago, is also fueling the growing use.
From www.stltoday.com, October 20, 2011
MobileTech: iPad Apps Every Senior Must Have
iPads are taking the world by storm, and that includes today's tech-savvy seniors. With its small size, easy to read screen, and user-friendly platform, the iPad is the perfect tool for seniors who are looking to stay connected, informed, and entertained. With this explosion of popularity, there are more and more apps being released everyday. Among them are some must-haves that do everything from helping you stay organized to keeping you on top your health. Which is why we decided to search through the thousands of apps out there and find the must-haves for any iPad-toting senior.
From www.housingforseniors.com, October 20, 2011
Video: Bats Inspire Ultrasonic Cane for Blind
The ultrasonic waves used by bats have inspired a new piece of technology which can help blind people to detect obstacles. Developers have come up with stick which can vibrate when it's near objects, so that the user can sense their way around.
From www.bbc.co.uk, October 20, 2011
Ghana: Government Okays ICT Training for the Physically Challenged
Cabinet has approved a training programme under which 5,000 challenged persons are to be equipped with employable skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), mobile phone and computer assembling and repairs. The government/private sector collaboration, which will commence next month, is expected to cost GH¢21,741,410, with rLG Communications Limited, a communications company, absorbing GH¢1,983,000 of the total cost.
From www.modernghana.com, October 19, 2011
USA: Taxis Must Accommodate Wheelchairs
The United States attorney’s office in Manhattan said on Thursday that the lack of wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in New York City violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and it urged a federal judge to force the city to quickly address the problem.
From www.nytimes.com, October 17, 2011
USA: Nuance Aims to Advance Equal Learning Access for Students of All Abilities
Nuance Communications has joined the Liberated Learning Consortium, (LLC), an international group of technology providers, colleges and universities working to advance information accessibility in higher education through the use of speech recognition technology. Nuance Communications, the maker of Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, joins IBM as the second technology company to contribute expertise in support of the Consortium’s mission.
From www.nuance.com, October 17, 2011
