USA: Readers with Visual Disabilities in Des Plaines Benefit from Library’s Assistive Technology
A scanner, magnifiers and specialized software are among the resources available to Des Plaines library customers. Seeing well enough to read may be a challenge for some people with visual disabilities. Des Plaines Public Library, however, has special technology to help them continue to enjoy the printed word. A scanning and reading appliance, also known as SARA, located in the fourth-floor computer lab, scans print material and reads it out loud. An attached computer monitor simultaneously shows the words SARA is reading. It is primarily used by patrons with limited vision, but the machine also may benefit people with dyslexia or reading disabilities and those learning a new language.
From http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2012/01/09/readers-with-visual-disabilities-benefit-from-library%E2%80%99s-assistive-technology/, January 11, 2012
USA: Kinect for Windows is Arriving on Feb 1st
During Steve Ballmer’s CES keynote, he announced that the Kinect for Windows hardware and software would become available on February 1st. It’s set to unleash what we’ve coined the Kinect Effect even further beyond the 18 million Kinect sensors that have been sold to date. With Kinect for Windows, commercial applications can be built that take Kinect far beyond the living room. During the keynote, Steve announced that Citi, Boeing, American Express, Unilever, United Health Group, Mattel and Toyota are just some of the companies we’re already working with to bring their Kinect ideas to life in revolutionary new ways.
From http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/9/2695734/kinect-for-windows-official-availability, January 11, 2012
W3C HTML5 Accessibility Task Force Collates Accessibility Requirements for Audio and Video on Web of Users with Disabilities
The document aggregates the accessibility requirements of users with disabilities that the W3C HTML5 Accessibility Task Force has collected with respect to audio and video on the Web. It first provides an introduction to the needs of users with disabilities in relation to audio and video. Then it explains what alternative content technologies have been developed to help such users gain access to the content of audio and video.
A third section explains how these content technologies fit in the larger picture of accessibility, both technically within a Web user agent and from a production process point of view.
From http://www.w3.org/TR/media-accessibility-reqs/, January 10, 2012
Panasonic Introduces Bluetooth-enabled Hearing Aid Device, Connects to Mobile Phones, TVs
Panasonic launches a new Bluetooth hearing aid for people with hearing disabilities. Panasonic’s Healthcare Group introduces the R1-W Series of hearing aid device that feature Bluetooth connectivity.
From http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2012/01/09/panasonic-introduces-bluetooth-enabled-hearing-aid-connects-to-mobile-phones-tvs/, January 10, 2012
Ghanaian with Disabilities Ask Parliament to Ratify UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled has called on Parliament to ratify without further delay the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Mr Benjamin Amofa, national vice president of the Society, who made the call, noted that the delay in the ratification of the UN Convention had resulted in people’s continued disregard for members’ plight. He was speaking at an annual get-together organized for members of the Dormaa branch of the Society at Dormaa Ahenkro.
From http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2012/01/06/ghanaian-with-disabilities-ask-parliament-to-ratify-un-convention/, January 10, 2012
Tasmanian Disability Groups Want a Review of Air Access for Travelers with Disabilities
Tasmanian disability groups want a review of air access to the state to also consider the needs of travelers with disabilities, but the government says it is not the panel’s focus. A working group of tourism representatives was formed last year after ash clouds and industrial action isolated the state. Margaret Reynolds from National Disability Services says Tasmania has the highest disability rate in the country and the push for extra flights should include more disabled seating.
From http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2012/01/09/tasmanian-disability-groups-want-a-review-of-air-access-for-travelers-with-disabilities/, January 10, 2012
Liquipel Unveils Nanotechnology to Protect Smartphones from Water Damage
Materials developer, Liquipel says that it has developed a process that creates a liquid-repellant coating that is 1,000 times thinner than a human hair but will last the life of the device protected. It not only exceeds cell-phone manufacturers' requirements but actually creates a new category for water-safe electronics with a rating of IP-X7 certification (3 feet under water for 30 minutes), making it the highest performing protective coating in the industry.
From http://www.cellular-news.com/story/52534.php, January 09, 2012
Researchers Describe Smartphone Platform to Monitor Elderly Patients with Chronic Conditions
The need for continuous remote health monitoring is growing, especially amongst elderly patients that suffer from chronic diseases and heart conditions. In efforts to address this need, informaticists in Portugal have proposed a system that relies on remote sensor monitoring combined with mobile and wireless computing devices. In this case, they utilized an Android smart phone with Bluetooth capabilities to collect and analyze vital data in real-time, triggering appropriate reactions in case of eminent dangers.
From http://www.imedicalapps.com/2012/01/researchers-smartphone-platform-elderly-patients-chronic-conditions/, January 09, 2012
Canada: Deaf Groups Outraged Over End to Videophone Trial
Deaf people across the country are pleading with Canadian regulators to retain a videophone service that they say has changed their lives. The service uses sign-language operators who relay messages to deaf people via video phones. It has been in use in Canada for 18 months on a trial basis, but the CRTC, which governs the country’s telephone industry, says the experiment will end on Jan. 15 when funding runs out.
From http://www.theprovince.com/life/Deaf+groups+outraged+over+videophone+trial/5964824/story.html#ixzz1iye0ovyA, January 09, 2012
Nuance's Dragon TV Offers Voice Recognition Platform for Connected Televisions
Nuance isn't skipping a beat in Las Vegas, as the speech recognition company is busy launching a brand new platform that focuses on bringing its technology to connected TVs. According to the company, the platform, called Dragon TV, can be used to build customized voice and touch apps that run on televisions, set-top boxes, phones and tablets. Essentially, the technology will allow the viewer to use their voice to conduct searches, send messages and access plenty of other features, and mobile devices can be used to act as a remote to control the TV.
From http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/nuance-dragon-tv/?a_dgi=aolshare_twitter, January 09, 2012
