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Volume 9; Issue 3; Spring 2007
Assistive technology plays an important role in helping people who are blind or who have significant visual disabilities. Using Braille input and/or Braille output, they are able to take notes, write memos on Post-it® notes, or read a label. Assistive technology provides a means to have email and web content "read aloud." Special software provides access to mathematics for students with low vision, and special canes using echolocation ("sonar") provide independence in movement through the environment. This issue of AT Focus highlights some recent additions to the inventory, and contains an insert with a listing of devices and software in the Lending Library for people who are blind or have very low vision.
This Braille notetaker has a nine-key Braille keyboard, voice output, and a 32-cell refreshable Braille display. The display features thumb navigation by line, sentence, or paragraph. The unit weighs approximately 3 pounds, has 128 MB of storage, a built-in microphone with adjustable recording levels, and two USB ports. It can also serve as a Braille display for a PC screen reader (i.e. JAWS, which must be requested separately). A full Braille manual is included.
Inventory code: NT-BT32NOTE; Cost: $6,195. Also available are: BrailleNote mPower BT 18, a Braille keyboard with an 18-cell display (NT-BT18NOTE, $4,395); BrailleNote mPower QT18, a computer style keyboard with an 18-cell display (NT-QT18NOTE, $4,395); and the VoiceNote mPower QT, which has a computer style keyboard with voice output and no display (NT-VOICENOTE, $1,995). All are by Humanware, 800-722-3393, www.humanware.com
This portable pocket Brailler measures 8 x 4.5 x 2 inches and weighs less than a pound. Using lightweight paper, 4 x 6 index cards or even Post-it® notes, the user can emboss Braille memos using the fast and accurate six key method. This notetaker can Braille twenty cells per line in a left to right motion and has tactile indicators to help the user determine the current line and cell. By turning the Jot-a-Dot over, the user can read the Braille as he/she writes.
Inventory code: HP-JOT; Cost: $345; Independent Living Aids, 800-537-2118, www.independentliving.com
This equipment, available from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, is a lightweight portable reader that is the size of a CD player with an easy load "clamshell" design. It has a 4-line LCD display and audio voicing of key functions and number entry. It also has a numeric keypad, button navigation (by page, chapter or section), the ability to store 1500 bookmarks, adjustable playback speed, and save playback position. It is compatible with DAISY 2.02/DAISY 2.0 and commercial CD and MP3 playback devices.
Inventory code: RE-WAVE-F; Cost: $249; Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, 866-732-3585, www.rfbd.org
The E-Text Reader will read documents on your computer aloud. Besides voice output, other features include the ability to change the voice and reading speed, make notes in the document, and highlight text with four different colors. This software is compatible with standard text, Microsoft Word, HTML, and rich text format (RTF).
Inventory code: CA-SW-ETEXT; Cost: $36; Premier Assistive Technology, 815-722-5961, www.readingmadeez
This handheld device combines a digital camera with a powerful personal data assistant. Just hold NFB Reader’s camera over a few lines or an entire page of print and take a picture. Seconds later you can hear the contents of the printed document (e.g. address labels, menus, memos) in clear synthetic speech. You can easily capture, read, and discard pages, store thousands of pages in memory for later reading, and transfer files to a computer or Braille-aware personal digital assistant (PDA).
Inventory code: RD-KURZ; Cost: $3,495; Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc., 800-894-5374, www.knfbreader.com
This is a stand-alone document reading machine with a loudspeaker for voice output. The user can select voice gender and can vary the speaking speed and pitch. There are two speaking methods: by entire page or line-by line scanning with a cursor. Additional features include a headphone jack, text spelling, word repeat, and easy pause and resume.
Inventory code: RD-PORTSET; Cost: $2,595; Technologies for the Visually Impaired, 866-689-5672, www.tvi-web.com
Virtual Pencil is a mathematics computer software program for students who are blind or have low vision, or students who are unable to use a traditional pencil effectively to solve math problems. This software is not a tutorial, but a tool that can be used to interactively solve math problems. The software does the job of the pencil with guided input from the user: it moves to the right spot on the “paper,” inputs the answers that the user selects, and can edit numbers and variables, copy whole equations or expressions, and insert fractions, square roots or other structures. When used with a screen reader, the numbers and actions are read out loud. The software is compatible with Windows 95 and up. VP Arithmetic handles addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions and decimals. VP Algebra handles quantities, radicals, exponents, subscripts, Greek letters, absolute values, matrices, fractions, and more.
Inventory code: ED-SW-ARITH; Cost: $200.
Inventory code: ED-SW-ALGEBRA; Cost: $400.
Both are from Henter Math, LLC: 888-533-6284, www.hentermath.com (demonstration downloads of both programs are available)
A small portable hard drive that can be hooked up to a screen and keyboard to access Mac computer functions. The Mac Mini 85W comes with the Tiger OS (Operating System). Tiger OS includes VoiceOver, which provides a spoken description of what's happening on the screen. You can read web pages, email messages and word processing files. There are also magnification options and keyboard controls.
Inventory code: HW-MINI; Cost: $800; Apple Computer, Inc.,
800-692-7753, www.apple.com
This 59-inch long folding white cane has a special handle and uses echolocation ("sonar") to detect multiple objects in front of you and at various heights, including head height. Different buttons on the handle indicate where the object is and the strength of the vibration of the handle tells you how far away you are from the object.
Please note: In order to borrow this device the borrower must be actively working with a mobility specialist who can train the borrower in its use. The device must be delivered to the mobility specialist's office.
Inventory code: HP-ULTRA; Cost: $995; LS&S Products, 800-468-4789, www.lssproducts.com
This device is a handheld voice output barcode labeling system. A pen-shaped device reads the special customized code on the labels and plays back recorded messages through a built-in speaker with adjustable volume. The pen is held like a regular writing pen, and the lens at the tip reads the labels that have been pre-recorded and attached to everyday objects, such as cans, file folders, or clothes. The reusable labels have a raised shape so they can be located by touch, and also guide the scanning pen. The pen can be used for reading, recording, erasing, and browsing through labels. This kit includes 100 labels.
Inventory code: HP-VOILA; Cost: $219; Maxi-Aids Inc., 800-522-6294,
www.maxiaids.com
Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library turns 10 this year. In the past 10 years, the Lending Library has processed 26,371 requests, and shipped 42,661 devices. Over 20,000 people with disabilities have borrowed devices. We would like to extend our thanks to all of our Lending Library branches, for helping Pennsylvanians with disabilities, their families, service providers, and employers learn about and access assistive technology.
Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living
209 5th Street
Charleroi, PA 15022
Contact: Michelle Brozinski
Voice: 724-483-4976
Fax: 724-483-4980
Email: Michelle@tripil.com
Web: www.tripil.com
County: Washington
Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living
30 N. Washington Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Contact: Crystal Andrenak
Voice: 724-852-2016
Fax: 724-852-1869
Email: crystal@tripil.com
Web: www.tripil.com
County: Green
The DuBois Village
282 South 8th Street
DuBois, PA 15801
Contact: Millie Donahue
Voice: 814-375-5483
Fax: 814-375-7971
County: Clearfield
Adams County Association for the Blind
340 Seven Stars Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Contact: Ronald Reuse
Voice: 717-337-9497
Email: rreuse@pa.net
Web: www.geocities.com/acab17325
County: Adams
Washington County Faith in Action Program
1000 Jefferson Avenue
Washington, PA 15301
Contact: Candace Bernier
Voice: 724-229-0785
Email: cbfaith@choiceonemail.com
County: Washington
Washington-Green Blind Association
566 East Maiden Street
Washington, PA 15301
Contact: Melissa Walters
Voice: 724-228-0770
Fax: 724-228-6617
Email: washgreene@verizon.net
County: Washington
Oswayo Valley Senior Center
106 South Oswayo Street
Shinglehouse, PA 16748
Contact: Catherine Anders
Voice: 814-697-7178
Email: shingleseniors@yahoo.com
County: Potter
Interfaith Specialty Services, Inc.
1437 W. Cayuga Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Contact: Rev. Angela Lundy
Voice: 215-324-2539 (use 711 Relay)
Email: consult-iss@hotmail.com
Web: www.interfaithspeciality.org
County: Philadelphia
MCAR, Inc.
850 N. Hermitage Road
Hermitage, PA 16148
Contact: Leslie Powell
Voice: 724-981-2950 ext 220
Fax: 724-981-1877
Email: lpowell@mercerarc.org
Web: www.mercerarc.org
County: Mercer
Armstrong Educational Trust
81 Glad Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201
Contact: David English
Voice: 724-543-2599
Fax: 724-545-6127
Email: davidact@alltel.net
Web: www.armstrongedutrust.org
County: Armstrong
Fayette County Association for the Blind
48 Bierer Lane
Uniontown, PA 15401
Contact: Shirley Workman
Voice: 724-437-2791
Fax: 724-439-3085
Email: eyes@1csys.net
County: Fayette
volume 9, issue 3 - Spring 2007
List of inventory in order of inventory code:
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-ALV44 | ALVA 544 Satellite 44 Cell Portable Braille | 6 | $3,150 |
| CA-ALV70 | ALVA 570 Satellite 70 Cell Portable Braille Display | 6 | $10,000 |
| NT-BNS | Braille 'N' Speak 2000 | 4 | $1,300 |
| NT-BNS-PAC | PAC Mate BNS | 4 | $2,336 |
| NT-BRAIL24 | Brailliant 24 Cell Portable Braille Display w/ Win-Eyes | 4 | $3,425 |
| NT-BRAIL40 | Brailliant 40 Cell Portable Braille Display w/ Win-Eyes | 4 | $5,410 |
| NT-BRDESK | BrailleDesk 2000 | 4 | $1,300 |
| NT-BRERGO | Ergo Braille Notetaker | 4 | $1,000 |
| NT-BRPAD | Braille Pad Notetaker | 4 | $1,000 |
| NT-FOCUS-40-F | Focus 40 Refreshable Braille Display | 4 | $3,320 |
| NT-FOCUS-80-F | Focus 80 Refreshable Braille Display | 4 | $6,645 |
| NT-MAESTRO | Maestro Accessible PDA, V 2.0 | 4 | $1,450 |
| NT-PK-NOTE | Braille Note PK, 18 cell | 4 | $4,745 |
| NT-SENSE | Braille Sense | 4 | $4,529 |
| NT-STAR | Braille Star 40 | 4 | $5,410 |
| NT-TYPELITE | Type Lite Notetaker w/ 40 cell Braille Display | 4 | $6,000 |
| NT-BT32NOTE | BrailleNote mPower BT 32 | 4 | $6,195 |
| NT-BT18NOTE | BrailleNote mPower BT 18 | 4 | $4,395 |
| NT-QT18NOTE | BrailleNote mPower QT 18 | 4 | $4,395 |
| NT-VOICENOTE | VoiceNote mPower QT | 4 | $1,995 |
| NT-TNS | Type 'N' Speak 2000 | 4 | $1,400 |
| NT-TNS-PAC | Pac Mate TNS | 4 | $2,336 |
| NT-TRANS | TransType 2000 | 4 | $1,400 |
| NT-SQWERT | SQWERT Notetaker | 4 | $1,100 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-SW-ETEXT | E-Text Reader | 6 | $36 |
| RD-BOOK | Book Port Electronic Reading Device | 4 | $395 |
| RD-HANDCAS | Handi-Cassette II, Talking Book, tape play/record | 2 | $190 |
| RD-SPEXP | Handi-Cassette, Speech Expressor | 2 | $125 |
| RD-TR; | Tape Recorders, 4 Track, Sony | 2 | $75 |
| HW-SCANTK | Scan N Talk, for use with Computer | 6 | $399 |
| RD-EXCAL | Excalibur Reading Machine | 4 | $3495 |
| RD-SIMON | SIMON Reading Machine | 4 | $2195 |
| RD-SARA | SARA Scan & Read Machine | 4 | $2605 |
| RD-OVATION | Ovation Scan and Read, Telesensory | 4 | $3100 |
| RD-PORTSET | Portset Reader | 4 | $2450 |
| RD-KURZ | Kurzweil Reader | 6 | $3495 |
| RE-CLASSIC-F | Victor Reader Classic + | 6 | $263 |
| RE-VICTOR | Victor Talking Book Player for CD's | 6 | $495 |
| RE-WAVE-F | Victor Wave Portable Playback Device | 6 | $187 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-SW-DUXBURY | Duxbury Braille Translator Software | 6 | $595 |
| HP-TIGER | Tiger Cub Jr. Personal Braille Embosser | 6 | $3,995 |
| WR-PERKINS | Perkins Brailler Large Cell | 6 | $900 |
| WR-INTBRAILLE | Tack-Tile Braille Keypad, use w/ Intellikeys | 6 | $250 |
| WR-BRAILLE | Tack-Tile Braille System | 6 | $250 |
| CA-INT-TACT | IntelliTactiles Standard Overlay Companions | 6 | $53 |
| RE-SAL | SAL Braille Instruction System | 6 | $6,533 |
| HP-BASIC-D | Basic-D Braille Embosser, Double Sided | 6 | $3,550 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA-DECK | DecTalk Express | 6 | $825 |
| CA-DHAL | Dolphin Hal Screen Reader for Win CD | 6 | $870 |
| CA-DSUP | Dolphin Supernova Reader Magnifier for Win CD | 6 | $870 |
| CA-DOUB | DoubleTalk LT | 6 | $275 |
| CA-OMNI-F | Kurzweil OMNI 1000, Laptop & Software Ver 6.0 | 6 | $4,000 |
| CA-SW-COL | Connect Outloud, Web Access, Win CD | 6 | $225 |
| CA-SW-HOMEPG | IBM Home Page Reader for Win CD | 6 | $150 |
| CA-SW-JAWS | JAWS 7.0 Screen Reader, Win CD preload by ATLL | 6 | $375 |
| CA-SW-JAWS-TUT | JAWS Tutorial Combo | 6 | $146 |
| CA-SW-TOOL | Talking ToolBox Win Ver. 2.0 | 6 | $45 |
| HW-MINI | Mac Mini 85W | 6 | $800 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED-SW-ALGEBRA | VP Algebra, Math Series | 8 | $700 |
| ED-SW-ARITH | VP Arithmetic, Math Series | 8 | $200 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP-$ID | Note Teller- Money Identifier, Voice Output | 2 | $400 |
| HP-COLORTST | Color Test Unit II | 2 | $670 |
| HP-COMPASS | Braille Compass | 2 | $56 |
| HP-COMPAS | Compass, Digital Talking | 2 | $60 |
| HP-LVTOOL-KIT | Low Vision Tool Kit | 3 | $113 |
| HP-IDMATE | ID Mate Bar Code Reader | 2 | $899 |
| HP-LVK | Low Vision Kit: Brailler, Money Brailler | 3 | $202 |
| HP-PIAF | Pictures in a Flash (PIAF), Tactile Copier | 2 | $1250 |
| HP-PVOICE | Parrot Voice Mate Organizer | 4 | $340 |
| HP-TALARM | Talking Alarm Clock Radio, Reizen | 3 | $40 |
| HP-TALKTAPE | Talking Tape Measure, 16 ft., English | 2 | $80 |
| HP-VOILA | VoiLa- Voiced Labels Recognizer | 2 | $219 |
| AC-VOX | VOXCOM III, Digital Record | 2 | $125 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP-LASER | Training LaserCane & Telemetry System, NT-2000 | 4 | $3,490 |
| HP-ULTRA | UltraCane Electronic Mobility Aid | 4 | $995 |
| Inventory Code | Name | Loan Time (in weeks) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE-BRAILLE-DOT | Braille Book, The Dot | 2 | $20 |
| RE-BRAILLE-LOVE | Braille Book, Guess How Much I Love You | 2 | $20 |
| VIG-KIT | Games: Visually Impaired | 2 | $231 |
Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY)
E-mail: atlend@temple.edu
http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend
Editor: Sandra McNally—ATinfo@temple.edu, 215-204-3370, TTY: 866-268-0579
This publication is available in alternate formats, by request.
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