AccessWorld(R) Extra
A bi-monthly e-mail newsletter of additional AccessWorld® content
Volume 8, Number 5
October 2008
"Remove" instructions at bottom
Contents
1. From the Editor
2. Readers' Corner
3. Coming Soon in AccessWorld
4. What's New
5. Contact Us
Note: This material is copyright © 2008, American Foundation for the Blind and may not be reprinted or reproduced electronically without permission. AccessWorld® is a registered trademark of the American Foundation for the Blind.
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1. From the Editor
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Dear AccessWorld Reader: Welcome to the October 2008 edition of AccessWorld Extra, the e-mail newsletter produced by AccessWorld staff members six times per year.
This month's Readers' Corner includes your responses to our questions about your use of video magnifiers/CCTVs. This month, we ask about you and what you would like to read in AccessWorld. We invite all readers, including those who are not visually impaired, to answer this month's survey.
Your comments are always welcome. What do you think of the articles in the current issue of AccessWorld? Do you have any technology questions that you'd like us to answer for you? Perhaps you have a comment on one of the news stories in this issue.
This issue also includes the coming attractions from the November issue of AccessWorld and the latest news.
AccessWorld Extra is designed to be easy to read for everyone. Items are numbered, and you can search for the beginning of the next item, since each item is preceded by a line of equal signs.
Send your comments to accessworld afb net. This e-mail newsletter is meant to provide more of what you have told us you want--more of AccessWorld. We hope you will love it, but if you decide that you want to be taken off the distribution list, please e-mail us at accessworld afb net and let us know. If your e-mail address changes, please also contact us at that address and we will add your new address to the distribution list. If someone forwarded this issue to you, and you would like to be added to our distribution list, please contact us at the same address.
We encourage you to forward AccessWorld Extra to a friend, relative, teacher, or someone else who may benefit from the news and information in AccessWorld. Please help us spread the news that AccessWorld is free for all to read. Just be sure to forward the entire issue, including the copyright notice.
Jay Leventhal
Editor-in-Chief
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2. Readers' Corner
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Here's your forum for talking to us and to each other. This month we ask you about what you would like to read in AccessWorld.
To answer this survey, go to the AccessWorld home page www.afb.org/accessworld and select the link "Take our reader survey." If you are not comfortable answering surveys on the web, you can answer the survey below and e-mail your response to us.
This month's questions are:
What assistive technology do you use to access a computer?
__Screen magnification software
__Screen reader
__Braille display
__PDA
__None
If you use a screen reader, which product do you use?
__Hal
__JAWS
__NVDA
__System Access
__Window-Eyes
Other (please specify)
If you use a screen magnifier, which product do you use?
__MAGic
__Supernova
__ZoomText
Other (please specify)
If you are a user of assistive technology, how would you rate yourself in terms of
expertise?
__Beginner, in need of training
__Intermediate
__Expert, could provide training
Which of the following services would you like to see AccessWorld provide?
__Online chat forum
__Listserv
__Message board
__Blog
__Other: Please describe:
Other than product evaluations, what topics or kinds of information would you like to read about in AccessWorld?
__How-to articles
__Articles on training
__On-the-job profiles of people who are blind or visually impaired
__Interviews with innovators in the assistive technology field
__Web site reviews
__Other (Please specify)
Have you used the "E-mail to a Friend" option at the end of each AccessWorld article to share articles with friends or colleagues?
__Often
__Sometimes
__Rarely
__Never
Have you used the "Braille-Ready" file option to download and read one or more AccessWorld articles in braille?
__Often
__Sometimes
__Rarely
__Never
Please select your age group:
__18 or less
__19 to 30
__31 to 40
__41 to 50
__51 to 60
__60 and over
In what state or province do you live?
____________________
Are you:
__Male
__Female
Which describes your vision best?
__No useful vision
__Little useful vision
__Some useful vision
__Considerable useful vision
__No visual impairment
In August, we asked about video magnifiers/CCTVs. We received only 20 responses.
We asked:
Which type of video magnifier/CCTV do you use most often?
Desktop video magnifier: 18
Flex-arm camera model: 1
Handheld camera model: 1
Head-mounted display model: 0
Electronic pocket model: 0
Digital imaging system, like myReader from HumanWare: 0
Which model of video magnifier do you use?
Clearview+ from Optelec: 6
Telesensory/VTEK Voyager: 3
Aladdin from InSiPhil/Telesensory: 2
Clarity: 2
SmartView from HumanWare: 2
Flipper from Enhanced Vision Systems: 1
TOPAZ from Freedom Scientific: 1
Merlin from Enhanced Vision: 1
Amigo from Enhanced Vision: 1
Magni-Cam: 1
Max from Enhanced Vision: 1
OVAC: 1
How long have you been using video magnifiers?
Less than one year: 1
One to two years: 1
Three to five years: 3
Six to ten years: 3
More than ten years: 12
Which features of your video magnifier do you like best?
Reverse polarity: 14
Adjustable brightness: 13
A reading or x-y table: 9
A built-in light: 9
Adjustable contrast: 8
Computer connectivity: 6
Artificial, high contrast colors: 4
An adjustable height and tilt monitor: 4
Reading lines or markers: 4
Page masking: 1
Which features would you like added to the video magnifier you use most?
More orange/yellow/red color options, more adjustable arms, better lighting/reduced shadows when writing under the unit.
Flex-arm or ability to move camera, permitting machine adaptability to other tasks besides reading.
I might go for portability next time, but I need writing capability under it.
Ability to dim lighting.
Since mine is an older black and white model, sometimes it would be nice to have color for viewing photos. Otherwise, I don't like trying to read through a maze of colors.
Greater range of magnification. Better computer connectivity.
Truly adjustable brightness, adjustable height and tilt monitor, and computer connectivity.
Automatic focus.
I wish it were more portable.
Built-in distance camera.
Longer arm.
On average, how long can you use your video magnifier before getting fatigued?
Less than 15 minutes: 2
16 to 30 minutes: 9
31 minutes to one hour: 5
One to two hours: 2
More than two hours: 2
On average, how much time do you spend per day using your video magnifier?
Less than one hour: 4
One to two hours: 8
Two to five hours: 5
More than five hours: 1
Are you satisfied with the magnification range of your video magnifier?
Yes: 16
No, I would like it to display higher magnification: 3
No, I would like it to display lower magnification: 0
What other low vision devices do you currently use?
Handheld magnifier: 12
Telescope: 3
Monocular: 10
Binoculars: 3
Bioptics: 1
Please add any comments.
1. Writing is a critical feature in a CCTV and not highlighted as such in the reviews from AccessWorld.
Editor's response:
In May 2008, we devoted a whole article to a handwriting feature, "The SenseView Handheld CCTV Adds a Handwriting Feature."
2. My CCTV, manufactured by Telesensory, is no longer functioning, and I am currently looking for another. Minimal vision dictates another desktop unit, but I'm not sure which is best. The new handheld models are wonderful for those with useful sight, but the tiny view area would be useless in my case, as would a laptop screen. With other health problems in addition to very low vision, stress intensifies symptoms. Therefore, "fooling around" with equipment needing many adjustments would result in muscle fatigue, frustration and exhaustion. I currently rely heavily on the computer with screen reader/magnification software, but also need a unit for managing bills, completing forms, sorting small items, etc.
3. I got my first CCTV second hand in 1980. It was a Genensky model. Then I was extremely grateful for a VTEK desktop in the late 1980s at work. I did not have a computer then, and used it for reading trade journals, etc. and for writing notes and pages for a newsletter which were typed into a computer by a secretary. I also used it for reading the newspaper and mail, and for writing notes, letters, and checks. Now I continue using the model I had at work, but I use it mostly for reading mail, except for long documents. For those, I use a scanner and my computer screen reader.
4. Also use two presets of magnification on an earlier Merlin model--one low setting for writing and orienting to a page of print, and one for high reading magnification--all done with a touch of a button, quick and easy. New Merlin does not have this wonderful feature. Also, earlier Merlin had built-in computer connectivity at no extra cost--no longer true. Amigo is great for meetings and travel - enjoy low mag and reverse polarity in different colors. Good for writing on the go.
5. Over the 23 years I've used a CCTV, deteriorating vision has caused me to use a CCTV less and less. At the same time, there has been such an expansion and improvement in information being available electronically--online information, banking and shopping accessible with a screen reader. These have supplanted many of the previous needs I had for a CCTV.
6. Because my vision loss occurred over time, I can no longer use my CCTV. In fact, I sold it not quite three years ago. Many years ago, I used a microscopic eye glass lens and some handheld magnifying glasses, but now and for the past three years, I cannot read anything on the CCTV screen.
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3. Coming Soon in AccessWorld
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We hope you are enjoying the September 2008 AccessWorld, featuring:
You can read the issue for free or download printer-ready or braille-embosser-ready files at www.afb.org/accessworld. Don't miss the November 2008 issue, coming soon. This issue will bring you:
TV or Not TV: The Accessibility of Digital Television Converter Boxes
Darren Burton
On February 17, 2009, all television stations must switch to digital broadcasting by order of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This article discusses the switch, and evaluates four examples of the converter boxes that will be necessary for any television not hooked up to cable or satellite to receive signals. Tune in to find out whether these boxes are accessible.
An Evaluation of VoiceOver, the Macintosh Screen Reader
Jim Denham
We evaluate VoiceOver, Apple's screen reader for the Macintosh computer. We describe the Macintosh environment and discuss VoiceOver's documentation, performance when browsing the web, word processing, working with iTunes, and more. Find out how VoiceOver has improved since its introduction in 2005.
An Evaluation of the knfbReader Mobile
Deborah Kendrick
We review the knfbReader Mobile, an optical character recognition system installed on the Nokia N82 cell phone. This Reader is the next generation following the KnfbReader Classic, a PDA (personal digital assistant) attached to a digital camera, introduced in 2005. The phone's camera takes a picture of the print that you want recognized. When the image is processed, the synthetic voice begins reading the text. Learn how well this product performed.
Do You Really Want to Eat That? Accessibility of Nutrition Information on Restaurant Company Web Sites
Janet Ingber
Some cities now require restaurants to post the nutrition content of the food they serve. Since these signs are not accessible, we visited the web sites of several fast food restaurants to determine whether nutrition information was available and accessible. Restaurant chains reviewed include Starbucks, Dunkin? Donuts, McDonald?s, Burger King, Wendy?s, Taco Bell, Subway, Papa John?s, Domino?s, Baskin-Robbins and TCBY.
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4. What's New?
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Apple Makes iTunes Accessible
An agreement orchestrated by the National Federation of the Blind and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with Apple Inc. has resulted in more accessible products and a promise of more to come. iTunes 8, released in September, has a number of accessibility features built in for blind and visually impaired users. ITunes U (content specifically provided by colleges and universities) is pledged to be fully accessible by the end of 2008, and the iTunes product and iTunes store are supposed to be fully accessible via both Mac and Windows operating systems by June 30, 2009.
Apple Inc. has also contributed $250,000 to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. For more information about the agreement and ensuing plans, visit www.nfb.org.
GW Micro Releases Window-Eyes 7.0 and Scripting
With the release of its latest upgrade, Window-Eyes 7.0, GW Micro says that this latest version represents ?unprecedented maturity.? The version contains several exciting features--support for Firefox 3, Internet Explorer 8, iTunes 8, and more among them.
The most notable--and talked about--improvement, however, has been the addition of scripting capabilities, enabling users to render third-party applications more usable and accessible. According to a recent company news release, Window-Eyes 7.0 employs a scripting interface using tools that already exist in the Windows operating system, allowing ?users new to scripting, seasoned programmers, and everyone in between to take full advantage of this powerful new feature without getting bogged down in a complex and rigid programming environment.? The company has also established a repository through which script users and developers can collaborate and share efforts throughout the community of blind Window-Eyes users.
Window-Eyes 7.0 is a free upgrade to customers with a paid SMA, and costs $175 for those who currently own Window-Eyes 6.1 without an SMA. For more information about the upgrade, visit www.gwmicro.com/sc.
NLS Contract Awarded for Digital Talking Book Players
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) has selected the company that will manufacture the new digital Talking Book players that are designed to accommodate the new digital technology that will eventually replace the audiocassettes NLS currently circulates. Shinano Kenshi Corporation was awarded the multi-million dollar Library of Congress contract for the production of PLEXTALK DAISY Talking Book Players. The initial order, valued at $35 million, was recently placed for 223,837 of the players. The base period of the contract is three years, and there is an option in the contract that could allow it to continue for an additional four years. The first players will be manufactured in late 2008 in Japan at the Plextor factories and will be assembled in accordance with the quality and standards specified by NLS. For more information, contact: NLS: phone: 888-657-7323; e-mail: nls loc gov; web site: www.loc.gov/nls. Shinano Kenshi Corporation: phone: 800-755-0752 or 310-693-7600; e-mail: info shinano com; web site: www.shinano.com or www.plextalk.com/in/index.html.
New Talking Chess Program
BG Chess Challenge is an accessible version of the popular board game. It is
designed to play a good game of chess against an average player. It is not
designed to be world-beating and has not been rated against any other chess
engine. This is the first game in the Blind Gamers series of games which is
designed for all levels of visual acuity. It can be run in one of three
modes: Blind, Vision Impaired or Sighted. Its features include: easy board navigation; helpful function keys to report threats and attacks on pieces and empty
squares; play against the computer or another human player; undo moves; save and resume game; hint key to give you a hint as to your next move; and comprehensive help including a separate document for beginners entitled "How To Play Chess."
For more information, contact: Ian Humphreys: e-mail: games spoonbillsoftware com au; web site: wwwomninet.net.au/~irhumph/blindgamers.htm#CHESSSAPI.
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5. Contact Us
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Editor in Chief
Jay Leventhal: jaylev afb net
Contributing Editors
Founding Editor: Paul Schroeder: pws afb net
Senior Features Editor: Deborah Kendrick: dkk afb net
Darren Burton: dburton afb net
Crista L. Earl: crista afb net
Mark M. Uslan: muslan afb net
Managing Editor
Elizabeth Neal: lneal afb net
Marketing Manager
Sharon Baker-Harris: sharonb afb net
Web site: www.afb.org/accessworld
General e-mail: accessworld afb net
AccessWorld®, AFB's premier technology publication, is a free, web-based magazine. It offers multiple options for reading and sharing content, including a braille embosser-ready file, a printer-friendly version, and an "e-mail this article to a friend" option.
To advertise, contact the AFB Press Advertising Department; phone: 212-502-7652; e-mail: sharonb afb net.
To submit an article, question for the Questions and Answers column, or Letter to the Editor, contact: Jay Leventhal; phone: 212-502-7639; e-mail: jaylev afb net.
AccessWorld Extra is published bi-monthly by American Foundation for the Blind, 11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300, New York, NY 10001. Products included in AccessWorld Extra are not necessarily endorsed by AccessWorld® or AFB staff. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2008, American Foundation for the Blind.
AccessWorld® is a registered trademark of the American Foundation for the Blind.
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