All India Confederation of the Blind, invites applications in the prescribed performa (copy enclosed) from deserving visually impaired female college/university going students from the country except States and Union Territories falling in South India and Maharashtra, Goa, Daman and Diu to avail a chance to win a computer with screen reading software through a competitive skill test in computer applications that would be held at the AICB head quarters in Rohini. Ten visually impaired girls will be provided computers with screen readers. The purpose of the competitive skill test is to identify skilled female college going students who can work on computer without any difficulty and for whom computer can prove to be a great help in their educational empowerment.
The applicants must enclose a copy of the following documents with the application format:
latest mark sheet,
id card copy of the college / university they are studying in
Certificate of completion of a computer course in basic commuters
Medical certificate of blindness
A passport size photograph
The last date for receiving duly filled application is 25th February 2010. The applications need to reach :
Sachu Ramalingam
Chairperson-National Women’s Forum
All India Confederation of the Blind
Braille Bhawan, Sector 5
Rohini, Delhi 110085
Short listed candidates would be called for a competitive skill test.
Sachu Ramalingam
Secretary, AICB
Chairperson, National Women’s Forum
--
APPLICATION FORM
To
The Secretary General,
All India Confederation of the Blind,
Sector-5, Rohini,
Delhi-110085
Sub:- Dr. H.E. Schulze Marga Schulze Foundation’s Scheme for grant of Computers with screen readers to visually impaired students
Sir,
I have come to know through AICB’s letter dated 22.10.2009/ its website that your Confederation can assist me by providing a computer and screen reader. I am very much interested to avail of this useful gift for promotion of my educational opportunities. My particulars are as under:-
1) Name in full:
2) Father’s /husband’s Name:
3) Age:
4) Last Examination passed:
5) Name of present Course of Studies:
6) Recipient of DR. H. E. Schulze Marga Schulze Merit Scholarship: from…………………..… to ………………………..
7) Training in computer received from:
8) Period of computer training: From………………… to………………
9) Computer languages known :
a) ……………………………………………………
b) ……………………………………………………
c) ……………………………………………………
d) ……………………………………………………
10) Why computer is essential for me?
I hope and trust that my application will receive favourable consideration from your end. I enclose herewith the following certificates for necessary action.
latest mark sheet,
id card copy of the college / university they are studying in
Certificate of completion of a computer course in basic commuters
Medical certificate of blindness
A passport size photograph
Yours faithfully,
(Signature of the applicant)
Date: Name & Complete address with Telephone number:
…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
Certified that Miss……………………………………….. is a bonafide student of this college/university and is presently studying in ………………………….
(Signature of the Principal with office seal)
Date:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tech Talk-October-December 2009
Ms. Sachu Ramalingam
1. Web Anywhere:
Web Anywhere is a free Web-based screen reader that enables persons with visual disability to access the Web from any computer with a sound card and Internet connection. WebAnywhere enables a user to interact with the Web similar to other screen readers, such as JAWS or Window-Eyes.
This software runs on any computer irrespective of its operating system. It also requires no installation. For quick access to WebAnywhere, type wa.dotcsdot.washingtondot.edu into your browser.
source: webanywhere.cs.washington.edu
2. Reading Pen Oxford Edition:
This amazing little device has been revised and can now scan a word or a whole line from printed text and then display it in large characters. It also reads the word in synthesized speech as well as displays and reads aloud the meaning from the Oxford Concise Dictionary. If you are left-handed it flips its display over.
The reading pen comes with a British English accented voice, simpler menu operation and enhanced scanning. One can also lock the dictionary access for use in tests. It displays syllables, spells words letter-by-letter, read reversed out words - even words split between two lines!
The Quicktionary II Reading Pen has adjustable speech volume, speed and pitch. And it is smaller, handier and with more street cred than the equivalent dictionary! The latest version of the reading pen comes with a touch screen and stylus for those who can write on the pens screen and takes direct input from the user.
source: www.quick-Pen.com/
3. Code Factory, Spain, makers of the “Mobile Speak” Screen Reading Software for mobile phones now offers a permanent license for life!
Mobile Speak 4:
Mobile Speak 4 is Cross-Platform, Touch Compatible and Multi-Voice.
New Features Added:
Cross Platform: You can switch phones as many times as you want, and for free. You can switch from Symbian to Windows Mobile and vice versa. Therefore as long as you do not change phone numbers you can transfer your Mobile Speak or Mobile Magnifier license between devices, free, as many times as you wish.
New Licensing System: The new licensing system is based on user ID and is, therefore, no longer tied to a specific device and your phone number is your user ID.
Automatic Deactivation: No need to deactivate your license from the old device before activating it on a new device.
No More Paperwork: If your phone is stolen, broken or lost, as long as you don't change phone numbers, you don't have to send any kind of certificate, just install the software on your new device and activate it with your User ID.
Change SIM Cards: If you are a GSM user, there will not be any additional cost to change your SIM card as long as your phone number remains the same. This means is that even if you change your GSM service provider, as long as your phone number remains the same, there is no additional cost.
Touch Compatible: With Mobile Speak 4, you can use three different ways to interact with your touch screen mobile phone. You can either use the classic keyboard commands, a new system of easy touchscreen commands, or simply move your finger around the screen and let Mobile Speak tell you what is below your fingertips. The choice is up to you, it will depend on your mobile device, your preferences, or even specific situations.
Phone upgrade licenses to Mobile Speak 4.0
Existing Users of Mobile Speak can upgrade to Mobile Speak 4.0. These Upgrade licenses include a free license for Mobile Magnifier, Mobile Daisy Player, Mobile Colour Recognizer and Games Pack.
For more information, you may contact sole distributors for India & neighboring countries: Braille World, Email: ke@vsnl.com Website: www.karishmaenterprises.com
c
1. Web Anywhere:
Web Anywhere is a free Web-based screen reader that enables persons with visual disability to access the Web from any computer with a sound card and Internet connection. WebAnywhere enables a user to interact with the Web similar to other screen readers, such as JAWS or Window-Eyes.
This software runs on any computer irrespective of its operating system. It also requires no installation. For quick access to WebAnywhere, type wa.dotcsdot.washingtondot.edu into your browser.
source: webanywhere.cs.washington.edu
2. Reading Pen Oxford Edition:
This amazing little device has been revised and can now scan a word or a whole line from printed text and then display it in large characters. It also reads the word in synthesized speech as well as displays and reads aloud the meaning from the Oxford Concise Dictionary. If you are left-handed it flips its display over.
The reading pen comes with a British English accented voice, simpler menu operation and enhanced scanning. One can also lock the dictionary access for use in tests. It displays syllables, spells words letter-by-letter, read reversed out words - even words split between two lines!
The Quicktionary II Reading Pen has adjustable speech volume, speed and pitch. And it is smaller, handier and with more street cred than the equivalent dictionary! The latest version of the reading pen comes with a touch screen and stylus for those who can write on the pens screen and takes direct input from the user.
source: www.quick-Pen.com/
3. Code Factory, Spain, makers of the “Mobile Speak” Screen Reading Software for mobile phones now offers a permanent license for life!
Mobile Speak 4:
Mobile Speak 4 is Cross-Platform, Touch Compatible and Multi-Voice.
New Features Added:
Cross Platform: You can switch phones as many times as you want, and for free. You can switch from Symbian to Windows Mobile and vice versa. Therefore as long as you do not change phone numbers you can transfer your Mobile Speak or Mobile Magnifier license between devices, free, as many times as you wish.
New Licensing System: The new licensing system is based on user ID and is, therefore, no longer tied to a specific device and your phone number is your user ID.
Automatic Deactivation: No need to deactivate your license from the old device before activating it on a new device.
No More Paperwork: If your phone is stolen, broken or lost, as long as you don't change phone numbers, you don't have to send any kind of certificate, just install the software on your new device and activate it with your User ID.
Change SIM Cards: If you are a GSM user, there will not be any additional cost to change your SIM card as long as your phone number remains the same. This means is that even if you change your GSM service provider, as long as your phone number remains the same, there is no additional cost.
Touch Compatible: With Mobile Speak 4, you can use three different ways to interact with your touch screen mobile phone. You can either use the classic keyboard commands, a new system of easy touchscreen commands, or simply move your finger around the screen and let Mobile Speak tell you what is below your fingertips. The choice is up to you, it will depend on your mobile device, your preferences, or even specific situations.
Phone upgrade licenses to Mobile Speak 4.0
Existing Users of Mobile Speak can upgrade to Mobile Speak 4.0. These Upgrade licenses include a free license for Mobile Magnifier, Mobile Daisy Player, Mobile Colour Recognizer and Games Pack.
For more information, you may contact sole distributors for India & neighboring countries: Braille World, Email: ke@vsnl.com Website: www.karishmaenterprises.com
c
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Non-Verbal Communication and Tips for an Effective Hand Shake for Women
Compiled by Sachu Ramalingam
Non Verbal Communication
What we don't say bears more meaning than what we verbalize. We constantly transmit and receive non-verbal messages, often revealing our attitudes and feelings before we say a single word. Once you increase your awareness of these signs and develop your ability to read and understand them - you will greatly improve your ability to communicate and work effectively with others. Each posture, each movement, and each gaze - is a message sent from within. Try and figure out - what is the meaning of each posture? Body Language is the unspoken communication, those subtle messages conveyed without words that are transmitted and received in every Face-to-Face encounter with another human being. These include posture, facial expressions, gestures, mannerisms and your appearance. These messages tell you someone's true feelings towards you and how well your words are being received. Between 60-80% of our message is communicated through our Body Language, only 7-10% is attributable to the actual words of a conversation. Some psychologists claim that the impact you
make on others depends on what you say (7%), how you say it (38%), and by your body language (55%). Since how you sound also conveys a message, 93% of emotion is
communicated without actual words. It's often not what you say that influences others; it's what you don't say. The signals that you send nonverbally suggest attitude, understanding, empathy and ethics. The moment you meet another, they judge you by what they see and feel. The process takes less than 10 seconds but the impression is permanent. The signals that you send during this first contact may make or break a sale or change the outcome of any meeting. Your ability to read and understand another person's Body.
Language can mean the difference between making a great impression or a very bad one! It could help you in that job interview, that meeting, that business function, or special date!
Everyone has experienced the feeling that they have just been lied to, haven't they? The words of the conversation probably weren't what we noticed as a direct lie. It was more
likely to be the body movements and signals that gave them away. Darting eyes, palms not visible, shifting from one foot to another, hand covering mouth or fingers tugging at the ear are clues. All the clues are there. Our subconscious picks them up, and if we're lucky enough to be perceptive, decodes them and tells us that the words and gestures don't match!
Whenever there is a conflict between the words that someone says and their body signals and movements, we almost always believe their body! Non-verbal signs are very effective. They have a crucial influence on communicational processes, on the impression you create and the manner in which others treat you. Understanding the messages transmitted through the body is of considerable importance in order to improve communication skills, to advance your personal and professional targets and to increase personal effectiveness in inter-personal contacts.
So, being aware of the cues and signals being sent to you by others is a crucial skill if you want to understand a person's attitude towards you, regardless of what they are saying. Make Your Body Language Work for You! Learn how to use it to influence others or to create the right impact at first sight. To be effective in your communication and to gain the competitive edge in business, practice some of the following areas of body language.
1. NOTHING CROSSED. Keep arms, legs and feet relaxed and uncrossed. Also, if you are wearing a jacket, open it up. It relays the message I am open and honest with you.
2. LEAN FORWARD. Move within 6 to 8 feet of your client. Lean slightly forward. Interested people always pay attention and lean forward. Leaning backwards demonstrates aloofness or rejection.
3. MIRRORING. Pay attention to your clients breathing and the pace that they are talking at. Is it fast or slow, then mirror them. If they cross their legs, slowly do the same.
4. DIRECT EYE CONTACT. Direct eye contact is a compliment to most people and builds trust in you but be aware of the customs of people from other countries. It may be a sign of disrespect.
5. HANDSHAKE. Not too hard and not too soft. Pay attention to how you are shaking someone’s hand.
Source: Amended from Raam consultants- Body Language & Non Verbal
Communication
Tips for Effective Handshaking
1 Always shake from a standing position.
2 Make immediate eye contact, if possible, and smile.
3 Do not pull away from the handshake too quickly, as this sends a message that you don't want to get too close.
4 Hold the other person's hand for a split second longer than duty requires. This practice conveys confidence and pleasure in meeting the person.
5 Whenever possible, volunteer your name first. It shows confidence and self-control.
6 Offer your hand first and firmly grasp the other person's palm. Avoid clasping the other person's fingers, as this may appear condescending.
7 A man no longer has to wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Women should shake hands with each other as well as with male associates.
8 Repeat the name of the person to whom you are being introduced, for example, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elaine." This is courteous; it also helps you remember the other person's name.
9 Be conscious of the strength of your grip. The "bonecrusher" handshake says that you are either a bully, or are insecure and have something to prove. Too soft a handshake speaks of insecurity.
10 Hand positions can communicate dominance or submission. An upturned palm indicates submissiveness. A down-turned palm shows a need for power.
11 To show warmth and sincerity you can use the two-handed handshake. Shake with one hand while clasping the outside of the person's hand with the other. Use this only with people you know very well.
12 If you are drinking a cold beverage, hold the glass in your left hand to avoid shaking with a clammy right hand.
13 Wear your nametag on your right side. It can be read more easily by the other person as you shake hands.
14 If you suffer from sweaty palms, keep a tissue in your pocket. Squeeze it prior to shaking hands. Washing your hands in advance with hot water will delay perspiration.
Source: Usheroff Institute
Non Verbal Communication
What we don't say bears more meaning than what we verbalize. We constantly transmit and receive non-verbal messages, often revealing our attitudes and feelings before we say a single word. Once you increase your awareness of these signs and develop your ability to read and understand them - you will greatly improve your ability to communicate and work effectively with others. Each posture, each movement, and each gaze - is a message sent from within. Try and figure out - what is the meaning of each posture? Body Language is the unspoken communication, those subtle messages conveyed without words that are transmitted and received in every Face-to-Face encounter with another human being. These include posture, facial expressions, gestures, mannerisms and your appearance. These messages tell you someone's true feelings towards you and how well your words are being received. Between 60-80% of our message is communicated through our Body Language, only 7-10% is attributable to the actual words of a conversation. Some psychologists claim that the impact you
make on others depends on what you say (7%), how you say it (38%), and by your body language (55%). Since how you sound also conveys a message, 93% of emotion is
communicated without actual words. It's often not what you say that influences others; it's what you don't say. The signals that you send nonverbally suggest attitude, understanding, empathy and ethics. The moment you meet another, they judge you by what they see and feel. The process takes less than 10 seconds but the impression is permanent. The signals that you send during this first contact may make or break a sale or change the outcome of any meeting. Your ability to read and understand another person's Body.
Language can mean the difference between making a great impression or a very bad one! It could help you in that job interview, that meeting, that business function, or special date!
Everyone has experienced the feeling that they have just been lied to, haven't they? The words of the conversation probably weren't what we noticed as a direct lie. It was more
likely to be the body movements and signals that gave them away. Darting eyes, palms not visible, shifting from one foot to another, hand covering mouth or fingers tugging at the ear are clues. All the clues are there. Our subconscious picks them up, and if we're lucky enough to be perceptive, decodes them and tells us that the words and gestures don't match!
Whenever there is a conflict between the words that someone says and their body signals and movements, we almost always believe their body! Non-verbal signs are very effective. They have a crucial influence on communicational processes, on the impression you create and the manner in which others treat you. Understanding the messages transmitted through the body is of considerable importance in order to improve communication skills, to advance your personal and professional targets and to increase personal effectiveness in inter-personal contacts.
So, being aware of the cues and signals being sent to you by others is a crucial skill if you want to understand a person's attitude towards you, regardless of what they are saying. Make Your Body Language Work for You! Learn how to use it to influence others or to create the right impact at first sight. To be effective in your communication and to gain the competitive edge in business, practice some of the following areas of body language.
1. NOTHING CROSSED. Keep arms, legs and feet relaxed and uncrossed. Also, if you are wearing a jacket, open it up. It relays the message I am open and honest with you.
2. LEAN FORWARD. Move within 6 to 8 feet of your client. Lean slightly forward. Interested people always pay attention and lean forward. Leaning backwards demonstrates aloofness or rejection.
3. MIRRORING. Pay attention to your clients breathing and the pace that they are talking at. Is it fast or slow, then mirror them. If they cross their legs, slowly do the same.
4. DIRECT EYE CONTACT. Direct eye contact is a compliment to most people and builds trust in you but be aware of the customs of people from other countries. It may be a sign of disrespect.
5. HANDSHAKE. Not too hard and not too soft. Pay attention to how you are shaking someone’s hand.
Source: Amended from Raam consultants- Body Language & Non Verbal
Communication
Tips for Effective Handshaking
1 Always shake from a standing position.
2 Make immediate eye contact, if possible, and smile.
3 Do not pull away from the handshake too quickly, as this sends a message that you don't want to get too close.
4 Hold the other person's hand for a split second longer than duty requires. This practice conveys confidence and pleasure in meeting the person.
5 Whenever possible, volunteer your name first. It shows confidence and self-control.
6 Offer your hand first and firmly grasp the other person's palm. Avoid clasping the other person's fingers, as this may appear condescending.
7 A man no longer has to wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Women should shake hands with each other as well as with male associates.
8 Repeat the name of the person to whom you are being introduced, for example, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elaine." This is courteous; it also helps you remember the other person's name.
9 Be conscious of the strength of your grip. The "bonecrusher" handshake says that you are either a bully, or are insecure and have something to prove. Too soft a handshake speaks of insecurity.
10 Hand positions can communicate dominance or submission. An upturned palm indicates submissiveness. A down-turned palm shows a need for power.
11 To show warmth and sincerity you can use the two-handed handshake. Shake with one hand while clasping the outside of the person's hand with the other. Use this only with people you know very well.
12 If you are drinking a cold beverage, hold the glass in your left hand to avoid shaking with a clammy right hand.
13 Wear your nametag on your right side. It can be read more easily by the other person as you shake hands.
14 If you suffer from sweaty palms, keep a tissue in your pocket. Squeeze it prior to shaking hands. Washing your hands in advance with hot water will delay perspiration.
Source: Usheroff Institute
TECH TALK
Compiled By Sachu Ramalingam
1. Laptop stand:
Logitech is a Swiss firm with a very strong research and development wing and if you have a laptop you can take it to new heights with their Notebook stand. The Notebook stand comes with a cordless keyboard and a very convenient 3-port USB hub. The stand makes you feel as if you are working on a desktop. Prices range between Rs 4,500 and Rs 7,000, depending on the features you want.
2. Universal Remote
With a single remote you can control your TV, DVD player, computer, lighting controls, fans, ACs and just about any device you can think of. To set it up, all you have to do is connect to the Internet with the USB cable provided and enter your equipment model number and answer a few simple questions. The database already includes 175,000 devices from over 5,000 manufacturers. If you have a remote controlled device, you can add it to the database and just use your Universal remote. There is no need to worry about walls and pillars and doors blocking your signals. You can control equipment inside a cabinet or even in the next room. At present it is available at Imagine at City Centre, Salt Lake, Calcutta and many other places.
3. NEW ZOOMTEXT USB RELEASED
Ai Squared recently released ZoomText USB, a portable program on a USB
memory drive that fits in your pocket or around your neck on the included lanyard. The drive enables users to install and run ZoomText wherever and whenever needed without having to purchase additional licensing or worry about
activating each installation. Just plug in the USB drive and, if ZoomText has already been installed on the system, immediately use the software. If ZoomText
hasn't been installed, a low-vision--friendly setup program launches for a quick
installation. The user settings are saved back to the USB drive and load automatically each time the drive is used. For more information, visit www.aisquared.com or call 1-800-859-0270.
4. NEWS FROM MICROSOFT
Microsoft and the Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) Consortium recently announced a joint development project that will make it possible for computer users who are blind or print-disabled to gain access to more written content by using assistive technology. This project will be a reference model for other Open XML solution models. It will be available on SourceForge.net, and will yield a free, downloadable plug-in for Microsoft Word that will enable users to translate Open XML-based documents into DAISY XML, the standard for reading and publishing navigable multimedia content. When it becomes available in early 2008, the "Save as DAISY" feature will mean that people with print disabilities will have better access to the information in billions of documents.
5. AOL BECOMES ACCESSIBLE
AOL has recently launched a new web interface, Websuite Lite, which makes the dynamic Web 2.0 interface accessible for users who are blind. The team that designed the interface was led by Tom Wlodkowski, a blind man who experienced the challenges Web 2.0 applications presented firsthand. To further enhance web accessibility, AOL also released a new Java script library that makes it easier for web developers to implement accessible features with modern Web 2.0 sites.
1. Laptop stand:
Logitech is a Swiss firm with a very strong research and development wing and if you have a laptop you can take it to new heights with their Notebook stand. The Notebook stand comes with a cordless keyboard and a very convenient 3-port USB hub. The stand makes you feel as if you are working on a desktop. Prices range between Rs 4,500 and Rs 7,000, depending on the features you want.
2. Universal Remote
With a single remote you can control your TV, DVD player, computer, lighting controls, fans, ACs and just about any device you can think of. To set it up, all you have to do is connect to the Internet with the USB cable provided and enter your equipment model number and answer a few simple questions. The database already includes 175,000 devices from over 5,000 manufacturers. If you have a remote controlled device, you can add it to the database and just use your Universal remote. There is no need to worry about walls and pillars and doors blocking your signals. You can control equipment inside a cabinet or even in the next room. At present it is available at Imagine at City Centre, Salt Lake, Calcutta and many other places.
3. NEW ZOOMTEXT USB RELEASED
Ai Squared recently released ZoomText USB, a portable program on a USB
memory drive that fits in your pocket or around your neck on the included lanyard. The drive enables users to install and run ZoomText wherever and whenever needed without having to purchase additional licensing or worry about
activating each installation. Just plug in the USB drive and, if ZoomText has already been installed on the system, immediately use the software. If ZoomText
hasn't been installed, a low-vision--friendly setup program launches for a quick
installation. The user settings are saved back to the USB drive and load automatically each time the drive is used. For more information, visit www.aisquared.com or call 1-800-859-0270.
4. NEWS FROM MICROSOFT
Microsoft and the Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) Consortium recently announced a joint development project that will make it possible for computer users who are blind or print-disabled to gain access to more written content by using assistive technology. This project will be a reference model for other Open XML solution models. It will be available on SourceForge.net, and will yield a free, downloadable plug-in for Microsoft Word that will enable users to translate Open XML-based documents into DAISY XML, the standard for reading and publishing navigable multimedia content. When it becomes available in early 2008, the "Save as DAISY" feature will mean that people with print disabilities will have better access to the information in billions of documents.
5. AOL BECOMES ACCESSIBLE
AOL has recently launched a new web interface, Websuite Lite, which makes the dynamic Web 2.0 interface accessible for users who are blind. The team that designed the interface was led by Tom Wlodkowski, a blind man who experienced the challenges Web 2.0 applications presented firsthand. To further enhance web accessibility, AOL also released a new Java script library that makes it easier for web developers to implement accessible features with modern Web 2.0 sites.
David Paterson, the second legally blind chief state executive and Governor of Albany, US
The New York Times
The Vision Thing
By STEPHEN KUUSISTO
Published: March 14, 2008
By STEPHEN KUUSISTO
Published: March 14, 2008
WHEN David Paterson takes the oath of office in Albany on Monday, he will not only become the third African-American governor since Reconstruction, he will also be only the second legally blind chief state executive (the first being Bob Cowley Riley, who was governor of Arkansas for 11 days in 1975). I think it’s a safe bet that Governor Paterson’s visual impairment will be harder for the public to understand than his race.
Blindness is often thought of as an either-or condition: a person can see or he can’t. Terms like “low vision” or “legal blindness” are mysterious. Spotting me with my guide dog in Grand Central Terminal when I was in New York recently, a stranger asked: “How blind are you? I mean, you don’t look blind.” I told him I can see colors and fog. “Oh,” he said with obvious puzzlement, “colors and fog.”
Tens of thousands of people with severely limited vision or who are legally blind have delicate and even intricate forms of sight. I think of it as like living inside a painting by Jackson Pollock — our sight is real but hard to explain. The images are sometimes indecipherable.
David Paterson’s blindness isn’t identical to mine. He lost his vision because of a childhood illness. I was born prematurely and my retinas were damaged by incubation. He can see some images with his right eye and nothing with his left. I see the world from inside an abstract painting. Still, we’re almost the same age and both of us were sent to public schools in the early ’60s, an era when visually impaired children didn’t usually receive a mainstream education. We both learned early on how to make serious use of our ears. I imagine the future governor’s information-gathering skills are supple and inexhaustible.
Blind people are invariably creative and resourceful. Obviously we’re good listeners. But what people may not know is that learning to have a keen sense for what others are talking about requires developing an equally sharp curiosity about human beings. When people talk to me, I can’t just listen; I am also compelled to take stock of the person behind the words. This means asking questions that might not occur to people who can see. One of my students recently observed that I ask people in my classes to explain the things that they customarily overlook. “You ask things like ‘What was the first thing you said to yourself this morning?’” she pointed out. “You challenge us to recall the forgotten things.”
I can’t afford forgotten things. Blind folks must constantly keep track of what we learn and memorize our surroundings. For us, an unfamiliar setting that a sighted person could map out in a glance is a puzzle that requires agile problem-solving. On occasion we even need to ask strangers for advice.
New Yorkers will no doubt discover that Mr. Paterson will take great interest in the details of governance and that this will require him to take sincere interest in people. He’ll ask more questions than your average politician. And those who work in his administration will find that they are important not simply for knowing things but because they can describe how they learned those things in the first place. That’s perhaps the most important thing for the public to understand about professionals who are blind — we are by nature tireless in acquiring information, and we remember virtually every detail of what we read or hear.
Sometimes I ask my students to notice the words they’re saying, and then I ask them to listen once more to the things they may have missed. In the world of blindness this skill is part of “orientation and mobility.” Blind people can navigate independently because they can interpret what they hear. They can differentiate between the sound of traffic moving forward and cars in the turning lane. And yes, if you have a visual impairment you are likely practiced at being patient.
I’m guessing there are some who wonder whether a blind man is up to the job of governing the Empire State. Even though there are 10 million blind or visually impaired Americans, many people have never seen one of them in a job of such responsibility — or in any professional role at all. Even though it has been close to 20 years since the adoption of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the unemployment rate for the blind is estimated to be 70 percent. In this era of superb computer screen-reading software and talking P.D.A. devices, when many blind Americans are college graduates, this statistic implies that the public still doesn’t fully understand how talented visually impaired professionals are.
That’s fine. New Yorkers once underestimated Franklin Roosevelt. Now David Paterson can show how a legally blind person can lead.
Stephen Kuusisto, who teaches creative nonfiction writing at the University of Iowa, is the author, most recently, of “Eavesdropping: A Memoir of Blindness and Listening.”
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nokia mobile that reads, dedicated to visually disabled
(Text as issued by AICB)
K-NFB Reading Technology, a company that combines the search and development efforts of the National Federation of the Blind and Kurzeil Technologies, has unveiled a reading software for blind people as well as those with visual and learning disabilities. It has been paired with the Nokia N82 handset, offering the smallest text-to-speech reading device till date.
Known as the Reader Mobile product line, it includes the kntbREADER and the kREADER which allow blind users lo hear the content of the document in clear synthetic speech. For users who can see the screen and those with learning disabilities, the device will can enlarge, read, track and highlight printed materials using the N82 handset's easy-to-read display.
Further, the Nokia N82 device integrates a high-resolution camera, thus the Reader software offers effective text-to-speech conversion and Kurzweil's intelligent image processing software, further enhancing real-world images captured by the phone's camera. Users will be able to take pictures of just about anything and then comprehend the printed material using this software.
Further, blind users will have easy access to functions like video/music playback, GPS, wireless communications, photography, email, text messaging, calendar and task functions.
It's a good thing that the Reader and the mobile phone when bundled together weighs just 4.2 ounces.
According to Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, "The kntbREADFR Mobile will allow the blind unprecedented access to the printed word, affording a level of flexibility and capability never before available. No other device in the history of technology has provided such portability and quick access to print materials. The NFB promotes equal opportunity for the blind, and this Reader will make blind people dramatically more independent. The result will be better performance at work, at school, at home, and everywhere else we go. This Reader will substantially improve the quality of life for the growing number of blind people and people who are losing vision, including seniors."
Ray Kurzweil, President and CEO of K-NFB Reading Technology said, "Technology that enlarges the printed word or converts it to speech has dramatically improved the lives of millions of Americans with many types of disabilities, enabling them to read and comprehend printed materials to which they never before had access."
Interestingly, the first machine of this type was around the size of a washing machine! Hence, it was not really accessible to people. Now, this innovation has created opportunities disabled people never had considered before due to the large amounts of reading required in certain occupations, concluded Kurzweil.
It really is great that technology is being put to good use. Now, the dyslexic, visually disabled and even the blind will be able to read.
K-NFB Reading Technology, a company that combines the search and development efforts of the National Federation of the Blind and Kurzeil Technologies, has unveiled a reading software for blind people as well as those with visual and learning disabilities. It has been paired with the Nokia N82 handset, offering the smallest text-to-speech reading device till date.
Known as the Reader Mobile product line, it includes the kntbREADER and the kREADER which allow blind users lo hear the content of the document in clear synthetic speech. For users who can see the screen and those with learning disabilities, the device will can enlarge, read, track and highlight printed materials using the N82 handset's easy-to-read display.
Further, the Nokia N82 device integrates a high-resolution camera, thus the Reader software offers effective text-to-speech conversion and Kurzweil's intelligent image processing software, further enhancing real-world images captured by the phone's camera. Users will be able to take pictures of just about anything and then comprehend the printed material using this software.
Further, blind users will have easy access to functions like video/music playback, GPS, wireless communications, photography, email, text messaging, calendar and task functions.
It's a good thing that the Reader and the mobile phone when bundled together weighs just 4.2 ounces.
According to Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, "The kntbREADFR Mobile will allow the blind unprecedented access to the printed word, affording a level of flexibility and capability never before available. No other device in the history of technology has provided such portability and quick access to print materials. The NFB promotes equal opportunity for the blind, and this Reader will make blind people dramatically more independent. The result will be better performance at work, at school, at home, and everywhere else we go. This Reader will substantially improve the quality of life for the growing number of blind people and people who are losing vision, including seniors."
Ray Kurzweil, President and CEO of K-NFB Reading Technology said, "Technology that enlarges the printed word or converts it to speech has dramatically improved the lives of millions of Americans with many types of disabilities, enabling them to read and comprehend printed materials to which they never before had access."
Interestingly, the first machine of this type was around the size of a washing machine! Hence, it was not really accessible to people. Now, this innovation has created opportunities disabled people never had considered before due to the large amounts of reading required in certain occupations, concluded Kurzweil.
It really is great that technology is being put to good use. Now, the dyslexic, visually disabled and even the blind will be able to read.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
High Court Order-Braille Books Dated 11.12.2007
IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI W.P.(C) 3944/2007
ALL INDIA CONFEDERATION OF THE .....
Petitioner Through Mr.Rajan Mani, Advocate.
versus GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI and ANR .....
Respondent Through Ms.Avnish Ahlawat, Advocate.
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S. RAVINDRA BHAT
O R D E R 11.12.2007
Learned counsel for the respondent submitted that steps would be taken to place orders to the students who have to be supplied Braille textbooks for the forthcoming academic year 2008-09. It is submitted that a time schedule for placing orders in all succeeding years to assess the need of the students would be evolved in an appropriate scheme. It is also submitted that the textbooks could be supplied henceforth free of cost to the students who are in need. It is submitted that the textbooks would be from the standard prescribed curricula from approved institutions i.e. NCERT and SCERT. List on 10th January, 2008. W.P.(C) 3944/2007 page 1 of 2 In the meanwhile, the scheme containing the time schedule for assessing the need of the students to enable timely supply of the textbooks along with affidavits shall be filed before the next date of hearing. Order dasti.
S. RAVINDRA BHAT. J
DECEMBER 11, 2007
'sn'
ALL INDIA CONFEDERATION OF THE .....
Petitioner Through Mr.Rajan Mani, Advocate.
versus GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI and ANR .....
Respondent Through Ms.Avnish Ahlawat, Advocate.
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S. RAVINDRA BHAT
O R D E R 11.12.2007
Learned counsel for the respondent submitted that steps would be taken to place orders to the students who have to be supplied Braille textbooks for the forthcoming academic year 2008-09. It is submitted that a time schedule for placing orders in all succeeding years to assess the need of the students would be evolved in an appropriate scheme. It is also submitted that the textbooks could be supplied henceforth free of cost to the students who are in need. It is submitted that the textbooks would be from the standard prescribed curricula from approved institutions i.e. NCERT and SCERT. List on 10th January, 2008. W.P.(C) 3944/2007 page 1 of 2 In the meanwhile, the scheme containing the time schedule for assessing the need of the students to enable timely supply of the textbooks along with affidavits shall be filed before the next date of hearing. Order dasti.
S. RAVINDRA BHAT. J
DECEMBER 11, 2007
'sn'
Sunday, January 20, 2008
INFOTALK FOR THE VI 1
1. Punjab National Bank has for the first time sound output service (screen reading software) at their ATMs. This has been tested and implemented at the ATM that is operational at 2-Nehru Place, Jaipur. PNB has come forward to issue ATM plus debit card of the bank to visually impaired persons on merit basis as per head office order dated 29th October 2007.
2. Job portal for disabled people
A job portal for persons with disabilities has been launched at Bengaluru. The Department of Welfare of Disabled people and Senior Citizens in collaboration with Partners in Change (PiC), a non–governmental organisation, has developed a website that will enable persons with disabilities to look for employment opportunities in various sectors.
Speaking to press persons, M.V. Vedamurthy, Director, said: "Around 36,000 persons with disabilities have enrolled themselves with the employment exchange and the department is collecting their details and will put this up on the website. Companies willing to recruit disabled persons can visit the website and get information on eligible candidates."
The website, www.karnatakapwdjobs.com will allow persons with disabilities to hunt for jobs anywhere in India and provides for companies to post their jobs free of charge.
According to Mr. Vedamurthy, the department is implementing the rural rehabilitation scheme that would provide jobs to 5,828 persons as well as enable persons with disabilities to avail themselves of all the schemes and benefits they were entitled to from the different departments at their doorstep through the rural rehabilitation workers at the gram panchayat level. The government had sanctioned Rs. 5.92 crore for this programme, he added.
3. Website launched for the benefit of the disabled
A website has been launched by UDIS Forum, a network facilitating employment of persons with disabilities and AES Technologies (India) Private Limited to facilitate information exchange between organisations working for persons with disabilities here recently. The website, Disability Alliance of Voluntary Organisations (www.davo.in),
Which, went online on December 30, contains profiles of institutions working in the disability sector, current developments in disability welfare, job opportunities for people with disabilities and Government initiatives and schemes. Formally launching the website, J. J. Jesuraj, District Disabled Rehabilitation Officer, said it would provide an excellent platform for the voluntary organisations to exchange their resources.
President of the forum, M.N.G. Mani, said the website would provide news on international trends and innovative practices in disability management. "A screening
committee consisting of representatives of leading voluntary organizations and disabled persons has been constituted to review the contents of the website regularly," Mr. Mani said.
The website would be a source for parents, persons with disabilities, professionals, and the public to find out about the training facilities available for children and adults with disabilities, employment counseling.
4. A technology conference with a difference:
IBM India announced the setting up of India's first ever Human Ability and Accessibility Centre in New Delhi, a centre that will create software to assist disabled people become tech savvy.
The Managing Director IBM India, Shanker Annaswamy says, "The idea is to enable tech ability of human beings using the available technology." IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Director, Francis West says, "The traditional view of disability is that they are a group of people that we have to help and therefore it's more of a charity sense of relationship."
On display were the accessibility products intended to make life easier for disabled people and get them into the mainstream. This software translates spoken Hindi into text. It makes web–browsing easy by customising font sizes, background and page–layouts. IBM says that the initial response has been good.
"The Government has participated, the National Trust has participated as has the department of social justice," says Annaswamy.
Annaswamy says that the goal is to make the software affordable. "We will work with our partners to make sure that it is accessible to them," he says. While this could be the best gift that these specially–abled people could get, the accessibility and affordability of the product will decide its success.
2. Job portal for disabled people
A job portal for persons with disabilities has been launched at Bengaluru. The Department of Welfare of Disabled people and Senior Citizens in collaboration with Partners in Change (PiC), a non–governmental organisation, has developed a website that will enable persons with disabilities to look for employment opportunities in various sectors.
Speaking to press persons, M.V. Vedamurthy, Director, said: "Around 36,000 persons with disabilities have enrolled themselves with the employment exchange and the department is collecting their details and will put this up on the website. Companies willing to recruit disabled persons can visit the website and get information on eligible candidates."
The website, www.karnatakapwdjobs.com will allow persons with disabilities to hunt for jobs anywhere in India and provides for companies to post their jobs free of charge.
According to Mr. Vedamurthy, the department is implementing the rural rehabilitation scheme that would provide jobs to 5,828 persons as well as enable persons with disabilities to avail themselves of all the schemes and benefits they were entitled to from the different departments at their doorstep through the rural rehabilitation workers at the gram panchayat level. The government had sanctioned Rs. 5.92 crore for this programme, he added.
3. Website launched for the benefit of the disabled
A website has been launched by UDIS Forum, a network facilitating employment of persons with disabilities and AES Technologies (India) Private Limited to facilitate information exchange between organisations working for persons with disabilities here recently. The website, Disability Alliance of Voluntary Organisations (www.davo.in),
Which, went online on December 30, contains profiles of institutions working in the disability sector, current developments in disability welfare, job opportunities for people with disabilities and Government initiatives and schemes. Formally launching the website, J. J. Jesuraj, District Disabled Rehabilitation Officer, said it would provide an excellent platform for the voluntary organisations to exchange their resources.
President of the forum, M.N.G. Mani, said the website would provide news on international trends and innovative practices in disability management. "A screening
committee consisting of representatives of leading voluntary organizations and disabled persons has been constituted to review the contents of the website regularly," Mr. Mani said.
The website would be a source for parents, persons with disabilities, professionals, and the public to find out about the training facilities available for children and adults with disabilities, employment counseling.
4. A technology conference with a difference:
IBM India announced the setting up of India's first ever Human Ability and Accessibility Centre in New Delhi, a centre that will create software to assist disabled people become tech savvy.
The Managing Director IBM India, Shanker Annaswamy says, "The idea is to enable tech ability of human beings using the available technology." IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Director, Francis West says, "The traditional view of disability is that they are a group of people that we have to help and therefore it's more of a charity sense of relationship."
On display were the accessibility products intended to make life easier for disabled people and get them into the mainstream. This software translates spoken Hindi into text. It makes web–browsing easy by customising font sizes, background and page–layouts. IBM says that the initial response has been good.
"The Government has participated, the National Trust has participated as has the department of social justice," says Annaswamy.
Annaswamy says that the goal is to make the software affordable. "We will work with our partners to make sure that it is accessible to them," he says. While this could be the best gift that these specially–abled people could get, the accessibility and affordability of the product will decide its success.
Tech Talk-A Compilation of Technology News 1
1. How about wearing a computer today?
It might be not long before you start wearing a computer just as you put on your shoes, watch and jacket. "As general computing systems become smaller, we are reaching a point at which it becomes conceivable to don these devices easily," Andy Fagg of the computer science faculty at the University of Massachusetts has been quoted by online Science Daily as saying.
Fagg, who is developing a wearable computer, said such a device offers access to information and communication resources at any time during walking hours. "It isn't about being able to write a paper or send an e-mail while you are grocery store. It's about having digital assistance as you go about your life," he added.
Fagg's aim, ScienceDaily said, is to teach the computer to "notice" a user's routines and offer information accordingly. For instance, if the computer notices that he enters a conference room at a particular time, "it should figure out he is going to a meeting and pull out appropriate documents, including minutes of the last meeting, and notes from related discussions."
Another example offered by him: "I could tell the system I'm going to be cooking a certain recipe for dinner. The system will know what I have in the kitchen cabinets at home. If I drive near the grocery store, it wakes up and whispers, 'Don't forget to stop at the grocery store, and by the way, you need these three items for the dinner you want to cook tonight.'"
One current challenge, Fagg said, is teaching the computer to interrupt him - politely. "The machine should present information at the appropriate time, and in the appropriate way. I don't care what I need at the grocery store if I'm sitting in my office," he pointed out.
"Nor do I want it to convey information visually while I'm driving the car, although it's okay for it to occasionally whisper in my ear." It is possible to make wearable computers because microprocessors are getting smaller every year, Fagg was quoted as saying. Commercial wearable systems are already available, he says, although they are aimed at very specific industrial markets.
"The systems are becoming more stable and more comfortable," Fagg said. "Ultimately, a lot of the bulk will be gone." ScienceDaily said while some might see a wearable computer as a bit of a pest, Fagg sees it differently: "The machine doesn't nag you after the fact, when you've gotten home and forgotten to buy a gallon of milk. It reminds you to pick up the milk when you're still in a position to solve the problem."
2. E-slates for blind students
The low-cost gadget helps students learn independently
For 90 per cent of the 191 million blind in India, who so far could not afford education because of expensive software or slow methods of teaching, this could be good news. A cost-effective e-slate called Braille Writing Tutor (BWT) has been developed as part of an ongoing effort to disseminate the technology in developing countries like India.
The researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in collaboration with Mathru School for Blind in Bangalore, have successfully tested the feasibility of the e-slate that was presented at the second International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Development last week. “This particular e-slate costs around Rs1,500 whereas the devices available in developed countries cost between Rs15,000 and Rs1 lakh. And this is a low power and a robust device,” said Tom Stepleton, one of the researchers of the project.
“The e-slate mimics a regular slate and stylus and interfaces with a computer running the software tutor. The tutor monitors a student’s writing and provides immediate audio feedback using text-to-speech synthesis that is tailored to the skill level of the students. It not only introduces the student to new concepts of learning but also enhances existing skills. It can also act as a diagnostic tool to help identify some challenging areas for the student,” explained Stepleton. The student learns dots, practices dots, letters, words, sentences and numbers, and mathematical calculations.
“A student can learn through the e-slate independently, as the software introduces a series of exercises on basic Braille writing curriculum. For instance, if a student writes ‘a’ incorrectly, the tutor assigns more exercises to practice ‘a’. If performance drops below threshold level, the voice reminds of how to write that letter by speaking a sequence of dots. This addresses the problem of shortage of trained teachers,” Stepleton described.
In developing countries, Braille is always written with a slate and stylus. Using these tools, Braille is written in reverse, from right to left, so that the page can be read from left to right when flipped over. “For blind students learning to write Braille in the reverse manner can be a formidable process. They must learn mirror images of all letters, which doubles the alphabet letters.
Feedback is delayed until the paper is flipped over and then read, so it may take significantly longer to identify mistakes and correct them. And the students may not be able to receive individual attention and guidance needed to learn. The e-slate solves all these problems,” he said.
3. Laptops for Rs 15,000 soon
Allied Computers International (Asia) Pvt Ltd is all set to rollout a laptop with a seven inch screen for Rs 15,000 by May/June 2008. According to its promoter, Hirji Kanji Patel, this would be equivalent to the Pentium 4 technology but will be ultra low on voltage. The company also plans to start 20 level 3 multi-brand chip-level laptop service centres across India by April 2008.
According to Patel, who is an NRI from UK, there is a huge market for the repair of laptops and ACi's centres would act as vertically integrated service outlets for all leading laptop brands.
4. Nokia launches new GPS enabled handset
World's largest mobile phone maker Nokia on Thursday introduced a new handset enabled with GPS and navigation functionality to cash-in on the 30-billion dollar Global Positioning System (GPS) market.
The new handset 'Nokia 6110 Navigator' has been priced at Rs 20,869 and would be available in the Indian market by the end of this year, a company statement said.
Apart from the new phone launched today, Nokia also has other GPS-enabled phones such as Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8GB, Nokia N82 and Nokia E90.
Nokia 6110 comes with pre-installed maps of eight cities including Delhi & NCR, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The users would also be able to download maps of over 150 countries on their phone.
The features of new handset include integrated maps, routing and navigation available with the click of one-touch navigator key.
5. HUMANWARE'S NEW VICTOR READER TALKING BOOK PLAYER FOR NISO AND DAISY BOOKS
At the ACB convention in July 2007 HumanWare, the world's leading supplier of the Victor Reader line of CD-based digital talking book players, unveiled its first flash-based portable talking book player, the Victor Reader Stream. The Stream is the result of extensive research in terms of design, usability, and user testing. The Stream is designed to play NISO Z39.86 books, DAISY books and MP3 books and music. NISO Z39.86 is the format that will be used for the new NLS digital talking books.
NLS is the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped which is transitioning its four‑track cassette talking book service to a new digital service. The new Victor Reader Stream will be able to play downloaded NLS NISO books as soon as NLS authorizes the player to do so. NLS NISO books are encrypted and any digital player must be authorized by NLS with a decryption code to play the NLS books. HumanWare has discussed the player authorization process with NLS. The development of the web form and NLS operational procedures are currently under way. As soon as NLS concludes this process, Victor Reader Stream users will be able to register for NLS download book service through a simple web form on the NLS web site. Once the patron is registered for NLS download book service, HumanWare will be able to supply him/her with the required software decryption code to install on the Stream. The decryption code will be sent from HumanWare through a simple e-mail attachment.
NLS also announced that it will further expand its digital service in 2008 to begin sending digital recorded books on special cartridges mailed to its members. Included in the Stream package is a short USB cable to allow the future book cartridges to be connected to the Stream and copied to the Stream's SD memory card. For users who prefer to play the cartridge directly on the player, HumanWare will sell an optional book cartridge holder that will clip to the back of the Stream. As with download books, the cartridge books may only be played on an authorized Stream player equipped with the decryption code.
As the newest member of the family of Victor Reader digital talking book players, the Stream offers the same powerful and simple to use user interface made popular by the Victor Reader Classic+ and Wave players used by thousands worldwide. Stream users will find the well known four‑arrow navigation keys of the Classic+ and Wave allowing book navigation by chapter and section without the need to memorize complex key combinations. As well, the Stream's telephone-style keypad provides advanced book navigation functions such as entering bookmarks, or jumping directly to a specified page or heading. The Stream also has the popular Key Describer feature of other Victor Readers, allowing the person to press a key anytime to announce its function.
The Stream is an ideal companion to the future NLS player because it does everything the NLS player will do, but in a pocket‑size package. Once the player is authorized, not only will the person be able to play and navigate the NLS books on cartridges but can also have access to the NLS download books. The Stream has a USB port to connect to the computer so the person can transfer downloaded books from the PC to the Stream's SD flash memory card.
In addition to the ability to read NLS books, Stream will also play recorded DAISY 2.02 books from other DAISY producers, including RFB&D. However, every day more and more books and content are becoming available in non-recorded electronic text formats. Stream also has built‑in computer text‑to‑speech to listen to the text portion of full text/full audio books or the text-only books such as those from Bookshare. The built‑in speech also provides access to text files transferred from the computer. Indeed, the Stream combines the best features of the NLS player together with the award-winning Victor Reader CD and software players to make Stream the most powerful NISO and DAISY player in the HumanWare family. As an advanced player for recorded audio, e‑text NISO and DAISY, and plain computer text, Stream is truly the complete solution in the palm of ones hand for all the work, school, or leisure reading needs.
But what about MP3 books and music? As an MP3 player, Stream will not only play the books and music but, using the built‑in text‑to‑speech, it will also announce the book, album and track names. And rounding out its versatile book reading capabilities, Stream will support the popular commercial recorded books from Audible.
Weighing in at only 6 ounces and measuring 4 ½ x 2 3/4 inches, this little player does it all. Consider a player that is not much bigger than a pack of cards that will have the ability to play NLS downloaded books and book cartridges, but will also play RFB&D books, Bookshare books, MP3 books, Audible books, computer e‑text, and MP3 music files.
Finally, the Victor Reader Stream also has a voice recording capability for students and professionals who may want to record audio notes, meetings, or lectures. Recording is possible via a built‑in microphone or external microphone connection. For listening versatility, the Stream will allow the user to vary the playback speed and listen through headphones or a small built‑in speaker.
The best news of all ‑- priced at only $329, the Stream is the best buy for a NISO and DAISY player offering so much performance and functionality at such a low price. Visit http://www.humanware.com for complete product information or call toll-free, 1‑800‑722‑3393.
It might be not long before you start wearing a computer just as you put on your shoes, watch and jacket. "As general computing systems become smaller, we are reaching a point at which it becomes conceivable to don these devices easily," Andy Fagg of the computer science faculty at the University of Massachusetts has been quoted by online Science Daily as saying.
Fagg, who is developing a wearable computer, said such a device offers access to information and communication resources at any time during walking hours. "It isn't about being able to write a paper or send an e-mail while you are grocery store. It's about having digital assistance as you go about your life," he added.
Fagg's aim, ScienceDaily said, is to teach the computer to "notice" a user's routines and offer information accordingly. For instance, if the computer notices that he enters a conference room at a particular time, "it should figure out he is going to a meeting and pull out appropriate documents, including minutes of the last meeting, and notes from related discussions."
Another example offered by him: "I could tell the system I'm going to be cooking a certain recipe for dinner. The system will know what I have in the kitchen cabinets at home. If I drive near the grocery store, it wakes up and whispers, 'Don't forget to stop at the grocery store, and by the way, you need these three items for the dinner you want to cook tonight.'"
One current challenge, Fagg said, is teaching the computer to interrupt him - politely. "The machine should present information at the appropriate time, and in the appropriate way. I don't care what I need at the grocery store if I'm sitting in my office," he pointed out.
"Nor do I want it to convey information visually while I'm driving the car, although it's okay for it to occasionally whisper in my ear." It is possible to make wearable computers because microprocessors are getting smaller every year, Fagg was quoted as saying. Commercial wearable systems are already available, he says, although they are aimed at very specific industrial markets.
"The systems are becoming more stable and more comfortable," Fagg said. "Ultimately, a lot of the bulk will be gone." ScienceDaily said while some might see a wearable computer as a bit of a pest, Fagg sees it differently: "The machine doesn't nag you after the fact, when you've gotten home and forgotten to buy a gallon of milk. It reminds you to pick up the milk when you're still in a position to solve the problem."
2. E-slates for blind students
The low-cost gadget helps students learn independently
For 90 per cent of the 191 million blind in India, who so far could not afford education because of expensive software or slow methods of teaching, this could be good news. A cost-effective e-slate called Braille Writing Tutor (BWT) has been developed as part of an ongoing effort to disseminate the technology in developing countries like India.
The researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in collaboration with Mathru School for Blind in Bangalore, have successfully tested the feasibility of the e-slate that was presented at the second International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Development last week. “This particular e-slate costs around Rs1,500 whereas the devices available in developed countries cost between Rs15,000 and Rs1 lakh. And this is a low power and a robust device,” said Tom Stepleton, one of the researchers of the project.
“The e-slate mimics a regular slate and stylus and interfaces with a computer running the software tutor. The tutor monitors a student’s writing and provides immediate audio feedback using text-to-speech synthesis that is tailored to the skill level of the students. It not only introduces the student to new concepts of learning but also enhances existing skills. It can also act as a diagnostic tool to help identify some challenging areas for the student,” explained Stepleton. The student learns dots, practices dots, letters, words, sentences and numbers, and mathematical calculations.
“A student can learn through the e-slate independently, as the software introduces a series of exercises on basic Braille writing curriculum. For instance, if a student writes ‘a’ incorrectly, the tutor assigns more exercises to practice ‘a’. If performance drops below threshold level, the voice reminds of how to write that letter by speaking a sequence of dots. This addresses the problem of shortage of trained teachers,” Stepleton described.
In developing countries, Braille is always written with a slate and stylus. Using these tools, Braille is written in reverse, from right to left, so that the page can be read from left to right when flipped over. “For blind students learning to write Braille in the reverse manner can be a formidable process. They must learn mirror images of all letters, which doubles the alphabet letters.
Feedback is delayed until the paper is flipped over and then read, so it may take significantly longer to identify mistakes and correct them. And the students may not be able to receive individual attention and guidance needed to learn. The e-slate solves all these problems,” he said.
3. Laptops for Rs 15,000 soon
Allied Computers International (Asia) Pvt Ltd is all set to rollout a laptop with a seven inch screen for Rs 15,000 by May/June 2008. According to its promoter, Hirji Kanji Patel, this would be equivalent to the Pentium 4 technology but will be ultra low on voltage. The company also plans to start 20 level 3 multi-brand chip-level laptop service centres across India by April 2008.
According to Patel, who is an NRI from UK, there is a huge market for the repair of laptops and ACi's centres would act as vertically integrated service outlets for all leading laptop brands.
4. Nokia launches new GPS enabled handset
World's largest mobile phone maker Nokia on Thursday introduced a new handset enabled with GPS and navigation functionality to cash-in on the 30-billion dollar Global Positioning System (GPS) market.
The new handset 'Nokia 6110 Navigator' has been priced at Rs 20,869 and would be available in the Indian market by the end of this year, a company statement said.
Apart from the new phone launched today, Nokia also has other GPS-enabled phones such as Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8GB, Nokia N82 and Nokia E90.
Nokia 6110 comes with pre-installed maps of eight cities including Delhi & NCR, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The users would also be able to download maps of over 150 countries on their phone.
The features of new handset include integrated maps, routing and navigation available with the click of one-touch navigator key.
5. HUMANWARE'S NEW VICTOR READER TALKING BOOK PLAYER FOR NISO AND DAISY BOOKS
At the ACB convention in July 2007 HumanWare, the world's leading supplier of the Victor Reader line of CD-based digital talking book players, unveiled its first flash-based portable talking book player, the Victor Reader Stream. The Stream is the result of extensive research in terms of design, usability, and user testing. The Stream is designed to play NISO Z39.86 books, DAISY books and MP3 books and music. NISO Z39.86 is the format that will be used for the new NLS digital talking books.
NLS is the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped which is transitioning its four‑track cassette talking book service to a new digital service. The new Victor Reader Stream will be able to play downloaded NLS NISO books as soon as NLS authorizes the player to do so. NLS NISO books are encrypted and any digital player must be authorized by NLS with a decryption code to play the NLS books. HumanWare has discussed the player authorization process with NLS. The development of the web form and NLS operational procedures are currently under way. As soon as NLS concludes this process, Victor Reader Stream users will be able to register for NLS download book service through a simple web form on the NLS web site. Once the patron is registered for NLS download book service, HumanWare will be able to supply him/her with the required software decryption code to install on the Stream. The decryption code will be sent from HumanWare through a simple e-mail attachment.
NLS also announced that it will further expand its digital service in 2008 to begin sending digital recorded books on special cartridges mailed to its members. Included in the Stream package is a short USB cable to allow the future book cartridges to be connected to the Stream and copied to the Stream's SD memory card. For users who prefer to play the cartridge directly on the player, HumanWare will sell an optional book cartridge holder that will clip to the back of the Stream. As with download books, the cartridge books may only be played on an authorized Stream player equipped with the decryption code.
As the newest member of the family of Victor Reader digital talking book players, the Stream offers the same powerful and simple to use user interface made popular by the Victor Reader Classic+ and Wave players used by thousands worldwide. Stream users will find the well known four‑arrow navigation keys of the Classic+ and Wave allowing book navigation by chapter and section without the need to memorize complex key combinations. As well, the Stream's telephone-style keypad provides advanced book navigation functions such as entering bookmarks, or jumping directly to a specified page or heading. The Stream also has the popular Key Describer feature of other Victor Readers, allowing the person to press a key anytime to announce its function.
The Stream is an ideal companion to the future NLS player because it does everything the NLS player will do, but in a pocket‑size package. Once the player is authorized, not only will the person be able to play and navigate the NLS books on cartridges but can also have access to the NLS download books. The Stream has a USB port to connect to the computer so the person can transfer downloaded books from the PC to the Stream's SD flash memory card.
In addition to the ability to read NLS books, Stream will also play recorded DAISY 2.02 books from other DAISY producers, including RFB&D. However, every day more and more books and content are becoming available in non-recorded electronic text formats. Stream also has built‑in computer text‑to‑speech to listen to the text portion of full text/full audio books or the text-only books such as those from Bookshare. The built‑in speech also provides access to text files transferred from the computer. Indeed, the Stream combines the best features of the NLS player together with the award-winning Victor Reader CD and software players to make Stream the most powerful NISO and DAISY player in the HumanWare family. As an advanced player for recorded audio, e‑text NISO and DAISY, and plain computer text, Stream is truly the complete solution in the palm of ones hand for all the work, school, or leisure reading needs.
But what about MP3 books and music? As an MP3 player, Stream will not only play the books and music but, using the built‑in text‑to‑speech, it will also announce the book, album and track names. And rounding out its versatile book reading capabilities, Stream will support the popular commercial recorded books from Audible.
Weighing in at only 6 ounces and measuring 4 ½ x 2 3/4 inches, this little player does it all. Consider a player that is not much bigger than a pack of cards that will have the ability to play NLS downloaded books and book cartridges, but will also play RFB&D books, Bookshare books, MP3 books, Audible books, computer e‑text, and MP3 music files.
Finally, the Victor Reader Stream also has a voice recording capability for students and professionals who may want to record audio notes, meetings, or lectures. Recording is possible via a built‑in microphone or external microphone connection. For listening versatility, the Stream will allow the user to vary the playback speed and listen through headphones or a small built‑in speaker.
The best news of all ‑- priced at only $329, the Stream is the best buy for a NISO and DAISY player offering so much performance and functionality at such a low price. Visit http://www.humanware.com for complete product information or call toll-free, 1‑800‑722‑3393.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Louis Braille Bi-Centennial Birth Anniversary Celebrations Commence
Some Pictures and A Press Release at an AICB FunctionAll India Confederation of the Blind, a premier national organisation working with visually impaired persons, held a grand public function in New Delhi to commemorate 199th Birth Anniversary of Louis Braille and mark the launching a yearlong programme of activities. Mr. M.C. Bhandare, Governor of Orissa was the Chief Guest and Mr. Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director General, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment presided over the function. The function was attended by over 1000 participants from all over the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhandare lauded the work being done by the Confederation. He called for more intensive and speedy implementation of the Persons with Disability Act.
At the function various awards were presented. These included:
· AICB Ann & Arne J. Husveg Braille Promotion Award to National Book Trust (India);
· Krishna Kumari Varma Memorial Award to Mr. Hari Krishnan G. for securing the first position in Master’s Degree in Shankeracharya Sanskrit University of Kerala;
· Onkyo Braille Essay Competition Award to two winners from India;
· Attractive cash awards to winners of National Inter-School Braille Reading and Writing Competition.
On this occasion, four meritorious blind girls were presented talking computers to help them in their higher education on behalf of Dr. H.E. Schulze and Marga Schulze Foundation, Germany.
Fifty-three NBT titles in Hindi, English and Tamil languages were also released in the function.
Another important feature of the function was that Shri Ashish Kumar announced a special programme of action to commemorate the Bi-Centennial Birth Anniversary of Louis Braille, which would be carried out jointly by the Government and leading NGOs including All India Confederation of the Blind, throughout the year.
Some of the highlights of the programme are:
· Release of a commemorative Postal Stamp on 4th January, 2009;
· Providing school textbooks in Braille to all blind children during the year;
· Production and telecast of a documentary film on Louis Braille and his contributions towards empowering visually impaired persons the world over;
· Launching of Braille Council of India for promotion and development of Braille;
· Holding of various competitions for sighted and blind persons during the year;
· Conduct of Asian Conference on Status of Braille.
(J.L. KAUL) SECRETARY GENERAL
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhandare lauded the work being done by the Confederation. He called for more intensive and speedy implementation of the Persons with Disability Act.
At the function various awards were presented. These included:
· AICB Ann & Arne J. Husveg Braille Promotion Award to National Book Trust (India);
· Krishna Kumari Varma Memorial Award to Mr. Hari Krishnan G. for securing the first position in Master’s Degree in Shankeracharya Sanskrit University of Kerala;
· Onkyo Braille Essay Competition Award to two winners from India;
· Attractive cash awards to winners of National Inter-School Braille Reading and Writing Competition.
On this occasion, four meritorious blind girls were presented talking computers to help them in their higher education on behalf of Dr. H.E. Schulze and Marga Schulze Foundation, Germany.
Fifty-three NBT titles in Hindi, English and Tamil languages were also released in the function.
Another important feature of the function was that Shri Ashish Kumar announced a special programme of action to commemorate the Bi-Centennial Birth Anniversary of Louis Braille, which would be carried out jointly by the Government and leading NGOs including All India Confederation of the Blind, throughout the year.
Some of the highlights of the programme are:
· Release of a commemorative Postal Stamp on 4th January, 2009;
· Providing school textbooks in Braille to all blind children during the year;
· Production and telecast of a documentary film on Louis Braille and his contributions towards empowering visually impaired persons the world over;
· Launching of Braille Council of India for promotion and development of Braille;
· Holding of various competitions for sighted and blind persons during the year;
· Conduct of Asian Conference on Status of Braille.
(J.L. KAUL) SECRETARY GENERAL
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Computer training at AICB
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Few Pictures of visually handicapped being given Computer training at the AICB. These visuals demonstrate that Visually handicapped are capable of making full use of the new technologies without much effort.
A new Blog on Visually Handicapped
Hi, this is a blog for All India Confederation of the Blind, an organisation for the visually handicapped.
You will see new posts, and latest info, in this from time to time, courtsey AICB.
You will see new posts, and latest info, in this from time to time, courtsey AICB.
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