Student Corner - Resources for students!
02/07/2013 OH MY!? What exciting news from AiSquared!
+ 
It has finally happened!
ZoomText is now available for the Mac, iPhone and iPad! Looks like some super enhancements have also been made to ZoomText for Windows, including information for using ZoomText with Windows 8 as well. Check it out here!
02/05/2013
There's an app for that! But is it right for you?
How many apps have you downloaded for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device(s) that looked promising? How many of those apps did you use only once and find out that it wasn't exactly what you thought it was or wasn't what you needed? Take a look at this article and learn a few tips before downloading that next app! Most of what is listed in the article are things I learned some time ago, but there were a few tips I hadn't thought about, so I'm sure you can benefit as well. Go. Now. Read! I sure you will be glad you did. :)
There's an app for that! But is it right for you? - NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities.
BTW, don't let the site's main focus steer you away from this article! Again, there is some good advice there for anyone who uses apps.
01/17/2013
It's been awhile since I've something new and exciting to share with you, but I think this is something you can benefit from!
|
Are you getting the most out of Dragon? Try our FREE Dragon Apps!
The free Dragon Remote Microphone application for iOS and now Android allows Dragon 12 customers to use a compatible mobile device as a wireless microphone. With this app, Dragon users can achieve the same experience they've come to expect with Dragon, with the freedom of dictating wirelessly. The Dragon Remote Microphone application can be used with Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 (Home Edition or above) with compatible iOS devices (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch 4th gen devices running iOS 4.2 or later) and compatible Android devices. Visit here to learn more.
|
06/06/2012 Alternate Format Request Form Now ONLINE!
YAY! Thanks to our wonderful and talented site admin, the Alternate Format Request form for textbooks and other instructional materials is now online! You can find it here: Alternate Format Request. If you have a documented print-disability, currently attending or will be attending in the next semester, and are eligible for alternately formatted textbooks (audio, PDF, Word, etc.), please fill out the request minimally 30 days prior to class start date. Requesting materials on the first day of class or later in the semester can delay actual receipt of materials and permissions from publisher. Depending on the format requested, materials from publishers or 3rd-party vendors (Learning Ally, etc.) can take up to 12 weeks to receive and distribute!
02/02/2012 Taping For The Blind
Sight into Sound is an independent non-profit organization with a mission to Turn Sight into Sound, enriching the lives of individuals with visual, physical and learning disabilities. We do this through our Radio Reading, Custom Recording and Audio Description services.
09/12/2011 FREEDOM STICK!
Freedom Stick! a portable, use-anywhere accessibility solution.
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Professor Ira D. Socol, MIT and Regional Support Centre - Scotland North and East
The MITS Freedom Stick is a portable, use-anywhere accessibility solution. Install this software package on any 4gb USB Flash Drive (full) or 2gb USB Flash Drive (lite) and you create a set of tools for your students that they can carry in their pockets which will make any Windows computer highly accessible.
The Freedom Stick contains a fully accessible version of the Firefox web browser, the full Open Office suite (comparable to Microsoft Office), the Balabolka Text-To-Speech system, an on-screen calculator which allows students to paste their math work into homework or test documents, a "mind mapper" (similar to Inspiration), the Audacity audio recorder/player, and many, many more supports.
Open the Freedom Stick's Firefox browser and you will finds dozens of pre-set internet bookmarks which will link you and your students to many more curricular supports, to digital libraries, and to other resources.
The easiest way to get started with the MITS Freedom Stick is to download either of the self-unzipping files at right to your computer. Then simply copy the whole "unzipped" collection of software to a blank USB Flash Drive.
NOTE: The Freedom Stick! does not replace other accessibility/adaptive solutions, instead the compilation offers alternatives to the more costly solutions that are on the market.
08/10/2011 Oh what a difference technology makes!
The Audio Description Project
An Initiative of the American Council of the Blind
Been to the movies lately? Remember the short commercial before the movie begins admonishing movie-goers to: be silent/no talking, no cell phones, etc? Well, what if you are blind or severely visually-impaired?
Scene One: My friend who is blind goes to the movies with me. During the show, he leans over to me and whispers, "Why is the audience laughing?" I whisper back, "Kevin Cline just stuck two French fries in the other guy's nostrils!".
Scene Two: I go to the same movie with this same friend. As we walk through the lobby, he stops at the audio description table and picks up a small radio receiver and ear piece. We go to our seats and while I'm looking around, he is listening to the pre-show audio described program notes. He leans over to me and asks, "Did you know this movie we're about to see first came out in 1988 and was written by John Cleese, who also stars in it?" The movie starts, and my friend doesn't ask one question during the show...not one. We are both free to enjoy the show in our own way.
Audio description is being done in both scenarios.
The difference is TECHNOLOGY!
Each technology has its own set of solutions and shortcomings. Here we provide a brief discussion about each technology and invite you to tell us more about how your organization uses technology to enhance audio description. For users of audio description, we encourage you to tell us what works for you, and what doesn't.
As we become aware of new technology, we'll add the information and links. We'll do our best to stick to the facts but we'll also share opinions and publish information from ADP's listserv. Please see our Contacts page for information about the listserv.
UPDATE 08/03/2011 regarding Learning Ally (RFBD.org)
Unfortunately, with federal budget cuts hitting even the education sectors, funding free memberships at Learning Ally is not available at this time. Learning Ally is working hard to find outside funding, grants and gifts to cover the shortfall left by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Grant #H327D100001. For membership information please refer to Learning Ally.
At this time Bookshare is still offering free memberships to those who have documented print-based disabilities. For membership and qualifications go to Bookshare for more information.
Check out the great NEW features in Dragon 11.5 Premium!
Dragon 11.5 Premium is packed with great new features. Some of our favorites include:
|
What can I say but I LOVE, love, love the newest version of Dragon NaturallSpeaking!
Without sounding too much like a commercial, I love using Dragon NaturallySpeaking because it makes my work a lot easier - I mean, come on, I can talk a whole lot faster than I can type! Whether it's creating a report for my supervisor, emailing information to a student, staff or faculty member, or just composing my own essays or research papers for my professors at the university Dragon allows me to speak my thoughts and with greater accuracy (35% fewer errors recognizing my speech) than just trying to type. I've never been a great typist, at most 35 words per minute and that's on a good day. My brain just doesn't process my thoughts and convey the keystrokes needed fast enough to my fingers to strike the keys to keep up with the flow of thoughts. I love the newest feature - on the fly, in my car or anywhere actually, I can record my thoughts on a digital recorder and later have Dragon transcribe those thoughts to paper! I don't know about you but some of my best ideas or thoughts come to me when I'm sitting in the Houston traffic. I like to think I'm fairly articulate but sometimes struggle to get my words down on paper and have the words flow in a coherent fashion. Sometimes what I write doesn't even make sense to me, and I wrote it!
So, if you really want to amp your writing and reduce the amount of time spent actually typing - try it out! Research has shown that humans typically speak on average 120 words per minute - how many of us can actually, accurately, type that fast!? And if you're someone with a disability that hampers your typing ability, oh my! - try it.
Semester is almost over...
and you may be thinking about taking a deserved break, but it's not too early to think about the next semester and what classes you'll be taking and the books you will need.
1. Find out from the discipline department (History, Math, English, etc.) or the bookstore if you will need to buy a new version of the textbook for the required coursework in the fall.
2. Check out online sources for used (if new not required), rentals, e-books or if you need to sell your books. Some of those sources may include:
Inkling (for your iPad only)
(The above list is not a comprehensive/complete list nor is it an endorsement of any links by this institution)
3. Have a learning challenge, dyslexia, or any other print-based disability/challenge? Don't forget to check the publisher's website for information on ebooks and ACCESSIBILITY issues! All publishers have a contact person you can email and ask questions about the accessibility of their books and compatibility with screen readers! Check with your Disability/ADA counselor on your campus or the designated Assistive/Adaptive Technician before classes begin for help in obtaining your books in alternate formats. (Please allow 6 (six) weeks minimum for the Tech to work with the publisher(s) to get your books in a timely fashion. Spring and Fall semesters are the heavy load times for publishers and can result in a 12 (twelve) week wait time.)
More Exciting News From Reading For The Blind And Dyslexic!
New name and a new look! New Goals!
Reading For the Blind and Dyslexic recently changed their name to reflect their users needs and input! RFBD.org is now known as Learning Ally. Read all about the change in name and new tools available for those who learn differently, not just those who are blind or dyslexic. Their users come from a diverse community of learners who do not want to be labeled. Individuals who can benefit from the resources available from Learning Ally can apply for a FREE membership! (This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Grant #H327D100001.) This membership includes free software/tools for the PC and Mac.
I say, "it's about time!"
Online To-Do List, Task Management and Reminder app!
Have too many things to do? Can't remember when a project, essay or research paper is due? Need multiple ways to get reminded? Need to manage your lists from multiple sources *and* sync them? Check out Remember The Milk! Oh! and it's free!
New iPod Touch Workbook for Individuals with Cognitive Challenges (Workbook)
“Organizing Your Life with the iPOD Touch: Making Cognitive Connections at Home, Work, and School” is a workbook developed by the PDA 4 Memory Project for individuals living with brain injuries and other cognitive issues. Topics covered in the workbook include: Making Cognitive Connections, iPod Touch Basics, The Clock App, The Calendar App, The Contacts App and The Notes App.
http://id4theweb.com/iPod_book.cfm
Learning With Disabilities
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/education/edlife/09landmark-t.htm
Education
Disability Scholarships
List provided by Disaboom: providing people with disabilities the answers, solutions, and connections you need for living your life to the fullest.
http://www.disaboom.com/scholarships/
Education
Need cheap books?
Some places you might think about including ebooks...Buy, Rent, Sell Textbooks
(The following list is not a comprehensive/complete list nor is it an endorsement of any links by this institution)
Don't forget to check the publisher's website for information on ebooks and ACCESSIBILITY issues! All publishers have a contact person you can email and ask questions about the accessibility of their books and compatibility with screen readers!
Are you a member?
Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic
RFB&D is a national nonprofit with the largest digital/audio textbook library of accessible educational materials for individuals with visual and learning disabilities. Now for the Apple Mac as well!!
Accessible Books and Periodicals for Readers with print-based disabilities.
Both of these organizations offer FREE memberships, thanks to major funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, and support of private donors, to individuals. Certification is required; you will find certification options within the online registration process. We strongly recommend that anyone with a print-based disability join both of these organizations to gain access to alternately formatted textbooks, and mainstream reading materials.