Muscular Speech Recognition Device

Here’s an interesting story from NPR on emerging technologies in muscular Speech Recognition and application with Speech Output which could be used as an alternative communication device. How do you think it could be used?

Announcing the Washington State EverGREEN AT Exchange

The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program is pleased to announce the launch of the EverGREEN AT Exchange website! The site is free for everyone to use and is a great alternative to discarding unused assistive devices and durable medical equipment. It’s easy to sign up for an account and post ads; you can also search statewide for lower cost, gently used products for sale, trade and exchange. C’mon and give it a try!

Haptica Braille Watch Concept

A beautifully designed and pragmatic Braille watch alternative, with functionality and discretion in mind. This concept watch utilizes crowdsourcing, ensuring the end users have a say in how this product would be most useful. This project is still seeking funding.

More Android Accessibility Features

Earlier this month the IDEAL Group subsidiary, Apps4Android, announced the release of Accessibility Application Installers® and Best Voices for Android®. What does this mean? This means that consumers who have purchased an Android smart device have the ability to download and install additional third-party accessibility applications that could improve your experience with the devices' built in accessibility features.

Accessibility Application Installers® allow you to easily adjust the existing accessibility settings and add additional accessibility applications such as a talking email client, video magnifier, accessible music player and GPS navigation aids. For use with text-to-speech applications, Best Voices for Android® allows you to easily comparison shop for SVOX Pico voices with a variety of language choices.

These applications are tailored per carrier and per version of the Android Operating System, so consequently not all options will be available depending upon the your phone's configuration. Despite this, the installer will walk you through the process of downloading and installing the Accessibility Application and will assist in setting up the device with the most useful accessibility applications available for the Android device.

Fastest “Hands Free” Typist

Hank Torres, a C4-5 quad, challenged the rest of the world last month as the fastest hands free typist. Using SWYPE on-screen keyboard, Sip-N-Puff mouth switch, and TrackerPro head mouse, Hank demonstrated his mad keyboarding skillz to the folks at Guinness World Records and officially set the record as the fastest hands free typist. No small feat, considering the phrase he was required to compose. Congratulations to Hank for showing us how it’s done!

ANNOUNCING: SUMMER INSTITUTE ON TECHNOLOGY AND DISABILITY

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SEATTLE CAMPUS, JUNE 2011

The University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies will offer “Summer Institute on Technology and Disability: An Introduction to Assistive Technology” a series of workshops, June 27–30, 2011. Topics will include assistive technology: the fundamentals; augmentative and alternative communication; computer access technologies; funding for assistive technology; technology for people with learning and cognitive disabilities; seating, positioning, and mobility; hearing assistance technology; iDevices and Apps; web accessibility and individuals with low vision or blindness; and case studies and consultations. During the hands-on labs, participants will also experience alternative computer access hardware and software, and software to aid individuals who have blindness or low vision, limited mobility, or difficulties with reading and writing.

The fee for the entire institute is $495.00. For an additional fee, University of Washington Academic Credit and Puget Sound Educational Service District Clock Hours will be available to those completing the entire Institute. Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Credits (CRCC) are also available to those completing the Institute at no additional cost. For more information including registration, please contact UWCTDS at 206-685-4181 (V/TTY), 206-616-1396 (TTY/TTY Message), via email at uwctds@u.washington.edu, or on the Web at http://uwctds.washington.edu/education/SummerInstitute.asp.