Feature: Talking Technology
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Did you know that you can download a free screenreader from the internet? Or that the Foundation's Adaptive Technology team can help you learn how to use TradeMe more effectively? That the Foundation sells mobile phones adapted with speech software?
The Foundation employs AT experts at the cutting edge of technology, making sure that members don't get left out of the ongoing revolution. They communicate regularly with a worldwide group of blindness agencies and put pressure on technology designers to routinely include adaptive features. These include programmes for mobile phones, GPS devices and computers. The Foundation is also partnering with Vodafone to get affordable deals on the latest mobile technology that's adapted for use by members.
And, most importantly, the Foundation wants to hear from you about the kinds of training and support it can offer to help you use technology more effectively. Call Neil Jarvis on 0800 24 33 33 or email ats.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are becoming the key to personal technology, from a computer to a music player, a television, DVD player and a camera. Oh and by the way, you can also make phone calls with them.
"We'll be doing all sorts of things such as shopping on our mobiles soon," says the Foundation's Adaptive Technology Manager Neil Jarvis. "The newest mobile phone is like an iPod with a hard drive."
So are they accessible? Yes, they can be. In a special partnership with the Foundation, Vodafone sells mobile phones and speech software to us at cost price. The Foundation loads the speech software and sells the phone to members, along with some training on how to use it, for less than you could buy the same unadapted phone in a shop.
The software accesses all the standard features of new mobile
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phones, including text messages, address books and email.
There are three different models available in this programme. Prices range from $550 to $800.
Call Hilary Bush, our Talks Technology specialist, on 0800 24 33 33 to find out more.
Adaptive technology for computers
Technology is finally getting cheaper. Microsoft and Apple Mac are including some accessibility features as standard in their new computers. Independent organisations are developing free or relatively cheap software that you can download direct from the Internet.
Apple Macs: Now come with a basic screen reader and screen magnification programme. They are not as advanced as JAWS but if you just use your computer occasionally for basic tasks such as sending emails, this option may be enough.
PCs: If you prefer to stay with a PC, there are two options for Windows.
At www.screenreader.net you can download a free screenreader programme called Thunder. It won't magnify your screen but it will load talking software. Again, this is a good basic option.
Go to www.freedombox.info for a more funky, sophisticated option. FreedomBox is a device you use to control your PC using a keyboard and a specially designed menu format that's like using TIS. You type the number you want and press "enter" for online feature such as email, chat, shopping, news, financial services or movies. FreedomBox was developed in the USA but you can dial into it through your local internet service provider and access local entertainment such as Radio New Zealand and New Zealand newspapers online.
FreedomBox costs US$129 a year to subscribe to but you can download the software for a free 30-day trial.
GPS technology
GPS stands for global positioning systems. A New Zealand company called Navman was one of the first to develop these sophisticated locating devices for marine and car use.
GPS read digital geographical
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maps that contain a database of useful information about locations in the vicinity where you are, such as petrol stations, restaurants and banks. In North America and Europe these nifty maps are also being developed for pedestrians. While you're walking along the street the device tells you to within an accuracy of 10 metres what street you're on and what's coming your way.
Yes, GPS units are becoming commonplace in imported cars in New Zealand but unfortunately, our small population means that pedestrian maps haven't been developed here yet.
And Neil Jarvis, who is blind, adds that while GPS is a wonderful invention, it will never take the place of a guide dog or a cane.
"Guide dogs don't run out of batteries," he says. "And a GPS unit won't be able to tell you about a pot hole in the footpath or a person about to bump into you. Hang onto your mobility aid."
Training and support options
The Foundation provides flexible support for members to learn adaptive technologies. This ranges from a 10-week, on-site course with an NZQA qualification at the end, to short task-centred learning. Our partnership with Vodafone includes $800,000 of funding over three years to develop training programmes.
"The Adaptive Technology team is willing to offer whatever members ask to learn," says Neil. "We're finding that people want to do the same things as other family members, like make CD compilations, use Skype or Instant Messenger (MSN). They also want to find out about online grocery shopping and how to use TradeMe."
While these are popular leisure options, the Foundation also supports members to find employment by enhancing their computer knowledge. Most courses have been offered either in Wellington or Auckland so far but from next year there will be online courses for people living in other places. They'll cover a wide range of adaptive computer technology that you can use with Microsoft Office and other mainstream software. We are also planning to deliver satellite classes in other parts of the country other than the Auckland and Wellington offices.
Contact us
Whatever level of experience or need you have, call 0800 24 33 33 during work hours and ask for the Adaptive Technology unit. You can also ring the same number for help at home or work with using adaptive technology.
To find out more about upcoming courses and new developments in technology, use the TIS Adaptive Technology menu (see page 29 for using TIS). You can also join a discussion group by sending an email message to join_atig