2012 AT OdysseyAssistive Technology Expo and Conference

Louisville, Kentucky

Anindya “Bapin” BhattacharyyaHelen Keller National Center

I. Welcome/Introductions/Overview of Goals

• Exploring the uniqueness of consumers with hearing and vision loss

I. Welcome/Introduction/Overview of Goals (continued)

• Preferred Mode of Communication (sign language- visual, hand-tracking, close-up, in a small group, printing on the palm (POP), Braille, interpretation, face-to-face equipment, etc.)

I. Welcome/Introduction/Overview of Goals (continued)

• Preferred Mode of Access (Braille, magnification, speech, etc.)

I. Welcome/Introduction/Overview of Goals (continued)

• Personal skill level (adaptive technology solutions)

II. Computer Access via Braille, Speech & Screen Magnification

• Computer with Windows 7 via Job Access with Speech (JAWS) and Focus Blue 40.

II. Computer Access via Braille, Speech & Screen Magnification (continued)

• Computer with Windows 7 via Free Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) and Brailliant BI 40.

II. Computer Access via Braille, Speech & Screen Magnification (continued)

• Computer with Windows 7 via Supernova Screen Reading/Screen Magnifying software and Active Braille 40

II. Computer Access via Braille, Speech & Screen Magnification (continued)

• Computer with Windows 7 via Window-Eyes/ZoomText and Esys 40

II. Computer Access via Braille, Speech & Screen Magnification (continued)

• Mac with Lion via the Built-in Screen Reader, VoiceOver and two Braille Displays (Alva Braille Controller 640 and Easy Braille 40)

III. Braille Notetakers

• Braille Note Apex/Braille Sense U2 with Sendero Group Global Positioning System (GPS), Intel Reader, and Face-to-Face Communication Systems

III. Braille Notetakers (continued)

• Braillino and Tabli Visual Display

IV. Mobile Access Devices via Braille, Speech, and Screen Magnification

• iPhone4S and the new iPad via Braille Edge 40, BraillePen 12, Brailliant 32/40, Esys 12/24/40, Focus Blue 14/40, Refreshabraille 18 and Seika Mini 16 with various applications.

IV. Mobile Access Devices via Braille, Speech, and Screen Magnification

(continued)

1. Bar Code Scanning Software2. BookShare’s R2G app3. Cable News Network (CNN)4. Color ID5. Dictionary (free)6. Eyenote (money identifying app)7. HumanWare Face-to-Face Communicator

IV. Mobile Access Devices via Braille, Speech, and Screen Magnification

(continued)8. Facebook9. Instant Messaging Programs10. Mobile Airline Check-Ins11. Mobile Banking12. Real-Time Train Information13. Relay and Video Relay Services14. Sendero Group GPS15. Weather Predictions

V. Communication Gadgets

• Deaf-Blind Communicator (DBC)/GoogleTalk for Relay Service Access

V. Communication Gadgets (continued)

• NexTalk Text Services (NTS)

V. Communication Gadgets (continued)

• VideoPhone (VP) and Video Relay Service (VRS)

VI. Cool Gadgets

• Helen alarm clock

VI. Cool Gadgets

• iBill (money identifier)• EZ test battery tester

VI. Cool Gadgets (continued)

• Light detector• Reizen Braille Alarm Clock with a vibrator

VI. Cool Gadgets (continued)

• Tissot Silen-T Vibrating Watch• Vibe Watch

VII. Equipment Purchasing and Training Issues- What best fits your needs?

• What type of training do you need?• Where to get the training?– From a rehabilitation agency– Product Manufacturer (product manual or additional training

sessions)– Friends and family

• Training opportunities offered by HKNC Technology Center– Traditional (comprehensive)– Short-term training– On-site training (visit/train consumer)

VIII. Captioned Braille Radio• A new and exciting captioned braille radio is being designed

and developed.• Collaborative effort by National Public Radio (NPR) and Helen

Keller National Center (HKNC)• This technology will allow deaf-blind people to obtain

broadcasting and important/emergency information such as:– emergency alerting– disaster relief information– Weather– traffic reports– school closings– breaking news.

VIII. Captioned Braille Radio (continued)

• Why radio?– More pervasive than wireless networks– Great design simplicity than television or wireless

phones.

• Further applications:– NPR Labs HKNC are working on standardization of

a captioned braille digital radio service model to further leverage the advantages of text-display radio for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Captioning Launch Device

Internet Media Display Device With Two USB Outputs For Refreshable Braille & Bed-shaker For Alerts

Testing & Designing Braille Radio

Far left cells:M/R/A =

“Main Menu”“Read Radio”

“Active Alert”

VIII. Captioned Braille Radio (continued)

• During emergencies, Americans rely on radio for crucial information to guide their decisions and behavior. Deaf-blind users should be able to access the same information in a timely, portable and independent way. The development of a captioned braille digital radio service model is critical in breaking down access barriers to up-to-the-minute news and information for deaf-blind consumers, estimated to reach nearly 2 million in the U.S. by 2011.