Jul 8, 2011
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Links: |
Humanware's Brailliant Displays: http://bit.ly/q0Y085
Business Week's Article on the AT uses for the iPad: http://buswk.co/r7rgab
Cult of Mac Article on the iPad: http://bit.ly/kCpVN5
Obama and Robots: http://bit.ly/kJFnK4
In the upcoming weeks we will be adding Question and Answer sessions and interviews to our podcast. If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or email tech@eastersealscrossroads.org
Check out our blog: http://blog.eastersealstech.com
Follow us on Twitter: @INDATAproject
Like us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/INDATA
Need a transcript? Check this episode's comments.
“Hi, this is Wade Wingler with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indiana and this… is your Assistive Technology Update—a weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs”
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First off…there’s something new in the world of Braille computing. At the National Federation of the Blind and American Council of the Blind conferences, Humanware is unveiling their “Brailliant” line of refreshable displays. According to Humanware, these ultra-portable displays fit nicely in front of a notebook computer and connect via USB or Bluetooth to provide the Braille reader very crisp and responsive Braille on any Windows-based computer, Macintosh or other device connected with a major screen reading program. Although touted as incorporating new affordable pricing, costs weren’t available as of this recording. Visit our web site for a link to more information.
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Have you heard of the iPad? Almost everyone has, but recently the importance of the iPad as an assistive technology device is gaining mainstream attention. Within the past week, Business Week and Cult of Mac have both issued stories about the assistive qualities of this handy device. Additionally, according to business week, the global market for assistive technology is predicted to grow to over 40 Billion dollars by 2016. Much of this growth is attributed to the increasing numbers of baby boomers dealing with reduced vision, memory, mobility and other effects of aging. The Business week story also indicates that high-cost, disability-specific devices are quickly being replaced by lower-cost apps and other more main-stream technologies which may change the assistive technology market in the upcoming years. For links to both of these main-stream stories, visit our web site.
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Speaking of increased business opportunities in the field of assistive technology-- In a recent visit to Carnegie Mellon University, President Obama announced a new initiative aimed at increasing the prevalence of robots in various market segments including healthcare. The “National Robotics Initiative” involves a number of federal agencies and promises to make over $70 million dollars per year for robotics projects.
According to Dr Matt Mason, director of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute, “Robots are not just for dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs. Their greatest value is working with people.”
For more information and for a link to the full article, visit our web site.
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Lastly, Do you have assistive technology questions? Well, we have answers! In upcoming ”in-depth” episodes we are going to answer your basic, intermediate and advanced questions about assistive technology. If you have a question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 and your question may just be featured on a future show.
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“Want more? Find links to all this great new technology at check out our blog at
EasterSealsTech.com or follow us on Twitter @INDATAProject. Until next time, this has been your Assistive Technology Update.”