<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wpuploads.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Featured24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://wpuploads.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Featured24.png" height="320" title="Screen shot of Siri" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazadesign.com/uploads/3/2/8/1/3281636/2492075_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.amazadesign.com/uploads/3/2/8/1/3281636/2492075_orig.jpg" height="75" title="Siri icon" width="75" /></a><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">Apple's</a> voice activated features have received some new features as part of <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-in-ios-7-ask-siri-to-turn-on.html">Siri</a> is a virtual voice activated personal assistant that can answer your questions, call your friends, check the weather, and much more.&nbsp; Now it can&nbsp; be activated hands free by saying, "Hey, Siri." Previously, users would have to press and hold the home button to activate Siri. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The new feature will allow people with physical disabilities to easily activate Siri. The hands-free activation feature does have one major caveat: the device must be plugged in and charging. Users who need or want to access this feature on- the- go can purchase a battery case to utilize this feature. It is possible that future <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-in-ios-7-ask-siri-to-turn-on.html">iOS</a> devices will not require a power source to use the "Hey, Siri" feature.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition, when dictating a question to Siri or dictating text into an app the recognized words appear almost instantly after being spoken. To use dictation bring up the keyboard and then press the microphone icon next to the space key. With words appearing as you speak it is easier to identify mistakes which makes the dictation process faster. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/10/os-x-mavericks-enhanced-dictation.html">Dictation</a> can be a useful feature for people who struggle with spelling and people who have difficulty using a keyboard. These features are available for devices running iOS 8.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/3lSgp5AKIDc" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/KQq5vGKKsh8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Apple's voice activated features have received some new features as part of iOS 8. Siri is a virtual voice activated personal assistant that can answer your questions, call your friends, check the weather, and much more.&nbsp; Now it can&nbsp; be activated hands free by saying, "Hey, Siri." Previously, users would have to press and hold the home button to activate Siri. The new feature will allow people with physical disabilities to easily activate Siri. The hands-free activation feature does have one major caveat: the device must be plugged in and charging. Users who need or want to access this feature on- the- go can purchase a battery case to utilize this feature. It is possible that future iOS devices will not require a power source to use the "Hey, Siri" feature.In addition, when dictating a question to Siri or dictating text into an app the recognized words appear almost instantly after being spoken. To use dictation bring up the keyboard and then press the microphone icon next to the space key. With words appearing as you speak it is easier to identify mistakes which makes the dictation process faster. Dictation can be a useful feature for people who struggle with spelling and people who have difficulty using a keyboard. These features are available for devices running iOS 8.

Assistive Technology Blog Podcast

New in iOS 8: Hands-Free Siri and Improved Dictation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grfNjAbcYic/U-dnTou8YXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/tKZIgvhOhTU/s1600/grayscale.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Altered image not an iOS 8 screenshot" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grfNjAbcYic/U-dnTou8YXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/tKZIgvhOhTU/s1600/grayscale.bmp" height="320" title="A greyscale iOS homescreen" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a> includes a new greyscale mode that could benefit people with visual impairments. The new mode is included in addition to inverse color which was previously available. The new option will reduce the bright colors and possibly reduce glare to make the screen easier to see. Greyscale and inverse color can be enabled simultaneously for further visual changes. Even for people without visual impairments greyscale maybe made the screen slightly easier to view outdoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>To enable greyscale navigate to Settings &gt; General &gt; <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/apple-begins-hosting-free-accessibility.html">Accessibility</a> &gt; Greyscale. Please note that the above screenshot is an altered colored screenshot.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/7gfdyoiLOfo" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/bkSGQ1TBuhQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

iOS 8 includes a new greyscale mode that could benefit people with visual impairments. The new mode is included in addition to inverse color which was previously available. The new option will reduce the bright colors and possibly reduce glare to make the screen easier to see. Greyscale and inverse color can be enabled simultaneously for further visual changes. Even for people without visual impairments greyscale maybe made the screen slightly easier to view outdoors.To enable greyscale navigate to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; Greyscale. Please note that the above screenshot is an altered colored screenshot.

New in iOS 8: Greyscale Mode

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J7yHKbFVQI/U-jrdJAKmSI/AAAAAAAAAlk/qoOuSxz1mmk/s1600/Guided+Access+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J7yHKbFVQI/U-jrdJAKmSI/AAAAAAAAAlk/qoOuSxz1mmk/s1600/Guided+Access+1.png" height="320" title="Guided Access settings" width="179" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovtPcp9s-vw/U-jrcTsII3I/AAAAAAAAAlg/jqkjr3_27QE/s1600/Guided+Access+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovtPcp9s-vw/U-jrcTsII3I/AAAAAAAAAlg/jqkjr3_27QE/s1600/Guided+Access+2.png" height="320" title="Message indicating time has expired" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Guided Access is one of the many <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS</a> features being enhanced in <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> is used to keep a someone on a single app&nbsp;using &nbsp;a password. For example, if you want your child to read a book and not watch a video you can lock them into the reading app,&nbsp;eliminating the ability to navigate to other apps.&nbsp;With <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> enabled, a child or student will need a passcode in order to enter another app. To learn more about Guided Access <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">click here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the enhancement allows users to end a Guided Access session with their finger print using Touch ID. Similar to how third-party developers can implement <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html">Touch ID</a> authentication, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> will also take advantage of finger print reading technology. Instead of entering a passcode, users with a <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html">Touch ID</a> enabled device will be able to end the session simply by placing their finger on the Touch ID sensor. This feature will simplify the processes of ending Guided Access and potentially eliminate the frustration resulting in forgotten passcodes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other enhancement allows students and parents to set a time limit. After the time expires the app will not respond until the correct passcode or finger print is entered. Periodically a small message appears showing how much time is remaining. This feature could be perfect for test taking by ensuring students stop answering questions after the allotted time expires, or for setting a time limit for playing games-&nbsp;when the time limit is reached, the app will not respond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To enable Guided Access navigate to Settings &gt; General &gt; <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/apple-begins-hosting-free-accessibility.html">Accessibility</a> &gt; Guided Access.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/Zcwq_GWkCzc" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/8nv7V_xV-FE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Guided Access is one of the many iOS features being enhanced in iOS 8. Guided Access is used to keep a someone on a single app&nbsp;using &nbsp;a password. For example, if you want your child to read a book and not watch a video you can lock them into the reading app,&nbsp;eliminating the ability to navigate to other apps.&nbsp;With Guided Access enabled, a child or student will need a passcode in order to enter another app. To learn more about Guided Access click here.One of the enhancement allows users to end a Guided Access session with their finger print using Touch ID. Similar to how third-party developers can implement Touch ID authentication, Guided Access will also take advantage of finger print reading technology. Instead of entering a passcode, users with a Touch ID enabled device will be able to end the session simply by placing their finger on the Touch ID sensor. This feature will simplify the processes of ending Guided Access and potentially eliminate the frustration resulting in forgotten passcodes.The other enhancement allows students and parents to set a time limit. After the time expires the app will not respond until the correct passcode or finger print is entered. Periodically a small message appears showing how much time is remaining. This feature could be perfect for test taking by ensuring students stop answering questions after the allotted time expires, or for setting a time limit for playing games-&nbsp;when the time limit is reached, the app will not respond.To enable Guided Access navigate to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; Guided Access.

New in iOS 8: Improved Guided Access with Timers and Touch ID Integration

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJpQhCquALI/U-daa51qqtI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_gqLmQ3vhro/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJpQhCquALI/U-daa51qqtI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_gqLmQ3vhro/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="180" title="Braille Keyboard being used to enter text into Notes" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a> includes enhancements to <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a>,&nbsp;the built-in gesture based screen reader for people with visual impairments. One of the improvements is a new built-in Braille Keyboard for Six-Dot input. The new feature is similar to the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/02/brailletouch-app-allows-fast-braille.html">BrailleTouch</a> app released a few years ago with one major difference; the built-in option can be used to enter text into any app directly. The option can be enabled in the VoiceOver rotor. The Braille keyboard will offer <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> users who are familiar with Braille an alternative, and possibly much faster text entry method. iOS 8 will also offers third-party keyboards such as <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/03/any-developer-can-now-integrate-fleksys.html">Fleksy</a>&nbsp;which could also offer significantly faster text input for VoiceOver users.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you turn the Braille keyboard on six positions will appear on screen representing the six Braille dots. When the device is held with the screen perpendicular to the floor it automatically enters screen away mode. When using this mode the user faces the screen away allowing three fingers from each hand to contact the screen. As the user begins to type the six virtual dots automatically reposition themselves to compensate for changes in your grip. The dots can also be recalibrated by holding down the three right hand fingers and then the three left hand fingers immediately after. This positions the dots directly under your fingers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the device is set on the table or another flat surface the Braille keyboard enters tabletop mode. This mode would seem to be ideal for an <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/ipad-mini-nexus-7-or-kindle-fire-hdx.html">iPad</a> can can also be used on smaller devices. It does take some care to ensure that the keyboard does not switch between tabletop and screen away mode accidentally. In both modes typing did seem difficult on the small screen, but some practice seemed to improve typing speed. This new option allows typing with contracted or uncontracted Braille. When typing a swipe right adds a space and a swipe left deletes the last character typed. This new method of typing is very sensitive a will likely require practice before mastering. If you use this feature frequently, it maybe helpful to purchase a case that boarders the screen to avoid trying to type on the bezel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To enable the Braille keyboard go to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; VoiceOver &gt; Rotor &gt; Braille Screen Input. Then, when <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> is enabled, rotate the rotor until Braille screen input is selected. It exciting to see all the new third-party keyboard options for iOS 8, but for VoiceOver users, Apple's own Braille keyboard maybe the most exciting of all.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgXg7AH8d9I/U-diKVKUhZI/AAAAAAAAAkA/zRJ5Z_Xk5TQ/s1600/IMG_2522.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgXg7AH8d9I/U-diKVKUhZI/AAAAAAAAAkA/zRJ5Z_Xk5TQ/s1600/IMG_2522.PNG" height="320" title="Braille Screen Input Settings: Contracted or Uncontracted Braille" width="180" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/ZH_rHABth2I" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/U0XtYfsCZm4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

iOS 8 includes enhancements to VoiceOver,&nbsp;the built-in gesture based screen reader for people with visual impairments. One of the improvements is a new built-in Braille Keyboard for Six-Dot input. The new feature is similar to the BrailleTouch app released a few years ago with one major difference; the built-in option can be used to enter text into any app directly. The option can be enabled in the VoiceOver rotor. The Braille keyboard will offer VoiceOver users who are familiar with Braille an alternative, and possibly much faster text entry method. iOS 8 will also offers third-party keyboards such as Fleksy&nbsp;which could also offer significantly faster text input for VoiceOver users.Once you turn the Braille keyboard on six positions will appear on screen representing the six Braille dots. When the device is held with the screen perpendicular to the floor it automatically enters screen away mode. When using this mode the user faces the screen away allowing three fingers from each hand to contact the screen. As the user begins to type the six virtual dots automatically reposition themselves to compensate for changes in your grip. The dots can also be recalibrated by holding down the three right hand fingers and then the three left hand fingers immediately after. This positions the dots directly under your fingers.When the device is set on the table or another flat surface the Braille keyboard enters tabletop mode. This mode would seem to be ideal for an iPad can can also be used on smaller devices. It does take some care to ensure that the keyboard does not switch between tabletop and screen away mode accidentally. In both modes typing did seem difficult on the small screen, but some practice seemed to improve typing speed. This new option allows typing with contracted or uncontracted Braille. When typing a swipe right adds a space and a swipe left deletes the last character typed. This new method of typing is very sensitive a will likely require practice before mastering. If you use this feature frequently, it maybe helpful to purchase a case that boarders the screen to avoid trying to type on the bezel.To enable the Braille keyboard go to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; VoiceOver &gt; Rotor &gt; Braille Screen Input. Then, when VoiceOver is enabled, rotate the rotor until Braille screen input is selected. It exciting to see all the new third-party keyboard options for iOS 8, but for VoiceOver users, Apple's own Braille keyboard maybe the most exciting of all.

New in iOS 8: Built-in Braille Keyboard for Six-Dot Input

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLec8bIGrR8/U-dT_H2nPaI/AAAAAAAAAjU/JJnOPeoU1I8/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLec8bIGrR8/U-dT_H2nPaI/AAAAAAAAAjU/JJnOPeoU1I8/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="320" title="Speak Screen menu over a Safari webpage" width="180" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBMoOm2sGRQ/U-dZUYmaXYI/AAAAAAAAAjk/I41JDLcKprA/s1600/IMG_2520.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBMoOm2sGRQ/U-dZUYmaXYI/AAAAAAAAAjk/I41JDLcKprA/s1600/IMG_2520.PNG" height="320" title="Speak Screen options in settings" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a> includes some new accessibility features and many improvements to existing features. One of the new features is called Speak Screen which allows users to quickly have text on the screen spoken aloud using <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/claropdf-app-pdf-text-to-speech-and.html">text-to-speech</a>. Speak Screen is included in addition to <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-to-use-ios-6-speak-selection-with.html">Speak Selection</a> which allows users to highlight text and press speak to have content read aloud.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike Speak Selection, which requires text to be highlighted first, before reading the text aloud,&nbsp; Speak Screen does not require users to highlight the text they wish to have spoken. Especially for longer articles or emails, this highlighting process could be time consuming and frustrating. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speak Screen solves the problem by speaking all text on the screen with a simple two-finger swipe down from the top of the screen. After swiping down with two fingers, text starts to be read aloud with <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/claropdf-app-pdf-text-to-speech-and.html">text-to-speech</a>, and the Speak Screen menu appears on top of your current app. This menu allows you to stop and start speech, adjust the text-to-speech speaking rate, and navigate through the text being spoken.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead of having to re-highlight text if you want to hear a paragraph again, Speak Screen offers simple navigation buttons. The menu can also be hidden to allow full view of the screen and accessed again through a small floating button. Just like Speak Selection, Speak Screen has the option to highlight text as it is spoken, making it easier for sighted readers to follow the text as it is being spoken.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like all of the accessibility features in iOS 8, Speak Screen can use the Alex text-to-speech voice which many users prefer. While Alex is a very high quality text-to-speech voice beware, it takes up almost one gigabyte of storage. Speak Screen can also be activated through Siri by saying "speak the screen." To enable Speak Screen on a device with iOS 8 go to Settings &gt; General &gt; <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/apple-begins-hosting-free-accessibility.html">Accessibility</a> &gt; Speech and then toggle on Speak Screen. Speak Screen is only available for devices running iOS 8 or higher.</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/_QfQ001Ht4k" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/nZ8DYfeZTm0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

iOS 8 includes some new accessibility features and many improvements to existing features. One of the new features is called Speak Screen which allows users to quickly have text on the screen spoken aloud using text-to-speech. Speak Screen is included in addition to Speak Selection which allows users to highlight text and press speak to have content read aloud.Unlike Speak Selection, which requires text to be highlighted first, before reading the text aloud,&nbsp; Speak Screen does not require users to highlight the text they wish to have spoken. Especially for longer articles or emails, this highlighting process could be time consuming and frustrating. Speak Screen solves the problem by speaking all text on the screen with a simple two-finger swipe down from the top of the screen. After swiping down with two fingers, text starts to be read aloud with text-to-speech, and the Speak Screen menu appears on top of your current app. This menu allows you to stop and start speech, adjust the text-to-speech speaking rate, and navigate through the text being spoken.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead of having to re-highlight text if you want to hear a paragraph again, Speak Screen offers simple navigation buttons. The menu can also be hidden to allow full view of the screen and accessed again through a small floating button. Just like Speak Selection, Speak Screen has the option to highlight text as it is spoken, making it easier for sighted readers to follow the text as it is being spoken.Just like all of the accessibility features in iOS 8, Speak Screen can use the Alex text-to-speech voice which many users prefer. While Alex is a very high quality text-to-speech voice beware, it takes up almost one gigabyte of storage. Speak Screen can also be activated through Siri by saying "speak the screen." To enable Speak Screen on a device with iOS 8 go to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; Speech and then toggle on Speak Screen. Speak Screen is only available for devices running iOS 8 or higher.

New in iOS 8: Start Text-To-Speech Easily with Speak Screen

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CZJfpUiAX4/U-jhsLQZWOI/AAAAAAAAAko/hXnxDAfOl6Q/s1600/Zoom1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CZJfpUiAX4/U-jhsLQZWOI/AAAAAAAAAko/hXnxDAfOl6Q/s1600/Zoom1.png" height="320" title="windowed zoom in iOS 8" width="181" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-105NVnmIrgI/U-jhtM8Pe-I/AAAAAAAAAk4/tCB9LHXH-bU/s1600/Zoom4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-105NVnmIrgI/U-jhtM8Pe-I/AAAAAAAAAk4/tCB9LHXH-bU/s1600/Zoom4.png" height="320" title="windowed zoom with a filter in iOS 8" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In previous versions of <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS</a>, zoom was only&nbsp; a simple full screen magnification. With <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>, Apple has vastly improved zoom with partial screen window zoom, filters, and smarter magnification options. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/10/ios-6-voiceover-compatiblity-with-maps.html">Zoom</a> is a vital feature for people with low vision and its new features in iOS 8 makes it even more useful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the most noticeable enhancements is the ability to magnify certain areas of the screen while leaving the rest of the screen unmagnified. As opposed to full screen zoom, the zoom lens allows for more easy navigation while still allowing certain important areas to be magnified. Users can change the size of the magnified area and pan around the screen in order to magnify different areas. An option is available to add a zoom control to the screen which acts like a virtual joystick for controlling which areas of the screen are magnified.Within the magnified area, users can apply filters to make viewing easier. &nbsp;The filters available are inverse colors, greyscale, low light, and greyscale inverse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGGjk0GAoJQ/U-jmIq4Uk0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/fvZ8tEyDG5E/s1600/Zoom5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGGjk0GAoJQ/U-jmIq4Uk0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/fvZ8tEyDG5E/s1600/Zoom5.png" height="200" title="iOS 8 Zoom without enlarging keyboard" width="112" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As pictured above, iOS 8 allows users to choose not to magnify the keyboard. This can make typing on software keyboards much easier while still allowing the text being entered to be enlarged. When the keyboard is magnified some keys are cut off requiring panning to type, iOS 8 eliminates this problem. Zoom also includes the ability to follow the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> cursor focus. Meaning when the VoiceOver cursor is focused on an app or button, that app or button will be enlarged in the zoom window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These new zoom options are just one of many exciting accessibility enhancements included in iOS 8. The improved zoom will benefit many users with visual impairments and is a huge improvement over zoom in <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-in-ios-7-detailed-look-at-switch.html">iOS 7</a>. To enable zoom go to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; Zoom. For more screenshots of zoom in action click read more below.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WaNzWSY1nU/U-jhr-kP4xI/AAAAAAAAAkg/IfKQeFjSugU/s1600/Zoom2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WaNzWSY1nU/U-jhr-kP4xI/AAAAAAAAAkg/IfKQeFjSugU/s1600/Zoom2.png" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lwPmtiLvgk/U-jhrsWfuII/AAAAAAAAAkk/rCKiL4vOFv0/s1600/Zoom3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lwPmtiLvgk/U-jhrsWfuII/AAAAAAAAAkk/rCKiL4vOFv0/s1600/Zoom3.png" height="320" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoXBazU1emc/U-jotBGtadI/AAAAAAAAAlY/Z2Ra-CW3zPk/s1600/IMG_2531.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoXBazU1emc/U-jotBGtadI/AAAAAAAAAlY/Z2Ra-CW3zPk/s1600/IMG_2531.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/X4MfURAKTJg" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/0AivDoWZzTg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

In previous versions of iOS, zoom was only&nbsp; a simple full screen magnification. With iOS 8, Apple has vastly improved zoom with partial screen window zoom, filters, and smarter magnification options. Zoom is a vital feature for people with low vision and its new features in iOS 8 makes it even more useful.One of the most noticeable enhancements is the ability to magnify certain areas of the screen while leaving the rest of the screen unmagnified. As opposed to full screen zoom, the zoom lens allows for more easy navigation while still allowing certain important areas to be magnified. Users can change the size of the magnified area and pan around the screen in order to magnify different areas. An option is available to add a zoom control to the screen which acts like a virtual joystick for controlling which areas of the screen are magnified.Within the magnified area, users can apply filters to make viewing easier. &nbsp;The filters available are inverse colors, greyscale, low light, and greyscale inverse.As pictured above, iOS 8 allows users to choose not to magnify the keyboard. This can make typing on software keyboards much easier while still allowing the text being entered to be enlarged. When the keyboard is magnified some keys are cut off requiring panning to type, iOS 8 eliminates this problem. Zoom also includes the ability to follow the VoiceOver cursor focus. Meaning when the VoiceOver cursor is focused on an app or button, that app or button will be enlarged in the zoom window.These new zoom options are just one of many exciting accessibility enhancements included in iOS 8. The improved zoom will benefit many users with visual impairments and is a huge improvement over zoom in iOS 7. To enable zoom go to Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility &gt; Zoom. For more screenshots of zoom in action click read more below.

New in iOS 8: Vastly Improved Zoom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maclife.com/files/imagecache/futureus_imagegallery_fullsize/gallery/ios_8_intro_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.maclife.com/files/imagecache/futureus_imagegallery_fullsize/gallery/ios_8_intro_2.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, Apple released <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a> the latest software update for <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/what-larger-screen-iphone-means-for.html">iPhone</a>, iPad, and iPod Touch. The new software, which is available for free, includes many new features and enhancements, including new accessibility features and tools that will allow developers to make the next generation of apps. Apple has not stood still in terms accessibility and as a result, iOS 8 is truly the most accessible and inclusive <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS</a> version to date.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of the most exciting new accessibility features are included in iOS are ready to use right after updating. These features are developed by Apple, and most are found under Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speak Screen is one of the new accessibility features that allows users to quickly and easily have content on the screen read with <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/claropdf-app-pdf-text-to-speech-and.html">text-to-speech</a> with a simple two finger swipe down gesture. Unlike older versions of iOS which required users to highlight sections&nbsp;that they wished to be spoken, Speak Screen does not require any highlighting. Users can even ask Siri to “speak the screen” to start text-to-speech. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apple’s highly acclaimed screen reader, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a>, also received some substantial updates. Now, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> users can enter text using a system-wide virtual six-dot Braille keyboard. Zoom is also vastly improved with windowed magnification and filters. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> and <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-is-assistive-touch.html">AssistiveTouch</a> have seen smaller improvements. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition, all accessibility features that use speech will now be able to use the Alex text-to-speech voice that many Mac users enjoy. All of these features are included with the iOS 8 update. Stay tuned for in depth information about the features discussed above in the coming days and weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With iOS 8, Apple has given developers tools to make the next generation of great apps. Hopefully, assistive app makers will be able to take advantage of these new features to&nbsp;help people with various needs. Developers can now make system wide keyboard apps. iOS keyboards will now be able to enter text into any app if the developer updates the app for <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>. For example, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/02/eye-free-typing-app-fleksy-now-free.html">Fleksy</a> and SwiftKey are expect to receive an update shortly to enable text entry into any app. Developers can also add the ability to unlock their app using <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html">Touch ID</a>finger print recognition for devices with Touch ID. Lastly, developers can create extensions to allow their app to perform functions within other apps. For example, a translation extension could be used within Safari to eliminate the need to switch apps. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">These features open up a whole new world to app developers and it will be exciting to use some of the new apps that take advantage of these new developer features. While some apps have already been updated to take advantage of the new developer features in iOS, many have not been. Check back to read about some apps that are taking advantage of these new developer features in ways that can help people with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a> is a free update that you can download now. Stay tuned to the Assistive Technology Blog to learn more about the new included <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/apple-begins-hosting-free-accessibility.html">accessibility</a> features and about apps that take advantage of the new developer features.</span><o:p></o:p></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/ULXHnosptu8" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/ulnLWpOGMoo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Today, Apple released iOS 8 the latest software update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The new software, which is available for free, includes many new features and enhancements, including new accessibility features and tools that will allow developers to make the next generation of apps. Apple has not stood still in terms accessibility and as a result, iOS 8 is truly the most accessible and inclusive iOS version to date.Some of the most exciting new accessibility features are included in iOS are ready to use right after updating. These features are developed by Apple, and most are found under Settings &gt; General &gt; Accessibility. Speak Screen is one of the new accessibility features that allows users to quickly and easily have content on the screen read with text-to-speech with a simple two finger swipe down gesture. Unlike older versions of iOS which required users to highlight sections&nbsp;that they wished to be spoken, Speak Screen does not require any highlighting. Users can even ask Siri to “speak the screen” to start text-to-speech. Apple’s highly acclaimed screen reader, VoiceOver, also received some substantial updates. Now, VoiceOver users can enter text using a system-wide virtual six-dot Braille keyboard. Zoom is also vastly improved with windowed magnification and filters. Guided Access and AssistiveTouch have seen smaller improvements. In addition, all accessibility features that use speech will now be able to use the Alex text-to-speech voice that many Mac users enjoy. All of these features are included with the iOS 8 update. Stay tuned for in depth information about the features discussed above in the coming days and weeks.With iOS 8, Apple has given developers tools to make the next generation of great apps. Hopefully, assistive app makers will be able to take advantage of these new features to&nbsp;help people with various needs. Developers can now make system wide keyboard apps. iOS keyboards will now be able to enter text into any app if the developer updates the app for iOS 8. For example, Fleksy and SwiftKey are expect to receive an update shortly to enable text entry into any app. Developers can also add the ability to unlock their app using Touch IDfinger print recognition for devices with Touch ID. Lastly, developers can create extensions to allow their app to perform functions within other apps. For example, a translation extension could be used within Safari to eliminate the need to switch apps. These features open up a whole new world to app developers and it will be exciting to use some of the new apps that take advantage of these new developer features. While some apps have already been updated to take advantage of the new developer features in iOS, many have not been. Check back to read about some apps that are taking advantage of these new developer features in ways that can help people with disabilities.iOS 8 is a free update that you can download now. Stay tuned to the Assistive Technology Blog to learn more about the new included accessibility features and about apps that take advantage of the new developer features.

Apple Releases iOS 8 with Major Accessibility Improvements

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EY4c2mh15Yk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The general consensus is that Apple will introduce new <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/ginger-page-for-iphone-powerful.html">iPhones</a> with larger screens in a few days. With many people with disabilities using Apple's flagship device for their accessibility needs a change can have a large impact on users. From a software prospective <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8 will offer many accessibility improvements</a>, but hardware is also an important aspect of <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/ginger-page-for-iphone-powerful.html">accessibility</a>. The larger screen will certainly benefit some users with special needs, but may also cause problems for others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Users with low vision may benefit the most from the larger viewing area. On current iPhones, with large text enabled, only a small amount of text is able to fit on screen. A larger screen will allow more text to fit on screen requiring less scrolling for users who prefer or require large text. The large screen will also give <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> users more space to use three or four finger gestures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyeo3KBuOAM/VAstYqIiQZI/AAAAAAAAAmo/dJPb-oRSy4Y/s1600/photo%2B(2).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyeo3KBuOAM/VAstYqIiQZI/AAAAAAAAAmo/dJPb-oRSy4Y/s1600/photo%2B(2).PNG" height="320" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the other hand a larger screen <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/ginger-page-for-iphone-powerful.html">iPhone</a> may pose a challenge. Users with physical challenges may have a difficult time reaching all the controls. Also users who prefer using their phone in one hand and users who can only use one hand to operate their phone may find it difficult access all areas of the screen. It is possible that Apple will come up with a software solution to these possible challenges, making one handed use a breeze.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Apple introduced the iPhone 5 it claimed that the larger screen was a perfect size for one handed, use so it will be interesting to see how the next iPhone is marketed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">People who use Apple devices as assistive devices should be excited about the company's upcoming announcement. Regardless of any hardware changes <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">Apple's iOS 8</a> includes unmatched <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/ginger-page-for-iphone-powerful.html">accessibility</a> features for people with a variety of needs. The potentially larger screen size will likely benefit most users. The benefits and trade-offs of larger screen phones has been explored with Android phones for years, and hopefully Apple has been able to iron out any lasting challenges. Aside from the form factor, Apple may introduce new software or hardware features that impact people with disabilities at their event. Stay tuned for information about how Apple's announcements impact <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">accessibility</a>.</div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/wV_jsrG41Tk" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/gnosbzDH0kU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

The general consensus is that Apple will introduce new iPhones with larger screens in a few days. With many people with disabilities using Apple's flagship device for their accessibility needs a change can have a large impact on users. From a software prospective iOS 8 will offer many accessibility improvements, but hardware is also an important aspect of accessibility. The larger screen will certainly benefit some users with special needs, but may also cause problems for others.Users with low vision may benefit the most from the larger viewing area. On current iPhones, with large text enabled, only a small amount of text is able to fit on screen. A larger screen will allow more text to fit on screen requiring less scrolling for users who prefer or require large text. The large screen will also give VoiceOver users more space to use three or four finger gestures.On the other hand a larger screen iPhone may pose a challenge. Users with physical challenges may have a difficult time reaching all the controls. Also users who prefer using their phone in one hand and users who can only use one hand to operate their phone may find it difficult access all areas of the screen. It is possible that Apple will come up with a software solution to these possible challenges, making one handed use a breeze.&nbsp;When Apple introduced the iPhone 5 it claimed that the larger screen was a perfect size for one handed, use so it will be interesting to see how the next iPhone is marketed.People who use Apple devices as assistive devices should be excited about the company's upcoming announcement. Regardless of any hardware changes Apple's iOS 8 includes unmatched accessibility features for people with a variety of needs. The potentially larger screen size will likely benefit most users. The benefits and trade-offs of larger screen phones has been explored with Android phones for years, and hopefully Apple has been able to iron out any lasting challenges. Aside from the form factor, Apple may introduce new software or hardware features that impact people with disabilities at their event. Stay tuned for information about how Apple's announcements impact accessibility.

What a Larger Screen iPhone Means for Accessibility

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://zagg-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/community/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/back-to-school-ipad-apps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Credit: Apple" border="0" src="http://zagg-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/community/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/back-to-school-ipad-apps.png" height="217" title="Back to School Apps" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Note: this post&nbsp;originally&nbsp;appeared last year and with back-to-school season in full swing these apps and tools can still provide a huge benefits for dyslexic students. Some updates have been made.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the school year fast approaching (or already in full swing) here are my favorite apps and products for accessibility. Hopefully these apps and products will help make the school year successful for those needing assistive technology to support their reading and writing. This list is geared toward students with dyslexia but many of the apps and products can also benefit other students. To learn more about any of these products or apps click on the accompanying link.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Kurzweil 3000</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://education.fcps.org/trt/sites/default/files/amy/Kurzweil_Hor_CMYK300%20Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://education.fcps.org/trt/sites/default/files/amy/Kurzweil_Hor_CMYK300%20Logo.jpg" height="58" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/07/kurzweil-3000-firefly-ipad-app-released.html">Kurzweil 3000</a>&nbsp;is a versatile reading and writing program for&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/mac-os-x-lion-includes-new.html">Mac</a>&nbsp;and PC. With Kurzweil students can read scanned and digital documents with high quality&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/add-quick-text-to-speech-button-to.html">text-to-speech</a>&nbsp;and synchronized highlighting. This gives students with reading difficulty the ability to listen to text and improve comprehension. Kurzweil also allows students to annotate documents using text notes, audio notes, highlighting, and circling. Test taking is also a breeze with Kurzweil thanks to its “fill in the blanks” function which allows students to answer test question directly on the digital document. Kurzweil 3000 is not only for reading help but also includes a number of helpful writing features such as mind mapping and word prediction. Click here to learn more about&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/06/kurzweil-3000-overview.html">Kurzweil 3000</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Bookshare</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mada.org.qa/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Bookshare-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://mada.org.qa/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Bookshare-Logo.jpg" height="53" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bookshare.org/">Bookshare</a>&nbsp;is an essential service for people with print disabilities.&nbsp;<a href="http://bookshare.org/">Bookshare.org</a>&nbsp;provides accessible e-books for qualified students. Members can choose from over 200,000 downloadable titles including many textbooks.&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/07/bookshare-reaches-200000-accessible.html">Bookshare</a>&nbsp;books can be downloaded in a DAISY format for use with&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/06/speak-it-is-handy-text-to-speech.html">text-to-speech</a>&nbsp;software or in a Braille format. Similar to Kurzweil, the combination of text-to-speech and highlighted text can greatly speed up and reading and increase comprehension for qualifying students. Thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Education Bookshare is free to U.S. students. &nbsp;Click here to learn more about&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/02/bookshare-releases-web-reader.html">Bookshare</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Learning Ally</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://falcon.txcc.commnet.edu/blogs/ds/files/2012/04/LearningAllyLogoPRWeb1-300x66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://falcon.txcc.commnet.edu/blogs/ds/files/2012/04/LearningAllyLogoPRWeb1-300x66.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://learningally.org/">Learning Ally</a>&nbsp;is another provider of accessible books for the blind and dyslexic.&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/learning-ally-audio-app-available-for.html">Learning Ally</a>&nbsp;mostly provides human narrated audio books for their members. Learning Ally is also expanding to provide “VOICEtext” books which include human narration and highlighted text. The highlighting of “VOICEtext” books is not word by word like in Bookshare and Kurzweil, but rather is paragraph by paragraph. Learning Ally books can be read on&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/06/ios-7-accessibility-overview-what-we.html">iOS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/learning-ally-audio-app-available-for.html">Android</a>&nbsp;devices using the Learning Ally Audio app.&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/08/learning-ally-audio-app-updated.html">Click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about Learning Ally.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click read more below for more great apps and products.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Voice Dream Reader</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.the-digital-reader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/voice-dream-reader-itunes-150x145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.the-digital-reader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/voice-dream-reader-itunes-150x145.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/07/voice-dream-reader-app-for-ios.html">Voice Dream Reader</a>&nbsp;is an amazing text-to-speech app for&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/07/voice-dream-reader-app-for-ios.html">iOS</a>. The app allows students to input text from the web, clipboard, Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Project Gutenberg, Bookshare, and more. Once you have loaded your text into Voice Dream Reader you can have it read with a number of&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/04/snap-by-don-johnston.html">text-to-speech</a>&nbsp;voices which are available at an additional cost. Voice Dream Reader also allows students to customize the look of their text. The app also includes highlighting and note taking features. Voice Dream Reader is perfect for reading Bookshare books on the go. These features are just the start; to learn all about Voice Dream Reader&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/07/voice-dream-reader-app-for-ios.html">click here</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-reader-text-to/id496177674?mt=8">click here</a>&nbsp;to download from the App Store for $9.99.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Khan Academy</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://it2.yisd.net/innovate/images/app_icons/khan_academy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://it2.yisd.net/innovate/images/app_icons/khan_academy.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Khan Academy is a fantastic free services that provides video tutorials and reviews for many subjects. Videos walk students through difficult concepts step-by-step in a way that is easy to understand and follow. From microeconomics to basic algebra and much more Khan Academy has tons of content. You can use Khan Academy to learn new concepts or reinforce subjects tough in school. At the end of many lessons students can take a short quiz to help them determine if they are understanding the content being introduced. Khan Academy can also be used on mobile devices to on the go learning. Check out Khan Academy at <a href="http://khanacademy.org/">khanacademy.org</a>.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Prizmo</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trunk.evernote.com/images/made/assets/img/promos/products/apps/large/prizmo1240x400_620_200_c1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://trunk.evernote.com/images/made/assets/img/promos/products/apps/large/prizmo1240x400_620_200_c1.png" height="102" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/05/prizmo-20-for-ios-released-with-cool.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Prizmo</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;is an optical character recognition (</span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/12/paperport-notes-app-adds-ocr.html" style="font-family: inherit;">OCR</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">) app for the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/best-apps-for-your-new-iphone-5.html" style="font-family: inherit;">iPhone</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, iPad, and iPod Touch. The app gives students the ability to take a picture of a text documents and have it read back to them using text-to-speech in seconds. So if&nbsp;</span>students<span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;comes across a document that they can’t read they can use Prizmo to&nbsp;quickly take a picture and have it read back to them. Prizmo can also act as a portable scanner that can convert printed document into a digital PDF format.&nbsp;</span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/05/prizmo-20-for-ios-released-with-cool.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Click here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;to read a full review of Prizmo or&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CC4QFjAA&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fprizmo-scanning-ocr-speech%2Fid366791896%3Fmt%3D8&amp;ei=tHcbUt7jM9Wz4APhwYGAAQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNHyOKTLbhz05uGmmTXwyGag_IRJOw&amp;sig2=-St9zeEtYlPQEa2UpHYTtQ&amp;bvm=bv.51156542,d.dmg" style="font-family: inherit;">click here to download Prizmo.</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Quizlet</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1815.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/111/Purple/v4/d8/1b/41/d81b411d-a707-209f-8284-97244f476bc5/mzl.oivouybl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a1815.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/111/Purple/v4/d8/1b/41/d81b411d-a707-209f-8284-97244f476bc5/mzl.oivouybl.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/03/quizlet-flashcard-app-create-share-and.html">Quizlet</a>&nbsp;is a virtual flashcard service on the web and for iOS devices and Android devices. The&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/03/quizlet-flashcard-app-create-share-and.html">Quizlet</a>&nbsp;app for iOS includes text-to-speech which can read all text on the flash cards. If you use a popular vocabulary book or textbook it is likely that another Quizlet user has already create a flashcard set for that book. Using the search function students can access these flashcards created by other Quizlet users. This gives students all the benefits of studying from flashcards without the hassle of creating them. To download Quizlet from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=5&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CEoQFjAE&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fquizlet%2Fid546473125%3Fmt%3D8&amp;ei=G3gbUsHwDc3a4APvqYHoAw&amp;usg=AFQjCNFIkzS8TLkCNUbDdvDti68RUo9WdA&amp;sig2=izcw3tHDL3htOY7vE-Fg1w&amp;bvm=bv.51156542,d.dmg">App Store click here</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quizlet.quizletandroid">click here to download from Google Play</a>.&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/03/quizlet-flashcard-app-create-share-and.html">Click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about Quizlet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Inspiration Maps</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://02.edu-cdn.com/files/static/apps/icons/inspiration-maps-app-icon_fixedaspect_135x135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://02.edu-cdn.com/files/static/apps/icons/inspiration-maps-app-icon_fixedaspect_135x135.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspiration-maps-for-ipad-mind-mapping.html">Inspiration Maps</a>&nbsp;is a mind mapping tool for the iPad. Inspiration Maps documents are compatible with Inspiration documents created using a computer. Inspiration Maps helps students organize their thoughts in a graphical format. The app also includes many pre-made templates set up for specific subject.&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspiration-maps-for-ipad-mind-mapping.html">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the full review of&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspiration-maps-for-ipad-mind-mapping.html">Inspiration Maps</a>. To download Inspiration Maps&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CCwQFjAA&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Finspiration-maps%2Fid510173686%3Fmt%3D8&amp;ei=c3gbUqWuBI-j4APC_oHoDA&amp;usg=AFQjCNGtmpiHPUj-cLkXgqE7zPK_USmmyw&amp;sig2=DMQPRmoqpO9NdzegthNHEQ&amp;bvm=bv.51156542,d.dmg">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Livescribe Sky Wifi Smartpen</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFnc-5JMBNc/ULEdUiQXwkI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/b4Xx3XfytdY/s400/sky_wifi_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFnc-5JMBNc/ULEdUiQXwkI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/b4Xx3XfytdY/s320/sky_wifi_front.jpg" height="41" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/11/livescribe-sky-wifi-smartpen-handwriten.html">The Sky Wifi Smartpen from Livescribe</a>&nbsp;is a computerized pen designed for note taking. With the Sky Wifi Smartpen students can take notes on specialized notebook paper and have the written notes synchronized with audio recorded from class. The synchronized audio and written notes help students to review and fill in gaps of information that they may have missed while trying to quickly record information. The Sky Smartpen also automatically and wirelessly synchronizes notes to Evernote. Another useful feature of the Smartpen is the ability of one assigned note taker to wirelessly transmit digital notes and audio recordings to students who need notes provided. Using the Smartpen to provide notes to multiple students removes the delays caused by copying and carbon paper.&nbsp;<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/11/livescribe-sky-wifi-smartpen-handwriten.html">Click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more.</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/tcRLAg3qlZY" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/DN3d2WEAKZM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Note: this post&nbsp;originally&nbsp;appeared last year and with back-to-school season in full swing these apps and tools can still provide a huge benefits for dyslexic students. Some updates have been made.With the school year fast approaching (or already in full swing) here are my favorite apps and products for accessibility. Hopefully these apps and products will help make the school year successful for those needing assistive technology to support their reading and writing. This list is geared toward students with dyslexia but many of the apps and products can also benefit other students. To learn more about any of these products or apps click on the accompanying link.Kurzweil 3000Kurzweil 3000&nbsp;is a versatile reading and writing program for&nbsp;Mac&nbsp;and PC. With Kurzweil students can read scanned and digital documents with high quality&nbsp;text-to-speech&nbsp;and synchronized highlighting. This gives students with reading difficulty the ability to listen to text and improve comprehension. Kurzweil also allows students to annotate documents using text notes, audio notes, highlighting, and circling. Test taking is also a breeze with Kurzweil thanks to its “fill in the blanks” function which allows students to answer test question directly on the digital document. Kurzweil 3000 is not only for reading help but also includes a number of helpful writing features such as mind mapping and word prediction. Click here to learn more about&nbsp;Kurzweil 3000.BookshareBookshare&nbsp;is an essential service for people with print disabilities.&nbsp;Bookshare.org&nbsp;provides accessible e-books for qualified students. Members can choose from over 200,000 downloadable titles including many textbooks.&nbsp;Bookshare&nbsp;books can be downloaded in a DAISY format for use with&nbsp;text-to-speech&nbsp;software or in a Braille format. Similar to Kurzweil, the combination of text-to-speech and highlighted text can greatly speed up and reading and increase comprehension for qualifying students. Thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Education Bookshare is free to U.S. students. &nbsp;Click here to learn more about&nbsp;Bookshare.Learning AllyLearning Ally&nbsp;is another provider of accessible books for the blind and dyslexic.&nbsp;Learning Ally&nbsp;mostly provides human narrated audio books for their members. Learning Ally is also expanding to provide “VOICEtext” books which include human narration and highlighted text. The highlighting of “VOICEtext” books is not word by word like in Bookshare and Kurzweil, but rather is paragraph by paragraph. Learning Ally books can be read on&nbsp;iOS&nbsp;and&nbsp;Android&nbsp;devices using the Learning Ally Audio app.&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;to learn more about Learning Ally.Click read more below for more great apps and products.Voice Dream ReaderVoice Dream Reader&nbsp;is an amazing text-to-speech app for&nbsp;iOS. The app allows students to input text from the web, clipboard, Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Project Gutenberg, Bookshare, and more. Once you have loaded your text into Voice Dream Reader you can have it read with a number of&nbsp;text-to-speech&nbsp;voices which are available at an additional cost. Voice Dream Reader also allows students to customize the look of their text. The app also includes highlighting and note taking features. Voice Dream Reader is perfect for reading Bookshare books on the go. These features are just the start; to learn all about Voice Dream Reader&nbsp;click here&nbsp;or&nbsp;click here&nbsp;to download from the App Store for $9.99.Khan AcademyKhan Academy is a fantastic free services that provides video tutorials and reviews for many subjects. Videos walk students through difficult concepts step-by-step in a way that is easy to understand and follow. From microeconomics to basic algebra and much more Khan Academy has tons of content. You can use Khan Academy to learn new concepts or reinforce subjects tough in school. At the end of many lessons students can take a short quiz to help them determine if they are understanding the content being introduced. Khan Academy can also be used on mobile devices to on the go learning. Check out Khan Academy at khanacademy.org.PrizmoPrizmo&nbsp;is an optical character recognition (OCR) app for the&nbsp;iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The app gives students the ability to take a picture of a text documents and have it read back to them using text-to-speech in seconds. So if&nbsp;students&nbsp;comes across a document that they can’t read they can use Prizmo to&nbsp;quickly take a picture and have it read back to them. Prizmo can also act as a portable scanner that can convert printed document into a digital PDF format.&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;to read a full review of Prizmo or&nbsp;click here to download Prizmo.QuizletQuizlet&nbsp;is a virtual flashcard service on the web and for iOS devices and Android devices. The&nbsp;Quizlet&nbsp;app for iOS includes text-to-speech which can read all text on the flash cards. If you use a popular vocabulary book or textbook it is likely that another Quizlet user has already create a flashcard set for that book. Using the search function students can access these flashcards created by other Quizlet users. This gives students all the benefits of studying from flashcards without the hassle of creating them. To download Quizlet from the&nbsp;App Store click here&nbsp;or&nbsp;click here to download from Google Play.&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;to learn more about Quizlet.Inspiration MapsInspiration Maps&nbsp;is a mind mapping tool for the iPad. Inspiration Maps documents are compatible with Inspiration documents created using a computer. Inspiration Maps helps students organize their thoughts in a graphical format. The app also includes many pre-made templates set up for specific subject.&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;to read the full review of&nbsp;Inspiration Maps. To download Inspiration Maps&nbsp;click here.Livescribe Sky Wifi SmartpenThe Sky Wifi Smartpen from Livescribe&nbsp;is a computerized pen designed for note taking. With the Sky Wifi Smartpen students can take notes on specialized notebook paper and have the written notes synchronized with audio recorded from class. The synchronized audio and written notes help students to review and fill in gaps of information that they may have missed while trying to quickly record information. The Sky Smartpen also automatically and wirelessly synchronizes notes to Evernote. Another useful feature of the Smartpen is the ability of one assigned note taker to wirelessly transmit digital notes and audio recordings to students who need notes provided. Using the Smartpen to provide notes to multiple students removes the delays caused by copying and carbon paper.&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;to learn more.

Back-to-School Guide for Dyslexic Students: Apps and More (Repost)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CY-2B7i6pw/U-YQGELpC6I/AAAAAAAAAjE/zdqEWYXGNaw/s1600/indoors_travel_solution_screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CY-2B7i6pw/U-YQGELpC6I/AAAAAAAAAjE/zdqEWYXGNaw/s1600/indoors_travel_solution_screenshot.png" height="152" title="indoor navigation app on an iPhone 5s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Imagine how difficult it would be to navigate a bustling airport terminal as a person with a visual impairment. Navigating security, finding baggage check, and finding the correct gate all while trying to make a last minute flight is daunting for even the most seasoned travelers. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will soon implement a system to help guide <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/08/redbox-to-make-some-kiosks-accessible.html">blind and visually impaired</a> travelers from curb to gate. Starting with Terminal 2 this fall, the airport will install some 500 iBeacons for a trial. Current solutions such as GPS do not work well indoors because they are unable to provide precise location information, but beacons allow more precise locationa. When a user with the indoor navigation app walks by a beacon it communicates with the user's smartphone and transmits the location. With the location information sent from the beacon, the app can then guide users to restrooms, restaurants, boarding gates, baggage claims, and even charging stations. Initially the app will only run on <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS</a> devices, but <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/kindle-app-for-ios-adds-whispersync-for.html">Android</a> devices will likely follow. The system runs off Bluetooth technology which should have minimal impact on battery life. For blind users, points of interest and navigation instructions are read aloud using <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If the trial in Terminal 2 is successful, it is likely that the program will expand to more terminals and more airports. This system, powered by a company called <a href="http://indoo.rs/">indoo.rs</a>, is a promising development for indoor navigation. In the near future, it is conceivable that similar systems will help people with visual impairments navigate shopping malls, schools, or hospitals. The technology will also benefit sighted users who have trouble finding locations in the vast terminal. If your traveling through SFO Terminal 2 this fall give it a try.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/TjqyGG_-IRU" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/6ypWgC5RDjg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Imagine how difficult it would be to navigate a bustling airport terminal as a person with a visual impairment. Navigating security, finding baggage check, and finding the correct gate all while trying to make a last minute flight is daunting for even the most seasoned travelers. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will soon implement a system to help guide blind and visually impaired travelers from curb to gate. Starting with Terminal 2 this fall, the airport will install some 500 iBeacons for a trial. Current solutions such as GPS do not work well indoors because they are unable to provide precise location information, but beacons allow more precise locationa. When a user with the indoor navigation app walks by a beacon it communicates with the user's smartphone and transmits the location. With the location information sent from the beacon, the app can then guide users to restrooms, restaurants, boarding gates, baggage claims, and even charging stations. Initially the app will only run on iOS devices, but Android devices will likely follow. The system runs off Bluetooth technology which should have minimal impact on battery life. For blind users, points of interest and navigation instructions are read aloud using VoiceOver.If the trial in Terminal 2 is successful, it is likely that the program will expand to more terminals and more airports. This system, powered by a company called indoo.rs, is a promising development for indoor navigation. In the near future, it is conceivable that similar systems will help people with visual impairments navigate shopping malls, schools, or hospitals. The technology will also benefit sighted users who have trouble finding locations in the vast terminal. If your traveling through SFO Terminal 2 this fall give it a try.

Indoor Navigation System Will Soon Guide Blind Passengers at SFO

<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QDBEELf0N0/U8fzaAgd3HI/AAAAAAAAAik/ss2bbNPO8Uc/s1600/AmpRidge+Mic+Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QDBEELf0N0/U8fzaAgd3HI/AAAAAAAAAik/ss2bbNPO8Uc/s1600/AmpRidge+Mic+Updated.jpg" height="227" title="Images of MightyMic plugged into iPhone 5s" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Mobile devices are convenient tools that students use to record classes and lectures, reporters use to record news conferences, and business people use to record meetings. Some use note taking apps like <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/10/notability-note-taking-app-for-ipad.html">Notability</a>, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/02/is-remarks-app-remarkable.html">Remarks</a>, or <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/livescribe-3-smartpen-do-more-with-your.html">Livescribe+</a> to augment&nbsp;their notes with audio recordings. The benefits of recording the audio can be minimized by poor quality recordings from built-in microphones.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Built-in microphones tend to do a poor job of isolating sounds which results in background noise that makes the desired sounds difficult to hear, especially for people with hearing impairments.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The AmpRidge MightyMic microphone plugs directly into the headphone jack of any smartphone, tablet, or computer that supports microphone input. It proves an alternative audio output jack so users can still plug in headphones while the microphone is plugged in. Its compact size makes it easy to use in class and makes in relatively discrete. The MightyMic microphone works well with an <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/made-for-iphone-hearing-aids-to-be.html">iPhone</a> and is only slightly longer wider than the width of the phone. The microphone &nbsp;even worked fine with my bulky iPhone case. Once plugged in you can angle the microphone towards the front of the room to capture the most important sounds. In my testing, the MightyMic microphone was on par with the built-in iPhone microphone for close range recording, but worked considerably better than the built-in microphone in a classroom or outdoor long range environment. The MightyMic microphone reduced background noise resulting in better sounding audio playback. If you frequently record classes, lectures, or meetings and are less than satisfied with your device's built-in microphone, the MightyMic mic is a good option to give your sound a boost. If you're looking for a big improvement in sound quality quality you may have to look towards more expensive options.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Ampridge MightyMic retails for $70 on </span><a href="http://www.ampridge.com/amp-mms.html" style="color: #222222;">AmpRidge.com</a><span style="color: #222222;">. Also included in a&nbsp;protective&nbsp;carrying pouch and foam protective cover.</span></span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ampridge.com/wpimages/wp83cbf4dd_05_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.ampridge.com/wpimages/wp83cbf4dd_05_06.jpg" height="155" title="Image of Mighty Mic and foam protective cover" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Product was provide complimentary to reviewer for review</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/nDXOhRq7Mmw" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/Fk_XXeqFpto" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Mobile devices are convenient tools that students use to record classes and lectures, reporters use to record news conferences, and business people use to record meetings. Some use note taking apps like Notability, Remarks, or Livescribe+ to augment&nbsp;their notes with audio recordings. The benefits of recording the audio can be minimized by poor quality recordings from built-in microphones. Built-in microphones tend to do a poor job of isolating sounds which results in background noise that makes the desired sounds difficult to hear, especially for people with hearing impairments.The AmpRidge MightyMic microphone plugs directly into the headphone jack of any smartphone, tablet, or computer that supports microphone input. It proves an alternative audio output jack so users can still plug in headphones while the microphone is plugged in. Its compact size makes it easy to use in class and makes in relatively discrete. The MightyMic microphone works well with an iPhone and is only slightly longer wider than the width of the phone. The microphone &nbsp;even worked fine with my bulky iPhone case. Once plugged in you can angle the microphone towards the front of the room to capture the most important sounds. In my testing, the MightyMic microphone was on par with the built-in iPhone microphone for close range recording, but worked considerably better than the built-in microphone in a classroom or outdoor long range environment. The MightyMic microphone reduced background noise resulting in better sounding audio playback. If you frequently record classes, lectures, or meetings and are less than satisfied with your device's built-in microphone, the MightyMic mic is a good option to give your sound a boost. If you're looking for a big improvement in sound quality quality you may have to look towards more expensive options.The Ampridge MightyMic retails for $70 on AmpRidge.com. Also included in a&nbsp;protective&nbsp;carrying pouch and foam protective cover.Product was provide complimentary to reviewer for review

Too Much Background Noise when Recording Lectures with Smart Phone or Table Built-in Microphone? Check Out the Ampridge MightMic

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redbox.com/image/mediacenter/rb-large-logo11-2011c" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.redbox.com/image/mediacenter/rb-large-logo11-2011c" height="166" title="Redbox logo" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Popular video rental service Redbox agreed in a settlement to make 4,000 of their 35,900 kiosks located in California accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. The service, which is commonly found in supermarkets and other public areas, is inaccessible to blind or visually impaired users. As part of the agreement, Redbox agreed to add headphone jacks, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/claropdf-app-pdf-text-to-speech-and.html">text-to-speech</a> output, and tactile keyboards to kiosks. The roll-out of accessible video rental boxes will be gradual and is planed to take longer than two years. In the interim, Redbox has also agreed to provide phone support to help blind customers navigate the rental process. It is not clear if Redbox plans to add more DVDs with audio descriptions to benefit its new larger customer base of visually impaired users, but such a plan would seem to make sense. The settlement deal will inevitably increase Redbox's potential customer base by providing access to more people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the settlement seems to only cover a small fraction of Redbox kiosk in California. Hopefully, other kiosk companies will make their services accessible as well.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/NO1TlzSB7SU" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/299skEkWYbw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Popular video rental service Redbox agreed in a settlement to make 4,000 of their 35,900 kiosks located in California accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. The service, which is commonly found in supermarkets and other public areas, is inaccessible to blind or visually impaired users. As part of the agreement, Redbox agreed to add headphone jacks, text-to-speech output, and tactile keyboards to kiosks. The roll-out of accessible video rental boxes will be gradual and is planed to take longer than two years. In the interim, Redbox has also agreed to provide phone support to help blind customers navigate the rental process. It is not clear if Redbox plans to add more DVDs with audio descriptions to benefit its new larger customer base of visually impaired users, but such a plan would seem to make sense. The settlement deal will inevitably increase Redbox's potential customer base by providing access to more people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the settlement seems to only cover a small fraction of Redbox kiosk in California. Hopefully, other kiosk companies will make their services accessible as well.

Redbox to Make Some Kiosks Accessible to the Blind

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqQeZlWiqZM/U76nm0P8X9I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/6Zghe3EmYko/s1600/App+VoiceOver.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqQeZlWiqZM/U76nm0P8X9I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/6Zghe3EmYko/s1600/App+VoiceOver.png" height="320" title="mock-up App Store screenshot with added section reading Supports VoiceOver on app preview page" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potential &nbsp;Feature for App Store</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Would you buy a song that may or may not play, a car that may or may not fit in your garage, or a remote that could or could not work with your TV? Probably not, but a similar problem is facing <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> users (and users of other built-in accessibility features) every time they look for a new app on the App Store. This user base is growing quickly due to high quality accessibility features that Apple builds into every iOS device. Currently, the App Store offers no way for users to know if the app will be accessible before hitting the buy button. For VoiceOver users, this means throwing away money if the app turns out to be inaccessible. While the issue of app accessibility has been getting a lot of buzz lately, hopefully Apple can implement some solutions to the problem before and until app accessibility is virtually ubiquitous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One way to help users know if an app is accessible before hitting the buy button is to add an accessibility report to the apps App Store page. Just as App Store pages prominently displays if an app is compatible with Game Center. This report could be generated during Apple's app review process and consist of a simple rating scale to help users determine if the app is accessible for their needs. As Rene Ritchie of <a href="http://imore.com/">iMore.com</a>&nbsp;suggested, maybe Apple would decide not to recommend any apps that are not fully accessible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are other solutions such as allowing developers to create an app accessibility preview alongside the full blown app previews coming with <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>. Developers could walk users through how the app interacts with <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> or other <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/apple-announces-wwdc-2014-will.html">accessibility</a> features directly in the App Store using audio and video.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully Apple and app developers continue to keep in mind when updating their products.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/g1l25VhtdMc" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/Zuu8NQDOLew" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Potential &nbsp;Feature for App StoreWould you buy a song that may or may not play, a car that may or may not fit in your garage, or a remote that could or could not work with your TV? Probably not, but a similar problem is facing VoiceOver users (and users of other built-in accessibility features) every time they look for a new app on the App Store. This user base is growing quickly due to high quality accessibility features that Apple builds into every iOS device. Currently, the App Store offers no way for users to know if the app will be accessible before hitting the buy button. For VoiceOver users, this means throwing away money if the app turns out to be inaccessible. While the issue of app accessibility has been getting a lot of buzz lately, hopefully Apple can implement some solutions to the problem before and until app accessibility is virtually ubiquitous.One way to help users know if an app is accessible before hitting the buy button is to add an accessibility report to the apps App Store page. Just as App Store pages prominently displays if an app is compatible with Game Center. This report could be generated during Apple's app review process and consist of a simple rating scale to help users determine if the app is accessible for their needs. As Rene Ritchie of iMore.com&nbsp;suggested, maybe Apple would decide not to recommend any apps that are not fully accessible.There are other solutions such as allowing developers to create an app accessibility preview alongside the full blown app previews coming with iOS 8. Developers could walk users through how the app interacts with VoiceOver or other accessibility features directly in the App Store using audio and video.Hopefully Apple and app developers continue to keep in mind when updating their products.

How Apple Could Improve the App Store for VoiceOver Users

<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ets.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/images/accessibility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ets.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/images/accessibility.jpg" height="320" title="Apple Accessibility icon" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Five years ago, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/apple-announces-wwdc-2014-will.html">Apple</a> did what seemed impossible; making the smooth glass of the iPhone touch screen accessible to the blind. A seemingly impossible task made possible by one of Apple's greatest software innovations; at least in my mind and the minds of millions of others with disabilities. Apple's solution was <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/ios-voiceover-overview.html">VoiceOver</a>, a screen reader like no other before. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/ios-voiceover-overview.html">VoiceOver</a>uses touch gestures instead of keyboard shortcuts and other more desktop friendly inputs that had been used before. Simply put, VoiceOver allowed millions of blind and visually impaired users to experience the magic that was iPhone. In some ways, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/ios-voiceover-overview.html">VoiceOver</a> is to accessibility as the Model T was to transportation: both brought new opportunities to the masses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">VoiceOver has come preinstalled on every iPhone, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/ipad-mini-nexus-7-or-kindle-fire-hdx.html">iPad</a>, and iPod touch for the past five years. Blind and visually impaired users can purchase a device off the shelf and have access almost immediately. Apple often says “built-in, not bolted on” when talking about accessibility which is&nbsp;</span>definitely accurate in respect to VoiceOver<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Thanks to VoiceOver blind and&nbsp;visually impaired users were as much a part of the smartphone revolution as any other user group. Over the past five years Apple has refined and updated VoiceOver and has added new accessibility features to help users with a wide variety of disabilities. Apple devices pushed the entire smartphone and tablet market to become more accessibile to more people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The inclusion of VoiceOver and other built-in accessibility features has allowed the App Store to boom with assistive apps to help the needs of people with disabilities. Not only did VoiceOver show that accessibility was possible on a touch screen phone, it gave developers a foundation to build great accessible apps. Basically, VoiceOver created a customer base for apps that helped the blind, which drove demand and increased the supply of great accessible apps. Another app gold-rush of sorts, but this time with apps tailored to people with disabilities. These apps are opening up new possibilities for disabled iOS users.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this fifth birthday of VoiceOver, Apple continues improve its accessibility offerings. Apple Keynote events routinely focus on a person with a disability being aided by an Apple product; it is clear that Apple cares about accessibility. New accessibility features come with every release of iOS, allowing users with different needs to get the most out of their device. However, no software is bug free and users are encouraged to email <a href="mailto:accessibility@apple.com">accessibility@apple.com</a> with suggestions or comments. And a many developers still do not support accessibility features in their apps. It can go a long way for users to tweet or email a developer asking for enhanced accessibility features. With Apple releasing “new product categories” within the year as CEO Tim Cook is often heard saying, hopefully accessibility remains at the forefront. VoiceOver has opened doors for millions of blind and low vision users, what other five-year-old can say that?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy birthday VoiceOver!</span><o:p></o:p></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/ySS4Ho7Z0Q0" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/YcMSQDF_6uo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

Five years ago, Apple did what seemed impossible; making the smooth glass of the iPhone touch screen accessible to the blind. A seemingly impossible task made possible by one of Apple's greatest software innovations; at least in my mind and the minds of millions of others with disabilities. Apple's solution was VoiceOver, a screen reader like no other before. VoiceOveruses touch gestures instead of keyboard shortcuts and other more desktop friendly inputs that had been used before. Simply put, VoiceOver allowed millions of blind and visually impaired users to experience the magic that was iPhone. In some ways, VoiceOver is to accessibility as the Model T was to transportation: both brought new opportunities to the masses.VoiceOver has come preinstalled on every iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch for the past five years. Blind and visually impaired users can purchase a device off the shelf and have access almost immediately. Apple often says “built-in, not bolted on” when talking about accessibility which is&nbsp;definitely accurate in respect to VoiceOver. Thanks to VoiceOver blind and&nbsp;visually impaired users were as much a part of the smartphone revolution as any other user group. Over the past five years Apple has refined and updated VoiceOver and has added new accessibility features to help users with a wide variety of disabilities. Apple devices pushed the entire smartphone and tablet market to become more accessibile to more people.The inclusion of VoiceOver and other built-in accessibility features has allowed the App Store to boom with assistive apps to help the needs of people with disabilities. Not only did VoiceOver show that accessibility was possible on a touch screen phone, it gave developers a foundation to build great accessible apps. Basically, VoiceOver created a customer base for apps that helped the blind, which drove demand and increased the supply of great accessible apps. Another app gold-rush of sorts, but this time with apps tailored to people with disabilities. These apps are opening up new possibilities for disabled iOS users.On this fifth birthday of VoiceOver, Apple continues improve its accessibility offerings. Apple Keynote events routinely focus on a person with a disability being aided by an Apple product; it is clear that Apple cares about accessibility. New accessibility features come with every release of iOS, allowing users with different needs to get the most out of their device. However, no software is bug free and users are encouraged to email accessibility@apple.com with suggestions or comments. And a many developers still do not support accessibility features in their apps. It can go a long way for users to tweet or email a developer asking for enhanced accessibility features. With Apple releasing “new product categories” within the year as CEO Tim Cook is often heard saying, hopefully accessibility remains at the forefront. VoiceOver has opened doors for millions of blind and low vision users, what other five-year-old can say that?Happy birthday VoiceOver!

Happy Birthday VoiceOver

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="http://player.theplatform.com/p/2E2eJC/nbcNewsOffsite?guid=nn_05_ns_tremor_140622" width="560"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For many with tremors eating can be a daunting task. Each bite is a challenge because the tremors make it difficult to steady the food in order to eat. This can extremely frustrating in the privacy of one's own home and very embarrassing when eating in public. A company name Lift Labs has a solution, mechanical utensils that counteract tremors and steady food. Lift Labs claims that this technology can cancel out 70% of the tremor to reduce spills, making eating easier. The Liftware device runs on a built-in battery and starts working when it is lifted off of the table. The mechanical stabilizing technology in the utensil's handle steadies the food even with unsteady hands. Users can switch between a fork and spoon attachment depending on what they are eating. The attachments are interchangeable, making cleaning easier and allowing users to switch between a fork and spoon. Liftware sells for $295 on Lift Labs website. <a href="http://store.liftlabsdesign.com/">Click here</a> to order. Liftware has the potential to increase independence for millions of people with tremors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.liftlabsdesign.com/img/spoonTechv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="168" src="https://www.liftlabsdesign.com/img/spoonTechv3.jpg" title="Liftware spoon" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Click read more below to view more videos of Liftware in action.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73903585" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/QrGkR/~4/_8K9x5SnP7Y" height="1" width="1"/><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/atblogcast/~4/nqfizFxKu-M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

For many with tremors eating can be a daunting task. Each bite is a challenge because the tremors make it difficult to steady the food in order to eat. This can extremely frustrating in the privacy of one's own home and very embarrassing when eating in public. A company name Lift Labs has a solution, mechanical utensils that counteract tremors and steady food. Lift Labs claims that this technology can cancel out 70% of the tremor to reduce spills, making eating easier. The Liftware device runs on a built-in battery and starts working when it is lifted off of the table. The mechanical stabilizing technology in the utensil's handle steadies the food even with unsteady hands. Users can switch between a fork and spoon attachment depending on what they are eating. The attachments are interchangeable, making cleaning easier and allowing users to switch between a fork and spoon. Liftware sells for $295 on Lift Labs website. Click here to order. Liftware has the potential to increase independence for millions of people with tremors.Click read more below to view more videos of Liftware in action.

High-Tech Utensil Helps to Counteract Tremors and Stabilize Food

Learn about assistive technology for people with reading disabilities, low vision and other disabilities that make tasks difficult. Written by someone that uses assisstive technology to read and write.

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Assistive Technology Blog Podcast

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