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Linked Images, Web Tip #32, 11/6/13

Nov 6th, 2013 by

Linked Images

Difficulty: Advanced

Category:

  • Content
  • Presentation

When an image is the only thing contained within a link, that image must be given appropriate alternative text. Because the image provides a function, a screen reader encountering the image must convey some information to the user. If alternative text has not been provided for the image, a screen reader will typically read the image file name or the address of the page being linked to. Proper alternative text describing the link location is much more helpful and accurate. A screen reader will identify the presence of the link, so it is not necessary to put “link to” or similar in the alternative text.

Example:
<a href=”http://www.apple.com/iphone”><img src=”/images/iphone.jpg” alt=”Apple’s iPhone web site” /></a>

For more information, see http://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/.

Posted in Assistive Technology, Information Technology, Web Accessibility, Web Tip Wednesday | No Comments »

iPad 2 Grant Applications Open, 11/5/13

Nov 5th, 2013 by

iPad 2 Grant Applications Open!

Autism Speaks is thrilled to announce that through the generosity of Sevenly, Wyndham Worldwide, the Geier Foundation, the James Walter Pickle Charitable Foundation, the Agarwal Foundation and Jonathan Izak, 800 schools and financially disadvantaged individuals with autism will receive an Apple iPad 2 with a Kraken A.M.S. case, by Trident Case!

Eligible applicants are individuals who:

  • Have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by a licensed professional
  • Reside in the United States
  • Have limited income and cannot afford to purchase an iPad

 

Technology Grant Timeline

November 4: Online Application Opens at 12:00AM EST
November 8: Application Closes at 11:59PM EST
November 11 – December 2: Review Committee Selects Recipients
December 9: Recipients Announced and iPads sent out!

 How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by the person with autism, an immediate family member of the person with autism, or a licensed teacher, social worker or therapist. The Technology Grant Review Committee will review applications and select the iPad award recipients. All applicants selected to receive an iPad 2 will be contacted on December 9. If selected, the iPad will be shipped via UPS directly to the address provided with the application. Others will receive an email informing them of their status.

Visit the AutismCares website to apply! You must create a login and select Autism Speaks iPad Grant 2013.

Note: Only applicants in the United States will be considered. We cannot accept applications from outside the United States.

Autism Speaks would like to thank Trident Case for their generous donation of 800 Kraken A.M.S. cases.

Posted in MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

AT News Wrap-up (a day early,shhh), 11/1/13

Oct 31st, 2013 by

Grab your coffee and curl up in front of the soft glow of your computer as you check out some of this week’s biggest assistive technology headlines…AT in the news for the week of 10/28 thru 11/1

Welcoming Art Lovers With Disabilities

This video shares one family’s housing design for the parents to age in place

Here is a review by an SLP of AAC apps available right now

Mom creates book app to inspire son with Aspergers

Access Today latest newsletter from the National Center on Accessibility

RNIB Works With Amazon To Deliver Mainstream Breakthrough For Blind And Partially Sighted People

Accessibility tips for users with dyslexia

A smartpen to rival Livescribe: the $150 Equil JOT that lets you use any paper

Freedom Scientific releases JAWS 15 screen reading software

Power Up: Apps for Kids with Special Needs and Learning Differences

Man With MS Skydives Onto Mount Everest: ‘I Feel Very Happy’

Professors explore health tech, apps for individuals with disabilities

New technology to improve rehabilitation services for elderly and disabled

Advancements In Adaptive Technology An Educational Advantage For Local Blind Students

Tech Assistance in Testing Poses Practical Issues

Newer Tech on the rise with seniors

Posted in MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

Communication During Emergencies, 10/31/13

Oct 31st, 2013 by

Effective Communication During Emergencies

Contributed by Provi Sharpe, Director of Emergency Management and Reuse Projects, MDTAP

Communication is the key to your safety and those around you! Here are some ways to effectively communicate:

Carry a pre-printed accommodation and access card that has your contact information as well as those who can be notified on your behalf. Free, pre-printed accommodation cards are available through Health Bridges for those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf Blind.  Your accommodation card should include key phrases that will help others communicate with you such as “I cannot hear sirens or alarms” or “I use American Sign Language” or “I need an interpreter.” After your card is created and printed it should be kept with your other identification cards.

Get a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service Weather Radio with text or visual alerts for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For more information on the Service Weather Radio, visit NOAA.

If you have a Twitter account you can also receive critical updates directly to your phone from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other emergency organizations with Twitter Alerts – the fastest way to get essential information when you need it most.

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT News, Emergency Preparedness, Things to Know Thursday | No Comments »

Alt Text Guidelines, Web Tip #31, 10/30/13

Oct 30th, 2013 by

Guidelines for Alternative Text

Difficulty: Advanced

Category:

  • Content
  • Presentation

Alternative text for images can be presented either in the alt attribute of the image (<img alt=”Acme Logo” src=”logo.jpg”>) or in text near an image (e.g., an image text caption). When a caption or surrounding text provides the full content of the image, the image can generally be given a null or empty alt attribute (alt=””) to avoid redundancy. Screen readers identify the presence of images, so it is not important to indicate in alt text that it is an image (i.e., avoid “image of…” or “graphic of…”), however it may be useful to inform the user if an image is a photograph, illustration, chart, etc. if this information is considered central to the content of the image.

Posted in MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

MD Prepares App, 10/29/13

Oct 29th, 2013 by

MD Prepares App

Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP

Check your calendars; it has been one year, nearly to the day, since Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the East Coast.  If you will excuse the metaphor, this is what put Emergency Preparedness on the RADAR for many of us. Marylanders with disabilities often have unique needs during an emergency. While exploring this issue is far beyond the scope of a Tech Tip Tuesday post, rest assured that your tax dollars are being used wisely by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to address these needs.

We have posted before about useful services from MEMA.  Today, I’m pleased to tell you about the MD Prepares app.  You can find it in the iOS App Store and through Google Play–it’s free.  Download it.  Put it on your home screen.

MD Prepares App – iTunes app

MD Prepares Android App– Google Play

This is a great app.  First off, it appears to be completely accessible in a non-visual access sense. I could check and uncheck the items I have put in my emergency kits (there is a check list for your home kit as well as your office kit).  I checked weather reports and for other emergency alerts in my area.  In fact, during a recent power outage, the app also provided me with the number for problem reporting to BGE.  It’s all right there on the front page of the app.

I am not one to worry too much about emergencies.  I’m lucky to have a tooth brush and a pair of socks in my “Go Bag.” That said, keeping the MD Prepares app readily at hand lets me sleep better at night.  And since it has already proven its utility to me in a real world situation, it is a great step on the road toward being more prepared.

 

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT News, Blind/Low Vision Aids , Emergency Preparedness, Information Technology, Tech Tip Tuesday | No Comments »

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