Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Wireless Emergency Alerts

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

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) send free informational text messages to WEA-enabled cell phones within range of an imminent and dangerous local situation, severe weather event, or AMBER emergency.  The WEA notification is designed to get your attention and notify you with a unique sound and vibration. When you receive an alert, take action and check local broadcasts for more information.  Public safety officials use WEA to send essential information whenever you are near the location of a life-threatening event.  You do not need to register to receive WEA notifications. You will automatically receive alerts if you have a WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program.

To find out if your mobile device is capable of receiving WEA alerts, contact your mobile device carrier or visit CTIA The Wireless Association. If you choose not to receive WEA messages, you can adjust the alert settings on your mobile device. You can opt-out of receiving imminent hazard and AMBER alerts, but you cannot opt-out of Presidential alerts.

For more information about Wireless Emergency Alerts, download the WEA Fact Sheet or view FEMA WEA Frequently Asked Questions.

Alternative Text

Difficulty: Beginner

Category:

• Content
• Presentation

Alternative text conveys the content and functionality (if present) of an image. It is very rarely a description of what the image looks like. When authoring alternative text, consider what the core information presented by the image is. Asking the question, “If you could not use the image, what text would you use to replace it?” is often a good test to determine appropriate alternative text.

BARD Mobile Arrives At Long Last

Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP

Last week, BARD Mobile, an iOS app which reads both Braille and audio books from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), appeared in the App Store. Exhaustive reviews of BARD Mobile’s features and step-by-step guides for it’s use are already appearing in all of the usual places. Blindbargains.com has an excellent article, and there is ample discussion on applevis.com. As such, an in-depth review of the app itself will not be included here.

The workings of the app itself is one thing, but what BARD Mobile means for NLS and for the assistive technology community at large is another. Until now, specialized equipment was required in order to listen to audio books from NLS.  In the analog days, these were cassette players and record players, which played NLS materials produced in a specialized format.

Around 2005, NLS moved into the digital age.  Digital book players were produced specifically for the playback of NLS materials.  At the same time, third party digital players, like those from Humanware, began to proliferate.  Rather than sending all materials through the U.S. mail, downloading talking books became an option.

With the introduction of BARD Mobile, the barrier of specialized hardware has been removed.  Library patrons can now listen to audio books on commercially available iOS devices.  BARD Mobile may well decimate the market for third party NLS book players.  These devices typically cost hundreds of dollars, and the benefits of buying one rather than an iPhone or iPad may only continue for niche markets within an already small consumer group.

This is part of a larger trend in the assistive technology world.  As reflected in this blog, common off-the-shelf (COTS) computing devices are increasingly taking the place of more expensive specialized assistive technology.  While this solution may not work for all users, the cost and convenience are highly appealing.  Braille Notetakers and augmentative communication devices now have even more company in an increasingly perilous marketplace.

The BARD Mobile application for iOS devices, version 1.0, is now available at Apple’s online app store: itunes.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586.

A video introduction to the BARD Mobile application is available at www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=5955

Here are some of the newest items listed on Equipment Link. Check them out before they go! And remember, Equipment Link includes listings from our regional partners in Delaware and PA.

ACORN Superglide 120 Stair Lift (Best Offer) – Like new, only used 8 times. Right hand install, straight staircase of 14 stairs, swivel seat, remote controls, DC power pack insures operation during power outages, plugs into standard wall outlet. Columbia, MD

ROHO Cushion ($199 or Best Offer) – Provides contouring & positioning for those requiring postural support. Wilmington, DE

First Edition Victor Reader Stream package ($200) – Includes 1. The Victor Reader Stream first edition unit and original battery.  2. A four gig card that has already been formatted for the first addition VRS unit.  3. A brand new A.C. adapter for keeping the unit charged when not in use.  4. A leather carrying case with a zippered compartment in the lid of the case for carrying extra cards. Girard, PA

AT in the news for the week of 9/16 – 9/20

10 Ingenious Inventions for People With Disabilities

Technologies that guide unmanned vehicles could one day help the blind navigate

BYOD in the Classroom

Perkins and Philips Combine Bright Ideas to Teach Children with Disabilities

A lab without test tubes, but with Stinkyboards

Smithsonian To Spotlight Artists With Disabilities

Google – web accessibility is NOT just for blind

A tribute to parents seeking AT for their kids, watch this clip about a custom made prosthesis

Clothing Store To Cater To People With Special Needs

Researchers Create Data Glasses Controlled By Your Eye Movement

New college options for students with disabilities

High-tech gear helps disabled live independent, healthier lives

We Connect Now is a website developed to connect and integrate college students with disabilities in a virtual community with a voice on important issues including college students and access to higher education and employment. The We Connect Now website has been up and serving college students with disabilities since April of 2008. The website has been used as a resource by institutions of higher learning and has been linked to by colleges and universities and groups serving people with disabilities in all 50 states and at least 10 foreign countries.