Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Text Size and Zoom

Difficulty: Beginner

Category:

• Presentation

Content must remain readable and understandable when text size or page zoom is set to at least 200% or twice the default size. While it is optimal to decrease the likelihood of horizontal scrollbars or changes in visual design or document layout at these settings, readability and understandability are most critical to accessibility. This can be tested by selecting Control + (or Command + on a Mac) in your web browser or by increasing the text size under the View menu.

Maryland DORS Is Now On Facebook!

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) is now on Facebook.  DORS will be using its Facebook page to share consumer success stories, post Emergency/inclement weather notices, circulate info about job fairs, meetings and other events, and to pass on resources for and from community partners. To find out more, check out and LIKE Maryland DORS.

BJAA Launches New Website 

The Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance (BJAA) is a new website created to promote an inclusive, spirited environment that celebrates diversity in the Baltimore community and the uniqueness of every member. The BJAA offers an array of support services in partnership with the agencies of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. Housed at the Jewish Community Center, the BJAA is an innovative resource that connects individuals and families to one another, in addition to other programs and services. The website serves as a user-friendly gateway to resources in the Jewish or general community for people with disabilities and a forum for individuals and families to interact, share experiences and advice and develop connections. One of the website’s features is the Parent-to-Parent Network, an internet connection that allows families with similar needs to be matched for information sharing, guidance and support. For more information about the BJAA, visit their website at www.jewishabilities.org.

AT in the news for the weeks of 8/5 thru 8/16

Teen’s inexpensive 3D-printed prosthetic could open doors for amputees in the third world

“Google Glass: Not for the Hearing Impaired” – author explains issues with accessibility

Look Ma, No Buttons! Bluetooth headset without buttons for users with dexterity issues

The EyeWriter – a low-cost, open source eye-tracking system that allows ALS patients to draw using just their eyes

Amphibious prosthetic leg promises superhuman swimmers

Viewpoints TV Announces a Special Segment on Smart Home Technologies

Google Glass, other wearables could give the disabled a new measure of independence  

OK, Glass: I Can’t Walk, So Help Me Explore

Using technology to help physically impaired and ill children get better through music

PDF Association Releases Matterhorn Protocol, the Definitive Accessibility Testing Model for PDF

Blind games: The next battleground in accessibility

An App to Lead the Blind

Robotic exoskeleton to help rehabilitate disabled people passes safety tests

Making websites accessible without sacrificing aesthetics

Academics craft clothes for disabled

New device helps patients keep their voices from diseases

With Documentary, PBS Looks At Life On The Spectrum

My Life, My Choices: Giving Individuals the Choices They Need for Self-Empowerment and Independence Summit

Thursday, September 19, 2013 – 9:00 am to 3:15 pm

Allegany College, Continuing Education Building, Cumberland Campus 12401 Willowbrook Rd., Cumberland, MD 21502

Click to download the Word flier or PDF flier for complete information. Registration is required to ensure sufficient materials are present, and the deadline to register is August 30.

Engineering the environment to facilitate communication and choice-making involves providing visual supports along with augmentative/alternative communication opportunities to facilitate the development of language and choice making. This summit will focus on how to design and set up multiple environments to support these skills. Selection of various communication methods from low tech to high tech will be explored.

Participates will learn how to:

• Identify visual supports needed to support and facilitate the development of communication and choice making. Low tech and digital formats will be demonstrated.
• Set up the environment to support the development of communication and choice making.
• Select appropriate communication types (photos, black lined drawings, apps as speech generating devices, or dedicated augmentative/alternative communication)
• Learn about funding sources for augmentative communication, including Maryland Medicaid.
• View a selection of available tools both handmade and commercially available.

All participates will receive a simple communication tool to assist individuals with disabilities when communicating personal and medical needs.

Registration: Summit is FREE of charge but your pre-registration is required to assure we have sufficient materials. Register on line www.atlastinc.org or call toll free 1-866-9ATLAST.  Lunch is on your own and can be conveniently purchased at the Student Union.  A variety of CEU applications have been submitted through the college. Certificates will be available following the event. Direct questions to: atco_opsales@msn.com.

Robustness

Difficulty: Beginner

Category:

• Validation

Robustness addresses the technology implications of accessibility. It requires following web standards (e.g., valid HTML and CSS), creating content/functionality that works across various user agents (web browsers and assistive technologies), ensuring compatibility with various hardware (such as mobile devices), and considering present, future, and older technologies. While it does not mean that a web site must be compatible with all present, future, or former technologies, it does suggest that consideration be given to ensure accessibility to the broadest range of technologies feasible.