Accessible Emergency Alerts

Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP

Over the weekend AT&T pushed a Carrier Update to iPhones, specifically the 4S and 5, though there are reports of iPhone 4 receiving the update as well.  This update to the carrier settings enables emergency alerts from AT&T.

After installing the update, I now have a new section in Notifications called “Government Alerts.”  There are two settings–Amber Alerts and Emergency Alerts.  Apparently, these can either be toggled on or off.

There are several services which can send out text messages or e-mail alerts for emergencies, but this service will work differently.  You will receive emergency alerts based on your current location, which makes more sense.

It’s unclear just how this service is implemented.  As it is provided by the carrier, the alerts may work more reliably and be sent out sooner than those from a 3rd party service.  This is a great way to stay abreast of emergency situations in your area.

Television and radio stations have provided alerts for some time, though these are not fully accessible.  Now, even the deaf blind population will be served appropriately simply by connecting a Braille Display to an iDevice.

This feature will eventually be supported by all smartphones on all carriers.   Given the wild weather we have had so far in Baltimore this Summer, I imagine it won’t be long before we see these alerts in action.

It might be the beginning of summer but it’s not too early to start thinking about getting the beginning of the school year text books ready to go. And the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped maintains a program to help students who are blind or low vision access their textbooks in alternate formats.

Maryland Accessible Textbook Program

The Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped operates a program that helps post-secondary students with print disabilities gain access to textbooks in an accessible electronic format. Call the Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for more information at 410-230-2424 or click here for the library’s website. 

AT in the news for the week of 6/10 – 6/14

Baby Boomers Twice as Likely to Use an Assistive Walking Device

Disability rights advocates and publishers push for national standards for ed tech materials

Scientists find 2-step mechanism of inner ear tip link regrowth; potential for interventions to save hearing

Travel & transportation industries keep satisfaction moving ahead with accessible tech

Paralyzed Michael Graves Designs From Patient Perspective

Robots Offer Alternative For Homebound Students

Disability is no obstacle to success

Myoelectrically controlled wrist robot for stroke rehabilitation

Smirnoff’s Mindtunes Project Rocks the House with Beats from New Musicians and DJ Fresh

One charity’s mission to help disabled gamers

Holly Community helps people retain lifestyle , independence

Israeli smartphone for blind sees American debut

Aging in the home is vital to many baby boomers as they enter their retirement years. As this process begins, there are many resources available to help keep homes accessible and aging-friendly. Here are just a few:

Aging in Place Specialists Directory

Seizure Inducing Media

Difficulty: Beginner

Category:

• Presentation

Flashing, strobing content can cause photo-epileptic seizures. In order to cause a seizure, strobing content must flash more than 3 times per second, be sufficiently large, and have significant contrast in the flashes. The color red is also more likely to cause a seizure. Bright flashing content, particularly in videos, must be avoided.

The New and Improved iBill Money Identifier

Orbit Research first released the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier back in 2009.  It retains the title of smallest bill identifier on the market.  It also is the least expensive and possibly the most accurate.

The new iBill, released in the Fall of 2012 is updated for the new versions of U.S. currency.  It also has louder volume and a headphone jack for private listening.  The vibration mode makes the iBill usable by the deaf blind as well.