Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Being prepared for emergencies is vital for everyone, and for those in wheelchairs, it’s particularly important to make sure that there is access to safe and reliable evacuation regardless of facility. Recently, MDTAP came across Evacu-Trac chairs, chairs that are used for evacuation purposes that make it possible for wheelchair users to get down stairs during the event of an emergency. Check them out here and learn more about this evacuation possibility.

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Defining Web Accessibility, 3/13/2013

Mar 13th, 2013 by MDTAP Blog

Defining Web Accessibility

Difficulty: Beginner

Category:

Principles

Web accessibility is about reaching the broadest range of users regardless of age or disability. A web site can always be made more accessible, and thus, will always be inaccessible to someone. Guidelines, policies, and laws provide measures of accessibility that can be useful in establishing goals and in evaluating accessibility. Viewing web accessibility as a continuum on which improvement can always be made will help ensure that accessibility is continually improving and that it is about people, not merely compliance with law or guidelines.

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Earl reads the news, 3/12/13

Mar 12th, 2013 by MDTAP Blog

Let Earl read the news

Contributed by Joel Zimba, Technology Outreach Specialist, MDTAP

A new iPhone app named Earl makes news reading simple, especially for someone with little technical knowledge. Earl reads newspapers aloud with a remarkably clear voice. All of its functions can be accessed through simple voice commands.

The $.99 app will read just a few articles per day, but a monthly or yearly subscription will give unlimited access. Several newspapers are provided for your reading pleasure. I’m sure this number will increase as user base grows.

When first starting Earl, a short tutorial is spoken. After double-tapping the screen, a command can be spoken, which let’s you move from article to article or change Earl’s settings.

In a previous article I discussed the NFB NewsLine app, which is free and lets you read hundreds of newspapers. Earl is unique because of its ease of use. Also, anyone can use earl, while NFB NewsLine has an application process involved. Still, Earl will appeal to those who might have trouble navigating a rich user interface or if dexterity issues make using a typical iPhone app difficult.

I like Earl. It’s reading voice is particularly easy to understand. And while I am unlikely to subscribe at this time, I would definitely recommend it to MDTAP clients.

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iPad apps for those with SMA, 3/11/13

Mar 11th, 2013 by MDTAP Blog

For those with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and families of those with SMA, the iPad can be highly effective in helping with communication and interaction with others. Because of this, the organization SMAiPad, established by parents of children with SMA, gives away iTunes gift cards each month for the purchase of apps. Applicants must either be diagnosed with SMA or be related to someone who has the disease.

To enter for the gift card giveaway or to learn more about apps for individuals with SMA, visit http://smaipad.com/giftcard-giveaway-details.

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