When Apple launched the original iPhone, there wasn’t anything quite like it. iOS transformed the way that consumers interacted with cell phones, and the App Store unleashed an unprecedented wave of developer creativity. This creativity and ingenuity has lead to leaps forward in accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Independent Living Resource Center Of San Francisco, in partnership with The Serotek Corporation, will be providing live commentary on today’s Apple event.

Please note this is not an in-person event.

Various community leaders including Mike Calvo, Founder of Serotek, Derek Zarda, Assistive Technology Educator, and Jessie Lorenz Executive Director of ILRCSF will be providing commentary on what may be the most accessible version of iOS yet. Please join us today at 1 PM Eastern as we continue the dream of Steve Jobs, who had a vision of a world where technology erases limitations. Live tweeting and bloggers welcome!

Buddy Brannan joins Jamie Pauls and Ricky Enger for this episode of the podcast. Along with the top news of the week including an announcement from Serotek, jamie demonstrates our newly-released version of iBlink Radio for the Mac. Stories covered in this podcast include:

Serotek Announces iBlink Radio for the Mac

Why is Skype forcing a software upgrade on all of us?

GWConnect ends August 4

Free Online Training – Using Skype for Windows Desktop with Window-Eyes

Short Skype course from CAVI

Orbit Research and the Transforming Braille Group Announce Agreement to Produce Low-Cost Refreshable Braille Display

NV Access | Speech Synthesizer Survey 1

Mosen Consulting eBook, “iOS 8 Without the Eye”

Announcing: ChAPPters

Redbox agrees to provide better access for blind customers

Revisiting the “Switch to Android full-time” experiment

Microsoft is finally killing support for old versions of Internet Explorer

4 Reasons Microsoft’s Surface Might Bite the Dust

Windows ‘Threshold’ to drop charms, add virtual desktop

BlackBerry still on shaky ground, but it continues to secure lucrative security clearances

Dial-Up Still a Cash Cow for AOL

Apple, Samsung Agree to End Patent Suits Outside U.S.

Report: Sprint to Drop T-Mobile Bid, CEO | News & Opinion

Roundabout

70 Years of Smokey: The Story of America’s Firefighting Bear

Toddler squeezes through White House fence

With an All-Deaf Wait Staff, New Restaurant Asks Guests to Order in Sign Language

We are again very pleased to be able to bring you a portion of the NFB Assistive Technology Trainers Division meeting. This particular portion of our coverage has proven to be very popular and incredibly informative in past years. And this year is no different. In the first half of this program you will hear Jeff Baser, from Dolphin USA, showing off the new Dolphin Guide, Supernova and discussing the alternative media creation suite.

Jenny Lineback, AT Trainers Treasurer, then leads a panel discussion on some common problems Facility and On Site Trainers face today. Joining her on the panel is Chip from the Colorado Center for the Blind and Jack from the Louisiana Center for the Blind.

While this isn’t the whole Division meeting, the entire audio can be found by contacting the AT Trainers Division directly. Send an email to President michael Barber at michael.NFBI@gmail.com. Or, join the NFB AT Trainers mailing list at

Welcome to our second NFB 2014 HIMS special. This time around, you get two presentations in one as Dave and Andy demonstrate the Blaze EZ, HIMS’ new book reader with OCR and more. Then, they discuss the latest updates to the BrailleSense firmware that powers HIMS notetakers. There’s a lot to learn, so let’s get started.

We would like to thank HIMS Inc. for being one of the sponsors for this year’s NFB convention coverage.

HIMS Inc.–sponsor of this year’s SPN NFB 2014 coverage–provides an overview of their low-vision solutions including the revolutionary E-bot Pro, a portable distance reading, writing and video magnifier with iPad connectivity.

In this CSUN 2014 presentation, Joe Steinkamp, Ricky Enger and Dave Wilkinson demonstrate cloud-based solutions, mainstream tablets, PC’s and iDevices along with assistive technology from HIMS, Inc. and Serotek Corporation for complete access to information from anywhere.

In this CSUN 2014 presentation by HIMS Inc., Dave Wilkinson explores the comparative efficiency of completing educational tasks using iPads and Braille displays and Braille notetakers.

The SeroTalk Podcast Network would like to thank HIMS Inc. for sponsoring our coverage of this year’s CSUN convention.

HIMS Inc.–sponsor of this year’s SPN CSUN coverage–redefines magnification with their presentation on E-bot, a revolutionary new low-vision product. We trust that you will enjoy the presentation.

In this podcast, Serotek’s own Matt Campbell drops by for his regular visit to the show. Did you know there was a pattern to his appearances? You’ll have to listen to the podcast to see what it is. In addition to referencing several stories, Jamie, Ricky and matt mention quite a number of books and authors. There are too many to mention here, so you’ll want to take notes as you listen. After the news, Lisa Salinger tells us about The Serotek Ambassadors’ Club and how you can become a member. Stories discussed in this podcast include:

NLS BARD Site Back Online Despite Government Shutdown

Is Congress catastrophically broken, or is it doing exactly what it was designed to do?

Zoom H6 Recorder Review

The New iPhone 5c and Walk-Through of the Initial Setup Process for VoiceOver Users

The Journey Toward Braille: Potential and Limitations of using Braille with iDevices

Dr. Abraham Nemeth, inventor of the Braille math code, dies at 94

The technological terrors of Tom Clancy

Valve Steam Machines, Steam Controller, and SteamOS: Visionary or Vapor?

Valve details specs for Linux-based Steam Machine prototype gaming PCs

Goodbye Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft Now Recommends You Use a Third-Party Antivirus

Why the blue screen of death no longer plagues Windows users

Facebook makes statuses editable… but is this open to abuse?

Facebook Pushes Passwords One Step Closer to Death

iOS 7 nausea and cybersickness: What causes it, and why it’s a sign of things to come

Mailbag

From Mike Arrigo

Thought you might be interested in this. It’s an interview with Susan Bennett who is definitely the voice of Samantha. I actually emailed her from her site, told her who I was and mentioned that her voice is used in a lot of products for blind people. She actually wrote back, she had no idea that her voice was so well known to blind people. She was actually very happy that her voice had made such a difference for us, regardless of whether you like Samantha’s voice, the person who created it sounds like a really nice person. http://tube.majestyc.net/?v=fL5s3pNJECk

From Aaron Linson

Hey guys, I’ve been a faithful listener to all of the Serotek podcasts. I have a point to make on the button issue with portable reading devices. As a college student I find my book port plus to be invaluable to me. I can jump through a book as fast if not faster than a sighted college student. I also find that I’m faster with the book player than a touch screen., pushing a button is faster than swiping and the kickback is instantaneous where as a flick takes a millisecond longer. Just my thoughts and opinions.
Thanks, Aaron Linson My vision is good, it’s just my eyes that are not

From Timothy Hornig

Greetings,

I appreciate the information and stances you all took with regards to visually impaired owning and using firearms. As long as the 2nd Amendment stands in it current interpretation and regulatory stances, we as a demographic should be allowed the ability to receive training, licensure, and ability to legally use them. Earlier this year, I received the chance to go turkey hunting, where my guide and I scored two birds. The ability to do this comes in large part due to the iPhone and a system called iScope (http://www.iscope.com)./ Before actually heading out, it took a little bit of time to work out our communications preferences with targeting.

Likewise, those who wish to own personal handguns should go through the most thorough set of training possible. However, I strongly concede to the point that these individuals, regardless of their personal abilities, should really look at the difference between owning for personal safety/defense and owning to own. A handgun in the hands of an ill-trained or familiarized individual is more dangerous to that person then in the hands of an highly trained person. As a reminder, it is perfectly fine to ask your local police department, firearm store, or shooting range to potentially store your weapon if you have concerns of home storage.

As for the iPhone 5S, one thought comes to mind, vid for I’ve Got a Golden Ticket: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29_uSlEEPSk

Enjoy, Tim

Roundabout

In new TV role, Michael J. Fox a pioneer

Fake Service Dogs, Real Problem

‘I’m the original voice of Siri’

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

Each month, members of Serotek’s System Access Mobile Network are able to participate in live training sessions on how to use various aspects of SAMNet. These training sessions are conducted by our own Lisa Salinger and are made available for on-demand listening later. We are pleased to bring you Lisa’s demonstration of the new features of the SAMNet Socializer. Once you have listened to this training, try out the new features of the SAMNet Socializer for yourself. If you aren’t already a member, {why not begin your seven-day free trial today?

In part 2 of the HIMS NFB workshop, Scott Hegle and Dave Wilkinson demonstrate [HIMS Braille products with iOS devices and programs, our Deaf-Blind communication solutions, and a preview of Braille EDGE v1.1.

To learn more about HIMS INC., you can Follow HIMS on Twitter

Or Like them on Facebook

The SeroTalk Podcast Network would like to thank HIMS for sponsoring this year’s NFB and ACB convention coverage.

In part 1 of the HIMS NFB workshop, Jenny Axler and Scott Hegle demonstrate the new features of Braille Sense and Voice Sense notetaker version 8.0 including Dropbox, YouTube, RSS, Excel Viewer and the new Quick Browser as well as enhancements to Twitter and the Word Processor.

To learn more about HIMS INC., you can Follow HIMS on Twitter

Or Like them on Facebook

The SeroTalk Podcast Network would like to thank HIMS for sponsoring this year’s NFB and ACB convention coverage.

A look at low-cost assistive technology and training solutions for blind consumers

The below talk was given by Joe Steinkamp and Ricky Enger at the CSUN 2013 conference in San Diego. It covers using social media and podcasts to build a network of professionals and consumers, and examines Serotek’s low-cost solutions for performing common tasks.

Introduction

Vocational rehabilitation professionals face a number of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Each day, these professionals must meet with consumers to determine their academic and vocational needs, find assistive technology solutions that fit those needs, provide training specifically tailored to the consumer’s learning style, and all this must be done using a limited amount of time and resources. Given the constraints of shrinking budgets and the speed of emerging technology, how can a vocational rehabilitation professional provide quality assistance to each consumer?

The task of matching technology to individualized plans is not as impossible as it seems. In this session, we will explore a number of ideas and solutions that save both time and money, and still allow for a quality experience for the rehab professional and the consumer.

What’s out there?

The first step to providing quality service to your consumers is to identify what the market is currently offering. The search for products that meet your consumer’s needs can seem like a daunting prospect when the number of solutions has multiplied in recent years. It can be tempting to choose the most popular solution, regardless of how well this solution fits a consumer’s unique requirements. Rather than taking this approach, consider the following:

Tune into the world of podcasts.

Search for podcasts that discuss assistive technology. Many AT companies produce podcasts about their own products and services. There are also podcasts with a more unbiased look at available tools and resources led by recognized experts in the field. Through such podcasts, you can learn valuable tips about using various types of assistive technology and identify key differences between product feature sets. The SeroTalk Podcast Network, produced by Serotek Corporation, contains a great deal of valuable information about mainstream and assistive technology. In addition, the free iBlink Radio for iOS and Android platforms gathers a wide variety of community resources such as podcasts and community radio that can be extremely beneficial in drilling down for details about specific solutions.

Use social media.

Social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter have become popular vehicles for near real-time communication. Beyond the purely social aspects of these tools, they can be used to gather on-the-ground information about a wide range of pertinent topics. As a rehab professional, you can build a network which includes other professionals like yourself, as well as users of the technology you are researching. In this way, you can gather a lot of useful information in a very short amount of time.

A Look at one Company’s Low-cost solutions

There is no single company who can create a product which is all things to all people. While there are many companies and products you will want to research, this presentation will focus on low-cost products and services from Serotek, arguably the most affordable option in the market today.

Screen-reading

One of the most important pieces of assistive technology for a blind or visually impaired person is a screen reader. Having a functional screen reader that the person understands how to use makes all the difference in ensuring the person is productive and successful. Serotek’s System Access is designed to be effective with very little training. Serotek aimed to make a product which was easily usable by someone brand-new to the computer, yet still powerful enough to meet the needs of the more tech-savvy professional. Furthermore, the product can be used absolutely anywhere, not just on a single PC. This level of accessibility is accomplished through a web-resident version of the screen reader, or through a version installed on a thumb drive. The screen reader is about half the cost of other assistive technology on the market, and best of all, there are no maintenance agreements for the software. Your consumers will always have the most up-to-date version of the software at no additional cost.

Scanning

For busy students and professionals, it is essential to have access to the printed word. Traditionally, it could cost over $1000 to provide a single consumer with the necessary hardware and software to scan and convert materials to readable text. Also, the software could only be accessed from a computer specifically configured for the purpose. With DocuScan Plus, the landscape has changed. This cross-platform solution can be access from both Windows and Mac, and can even be run directly from the web with no installation necessary. The software converts materials in to a variety of formats, and is approximately 1/3 the cost of standard assistive scanning solutions.

Training

Regardless of your consumers’ technology needs, it is usually necessary to provide training. This training may include how to use assistive technology, or how to be productive on the computer with email, word-processing, browsing the web, and so on. The problem with training in the traditional way is that it can be quite expensive and time-consuming. There are travel expenses and travel time to consider. Sometimes, you might even encounter a situation where a consumer’s issue could’ve been resolved in 5 minutes if only you had access to the computer, but 3 hours of total travel time were expended to solve the problem.

Remote training makes a great deal of sense. Not only can you save time and money by never needing to leave the office, but the consumer can be trained in the comfort of their own home. Serotek’s Remote Incident Manager makes telecommunication possible for both blind and sighted rehab professionals. By connecting in a shared session with your consumer, you will be able to watch and listen as the consumer performs a given task. A consumer can also watch and listen as you, the trainer, perform a task. Files can be transferred from one computer to another, and you can even maintain a voice chat session while you work. With remote training, you and your consumer can have a fully interactive session just as you would face to face, but neither of you ever have to concern yourselves with the logistics of traveling to make it happen.

Conclusion

The technology landscape is ever-changing, and we believe it is changing for the better. By being aware and taking advantage of these advancements, you can serve your clients efficiently and effectively, and you can do so without breaking the bank.

Seeking your opinion: should Serotek Start a newsletter?

Complete Serotek’s survey for your chance to win an iPad Mini

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

Replay the accessible Event archive of the presentation

Welcome to our SPN special discussing all things Windows 8. Here are the links to all the stories covered in the show.

Paul Thurrott’s Super Site for Windows

Windows 8 – first look – RNIB

SPN Special: a Discussion of Windows 8 by Jeremy Curry

Using your feedback to make Narrator work better with touch

Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

How to use Windows 8’s new interface

How to log in directly to the classic desktop in Windows 8

Using the Updated Windows 8 Task Manager

How to change default programs in Windows 8

How to boot into safe mode in Windows 8

50 Windows 8 tips

How to start developing apps for Windows 8

Windows 8 on This Week in Tech

For Further Reading: Windows 8 titles on Bookshare:

Replay the Accessible Event presentation of This Month in Tech for October

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS

For the past six years, Tim Emmons has served as a Readers’ Adviser and BARD Technical support person for the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for the state of Alabama. He says, “If it’s Assistive tech, it flashes, hums, beeps, blinks, or does anything cool I’ve got my fingers in it as much as possible.”

He is married with two dogs, three cats, and is a huge lover of books, music, and coffee. You can contact Tim via email or twitter.

Ana G (better known as Access Ana of the Accessible Android blog) and cohost of That Android Show has

been involved in teaching for eighteen years. For five years, she worked

for various post secondary institutions as a tutor, offering support to

both individuals and groups. Since then, she has worked off and on as an

English instructor at several community colleges and at her local state

university. You may contact her via email.

Allison Hartley, formerly Allison Mervis, is a Rehabilitation Counselor working for the state of California. She enjoys working with a variety of technologies, and has conducted individual and group training. She loves to sing a variety of music, which you can find at her website. You can also follow her on Twitter or send her email.

IN THE COMMUNITY

? Window-Eyes 8.0 Beta 1 is Now Available!

New Jaws v14 screen reader has been released

FS Cast 70: Jaws with Flexible Web

MAGic version 12 has been released!

National Federation of the Blind Takes On E-Text Pilots

GW Micro Announces ReadEasy Move

Braille Plus 18 User Guide

ANDROID

Office for iOS and Android reportedly confirmed by Microsoft product manager, due March 2013

Samsung exec confirms Galaxy S3 ‘mini’ is on the way

An Evaluation of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Using the Nexus 7

Apple v Android: the winner is… the disabled community

APPLE

iPad mini and iPad 4: Apple has muddied the waters

Third-gen iPad owners: does the fourth-gen iPad irk you?

MICROSOFT

Conflicted: The tension in Windows 8

 Microsoft Office 365: More new packages and prices coming in November

Microsoft Surface RT Review

GENERAL TECH

PC shipments to decline for first time since dot-com bust

Joe Steinkamp and Richard Wells recently had the honor of representing Serotek at the 2012 convention of the Blinded Veterans Association. Here is the audio from the opening ceremonies of the convention. Our thanks go out to the Blinded Veterans Association for allowing us to bring this content to you.

View the Accessible Event archive of our SPN special: Accessibility Anywhere

Here are the links that accompanied the Accessible Event presentation of our SPN special: Accessibility Anywhere:

Our Story at Ten

Lack of Sight Doesn’t Mean Lack of vision.

System Access: the Alternative Commitment

What is the Future of Screen Readers Anyway?

” Mike Calvo at the General Session of the 47th Annual ACB Convention

” Mike Calvo Presents at the General Session of the 68th Annual NFB Convention

Remote Incident Manager

Mike Calvo reviews the iGrill.

Out of the Ghetto and into the Digital Lifestyle

Anywhere, Everywhere, That’s Accessibility

We were the first to say that Twitter would be important.

DocuScan Plus

SeroTalk Podcast Network

The Serotek Ultimatum

Rest in Peace SMA

SAMNet Vets

Anywhere, Everywhere, That’s Accessibility

First Ever Freedom Box Talk.

Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.

Join us live on Accessible Event this Thursday, August 23, beginning at 9 PM Eastern.

The SeroTalk Podcast Network is pleased to bring you audio which was recorded at the National Federation of the Blind’s Assistive Technology Trainers Division and features Jeremy Curry discussing the usability of Windows 8. Our thanks go out to The National Federation of the Blind and GW Micro for allowing us to bring this presentation to you. Please visit the links above to learn more about the respective companies, organizations and products mentioned here.