Serotek System Access-talking software

If you are looking for a free talking software application, System Access may be your ticket to go. Here is the site to give you the instructions on how to use this tool. http://samobile.net/help/sa/

The National Reading Media Assessment (NRMA

The National Reading Media Assessment (NRMA) is live online and ready for  teachers in the field to use! This research-based, standardized assessment  tool determines whether each child who is assessed should be taught  Braille, print, or both. Thorough yet time-efficient, teachers can
 complete, save, and print assessments using this secure site. To begin an  assessment or for more information, please visit  www.NFBNRMA.orghttp://www.nfbnrma.org/.  Contact us with your questions and comments on the feedback page at  www.NFBNRMA.org http://www.nfbnrma.org/, or by calling (410) 659-9314,
 extension 2529.

For more information, contact:
 Dr. Jessica Ewell, Project Coordinator
 Department of Education
 the Jernigan Institute
 National Federation of the Blind
 Tel: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2529
 E-mail: jvewell@nfb.org

Take a Screen shot with iPad

For the low vision user who is connected to the teacher's computer with their iPad--see lesson on airdisplay or any other device that will extend the teacher's screen, the student can now take a screen shot of say a math problem and freeze it on their iPad so they can complete the problem.

The student will hold in the iPad's power button and press the Home button, to take a screen shot. That imagine is a picture and is stored on the iPad with the other pictures. The teacher (or student) can then open that picture  from their camera: type on the top right hand corner and open in any "art" type app, such as SAS Gloss (free app) and then write directly on the imagine. So, if the teacher is doing a math problem, the student can snap a screen shot, open that picture in SAS Gloss and draw/type the answer, notes, etc. These images can be saved, emailed, etc. Fantastic way to have more options

iPad iPhone curriculum

This curriculum was adapted for k-12 or any blind user, from the Hines VA Hospital. This curriculum will take you through  all the basic functions of the ipad and iphone for visually impaired and blind

Go to lessons: iPad iPhone curriculum

Zoomtext Lessons

Here is a selection of Zoomtext lessons that can be downloaded free at To download free lessons, go to http://www.yourtechvision.com/products/zoomtext-lessons

ZoomText Magnifier enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, making all of your applications easy to see and use. For more information, go to http://www.aisquared.com/zoomtext/

Low Cost Internet Access for Students at Home

Cable provider makes the Internet affordable for students<http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/dWepCeiWgsCevbAyCidaznCicNfNKG?format=standard>
Comcast's Internet Essentials program seeks to provide low-income students and their families with affordable Internet access at home. 

Enrollment in the program is based on several stipulations, including eligibility for the free or reduced-price meal program at school. Those who qualify can receive Internet access for $9.95 a month. The Register-Mail (Galesburg, Ill.)<http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/dWepCeiWgsCevbAyCidaznCicNfNKG?format=standard> (10/7)

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

How to run FLASH on your ipad, iphone--iOS device

All you with those great itools already know you are going to have issues if you try and run FLASH on your iOS device. It is not just the video part, but audio feedback too.

There are many ways to run flash, but I prefer Photon -- a great APP---so if you are looking for an easy way resolve the  FLASH issue...Photon will do it for you

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

This test contains all the braille contractions your student should know. Test and get a quick idea of where your student's speed is at in addition to the contractions she knows. Great baseline to begin instruction. Download your copy:

Informal Braille Competency Test

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

What do you need to teach in order to get a job for Anyone using a computer and talking software

The debate is huge....arguements abound when people get together to discuss ---what technology  should be taught to a blind child--especially when it comes to talking software and computer OS---well, here is the data on this subject. WebAIM took past data and compared it to today's and here is what you need to learn if you are going to compete in today's job market. Natural trends will show you where the market is going

So if you are a teacher of the blind/visually impaired or rehabilitation teacher for the blind---you need to be highly proficient in these skills to teach your students and universities need to teach these skills to their up-coming teachers.

Screen Reader User Survey #4 Results

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

Come and Learn in Annapolis, MD--Nov 9

For all those in the Annapolis, MD area, there is a NFB State convention on Nov 9 where I will be presenting on all the different types of technology for your students as well as giving a hands on workshop for the ipad and another workshop that is still to be announced.

Come learn and enjoy. Contact  Trudy Pickrel tlpickrel@hotmail.com  if you have any questions.

Accessibility--Hotkeys for Windows 8-- a preview

Many questions are milling around the cooler right now on accessibility for Windows 8
Here is just a small picture of things to come with this new operating system
Windows 8 keyboard hotkeys and shortcuts
With everyone today talking about Windows 8, I have noticed that one of the main questions that people are sharing in blogs and social networks is “Why Microsoft removed the start button in Windows 8? ”.
The answer to this question is that more users are relying on the Windows taskbar for pinning and accessing their favorite software instead of going through the Start menu. With Windows 8 you just need to press the Windows key or click the thumbnail in the lower right hot corner to launch the Metro Start screen where the Windows 8 interface plays the role of your own customized task bar.
Microsoft knows that the users will still demand easy access to the main tasks. This is why Windows 8 gives you this option by pressing “Windows key+X”. This allows you accessing tasks such as Run, Search, control Panel and all other main tasks that you might need to run once in a while.
All Windows 7 hotkeys shortcuts are still supported on Windows 8 and more “cool” hotkeys are added for Windows 8 that allows you to access your important functions with just 2 keyboard clicks.
Here is a list of the main hotkeys for Windows 8.
Key combination Windows 8 functionality
Windows-Space Switch input language and keyboard layout.
Windows-O Lock device orientation.
Windows-, Temporarily peek at the desktop.
Windows-V Cycle through toasts.
Windows-Shift-V Cycle through toasts in reverse order.
Windows-Enter Launch Narrator.
Windows-PgUp Move the Start Screen or a Metro-style application to the monitor on the left.
Windows-PgDown Move the Start Screen or a Metro-style application to the monitor on the right.
Windows-Shift-. Move the gutter to the left (snap an application).
Windows-. Move the gutter to the right (snap an application).
Windows-C Open the Charms bar.
Windows-I Open the Settings charm.
Windows-K Open the Connect charm.
Windows-H Open the Share charm.
Windows-Q Open the Search pane.
Windows-W Open the Settings Search app.
Windows-F Open the File Search app.
Windows-Tab Cycle through apps.
Windows-Shift-Tab Cycle through apps in reverse order.
Windows-Ctrl-Tab Cycle through apps and snap them as they cycle.
Windows-Z Open the App Bar.
Windows-/ Initiate input method editor (IME) reconversion.
Windows-J Swap foreground between the snapped and filled apps.

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

How to clean your iPad, iPhone, Ipod Touch

The proper way to clean itools is just with a soft cloth---do not use cleaners
Watch this simple video on how to clean an itool product: How to clean your iPad, iPhone, Ipod Touch

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

Are you Color Blind--take this test

I you are color blind, it will affect the way you learn....take this simple test and find out: http://www.vischeck.com/vischeck/

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

Demonstration of how to use Skype with Jaws scripts to communicate with students

Constant access can happen with a teacher when students learn how to use Skype with Jaws scripts. The scripts will allow the blind person to go anywhere and do anything in Skype. When sitting in class they can contact the teacher for help....no matter where the teacher is at in the world.

Watch Youtube video: Demonstration of how to use Skype with Jaws scripts to communicate with students

For Lesson, go to : Skype texting and making a Video Call—with additional JAWS scripts

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

Teaching Braille reading fluency.....virtually

I teach all skills virtually. This is a video with a blind student and we are practicing braille reading. I have already made sure her finger positioning are perfect on the page due to extensive training in the first couple years of braille instruction. Now she just needs practice to gain speed and fluency.

With virtual instruction, we can connect when it is most convenient for us. No one has to drive anywhere. She actually wakes up, turns to her computer and begins her lesson first thing in the morning. Then she begins her day. She has learned all her Skype talking software skills, so texts me as soon as she is ready. I say "yes" and she makes the call and we begin her lesson.

The ideal is combining face to face and virtual lessons. Face to face to make those "people" connections and then virtual to deliver the quantity of instruction that must be had in order to gain the skills necessary to be successful in academics.

Watch this YouTube video to get an idea of how to teach virtually and increase your student's skills: Teaching Braille reading fluency.....virtually

Game List A List of Nonvisually Accessible Commercial Games

Looking for that game that whole family can play together AND is adapted for your blind child? Here is a site that will give you a host of great information on games available: Game List--A List of Nonvisually Accessible Commercial Games

Free Talking and magnification-- Access to Go-Serotek

If you need to try out or use a free talking software program or magnification system for your computer, this may be your solution
 Click on the link, open site and go to the link begin...download the file and begin the process
https://www.satogo.com/en/

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

dotEPUB on iPad- Convert any webpage into an e-book on iPad or other iTool

Fast an easy on any iTool. Using it with the iPad, I can quickly convert webpages and open in iBooks. Fast and so easy to use.

Watch Youtube video: dotEPUB- Convert any webpage into an e-book on iPad or other iTool

Type faster than you ever thought possible--Fleksy APP for blind and low vision

Fleksy – Type Naturally

How does a blind person type on an iPhone? Soon, they will be typing as quickly and easily as everyone else. If not faster. Yes, it’s possible.
Fleksy is a state of the art text input system for touch-screen devices.
It is set to revolutionize the way people think about accessibility on mobile devices and to challenge the traditional barriers in touch-screen typing for everyone.
For the first time ever, blind and visually impaired people can quickly and easily type text on touch screen phones and tablets. http://fleksy.com/

Watch Youtube video of product in action: Type faster than you ever thought possible--Fleksy APP for blind and low vision

Find even more helpful information at www.yourtechvision.com 

Math Window---learn Nemeth with ease

Math Window® is an easy-to-use math teaching tool utilizing magnetic tiles on a conveniently-sized work surface.  It is portable and comes with its own carrying case.  Math concepts are easier to understand using this tactile method of building and solving math problems.  Tiles can be stored along the perimeter of the board or on our new attachable tile pallet (optional).

Order products at: Math Window