Empowering Technologies

Funds needed for a group wishing to develop a microblog about disability issues.

This is taken from the Ability Magazine article: "A group of disability activists called Resilient Are We (RAW) is pitching for funds to create a microblogging site for disabled people modelled on the popular Tumblr. service.

The site would enable users to post blogs, videos and audio clips about their adaptations so that recently disabled people can learn from them.

�We hope people will form groups around specific disability issues,� says RAW�s founder Philip Connolly, who runs the RNIB�s employment and independent living campaigns.

�It will foster peer to peer learning and facilitate the emergence of groups on such issues as access to new treatments, consumer groups on personal budgets, campaign groups against inaccessible practices and on-line user groups to test new products for accessibility.�

He says RAW will enable users to:
* Meet people all over the country in a similar situation via the site;
* Receive and share practical tips and advice on overcoming challenges, as well as emotional support;
* Improve their skills, for example to help find work and become more confident in getting out and about;
* Join with hundreds of others to campaign for change and influence decisions that will affect them.
Connolly points out that disabled users need a service that is independent of existing social media sites
such as Tumblr., Facebook and YouTube to avoid losing their identity.

He wants to build a professional site that will require funding of several hundred thousand pounds over three years.

RAW has organised a meeting at RNIB's Camden Studios on June 13. For an invite contact Connolly at philip.connolly@rnib.org.uk or 0207 3913266.

Research In Motion (RIM) launch BlackBerry Screen Reader

Ubergizmo discuss the Blackberry screen reader

�We are excited to introduce BlackBerry Screen Reader as part of our suite of accessibility solutions for BlackBerry smartphones,� said Greg Fields, Senior Product Manager. �BlackBerry Screen Reader helps customers with visual impairments stay connected with the people and information that matter most to them, and is representative of RIM�s continuing commitment to support customers with disabilities.�

Key features of BlackBerry Screen Reader include:
� Support for core applications � Users can easily access core BlackBerry applications including email, calendar, phone calls and more.
� Speech settings � users can customize the text-to-speech settings (volume, pitch and speech rate) and preferences for punctuation, verbosity and password security.
� Keyboard shortcuts � Users can set speech and audio preferences quickly and easily through (physical) keyboard shortcuts
� Accessible documentation � User Guide available in accessible HTML through a desktop web browser.

The application is available in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish.

Download the BlackBerry screen reader. Please use Internet Explorer as the website uses ActiveX controls.

The third issue of AT Today is now available online

"As well as the online version, look out for AT Today at some of the main exhibitions and events throughout the year. AT Today is a joint publication produced by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and The Homecare Industry Information Service (THIIS)."

The magazine has updates regarding daily living aids, telecare and telehealth.

Microsoft Reader service and download closes

Taken from the Microsoft Reader website
"Microsoft is discontinuing Microsoft Reader effective August 30, 2012, which includes download access of the Microsoft Reader application from the Microsoft Reader website. However, you may continue to use and access the Microsoft Reader application and any .lit materials on your PCs or devices after the discontinuation on August 30, 2012. "

Naidex National 2012 exhibition - UK�s largest disability, rehabilitation and homecare event

More information from the Naidex exhibition website

The Conference is free to attend and certificates of attendance are available to add to your CPD portfolio. Three theatres will be host to over 50 seminars separated into specific dedicated streams, small interactive clinical workshops and a larger strategic theatre.

Streams
7 dedicated streams over 3 days will focus on the below:

Strategic
Physiotherapy
Multi Professional
Physiotherapy Speech and Language Therapy
Case Managemen
Occupational Therapy
Clinical Moving & Handling
Dedicated streams for OTs, SLTs. Physios, case managers and prosthetists and orthotists.
Topics include moving and handling, DFG guidance, dementia, mobility assessments and telecare.

Free Webinar: Adaptech's Resources on Free and Inexpensive Adaptive Technology

EASI have advertised the Adaptech free Webinar

"The presenters play key roles in the on-going activities of the Knowledge Transfer and Free and Inexpensive Adaptive Information and Communication Technologies

Jenison Asuncion oversees Adaptech's digital activities and manages knowledge transfer
Catherine Fichten oversees Adaptech's research and training
Alexandre Chauvin carried out Adaptech's recent research on free and inexpensive PC based software and Windows 7 accessibility
Ally Abrami carried out Adaptech's recent research on Apple apps and Apple built-in accessibility

Adaptech is engaged in information dissemination about our research findings because these can be used to influence policy and practice. One concern repeated throughout all our studies relates to the high cost of adaptive software and hardware. In response to this, we have compiled, and regularly update, a list of free and inexpensive hardware and software alternatives that might be useful. Some are long-running demos, while others are fully functional. We recently updated our extensive database of free and inexpensive adaptive technologies, including built-in accessibility features of Apple and Windows 7 computers, as well as Apps for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. We also made brief videos, available on YouTube, of how to use some of these. During the coming year we plan to make our web site, especially the free and inexpensive database, more interactive.

These resources are the result of a Canadian project seeking to provide alternatives to many of the expensive software applications provided for users with disabilities.

View the Adaptech Web Site

Register for this free Webinar on April 21"