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"To empower people with vision loss to realize their full potential, and to shape the community's vision of that potential.”
Our programs and services are designed to empower our clients to move beyond limitations.
Cleveland Sight Center's STORER Center makes it possible for persons who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have other significant disabilities, to achieve greater independence. Through the use of assistive and adaptive technologies, we provide the services and products that help our clients meet their technology related communication goals.
New Products
We work with designers and manufacturers of technology as a test site, training center and resource on accessibility.
For more information on these and other sight-impaired adaptive devices and assistive technologies, contact Tom Sawyer, Assistive Technology Representative by calling 216-791-8118, ext. 7339. Email Assistive Technology Representative
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ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY TIPS
GOOG-411, Free Voice-activated Information Service
Google's new 411 service is free, fast and easy to use. You don't need a computer, an Internet connection, or even the keypad on your phone or mobile device. GOOG-411 is voice-activated, so you can access it from any phone (mobile or land line), in any location, at any time, for free. Dial 1-800-GOOG-411. Say where you are, what you're looking for and GOOG-411 will connect you with the business you choose.
Tellme Phone-Based Service
Tellme enables you to use voice commands to find and connect to people, businesses and information nationwide. Connections to the service are made by dialing 1-800-555-TELL. Tellme uses sophisticated voice recognition software that utilizes keywords to enable callers to access the Internet with a telephone. For instance, a caller can use Tellme to listen to the news or get their daily horoscope.
Google Maps Offers Accessible Driving, Public Transit and Walking Directions
Google currently offers accessible driving, public transit, and walking directions. Walking directions in a format accessible by screen reader users are also available; however, this feature is still in beta testing. Dr. T.V. Raman, who lost his sight due to glaucoma, is employed by Google and directs their accessibility initiatives.
Pilot Project to Create Accessible Walking Directions
AFB and AOL (Mapquest) have partnered on an Accessible Walking Directions Test Pilot program to create accessible walking directions for people who are blind or visually impaired. A group of volunteers from the community has been invited to pilot the project. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the pilot project, please send an email to aolaccessibility@aol.com with the subject line "AWD Pilot Test." You will then be contacted directly by AOL.
Apple Computer's Push for Accessibility
Apple computers take a giant step forward by including built-in accessibility features including a screen magnifier and a screen reader. The screen reader is called VoiceOver and is being integrated into other Apple products including the iPod Shuffle and the next generation of iPhone.
- Please follow this link for more information about Apple's VoiceOver technology
- Please follow this link to read the Braille Monitor's report on the ease of access using Apple's VoiceOver technology
Listening to and Finding Podcasts
Blind Cool Tech is a podcast that brings some fun, education, and variety into your mp3 player. The show provides interviews, brings you along on sound seeing tours, and discusses life and cool technology, especially technology that people who are blind or visually impaired can use.
- Visit Blind Cool Tech website to learn more about how to find and listen to podcasts
- Access Blind Cool Tech podcasts
Computer Games for the Visually Impaired
Visit Jim's Kitchen for free computer games designed for people who are visually impaired. These games rely on sound rather than graphics. Games include Hangman, Trivia, Monopoly, Golf, and Pong.
A More Accessible Search Engine
Google has a home page designed to be more accessible for the visually impaired. There are no advertisements and fewer graphics which can often interfere with screen reading software.
Distance Learning: How Accessible are Online Educational Tools
NEOUPA
NEOUPA is the official Northeast Ohio chapter of the international Usability Professionals' Association. NEOUPA was started to educate, motivate and promote usability throughout Northeast Ohio for individuals interested in, involved in or responsible for Websites, applications, software or any other type of user interface where usability is a key to success. For more information, please visit www.neoupa.org. Contact a NEOUPA representative by calling 440-320-1084 or via email.
Dorina DAISY Reader
The Dorina DAISY Reader is a free DAISY book reader plug-in for Firefox. This free plug-in will allow you to read DAISY books using Firefox. We tested it and it works well with Firefox 3 but does not work well with Firefox 2. Firefox is free and so is the Dorina DAISY Reader. This means there is now a free and accessible option for reading DAISY books.
Jarte
Seeking a free and accessible alternative to Microsoft Word? Jarte is a free word processor that can open and save Microsoft Word documents. It will detect if you are using a screen reader and will activate its accessibility features. It can be run from a flash drive so you don't need to install it on every computer that you might use.
LowBrowse
Lighthouse International is developing a plug-in for Mozilla Firefox called LowBrowse. LowBrowse will allow visual enhancements to web pages that will help people who have moderate to severe low vision. It will be offered at no charge and is expected to be released in the Fall of 2008. Follow the link below for more information.
Making Windows XP More Accessible
The Windows XP Operating System can be adjusted to have larger text and high-contrast colors. These three adjustments can't take the place of a screen magnifier, but are free and can help.
- Use large icons
You can enlarge the icons on your screen to make them easier to see or to access.
Learn how to enlarge icons
- Choose Screen Resolution
Lower the resolution to make the text and pictures appear larger.
Learn how to lower resolution
- Choose a High Contrast Color Combination
High-contrast combinations such as yellow text on a black background may be easier to read.
Learn how to create high-contrast color combinations
Stay tuned for making Windows VISTA more accessible.
MaximEyes Video Magnifier
The new MaximEyes Video Magnifier is offered exclusively by the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. This video magnifier is the first of its kind to offer access to printed materials and multimedia. With up to 60X magnification, you are able to display an enlarged view of whatever is placed on the video magnifier's work surface. A large 19" LCD panel provides a clear and easily viewed image for your reading and writing. MaximEyes Video Magnifier has a unique interface that uses a familiar five-button computer mouse. You can manipulate the camera in any direction, zoom in or out, or control any of the wide variety of features using the mouse.
Attention Teachers for the Visually Impaired and Special Education teachers, the MaximEyes Video Magnifier, extended warranty, and freight & insurance delivery ARE available for purchase with Federal Quota funds.
Talk 'n Tech
Cleveland Sight Center’s STORER Center staff recently participated in a TV shoot for Cox 45’s cable program, TALK ‘N TECH. The Sight Center segment focuses on adaptive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired. This segment is available ON DEMAND free of charge for the rest of this year. Cox 45's coverage area includes Broadview Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills and Rocky River.
Adaptive Technology Podcasts
For the true computer techies … surf to the Accessible World Tek Talk Training Archive of podcasts. Tek Talk is hours of recorded interviews, demonstrations, and trainings covering the latest adaptive hardware and software. Podcasts are recordings that you can download and listen to on your computer or digital audio player. To listen to the AccessibleWorld podcasts you will need an MP3 player such as iTunes or Windows Media Player. Tek Talk broadcasts weekly.
- Download Your Favorite MP3 Player: Microsoft Media Player or Apple iTunes or RealPlayer
Eye Plus Plus
The City of Beachwood is now home to Eye Plus Plus. Eye Plus Plus is a cutting edge technology that translates images from a video camera into electrical stimulation allowing a person with limited or no eyesight to sense their environment. This technology is experimental but may open the door to new ways to sense the environment. A unique aspect of this technology is that it works in real-time which means that it continually updates as a person moves around. It is exciting that such an innovative product is being developed right here in our community.
Financing for Assistive Technology
Don't let cost be a barrier to assistive technology. There are financing programs that make assistive technology affordable. The STORER Center staff is here to help you make the best use of these financing options:
AT Ohio - Assistive Technology Loan. Provided by the State of Ohio Treasurer's Office through Fifth Third Bank. It is designed specifically for Ohioans with disabilities to acquire assistive technology for home, work or school.
- Loan amounts from $1,000 to $10,000
- Special underwriting considerations
- Approximately 7% interest rate
- Visit AT Ohio website to learn more
Digital Federal Credit Union - Access Loan. Provided by the Federal government through their credit union for any product, device or building modification designed to assist someone with a disability. The borrower need not be the beneficiary of the purchase.
- Loan amounts from $1,500 to $25,000
- Terms up to 72 months
- Normal underwriting guidelines
- Visit Digital Federal Credit Union website to learn more
Springtime Accessible Reading
Bookshare.org is a non-profit organization that provides access to over 32,000 alternative format books via the internet to students and people with learning disabilities, visual impairments, and others who require accessible digital books. They offer collections, trade-books, best-sellers, thousands of K-12 relative literature, classics, newspapers, periodicals, text-books and much more.
- Sign up for Bookshare.org services
- Learn more about how to serve Bookshare.org book files to your students
NaturalReader Text to Speech Software
NaturalReader is a text to speech software with natural sounding voices from AT&T. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, webpage, PDF files, and emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as mp3 or wav for your CD player or iPod. Text to speech software has never sounded so good, or been so affordable - priced at $39.50.
- Listen to an mp3 created from a text file using NaturalReader
- Visit NaturalSoft's website for NaturalReader product information, audio demo and a free download
Talking Bible
Easy to listen to, single-voice audio narration of the entire New Testament. Read from the New International Version of the Holy Bible. A talking book designed for easy daily Bible listening. Designed to make it very easy for the visually impaired and the blind to use. Ideal for personal devotions and daily Bible listening. No need for a headphone or external power cords.
Jitterbug Cell Phone for Seniors
Introducing the easy-to-use Jitterbug phone, a cell phone made simple with personalized services for keeping in touch when you're away from home. Whether you use your Jitterbug to connect with family and friends or for emergencies only, Jitterbug offers services designed just for you.
Key Features
- The sound is loud and clear
- A soft ear cushion makes it easy to hear
- The screen is bright and easy to see
- Unique ‘Yes / No’ buttons access every feature, even voicemail
- The buttons are bigger and backlit
- Dial ‘0’ for a 24 - hour Jitterbug operator
- Service as low as $10 a month
MAX Detail Computer Glasses
Do you have trouble reading books, newspapers, the print on computer screens, labels on medicine bottles, ingredients on food packages, train schedules, recipes, menus in restaurants, or your mail?
MAX Detail Glasses will take the effort out of all of these activities and make them as easy to do as they once were. These hands-free, head-mounted glasses provide 2X magnification and can be adjusted so that each eye lens can be focused separately. The glasses will focus on near objects with working distances of 16 inches and are perfect for any near viewing activity where a magnified image is helpful. MAX Detail Computer Glasses are available at Cleveland Sight Center’s “EYE-dea” Shop
- View this product on our "EYE-dea" Shop online store
- Learn more about the MAX Detail Computer Glasses (PDF)
Talking Microwave Oven
The Hamilton Beach Talking Microwave verbally guides you through the process of cooking - with just the touch of a button. You can program the voice to speak in English or Spanish, and the memory-setting buttons make efficient use of your time. Ideal for the elderly or sight-impaired.
The Hamilton Beach Talking Microwave is available at Best Buy or Walmart. Click on the links below for more information.
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