Speech recognition programs convert spoken words into text. They can also use voice commands to control computer applications. This technology provides accessibility to anyone who may not be able to easily utilize a keyboard or a mouse. As you might imagine, speech recognition is not always completely accurate. It is important to remember when using […]
Author: Nikol Prieto
Celebrate Safe Toys Month this December
It’s no coincidence that December was chosen by Prevent Blindness America as Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Preventable toy injuries occur every year, most frequently around the holidays. Approximately 235,300 injuries reported last year were toy-related, 73 percent of which happened to children under the age of 15. Consider some of the following tips when […]
Inclusive Language: Putting the Person First
Imagine that you have a disability. You also think of yourself as an artist, a brother, a pizza lover, and a table tennis champion. Your disability does not define who you are. Unfortunately, labels are often placed on people with disabilities and they can carry negative connotations. Saying that someone is “handicapped” immediately lumps them […]
Communicating with Assistive Technology
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can help individuals find the right words for everyday situations. According to the AAC Institute, approximately 2.5 million Americans have some kind of speech disability that prevents them from being easily understood by others. AAC equipment breaks down the communication barriers!
Google Introduces Automatic Captions for YouTube
Google Video and YouTube were first equipped with captions and subtitles back in September of 2006. Although this was a big leap toward accessibility, there were still many flaws to be sorted out. On November 19, Google’s official blog revealed that they now offer automatic captions, or auto-caps. Google implements a technology called automatic speech recognition […]
Intel Reader: Giving Independence to Print-Disabled
Exciting news for people who have difficulty reading regular print! Assistive technology leader HumanWare recently signed on to distribute the Intel Reader. This lightweight device records print, converts it to digital text, and then reads it aloud. It has all the power of a computer and scanner, yet can fit easily in a purse or […]