See how they run, dude
Simmer Down Sprinter is a mainstream arcade game that works on biofeedback: like, the more mellow you get, the faster your avatar runs. Obvious entertainment applications for people with dexterity disabilities and Berkeleyans.
These maps were made for walking
Article on Google’s new mobile mapping system, which includes options for drivers or pedestrians (we assume the latter could also serve wheelchair users, bikers, etc.). Reviews of some other maps for non-drivers are also included. Now, if this could somehow take advantage of the TMAP project to ensure the maps were accessible to blind users…
Visits from the stalk
As technology, Celery isn’t particularly innovative: it’s a service that permits a fax machine to be used for sending and receiving email. But we like the way it’s marketed as a fairly low cost way for seniors and others to communicate without being obligated to invest in any sort of computer system.
See mobile messages on TV
This prototype takes a incoming mobile phone message (text or multimedia) and displays it on your TV. Good for technophobes; great for low vision users.
Talking email reader
We’ve seen plenty of server and desktop software solutions for reading email aloud. But iLane is a hardware appliance meant for your car. Uses speech synthesis for the content and speech recognition for commands. It can prioritize your mail, putting likely spam at the bottom and mail from your whitelist on top. No price announced yet, but this could be a handy little gadget for print impaired users.
iLane, the email reader for your car - Engadget
Lip-synching Skype monster
It’s a rapper-looking action figure that attaches to your Skype-enabled PC via USB, and it lip synchs to the other voice on the call. Fun, but may be fantastic for a hard of hearing user who wants that little bit of lip reading love.
Verballs USB Talking Skype Monster - Gizmodo
Labrador receiver
You can attach an antenna to a dog’s collar and an earphone to its tail to make a crystal radio. Really. So can you make a mobile phone out of a guide dog?