Well-defined technology
Portable electronic dictionaries have been around for some time to help kids (and adults), particularly those with learning disabilities. Now Sharp has released their own version imbued with that trickiest of product features–coolness. Besides providing word definitions (in adjustable font sizes? with audio output?), it also functions as an MP3 and video player, and throws in twenty audio books too. So we assume the next time a hit tune includes words like “truttaceous” in its lyrics, it should be trivial for listeners to get a definition on the spot.
Gadgetell: Sharp’s RD-CX310 PMP turns you into walking, talking, rocking dictionary
Lynda blare
Lynda, a website with all manner of computer training videos, has started adding closed captioning to several of their vids, thereby making them usable by people with hearing disabilities. In addition, these captions will facilitate access by many folks with learning disabilities, both because they may benefit from simultaneous audio and text presentation, and because they–and everyone–can now search the video content using keywords from the captions.
Crafty little buggers
Commoncraft.com is a website with a lovely idea: explain concepts like RSS and Twitter using straightforward language and a video style reminiscent of Mr. Bill. A splendid idea for folks with cognitive disabilities, not to mention those for whom Web 2.0 has raised the cognitive bar. Could they do a video on “Accessibility in Plain English”–and while they’re at it, start adding open captioning so Deaf and learning disabled folks can be enlightened too?
LifeWall
We’ve been skimming the reports from CES 2008, and the most intriguing thing we’ve found so far is Panasonic’s LifeWall display, which strings together some promising concepts. When you enter the room, it uses face recognition technology to figure out which family member you are (will this technology work for those who are at kid or wheelchair heights?) and then displays your customized menu. Move around the room, and it adjusts the image size. LifeWall can be used as a television screen and as an interactive device for applications such as videotelephony.
Panasonic CES 2008 (click on the “LifeWall” link on the bottom left)
Talking e-book reader
An inventor in Iran has come up with a laptop-sized talking e-book reader–point to any word in the e-book using the included stylus to get a pronunciation and definition, similar to the Readingpen. It’s also supposed to describe graphics, although this specifics of this capabilities aren’t clear, and the use of a stylus makes this unit blind-unfriendly anyway. Useful for people with learning disabilities and beginning readers, though. Available somewhere 2008.
Brain Control to major game
From our “Why can’t I use my brain to control my first life?” file: Researchers have developed a direct brain interface to the keyboard controls for Second Life, the popular online social game environment. As Second Life is now being used for real educational and even governmental functions, access to it becomes more important every day. Non-visual access to its rich graphical interface is another problem.
Ruler speaks intelligibly!
This nifty talking ruler speaks the inches as you roll it along. The roller leaves a trail of disappearing ink as well.