No iPad jokes from us, no sir
We were going to wait until some of the hype died down before considering the accessibility side of the iPad–but fortunately our friend Ricky Buchanan has already started the process. Looks promising!
Respectrum
Slight digression: A long, long time ago, we worked for an academic journal in the company of several Ph.D.s who we could then only describe as “eccentric”–for example, one apparently owned a single pair of pants at a time, always tie-dyed. We hadn’t thought of them in years until reading this New York Times article summarizing new writings on the critical contributions of people with autism-spectrum disorders to not only academia but also major technology companies such as Cisco. Indeed, a Danish software testing company specifically hires people with Asperger’s, not as a charitable move but because of their relevant strengths: persistence, strong memory, and attention to detail, to name a few.
Given this, what can universities and software companies do to build accommodations into their physical environments? For example, many autistic people are hypersensitive to auditory distraction–can software companies take that into consideration? Can work station layouts be configured so that anyone who prefers to avoid contact with others can do so? Would it be more complicated and costly than, say, having to buy seating for everyone who doesn’t bring a wheelchair? Most importantly, do people with autism get a say, not only in the design of their workplaces but in features they’d like to have available in mainstream products?
The beat goes on
The 3M Littman Electronic Stethoscope, like other stethoscopes we’ve covered before, has obvious advantages for doctors who are hard-of-hearing–including ambient noise reduction, acoustic seal earpieces, and amplification options. But we’re also interested in its recording and Bluetooth capabilities, which allow body noises to be captured and transferred hands-free to a nearby computer for later analysis, accommodating at least medical professionals with dexterity impairments, and possibly other disabilities as well.
Shot, less in the dark
OK, here’s what we’re all about: Alex Dejong, a professional photographer with acquired blindness, figured out how to use the VoiceOver speech output feature in the latest iPhone to access photo editing applications, eliminating the need to hire an assistant. Says Dejong, “Even if I don’t see the output myself, I still want to have my hand in everything that I do as a photographer.”
Wired: Blind Photographers Use Gadgets to Realize Artistic Vision
The Office
Microsoft Office 2010 applications will be available for free via the Internet, albeit without as many features as the commercial versions. As of today, “it’ll be available for testing to tens of thousands of users, albeit by invitation.” Any folks out there who got an invite and want to give us a heads-up about accessibility innovations or pitfalls?
Gizmodo: Microsoft Office 2010 web apps will be free; testing starts today
New biometric device saves faces
Biometrics keep advancing, in support of security and user authentication applications. There are continuing concerns about accessibility because many of these technologies use characteristics that some folks lack, such as fingers and retinas. But pretty much everyone has a face, right? Bioscrypt does a fast, accurate job of storing and recognizing faces, requiring just a glance from 3 to 6 feet away.
Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone
This mobile speakerphone, with simple, large controls and good audio input and output, is designed for use in cars. But it may be just what’s needed for wheelchair users or folks with impaired dexterity. It can connect wirelessly with a mobile phone, of course, but also works with desktop telecom applications.
BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone - Engadget Mobile