VISION IMPAIRED TECHNOLOGY
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. The TALK ‘N TECH program airs on weekdays at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. as well as on weekends at 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., and will include the CSC segment throughout March; this 6-minute segment appears about half-way through the program. The segment is also 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.
Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference
It is not too late to register! "The ATIA 2008 Conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology (AT) for children and adults. There are networking opportunities with nearly 2,400 professionals and consumers, choose from more than 275 educational sessions (with free CEUs), and explore innovative AT products and services showcased by 125+ top industry vendors."
Grant Applications for Assistive Technology
The Association for Blind Citizens is accepting grant applications for assistive technology. The Association will pay up to 50% of the cost for assistive technology that will increase employability, increase independence or improve the quality of life for people who are blind or have low vision. Applications are due by June 30, 2008.
Equip Your Neighbor Cleveland
A local initiative called "Equip Your Neighbor Cleveland" collects, refurbishes, and donates durable medical equipment including crutches, walkers, canes, wheel chairs, bath & shower chairs and benches, commodes, and other rehabilitative equipment. On November 17th they will host an Equipment Drive at which time you can drop off durable medical equipment that you or your family no longer need at most of the Cleveland-area Wal-Marts. Social workers can fill out the equipment request form to reserve an item - items must be picked up in Madison, Ohio. As time progresses they will strive to add assistive technology such as CCTVs to their inventory.
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 for the assistive technology you need. There are financing programs that make assistive technology affordable. The STORER Center staff are 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 Caller ID
With Talking Caller ID, you don't have to get up to see who's calling ... the phone will tell you! It's perfect for
when you're busy and saves you the trouble of answering unwanted phone calls.
Using advanced text-to-speech technology, Panasonic Talking Caller ID Cordless Phones announce the caller's name and number between rings when that information
is available.
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, we offer 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.
- Learn more about this Talking Microwave (PDF).
- View and/or order this product from Best Buy.
- View and/or order this product from Walmart.
For more information on these and other sight-impaired adaptive devices and assistive technology, contact Cleveland Sight Center's E-commerce Specialist by calling (216) 791-8118, x257. Contact the "EYE-dea" Shop online specialist via email.
Please Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is necessary to view and print the PDF files on this webpage.
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