Flahdrives n' Hi-lites

Sounds like a cheesy 70's flick but in reality it is a nifty USB device that has mini hi-liter pens coupled with a small flashdrive. The High Dexx USB Flash Drive is a high-tech twist on a popular favourite. Set of 3 highlighter pens with optional flashdrive available in a memory capacity of your choice. Can also be used as a USB extension hub for any device. Available in various memory capacities from 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB.
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Beta test a new Statistics Tutorial Software

This caught my eye on the listserves. It seems harmless enough and you might actually discover a new tool that can assist you or your students.

Someone out there is looking for faculty and students to help Beta test a Statistics Tutorial Software. The software is free (beware of what you get for free) and can be used with any Introductory Statistics text. The package allows students to enter data, but instead of just crunching the numbers and showing the result, the student sees the step-by-step method to do a variety of things from graphs to t-tests. (hummm... 'sees the steps' ... looks like we have an accessibility issue already)

Resulting graphs can be copied to the clipboard and pasted into an MS Word document. Also included are random problems with step by step solutions in topics on the Normal Curve, Central Limit Theorem, Confidence Intervals, Correlation, Regression, etc. The software is called Math911 and can be downloaded from the web site http://www.math911.com/

Once installed, it is fully functional and does not require registration. Math911 has been around since 1990 when it was called 'Algebrax.' Renamed Math911 in 1998, it is best used on home computers. A network version is available for Learning Centers and larger applications.

Prof Martin Weissman
Mathematics Dept.
Essex County College
Newark, NJ 07102
1-347-528-7837
weissman@essex.edu
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Happy Birthday Google

Yes indeed -- the search engine that is also a Verb turns Ten years old today! Interested to find out what has happened in the past ten years? Google has a timeline of events in their life. Check it out and let me know what you were doing in the pre-Google era.

By the way - has anyone out there begun using the new Google Chrome (beta)? I probably should be using it with an eye towards accessibility, but I am just too darn comfortable with the current one. Though you gotta admit that the comic book they put together to explain how it came togather and what it does is wikked cool.
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Apple to make iTunes more accessible for the blind

From the Boston Globe

Apple Inc. and the Massachusetts Attorney General have reached an agreement that will provide blind consumers and students with equal access to Apple's iTunes and iTunes U.

Attorney General Martha Coakley said details of the agreement will be announced today.

A statement from Coakley's office says Apple will ensure that both iTunes -- the company's digital entertainment store -- and iTunes U -- targeted at college students -- are accessible to blind consumers and students using assistive technology called screen access software.

The American Foundation for the Blind has praised Apple for including features on the latest version of iTunes and the latest iPod Nano that make them easier for the blind or visually impaired to use. The agreement also covers additional features.

USDA Target Center

The USDA TARGET Center has the mission is to ensure that all USDA employees have safe and equal access to electronic and information technology by assessing, educating, and advocating for the integration of assistive technology and worksite accommodations.

In the DC area? Stop by the USDA TARGET Center (USDA South Building, Room 1006) from 11:00 a.m., through 2:00 p.m., to see new technologies and new capabilities, and learn about the new TARGET Center 2.0.
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Beer Yeast Separates The Ales From The Lagers

Yeah -- I know -- this is supposed to be a blog about access technology and web accessibility and all that rot a tot. But it is never too early to gear up for the Accessing Higher Ground conference where we socialize outside the meeting hall as much as in the sessions. In preparation for that socializing - NPR's Science Friday presents:
Beer Yeast Separates The Ales From The Lagers
Different types of beers — ales, stouts, etc — are distinguished primarily by their yeast, but now these groupings might get even more complicated. Scientists have examined the genetic sequences of 17 unique lager yeast strains tracing variations in their genetic code back through time.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is Upon Us

Arrgghh Maties -- International Talk Like a Pirate Day is upon us. All hands to the poop deck to batten down the hatches and swab the decks ye bilge rats! Avast me beauties -- 'tis a day to celebrate all things pirate!!

We apparently have been heard!

A message from Joe Humbert - Leader of the ATHEN iTunes U Accessibility Working Group

Hi! We apparently have been heard!

Apple has released both a more accessible version of iTunes (8) and a partially accessible iPod Nano (4G). http://www.apple.com/accessibility/itunes/vision.html

ATHEN iTunes U Accessibility Working Group would like users of Assistive Technology to review iTunes 8 accessibility. Please do this even if you have filled out our survey for iTunes 7.7.1 and prior releases.

ATHEN iTunes U Accessibility Evaluation
http://www.tripleeclipse.com/athen/survey/survey.php

The NEW DEADLINE for survey completion is SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2008.

Please Note - If you are filling out the survey using iTunes 8 please be sure to indicated this in the iTunes version form field and in 1 one of the comments section.

Questions or comments - contact Joe Humbert mailto:johumber@iupui.edu

Thank You from the ATHEN iTunes U Accessibility Working Group.

The Scan Toaster

Now this is what technology innovation is all about!

Scan Toaster puts the power of 'miracle toast' into the hands of mere mortals - Engadget

The Scan Toaster connects to a PC over USB and downloads everything from local weather conditions and the current time to the morning’s news headlines - and then burns an image of the information onto your morning toast!

How does this work you ask? - Inside the toaster is a network of toasting “modules”, each heated by a hot wire. Each module can move by 30° and, once the user selects what they want on their toast - excluding a topping, of course - the modules align themselves and burn the appropriate content onto the bread.

That's the good news -- the bad news -- According to the website Register Hardware, no plans to manufacture the toaster on a mass scale have popped up yet (get it -- "popped up" -- I love geek humor!)

Arrrr me laddies - having one of these in the galley would be a perfect method for reminding ye lubbers of the soon to be upon us Talk Like a Pirate Day! Just imagine burning your favorite pirate sayings into toast to be read longside your morning grog ration!
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Only 3 More Days till Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Certainly there is no need to remind readers of this blog about the annual Talk Like a Pirate Day festivities taking place across the country --- neh --- across the world! Rest assured me hearties, I will be reminding you daily until the 19th of September. In the maentime - for our readers in the EU - check out the newest addtion to the Pirate lingo website -- how to talk like a pirate in German!

The Swiss-Trac is NOT Cheesy

The Swiss-Trac is a small engine that pulls a wheelchair across any terrain (unpaved roads, tracks, grass, etc). They are made in Europe, and (unfortunately at this time) not marketed in the United States.

According to some reports, the Swiss-Trac is more convenient and cheaper than a power chair because it is a use-as-needed device . And, it does not require a specialized vehicle or necessitate home modificiations. The price is said to be about 6300 Euro plus shipping from Europe (about $9000 US).

Here is a video showing the thing tooling around Melbourne, Australia.

iTunes Enhanced Accessibility

iTunes version 8 was recently released and among the bells and whistles Apple has very quietly enhanced the accessibility of the program to make it screen reader friendly on BOTH Mac and PC. Manage your iTunes library using VoiceOver in OS X Leopard or Window-Eyes for Windows XP and Windows Vista. Or use your screen reader to purchase or download content from the iTunes Store — including iTunes U. Apparently you can also use newer versions of JAWS for Windows.

But wait - there is more - the new iPod Nano now has a feature that speaks every menu and song info, which is especially nice for those who are visually impaired- or simply too busy to look at the tiny screen. According to Apple, the new Nano will tell you everything you need to know over the headphones, and if you have speakable items set up on your computer, the Nano will inherit the voice of your choice. Howvere, at this time it is unclear whether this feature will also be part of iPod touches and iPhones.

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Celebrate International Literacy Day

Celebrate International Literacy Day - TODAY (whadda ya waiting for -- an engraved invitation?!?!)

Observed annually on September 8 (since?), International Literacy Day focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs.

Facts about International Literacy Day
• International Literacy Day is celebrated each year on September 8th.
• International Literacy Day was first observed on September 8, 1967.
• The aim of International Literacy Day is to focus attention on the need to promote worldwide literacy.
• It is estimated that 860 million of the world’s adults do not know how to read or write (nearly two-thirds of this number are women), and that more than 100 million children lack access to education.
• On International Literacy Day, individuals, organizations, and countries throughout the world renew their efforts to promote literacy and demonstrate their commitment to providing education for all.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the founder of International Literacy Day, and is responsible for appointing a jury to award international literacy prizes.
• Three literacy prizes are awarded on International Literacy Day. They are: The International Reading Association Literacy Award, two King Sejong Prizes and two Confucius Prizes. King Sejong Prizes give special consideration to the creation, development and dissemination of mother tongue languages in developing countries, while the Confucius Prizes aim at rewarding outstanding activities in the field of literacy for rural adults and out-of-school youth, particularly women and girls.
• The International Reading Association has sponsored the International Reading Association Literacy Award since 1979. The award is presented at the UNESCO celebration of International Literacy Day.
• As part of a network of literacy organizations, the International Reading Association cosponsors an annual celebration of International Literacy Day, which typically includes featured speakers, representatives from a wide range of governmental and nongovernmental institutions, members of the press, and invited guests.
• State and provincial councils and national affiliates of the International Reading Association often sponsor International Literacy Day activities and celebrations.
• Because International Literacy Day coincides with the beginning of a new school year in many countries, classroom teachers use this day to recognize the importance of literacy in the lives of both children and adults.

Accessing Higher Ground Conference

Registration is now open for the 11th annual Accessing Higher Ground Conference in Boulder Colorado. This conference is also home to the ATHEN Annual Business Meeting.

ATHENites renewing their memberships - and those of you becoming new members - can do so through the conference registration form AND get a discount. As an added bonus - when you register for the confernce and pay the ATHEN membership dues, you will receive a free copy of the recorded conference sessions on DVD [a $90 value]! Unfamiliar with Accesing Higher Ground? Visit the archives of previous presentations and find out for yourself what makes this conference so special!

Speaking of the annual ATHEN meeting, please do review the Revisions to the ATHENS Bylaws as we will be voting on these at the annual meeting.

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Conference Announcement - CSUN Call For Proposals

The Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge is pleased to announce that the Call for Papers for the 24th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference is now open and available on-line.

To submit a General Session proposal to present at the 2009 Conference, please visit:
http://www.csunconference.org/cfp.cfm?EID=80000144

The deadline to submit proposals is: Friday, October 17, 2008.

The 2009 conference will be held March 16-21, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Renaissance Montura hotels.

Please visit the website at: http://www.csunconference.org/ for more information.

Welcome to Fall 2008

Hello all -- and welcome back to the blog for the Fall 2008 academic semester. I have a shipload of items from the summer months to post. Starting things off is a look at the 2008 The Beloit College Mindset List. As notedon the website:

This is the 11th year that Beloit College has assembled these observations that help to identify the experiences that have shaped the lives–and formed the mindset—of students starting their post-secondary education this fall (2008).

The Mindset List is not a chronological listing of things that happened in 1990, the year they were born. It is instead an effort to identify the worldview of 18 year-olds in the fall of 2008. Of course, our students come from many backgrounds and different traditions and these generalizations may not apply to all. The list identifies the experiences and event horizons of students and is not meant to reflect on their preparatory education.

It is also not deliberately designed to make readers feel really old!

And make us feel old it does indeed -- my personal feeling old moment came a few years ago when I met with an entering student who was born on the same day I graduated high school! It's all been downhill since then ...

Anyway - here are some hi-lites from the list of special interest to the readers of this blog:

• Since they were in diapers, karaoke machines have been annoying people at parties.
• They have always been looking for Carmen Sandiego
• GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available
• Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option
• WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling
• IBM has never made typewriters (Big Blue!)
• They may have been given a Nintendo Game Boy to play with in the crib
• Windows 3.0 operating system made IBM PCs user-friendly the year they were born
• The Royal New Zealand Navy has never been permitted a daily ration of rum (thank goodness we don't have that problem!)

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