Fluid Tunes for the Mac (Wikked Cool!!)

Fluid Tunes is gesture recognition software that, when combined with an iSight camera, can be used to control the iTunes library. Here is a good post from the Alltogether blog with a video podcast of the program in action. Granted you can already do this on an iPhone by touching the screen, but this new application allows users to stand back from the screen and use a camera to interact with the computer.

This post and a couple of others I found all reference the film adaptation of the short story Minority Report and its use of Multi-touch technology as described in Wikipedia:

The film foreshadowed multi-touch technology that would become a reality several years later. Anderton interacts with the Precrime computer using a large holographic wall display, which he manipulates with his hands while wearing special gloves. He uses gestures such as "spreading" to enlarge an image and "dragging" to move images around. Earlier films such as Tron (1982) had featured multi-touch technology, but the fast, fluid, and dynamic manipulation of real-time video in Minority Report captured the public imagination in a way that earlier depictions had not.

Today this technology is become commonplace with the iPhone and now the Blackberry Storm. And how many of the news teams on election night this year could not keep hands off their interactive electoral maps [as envisioned by SNL - 5:27 mark] .

But it was not so long ago that this technology was fresh and new and causing the TED crowd to oooh and aaahhh. Here is a video from TED 2006 where Jeff Han - a research scientist for New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences - demonstrates an "interface-free," touch-driven computer screen, which can be manipulated intuitively with the fingertips, and responds to varying levels of pressure.
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New Blogs and Articles of Interest

Several colleagues and friends (and even people I do not know) have blogs on the topic of alternative media, access technologies, disability law and more. Here is a run-down of what is new and of interest in the disability blogosphere:

James Bailey, Adaptive Technology Access Adviser at the University of Oregon, well known AHEAD trainer on access technologies, and ATHEN member in good standing, provides a “port in the storm” for non-tech types who have to manage Access Technology in a college setting with his blog Managing Assistive Technology in Higher Education.

Another blog I recently came across is No Limits 2 Learning written by Lon Thornburg, a self described educator and assistive technology specialist and trainer. On his blogroll is the site SpEdChange by Ira David Socol. I've seen Ira speak a couple of times at conferences and had the opportunity to shoot the breeze with him afterwards. One day we'll break bread and have a brew but until then I'll read and enjoy his blog. Each post is like a short story and well worth the time necessary to dig into it. One of his post on Assistive Technology for Writing succinctly summarizes some thoughts I've had this topic and has helped me to clarify some of my work in this area. Ira also has a podcast of his work.

For you unconventional types out there - check out ATMac: Assistive Technology for Mac OS X Users. The name pretty much says it all but the blog includes news, views, and reviews for all OS X users, content producers, and developers with an interest in disability, assistive technology, and making accessible programs and content.

I came across ATMac through a Blog Carnival hosted by No Limits 2 Learning. What is a Blog Carnival you ask -- ? Well, according to Wikipedia, a blog carnival is a type of blog event. It is similar to a magazine, in that it is dedicated to a particular topic, and is published on a regular schedule, often weekly or monthly. Each edition of a blog carnival is in the form of a blog article that contains permalinks links to other blog articles on the particular topic. Maybe the ATHEN blog should take a crack at doing one of these ... could be interesting.

Next up - Our friend Beth Case of Disability 411 has expanded her horizons by assisting in the development and presentation of the podcast Disability Law Lowdown. Brought to you by nationally recognized leaders in the field of disability law, the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast delivers the latest in disability rights information every other week. Got that? Good ... because it gets more interesting because the DLL podcast is also the DLL Video Podcast (I say VodCast -- but Beth doesn't like how that sounds). Available both through the site and via YouTube, this podcast /vodcast is the first video podcast in ASL that brings you information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights laws. Very Cool Beth!

And speaking of Cool! - Regular readers may have noticed that we have a new member of the blogging team here at ATHEN Susan Kelmer, Adaptive Technology Specialist and Lab Coordinator at St. Louis Community College, has signed up to provide the occasional post. Thanks Susabelle!

GW Micro teaches Yahoo - The Desert Skies

Courtesy of The Desert Skies blog:

Check out this very interesting post to the Yahoo User Interface blog.

GW Micro is getting more and more press about their involvement in newer technologies. The link is a blog post with videos where Doug Geoffray [President of GW Micro] is teaching the Yahoo engineers all about screen reader technology.

EDUCAUSE2006 Podcast: Making Web Sites Accessible | EDUCAUSE CONNECT

Presentations from the 2006 EDUCAUSE annual conference are starting to find their way to the web. Among them is this one on Making Web Sites Accessible. Here are the details:

More Than Just an Internet Connection: What You Need to Know About Making Web Sites Accessible

• Gregory Fierro, Coordinator, Disability Resource Center: Manatee Community College
• Feng Hou, CIO, Manatee Community College
• Cortney Wanca, Web Master, Manatee Community College
  
  Abstract
  Institutions are accustomed to posting information on the Web, but making sure it is accessible to persons with disabilities is too often an afterthought. Get introduced to Web accessibility and its legal background to understand why you should plan ahead for accessibility. Learn the challenges faced by persons with specific disabilities and basic techniques for compliance.

YouTube - Eye To Eye: An Online Library For The Blind

Silicon Valley entrepreneur Jim Fruchterman talks with Byron Pitts in a YouTube - Eye To Eye interview. Jim is the CEO of Benetech, an Associate Member of the DAISY Consortium.
In the interview Jim says that his mission is "to use technology to help humanity." And, in the spirit of those who participate in DAISY developments, he announced "It is a badge of honor to be a geek."

This also appears as a story on the CBS Evening News - "Tech Entrepreneur Helps Blind To Read". If you visit the site, be sure to check out the related video.

If you have ever met Jim you know what an approachable down to earth nice guy he is. Don't let the MacArthur genius award get in the way of getting to know him. I especially like that he has taken on the mission of trying to convince the next generation of high-tech entrepreneurs to be socially conscious.

Multimedia Edition

Several items of multimedia interest cropped up recently and in looking back through the 'drafts' folder I discovered a few more that deserve mentioning. I'll start by blowing my own horn (and those of a few fellow ATHEN members).

Back in November of '06 I did a workshop at the Carroll Center for the Blind on Accessible Textbooks for Persons with Print Disabilities. This was recorded by the Talking Information Center of Massachusetts and broadcast to their listeners. I have done similar presentations at other conferences but this was my first time being recorded into a podcast [mp3 download]. Ye gads I hate the sound of my own voice, but at least I am in good company with my compadre' Brian Charlson of the Carroll Center. Speaking of multimedia, I may have posted on this before but the slide-show at Boston.com featureing Brian and Keegan on GPS Navigation Systems for the Blind deserves another look.

Now then ... enough about me ... how about these podcast and video stars from among the ATHEN membership. First up is Dan Comden of DO-IT in a video detailing the Universal Design of Computer Labs (available on Google Video). Produced by the Research Channel.org, this 11 minute video does an excellent job of covering the basics. Speaking of Google Video - it was pointed to me recently that do-it-yourselfers can caption and subtitle their own videos when they are put up on the web.

Dan Comden also makes an appearance in a podcast at the EmpTech site where he discuses automated tactile image production software being developed at the University of Washington. You can link directly to the podcast here [mp3 format] and also link to further information on the project. Also available through EmpTech is a podcast interview with ATHEN President Ron Stewart [mp3 format] regarding the use of electronic documents in various formats, including Daisy. This is actually a mirror download of the interview originally done for the Disability 411 podcast. The podcast includes a transcript of the conversation with Ron -- the info is great but those of us who know Ron know that listening to his delivery is half the fun.

The use of podcasts in education is definitely expanding as a recent story at CNN.com describes - Publishers cater to growing use of MP3s for schoolwork describes efforts at community colleges and universities through the use of iTunes and audible.com. Unfortunately, this story 9as per usual) misses the point of accessibility in regards to these efforts. When it comes to accessibility in podcasts, the processes and technology necessary to make them so is readily available. A good pair of tutorials on making podcasts and vodcasts accessible is available through the High Tech Center of the College of the Redwoods. And from the Napa Valley Register comes a story about the growing number of students using MP3 players as a study tool.

If you are interested in checking out more podcasts on technology and access issues, check out our list of favorites in the right column of this blog -->

Listening to the Library

A story on NPR caught my eye (ear) in part because they interview someone from the Montgomery County Public Libraries system in Maryland. This is my 'hometwon' of sorts and I fondly recall the branch out in Potomac as a backup to the library in my High School (or when I just felt like being around books ... you ever get that feeling?).

The story on NPR : Downloading Audio Books Gains in Popularity discusses the increase in popularity of audiobooks - especially those downloaded from commercial sites (such as Audible.com) and within the holdings of library systems. The former requires a paid membership and the latter a library card. As good as this is for readers (listeners?) of general material, it is not likely that specific textbooks will be available anytime soon - so don't shut down your E-Text production services quite yet.

Ken Sawicki Video on Demand

Alt-Media listserv member Ken Sawicki of Antelope Valley Community College (by all means one of the coolest college names around) guest lectures in an Intro to Computer class and was captured on video this year. True to his AT roots - here are his comments:

Since October is disabilities awareness month, I thought I'd post this... It needs to be captioned, and perhaps have some descriptive video, but it's a good start.

'Tis a pity the technology upstages him I could make some comment about how only a blind guy would wear white to be filmed in front of a projector screen - but that might come off as insensitive. And insensitive is something I am never accused of being

Podcast of Note - "Fly With Me"

Taking a brief break from the Mac testing to introduce a podcast I discovered recently - Fly With Me produced by 'JoePodcaster' - a guy who is a pilot for a major U.S. air carrier. Normally I would not post about a non-access tech related podcast on this blog, but episode eleven (11) caught my ear enough that I just had to share. Here is the link to the mp3 download.

In episode eleven, Joe interviews a listener who has a bit of a technology/computer background with a dream of learning how to pilot a helicopter. What makes this relevant to ATHEN is that this gentleman is blind and during the interview they discuss the auditory and tactile side of aircraft controls.

I recommend the entire podcast - all 14 episodes and then some. I especially enjoyed episodes 8 and 8.5 "When Things Go Wrong" and episode 12 wih the real life "Snake on a Plane". Listen and enjoy.

The Web and the Law (VodCast)

The New Jersey Higher Education Webmasters Association [yes .. such an organization does exist!] presented on Warrent-less searches, ID Theft, Responsibility for Content and (of course) the ADA. Along with the outline on the website - they have been kind enough to provide a 90+ minute video podcast of the presentation. The quaility could be better but the content is worth kickin back and watching.

CSUN -- ATHEN [greetings from ... Boston]

Yeah, yeah .. I talked big and didn't deliver. My intent was to post to the blog each day of CSUN. The reality of the situation on the ground was a lack of time. Up early every day and a whirlwind of attending programs, meeting people, visiting vendors, wolfing down food, and socializing. By the time I got back to my hotel room each night I was too wiped to write - it was hard enough checking my eMail (and I had to touch base with the home office each day). A week later I am rested and caught up on both work and family matters and will start posting reflections, notes, observations, etc. This is probably the better scenario - I reread some of the email I sent during the week and it is atrocious! Better to have my wits about me when writing then half-asleep and under deadline.

First Up - ATHEN News:

The minutes from the CSUN meeting should be up on the homepage soon, but here are some hi-lites:

• Ron Stewart was re-elected as President and made the official announcement that he is leaving Oregon State University to become the VP of North American Operations for Dolphin - or something like that. Ron will also keep his hand-in with AHEAD.
• We have a Treasurer! Eileen Berger of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education has been elected to oversee the ledger. President Ron has tasked her with exploring options to accept on-line credit card payments for membership dues.
• The membership present made it official that we would not only support the Accessing Higher Ground conference but that it would become the official annual conference of ATHEN. It was agreed by the leadership of AHG that there will be an ATHEN Track at the conference this year with designs to increase our involvement annually.
• A reminder that presentation proposals for AHG are currently being accepted and are due by April 21, 2006. [invitation in .doc] [proposal form in .doc]
• The first issue of the E-Journal with an emphasis on E-Text and Alt-Media Production is now available on-line.

Next Up - CSUN Reports Elsewhere

For those of you who could not make the conference, check out the following sites for a variety of video and audio presentations. But first you must read the very funny BlindConfidential post titled Fear and Loathing at CSUN 2006: Gonzo Fiction. (BC Blogger was kind enough to add the ATHEN blog to his list of favorites)

• TV Worldwide has a variety of videos from CSUN going back to the year 2000. Not every presentation or product demonstration is available, but quite a few hi-lites and all definitely worth viewing. I'll be pinpointing some of these in future posts.
• The SpeEdChange blog has a variety of product reviews from CSUN.
• Axistive was there in full-force and I had a change to meet some of their staff. Nice folks one and all.
• Jim Fruchterman's March 27 post to the Beneblog is short and sweet and includes audio of one of his talks as recorded by Norm Coombs on a small hand-held digital device. Overall not a bad bit of recording.

UDATE - A bit more CSUN reportage courtesy of E.A. from across the pond.

• Blind Access Journal has numerous audio-casts and links additional blogs, including:
• Blind Cool Tech
• Desert Skies Podcast
• Archive of the Association of Blind Citizens Webcasts
• ACB Radio Blog

ODEO and the Writer

Like many students of all grade levels, my 8 year old son does not like to write. Reading for him is rewarding beyond compare. He doesn't simply get lost in a book - he moves in and settles down. Math, spelling, art, sciences - not a problem. But writing, well, that's another story. His frustration comes from knowing what he wants to say, but by the time it works its way out of his brain, down his arm, through the pencil and onto the paper it just doesn't seem to come out the same.

We have found that it helps if he talks himself through the writing process. The trouble then becomes that he can spin a good yarn or nail a synopsis only to forget what it was he just said when the mechanics of writing interfere. Recently we considered asking if he wanted to try recording himself speaking into a tape recorder but realized that we simply do not own one anymore. Then I remembered ODEO.

I have an ODEO account for some of my RSS podcast feeds and recalled that they have a free on-line recording service. It's limited to three-minutes of record time - but the kid's in third grade - how much does he need to write? I plugged in my favorite set of headphones with mic and set him up to record. Like a typical digital native he took to it on the first try. Three minutes later he had laid down a pretty good synopsis of the story he was writing a report on and we saved the mp3 file to play in Windows Media Player.

He was able to listen to his own voice quite literally telling him what to write. He effortlessly mastered the WMP controls and started typing. His keyboard skills need some work but he is already well ahead of where I was in high school, let alone third grade. We gotta getthis kid a typing tutor - he'll hate us now and thank us later.

So, the next day I am telling the Director of our LD program about my experiences with ODEO and the writer and she asked me to demo the program. Later in the day one of our LD tutoring staff asks me about this on-line program because he is working with a student who has issue with writing that may benefit from being able to record drafts and play them back. He is going to try this out wth the student and let me know how it goes. One of the nice features of ODEO is the ability to save and eMail the recordings or download them as mp3 files.

By the way - if you are interested - here is the three minute synopsis of The Box Car Children #3: The Yellow House Mystery as recorded by my favorite 3rd grader.