Kindle Fire HDX - The Saga Continues

by Chi Hung Luke Hsieh, AT Advocate at Community Access Center in Riverside

The annual CSUN conference on disability has come and gone, and despite it being slightly smaller this year, I nonetheless had the pleasure of attending an all-day workshop hosted by Amazon for the purpose of promoting their latest pet, the Kindle Fire HDX. And, since they touted the revamped accessibility features as one of its selling points, it's fitting for me to write a review about it.

Firstly, all models of the Kindle Fire HDX are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 - the standard state of the art processor for all high-end android devices since October of

Kindle Fire HDX

last year. The sheer sound of Snapdragon 800 induces a sense of excitement in yours truly the same way a cute anime girl such as Hatsune Miku would. Anyway, moving on, the HDX also features an amazing HD display - 300+ ppi (pixels per inch) which makes anime girls or any movies a joy to behold. Okay,  seriously now, moving on...

Due to the acquisition of Ivona, a Polish company that specializes in text to speech technology, in 2012 the HDX is equipped with multiple voice engines to boot: Australian English, British English, American English, (two of both male and female) a Canadian French, two standard French, two German, two Italian, two Brazilian Portuguese, one Russian and two Castilian Spanish. 

This obviously has implications for assistive technology users. For someone with dyslexia, it means your kindle is now multilingual and it can read books aloud not only in different languages, but also in clearly differentiated accents. For me, it means I can now have an affordable AAC device with a male adult voice with a British accent.  It means I can go to a bar and order a martini, shaken or stirred. I'm not sure how much more attractive it would make me, but it does make the device quite sexy. Of course, now Google, too, is catching up on the text to speech technology, so it will be interesting to see how much longer Amazon can hold on to this advantage.

As an often quoted Chinese Proverb goes, the deeper the love, the harsher the reprimand, and if there is one reason why the Kindle Fire should die a horrible death, it is because of the following: Amazon chose to run a forked version of Android and it decided to run its own closed app store. While on their own, the decision might still make sense, but together, these decisions are a folly. 

Let's stop for a moment and think about what it means to run a forked Android. This means that whatever improvement you make on your device is bound to be superficial because any fundamental development of the operating system is done by google. This would still be tolerable if Amazon allowed its forked version of Android to be regularly updated or allowed google play to update their third party apps. None of these is happening and none of the new accessibility features can be downloaded to the old Kindle Fire HD (2012 version). This means that they made a tablet, updated it once or twice, and then left it to rot. 

I even asked them, frankly, at the workshop if we are expected to purchase a new model every year. But they only replied, "We are not here to talk about that." However, that is essentially what has to be done in order for me to enjoy the new accessibility features. I have had to give my old Kindle Fire HD to my sister and buy a new Kindle Fire HDX.

The infamous eco-system of the Kindle Fire has been mentioned to death by just about every technology reviewer on earth. Running a closed app store that's essentially a rip-off of google play also means that your third party vendors sometimes forget about you. A case in point, the android app Speech Assistant on google play (and on my LG G Flex) is currently the version 3.20, yet the same app on the amazon app store is only version 2.72. This frequently means less features and inferior versions of the same android app;  running both forked Android and a closed app store severely limits the potential of the Snapdragon 800.

Ultimately, love it or hate it, Kindle Fire HDX comes with attractive hardware and at a affordable price. In my opinion, it is a flawed beauty limited by business decisions which are completely out of touch with reality and limit the potential of the Snapdragon 800.

 

CSUN Conference Highlights

by Kim Cantrell,CFILC’s Program Director

The AT Network was excited to participate in California State University Northridge’s 29^th Annual Conference for People with Disabilities in San Diego from March 19-21. This week we are sharing some highlights from our participation in the event.

Derek Zarda, AT Advocate from ILRC San Francisco building vendor relationships.

First, a big thank you to all of the AT Network members who came by our AT Network booth in the exhibit hall. Based on the number of members who dropped by, it appears the AT Network was well represented at the conference. In fact, from our booth I saw many AT Advocates based at Independent Living Centers throughout California networking with vendors to learn the latest in AT.

The AT Network wasn’t only in the exhibit hall; we also presented a conference session titled “California’s AT Network Device Lending Libraries.” The AT Network’s Rosemarie Punzalan teamed up with Aaron Markovits from Kern Assistive Technology Center and Samuel Moore from Rolling Start to present on California’s system of Device Lending Libraries. Their presentation included information on lending trends and how to access the service. Many of the session participants followed up with a visit to our booth to learn more about services in their local areas.

Comcast Presentation on Voice Controlled Cable

We also attended a Comcast reception where they demonstrated a newly developed voice controlled remote feature to allow you to verbally control your cable channel selection. In addition, they added additional audio description of the cable channel menu and an accessible remote app with audio prompts. We didn’t hear exactly when the new features will hit the market, but many of the attendees were very excited for the changes.

It was a busy week filled with a lot of learning and networking. Next week we will be back with a guest post evaluating the Kindle Fire HDX based on what the author learned at a CSUN conference session.

AT for College Students

by Kirk Aranda, YO! Disabled and Proud Youth Advocate

 

You’ve done it! You’re done with high school and on to the next step in your educational career… college! 

College can be a big leap from high school and sometimes there is a transitional period for students to adjust. From getting accustomed to your new schedule and campus to learning good study methods, assistive technology can often help students succeed in their pursuit of a degree.

When it comes to assistive technology (AT) in college, students don't always know what AT is available that can help them with studying or learning in the classroom. AT can come in many forms. Some popular examples include: the Livescribe Smartpen, JAWS Screen Reading Software, and Dragon Dictation.

Livescribe Sky Wifi Smartpen

The Livescribe Sky Wifi Smartpen has become extremely useful AT that helps students in various ways. When you use this pen combined with the Livescribe’s Dot Paper, not only is the audio of the lecture captured, but the strokes and movements of your pen are recorded too and both the audio and writing are synced up together.  So, for instance, if you were to go back in your lecture notes and press down with the pen on something you wrote down earlier, it will play the audio from that point on that was recorded. This is a great way to catch everything that you may have missed while taking notes in a lecture! 

Another really cool feature is that if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, your notes and audio recordings will automatically be uploaded to your very own free online Evernote account with a “Sync Now” button. So with only one push of a button, all of your notes will be uploaded online!The Livescribe pen ranges in price from $149.95 for a 2GB of memory which holds 200 hours of audio, $199.95 for a 4GB version that holds 400 hours of audio and a 8GB version that holds 800 hours of audio for $249.95.

As colleges become more and more technologically advanced, they are starting to support online syllabuses, projects and assignments, and more teachers are starting to utilize online classroom resources. With tasks like these, software like JAWS Screen Reading can make the online experience of classes easier. JAWS was developed for people with low vision but can be used by many individuals with a variety of different disabilits. When you receive emails

JAWS screen reading program

or homework assignments that are posted online, JAWS will read aloud word for word what is on your screen. JAWS also provides tools for navigating and accessing web pages as well as ways to look up definitions or terms. Or, if you’re taking a break from studying, you can even check out the score of your local sports team's game! Prices for JAWS very. If you were to get the professional JAWS program it will be about $1,095 but this allows you to use JAWS with almost all operating systems such as Windows XP, 95, 98, 2000, ME, and more. The standard JAWS program is $895 and allows you to work with Windows 9x and Windows XP home addition.

The last bit of AT that I want to mention is Dragon Naturally Speaking which is the best voice command and dictation out there. If you need any assistance with typing, Dragon may be the program for you! It translates your voice to text very accurately and with incredible speed. Furthermore, the more that you use the program the smarter it will become as it learns your personal words and can predict their context. Dragon comes with a tutorial that helps you learn the

Student using Dragon - dyslexia.yale.edu

program right after installing it. Are you expecting emails from your professor, too? You can also use Dragon to navigate and type out emails in Gmail and Hotmail, so that way you can stay in constant contact with your professors, your family and friends. The prices of Dragon Naturally Speaking range from $75.00 - $150 for a home package all the way up to $800 for the professional version.   

These are just a few examples of some AT that can be available to help ease students into their academic life at college. In the comments section below we’d love to hear what AT you use in school or what has assisted you in succeeding in your classes. Good luck with spring semester everyone - it will fly by!

AT News From Around the Web

Here at the AT Network, we love to learn about all the new, different and constantly evolving AT that is out there. There are so many AT items that we can't possibly keep up with every device or piece of equipment that exists. Fortunately, we are not the only ones researching AT and we can look to other writers around the web! Here are some great other AT blogs and resources to check out for up-to-date Assistive Technology news:

1. The Assistive Technology Daily

From the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program. Some recent posts include:

• ER Browser – The Mobile Web Browser for Dyslexia & Visual Stress

• ZYGO Wireless Voice Amplifier 

2. Assistive Technology
Blog on the topic of assitive technology, eLearning, mind mapping, project management, visual learning, collaborative tools and educational technology. Some recent posts include:

• Co:Writer App for IOS- WOW!

• MimioTeach Interactive Whiteboard- A Powerful Solution

3. Jane Farrall's Blog
Jane is a speech pathologist and special educator passionate about literacy, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology. Some recent posts include:

• Symbol Supported Text: Does it really help?

• Literacy Lab: a great tool for quality literacy instruction

4. Assistive Technology Blog
Learn about assistive technology for people with reading disabilities, dyslexia, low vision, blindness and other disabilities that make reading, writing and other tasks difficult. Written by someone who uses AT to read and write. Some recent posts include: 

• Kidspiration Maps: Inspiration Mind Mapping for Kids 

• Review: Celluon Epic Laser Keyboard

5. Maryland Technology Assitance Program Blog
The Maryland AT Blog is a service of the Maryland Department of Disabilities Technology Assistance Program, aimed at providing current updates on new AT, product reviews, conference updates and other AT related news. Some recent posts include:

• AFB's iPad Webinars

• ZoomText University

6. The Assistive Technology BlogThe Assistive Technology Blog is a publication from the Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at Virginia Commonwealth University. Some recent posts include: 

• ZoomText 10.1 for Windows 8 

• Dad Hacks Wheelchair to let his 2 Year Old Explore the World - includes step by step instructions

• Make your PowerPoint talk - (it’s freeware) PowerTalk automatic speech program for PowerPoints.

Check Out the New Things Available on the AT Exchange!

If you have never checked out the AT Network's AT Exchange website, or if you haven't looked at it in awhile, now is the time to do so!  We have many new and exciting items for loan, for sale and some items that centers are giving away for free. You might just find the AT that you have been looking for or you could find something new to try.

On the AT Exchange, Californians can search for and find gently used devices for free or at low-cost.  They can also borrow devices for free for thirty days. Our Device Lending Libraries loan out devices to individuals so that they are able to try a device before spending a lot of money on something that they are not sure will work for them. 

We have updated the "Featured Items" bar on the left of the AT Exchange home page so you can browse the newly featured items and discover recently added equipment to the site.

Currently, our website is featuring the following devices for short-term loans: iPads, Bumbo floor seat, Pocket Talker sound amplifier and Smartpens with wifi. Search our large inventory of devices to see if we have anything that you would like to borrow.  You can also contact the programs directly to inquire about particular items.

Find an item for free or at low cost from reuse centers around the state--shower chairs, scooters, walkers, and more. Simply search for the items labeled "free" or "for sale" using the advanced search option. 

Still have questions about the AT Exchange?  Call us at 1.800.390.2699 and we would be happy to help.

Earth Day—5 ways to save the planet

by Kim Cantrell, CFILC’s Program Director 

Earth day is today! What have you done to care for Mother Earth lately? The AT Network strives to be a good steward of our planet even as we embrace new technologies. Join the AT Network to reduce, reuse, recycle and show Mother Earth some love on her special day. Here are the AT Network’s TOP 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day in 2013: 

1. Borrow when possible. Before running to the store to buy the latest tech gadget, try it out first. Did you know that the AT Network has 14 Device Lending Libraries around the state that lend out assistive technology devices and software to people who want to try before they buy? Borrow an iPad, a Pocketalker, learning and writing aids (including Smartpens), communication devices and much more. And we ship too. Check out our current inventory by visiting the AT Exchange and searching for items available for loan. What better way to appreciate the Earth than to borrow first and only purchase items that you know will work for you?

2. Donate your used medical equipment, including walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds, that you no longer need to one of the AT Network’s local reuse partners. You know the type of the equipment I’m talking about; the old device holding up the wall in the garage or languishing in your basement. Now is the time to dust it off and donate it to an organization that can give it new life by passing it on to someone who can really use it. And you may even qualify for a tax deduction. Everybody wins!

3. Buy used. The AT Network’s reuse partners distribute used equipment at low and no cost. Our partners post their used equipment on the AT Network’s AT Exchange. Californians can search the AT Exchange for “free” or “sale” items to find great deals on gently used equipment looking for a new home.

4. Donate your old computer equipment. Tired of looking at that old wired keyboard in the corner? Are you using your old desktop computer as a book end? If you are ready for this equipment to be used as it was intended, donate your old computer equipment to an organization that distributes refurbished computers to children and people with disabilities. Click here to check out the AT Network’s list of computer recyclers in California who do this work.

5. Check out the California Assistive Technology Reuse Coalition’s website to learn more about reuse and how extending the life cycle of assistive technology (AT) devices and medical equipment is a win-win proposition. These folks are dedicated to getting used devices into the hands of people who can use them.

Don’t forget to join the AT Network so you can continue to learn about opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle technology all year long!

Last Minute AT Gift Ideas

by Rachel Anderson, Program Coordinator for the AT Network

There are still a few more shopping days left and there are  some good sales going on right now - so it is a great time to purchase some useful AT devices.  Here are some last minute gift ideas for everyone on your list. For more details on the item and to find out how to order, click on the links below.  Happy Shopping!

1. Large Print Keyboards - $17.95

2. iRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Cleaning Robot - $399.99

3. LeapPad2 &Tag Learn to Read Bundle - $169.96

4. LEVO Lapdesk for books, laptops, eBooks, iPads - $39.99

5. Digital Talking Alarm Clock- $20.99

6. Turbo Ear - $20.59

7. Sonic Blink: Receiver with Strobe Alert - $42.95

8.iPad Mini - starting at $329

9. On/Off Plate Switch - $47.95

10. Walker Caddy - $23.95

11. Large Universal Remote - $39.95

12. Bilingual Piano Puppy - $84.95

Indata and Easter Seals also put together a different great list of AT Holiday Gift Ideas. Click here to view even more AT Holiday Gift items.

Do you have an AT wishlist?  What is on your list this year? Let us know by entering it in the comment section below.  Happy Holidays!

AT Network Members Quarterly Regional In-Person Meetings

Sample of CTAP phones

Regional In-Person Meetings are held quarterly and are now open to all AT Network members and others interested in joining the network and/or assistive technology topics and presentations.  The purpose of the meetings is to bring AT professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts together to build professional relationships, problem-solve, share resources and collaborate. It is a great opportunity to learn and network in your region.

The next quarterly in-person meeting is Tuesday, September 18, 2012 in Berkeley, CA at The Ed Roberts Campus from 10:00AM - 3:00PM. In the morning there will be a demonstration from the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP). CTAP provides free assistive telecommunications equipment to residents of California with disabilities. 

Shelley Haven, ATP, RET

For the afternoon session, we are thrilled to have guest presenter, Shelley Haven, ATP, RET, who will present on notetaking and knowledge management. Shelley is an independent assistive technology consultant who specializes in tools for people with learning disabilities and executive function issues.  She serves individuals, families, educators, schools, and other professionals throughout the Bay Area.  For more information on Shelley and her variety of services, visit www.TechPotential.net.

Notetaking and "Knowledge Management": Technology to Capture and Organize What You Learn

Whether taking notes in class, gathering web research, or creating a textbook study guide, student success relies on the ability to effectively capture and organize information from a variety of sources. This overview will demonstrate tools that aid the “knowledge management” process, including: digital notebooks, smartpens, and PDF annotation; everyday tech such as digital cameras and smartphone apps; and notetaking strategies that leverage graphic organizer and literacy software.

Are you attending?  Did you register?  If you are interested in attending, go to http://www.atnet.org/news-events/registration.php to register today!

The AT Network Quarterly Southern Regional In-Person Meeting was convened at Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center last Thursday, September 6, 2012.  It was hosted by Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART).

The AT Network invited the Los Angeles Assistive Technology Collaboration and hosted a panel discussion (members from Lanterman Regional Center, California Children's Services, Burbank Unified School District, and Assistive Technology Exchange Center) to talk about their shared experiences in a collaborative perspective.  The LA AT Collaborative assist the local community in understanding and accessing the supports and services of various agencies to obtain assistive technology for individuals with disabilities to increase independence across their lifespan.

Do you have an important topic that you would like to see at an AT Network Meeting? Please comment below and let us know what AT you are most interested in learning more about. Keep connected with the AT Network's training calendar: http://www.atnet.org/news-events/calendar.php