Colleagues,
This comes from the ATHEN list.
Please be forewarned that the deadline is July 1 (this Sunday). But, this should not take a lot of your time.
Below is an opportunity to be heard on the topic of math accessibility. The deadline for responses is July 1 (this Sunday).
There’s a relatively painless way you can comment to the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education about the need for accessibility to mathematics in education. so be sure to submit something this week.
There’s a very brief survey which the NSF and Dept. of Ed. are asking people to fill out concerning a new jointly-funded K-16 Mathematics Education Initiative. I think it is important that the feds hear about the issues students with disabilities face when learning mathematics, and in particular the problems created by inaccessible mathematics instructional content and assessments.
There are only two items they ask for:
Here’s a direct link to the survey: The survey
Here’s a link to the Dear Colleague letter giving more background on the initiative: Dear Colleague Letter
Finally, if you would like a few references for items to support the need for accessible mathematics, you could take a look at this page: References to Research
Even if you only have a few minutes to submit a couple of sentences, that would be better than silence. Perhaps if the feds hear from enough people they may set aside some of the $60 million they mention to working on the problem.
Best regards,
—Steve Noblesteve.noble@louisville.edu502-969-3088
For Immediate Release Contact: Eric Bridges Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs American Council of the Blind Phone: (202) 467-5081 E-mail: ebridges@acb.org American Council of the Blind Lauds U.S. Congress for Including Accessible Prescription Drug Labeling Language in FDA Bill That Now Moves to the President’s Desk ARLINGTON, Va., June 26, 2012 – Blind and visually impaired citizens will gain independent and private access to the information contained on their prescription drug labels as the United States Senate passed S.3187, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. “We are grateful that the House of Representatives and Senate, through the staunch leadership of Representative Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), have passed legislation that will allow for a greater level of privacy and independence for blind and visually impaired Americans of all ages who take prescription medications,” said Mitch Pomerantz, president of the American Council of the Blind. More than 21.5 million Americans experience vision loss that renders them unable to read prescription drug labels or other medication information independently. With the incidence of vision loss expected to increase with the rapidly aging American population, the consequences of being unable to read prescription information pose a significant public health challenge. People who are blind or visually impaired can mistakenly consume the wrong medication, the incorrect dose, or an expired drug because they are unable to read the label or to distinguish between medicine containers. Description of the Legislation Under S.3187, representatives of the blind and aging communities along with pharmacies and the U.S. Access Board will convene a working group. This group will establish best practices for pharmacies to ensure that people who are blind or visually impaired have access to prescription drug labeling. The group’s recommendations would provide guidance to pharmacists on actions they can take to ensure that the blind or visually impaired understand the information on their prescription and to enable independent access to that information. The guidelines will provide pharmacies a range of options they can choose to offer consumers. Many of these options are low-cost, widely available, and compatible with equipment already in pharmacies. After pharmacies have had the opportunity to adopt the guidelines, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will review the degree to which pharmacies are in compliance. They will examine whether the blind or visually impaired still lack safe and independent access to prescription drug labeling and issue a report to Congress on the remaining gaps and the scope of the problem. ###
Dear all,
This year, the Information Access Committee presents a rich variety of activities that you will be able to enjoy. These activities are popular; so, book early. Come one, come all. See below for descriptions.
Please note that our Tuesday sessions are limited to 60 people each and tickets must be purchased in advanced.
We look forward to seeing you at our events.
Warmest regards,
Pratik
TITLE: 411 from the IAC
TICKETS: $5 preregistration; $7 at the door
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Come to hear about the latest on screen enlargement, accessible medical devices, and tech for your kitchen.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
A. 2:00 to 2:05: Introduction - Presenter: Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, Fresh Meadows, New York.
B. 2:05 to 2:50: Customizing ZoomText for comfort and Productivity.
Presenter: Stephanie L Rood MS Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services ATACP, Assistive Technology Instructor, Junior Blind of America, Los Angeles, California
Learn how you can customize ZoomText to work for your specific needs.
C. 2:50 to 3:35: Accessible Medical Equipment and Accessible Apps. Presenter: Daren Burton, American Foundation for the Blind, Virginia
Learn about accessible medical equipment and what constitutes accessible apps.
D. 3:35 to 4:10: Accessible Equipment for Your Kitchen and home. Presenters: members of the Information Access Committee
Come and “Look What’s Talking Now” to hear about some appliances/tools that you can use in your kitchen and around the house every day.
E. 4:10 to 4:30: A possible surprise and Q & A and General Feedback. Ask the IAC questions and provide feedback about your needs.
TITLE: Google Survey and Implications for Future Accessible Technologies
TICKETS: $0 preregistration; $0 at the door (by request of Google)
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Take part in a discussion about the survey results that ACB conducted in conjunction with Google last fall. Learn about what the results mean for future assistive technologies.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: Google Survey and Implications for Future Accessible Technologies
Presenters: Naomi Black, Accessibility, Google, Inc. Mountain view, California
Philip Strain, usability researcher, Mountain view, California
Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, ACB, Fresh Meadows, New York
How do blind and visually impaired people use computers and mobile technologies today? Building on that question, ACB, in partnership with Google, conducted a survey in the fall of 2011. Come to hear about the results of that survey. The findings will be shared and a discussion will take place about the implications of these findings for future development of accessible technologies. We will also engage in a dialogue about future policy implications for ACB. What and how should we advocate for accessibility?
2:45-4:00
Link into LinkedIn. Ray Campbell, independent consultant and formerly Adaptive Technology Specialist with the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, will demonstrate how to get yourself noticed on LinkedIn using a PC and a screen reader.
4:15-5:30
Face up to Facebook. Brian Charlson, Director of Computer Training Services at the Carroll Center for the Blind, will show you how to get the most from Facebook using screen readers with a PC as well as with Mac and iOS devices.
TITLE: Apple: An Introduction to Using a Touch Screen
TICKETS: $5 preregistration; No tickets at the door
NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPECTED: 60 (per session maximum)
SHORT DESCRIPTION: By participating in a hands-on session, Learn from an Apple representative about how to use a touch screen device.
Long DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: Apple: An Introduction to Using a Touch Screen
Presenters: Sarah Herrlinger, Apple Corporation. Cupertino, California
Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, ACB, Fresh Meadows, New York
This is a session for beginners that will introduce you to the best ways of using touch screen devices. If you have just purchased a touch screen based phone or device, come to this session to learn more. Maximize your productivity by learning through a guided tour.
TITLE: The British Invasion Goes Television
TICKETS: $5 preregistration; $7 at the door
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Accessible TV is a reality. See examples on Accessible TV from the U.K.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: The British Invasion Goes Television
Presenters: Richard Orm, Royal National Institute for the Blind, United Kingdom.
Brian Charlson, Director, Computer Training Services, Carroll Center for the Blind. Boston, Massachusetts
When it comes to accessible television, the UK is ahead of the US. Come
see what is possible as RNIB accessibility expert Richard Orme describes
and demonstrates what is available to blind and visually impaired
television viewers in the UK. You won’t believe your ears.
Title: Focus Groups With Barnes and Noble
Stay tuned for more information about focus groups from a new ACB partner. Provide feedback on emerging technologies for reading books.
Dear all,
This year, the Information Access Committee presents a rich variety of activities that you will be able to enjoy. These activities are popular; so, book early. Come one, come all. See below for descriptions.
Please note that our Tuesday sessions are limited to 60 people each and tickets must be purchased in advanced.
We look forward to seeing you at our events.
Warmest regards,
Pratik
TITLE: 411 from the IAC
TICKETS: $5 preregistration; $7 at the door
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Come to hear about the latest on screen enlargement, accessible medical devices, and tech for your kitchen.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
A. 2:00 to 2:05: Introduction - Presenter: Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, Fresh Meadows, New York.
B. 2:05 to 2:50: Customizing ZoomText for comfort and Productivity.
Presenter: Stephanie L Rood MS Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services ATACP, Assistive Technology Instructor, Junior Blind of America, Los Angeles, California
Learn how you can customize ZoomText to work for your specific needs.
C. 2:50 to 3:35: Accessible Medical Equipment and Accessible Apps. Presenter: Daren Burton, American Foundation for the Blind, Virginia
Learn about accessible medical equipment and what constitutes accessible apps.
D. 3:35 to 4:10: Accessible Equipment for Your Kitchen and home. Presenters: members of the Information Access Committee
Come and “Look What’s Talking Now” to hear about some appliances/tools that you can use in your kitchen and around the house every day.
E. 4:10 to 4:30: A possible surprise and Q & A and General Feedback. Ask the IAC questions and provide feedback about your needs.
TITLE: Google Survey and Implications for Future Accessible Technologies
TICKETS: $0 preregistration; $0 at the door (by request of Google)
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Take part in a discussion about the survey results that ACB conducted in conjunction with Google last fall. Learn about what the results mean for future assistive technologies.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: Google Survey and Implications for Future Accessible Technologies
Presenters: Naomi Black, Accessibility, Google, Inc. Mountain view, California
Philip Strain, usability researcher, Mountain view, California
Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, ACB, Fresh Meadows, New York
How do blind and visually impaired people use computers and mobile technologies today? Building on that question, ACB, in partnership with Google, conducted a survey in the fall of 2011. Come to hear about the results of that survey. The findings will be shared and a discussion will take place about the implications of these findings for future development of accessible technologies. We will also engage in a dialogue about future policy implications for ACB. What and how should we advocate for accessibility?
2:45-4:00
Link into LinkedIn. Ray Campbell, independent consultant and formerly Adaptive Technology Specialist with the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, will demonstrate how to get yourself noticed on LinkedIn using a PC and a screen reader.
4:15-5:30
Face up to Facebook. Brian Charlson, Director of Computer Training Services at the Carroll Center for the Blind, will show you how to get the most from Facebook using screen readers with a PC as well as with Mac and iOS devices.
TITLE: Apple: An Introduction to Using a Touch Screen
TICKETS: $5 preregistration; No tickets at the door
NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPECTED: 60 (per session maximum)
SHORT DESCRIPTION: By participating in a hands-on session, Learn from an Apple representative about how to use a touch screen device.
Long DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: Apple: An Introduction to Using a Touch Screen
Presenters: Sarah Herrlinger, Apple Corporation. Cupertino, California
Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, ACB, Fresh Meadows, New York
This is a session for beginners that will introduce you to the best ways of using touch screen devices. If you have just purchased a touch screen based phone or device, come to this session to learn more. Maximize your productivity by learning through a guided tour.
TITLE: The British Invasion Goes Television
TICKETS: $5 preregistration; $7 at the door
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Accessible TV is a reality. See examples on Accessible TV from the U.K.
LONG DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: The British Invasion Goes Television
Presenters: Richard Orm, Royal National Institute for the Blind, United Kingdom.
Brian Charlson, Director, Computer Training Services, Carroll Center for the Blind. Boston, Massachusetts
When it comes to accessible television, the UK is ahead of the US. Come
see what is possible as RNIB accessibility expert Richard Orme describes
and demonstrates what is available to blind and visually impaired
television viewers in the UK. You won’t believe your ears.
Title: Focus Groups With Barnes and Noble
Stay tuned for more information about focus groups from a new ACB partner. Provide feedback on emerging technologies for reading books.
Amazon made its announcement about a new tablet-like device that will allow people to consume variety of content including books, videos, apps, games, and web sites. I had hoped that, unlike previous releases of Kindle devices, Amazon would have included accessibility for Kindle Firefor people with disabilities right from its design phase. Alas! Disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling after learning that there is no built-in accessibility for people with disabilities in this newly announced product. As a blind consumer who wants access to the nearly one million-book Kindle catalog or access to the 10 thousand plus instant video selections on a mobile device, I am angry.
Yes. I am absolutely angry. I am sick and tired of companies with billions of dollars in revenue taking the market of people with disabilities for granted. I am sick and tired of them thinking that we’re not important enough to be the “target” when the device or software is being developed for the first time. I am sick and tired of companies like Amazon passing on the blame on the lack of accessibility on other parties. I am sick and tired of these companies claiming that they are not being allowed to “innovate” if we ask them to create accessible products. What happened to accessibility being thought of as innovation in and of itself? What happened to servicing the customer’s needs?
I know that some people will claim that Amazon did not provide accessibility to the Kindle Fire because the underlying Android platform does not have sufficient support. Frankly, I could care less. It was a choice—a deliberate choice for technical and other reasons. Why did those technical reasons not include accessibility as part of the decision making process? I expect the overlying Kindle Fire interface to be as accessible as I expect the Samsung, Motorola, or HTC interface to be accessible on a phone or a tablet device.
Amazon has never considered people with disabilities as an important part of its market. Nor has it taken accessibility seriously for its previous generation of Kindle devices. The little accessibility work that it has done is lacking in seriousness. This fact is quite evident in its web site design as well as development of the Kindle software for devices such as the iPhone. There is no excuse for Amazon to have not built in accessibility on a platform which, by all accounts, provides one of the best support for people with disabilities. If Amazon had shown a concerted effort and a steady progress, then I would be willing to cut them some slack. But they have had ample time to consider these issues carefully and look at accessibility.
So yes, I’m angry. I’m angry at hearing excuses. I’m angry at seeing a consistent pattern. I’m angry at Amazon’s defense. And, I’m incredibly angry with people defending Amazon because they happened to have chosen Android.
And, because I’m so angry, I’m going to suggest a course of action to all people with disabilities who will not be able to use Kindle Fire. I want everyone to go out and order a Kindle fire. I want all to cancel that order. In the section that allows you to tell Amazon the reason why, let them know that you’re cancelling because there is no accessibility. Let Amazon see how much money they could be gaining. Let them know how much loyalty they’re losing. Because of this, I have just cancelled my Amazon Prime subscription. I will find my products somewhere else,
. #ACB11
LevelStar Orion 18 at the 2011 ACB Conference and Convention
The World at your fingertips: inside the smallest and coolest 18-cell Braille notetaker ever, powered by Android, and by the amazing voice of Ivona Speech. Empower yourself with Orion 18’s integrated cell phone, camera and print recognition, GPS navigation, Bookshare and NLS EBooks, classic note taking, and so much more.
Discover the new LevelStar Orion 18 Braille Tablet during the 2011 ACB Conference and Convention in Reno (Nevada), from July 9th to July 14th, at the John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort.
Drop by the home of LevelStar Orion 18– table 44 in Pavillion — during exhibit hours, and experience the power of Orion live.
Do not miss any exciting Orion 18 presentations:
Information Access Committee (IAC), Saturday July 9th, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Bonanza A.
· Title: The Orion 18 Braille Tablet by LevelStar –Mobile Empowerment with an Android-based “Swiss Army knife”
Presenter: Guido Corona (LevelStar Director, Marketing)
Presentation Time: 3:45 – 4:00 PM.
· Title: Bookshare and more with the LevelStar Orion 18 Braille Tablet.
Presenter: Guido D. Corona (LevelStar Director, Marketing)
Presentation Time: 2:50 PM to 3:00 PM.
Orion 18 Braille Tablet by LevelStar – So much more than a notetaker
LevelStar LLC is proud to announce the powerful Orion 18 Braille tablet, developed in partnership with American Printing House for the Blind (APH). Sporting an 18-cell Braille display with router keys, and speaking with the stunningly natural Ivona Speech, Orion 18 is The World’s first notetaker for the blind powered by Android, the mobile environment that is taking the World by storm. With its highly ergonomic and quiet Braille keyboard, and packed with the most advanced features ever integrated into a Braille notetaker, the sleek Orion 18 Braille tablet is compact enough to fit in a purse or coat pocket.
Discover the Orion 18 Advantage
· Talk with your friends, family, and colleagues from virtually anywhere, with Orion’s integrated cell phone.
· Slide Orion 18 into its handsome carrying case, and then walk to work, to school, along busy city streets, or explore quaint vacation spots, assisted by its powerful GPS navigation.
· Take a quick snapshot of a printed menu, a magazine, or even a book page with Orion’s built-in 5Mp camera, and then read them on the go.
· Stay connected! Orion’s fast wireless and 3G broadband let you work, study, and play virtually anywhere you are.
· Find and download your favorite Bookshare EBooks on the go; conveniently read them on Orion’s refreshable Braille display, or let Orion’s human-like speech read them to you.
· Play your favorite music on Orion’s stereo speakers.
· Quickly record a short voice note, or an entire lecture, with Orion’s integrated microphone.
· Jot down notes for meetings and lectures, or comfortably write documents with Orion’s intuitive word processor, and then save files in popular formats.
· Thanks to Orion 18’s staggering 32GB of internal solid-state storage, Experience the full power of Android, and enjoy third party programs.
Product availability: 4th quarter 2011. Pricing to be announced.
Join the LevelStar Orion discussion group: send a blank email to
Orion-discuss-request@freelists.org?subject=subscribe
For more information about Orion 18, and one chance to win an Orion 18 Braille tablet, E-mail Orion at orion@levelstar.com. Include your name, address, and phone number, or call LevelStar toll-free: (800) 315-2305, extension 1.
Visit LevelStar at http://www.levelstar.com
A little while ago, I posted on my Twitter account that I found out some great news about a potential accessibility Engineer position. But, as I could only provide some minor details via Twitter, I thought I’d use this forum to reach a wider audiance and expand to the extent I can.
At this time, I am unable to disclose the name of the company or its specific location. The company in question is seeking what it terms a “kickass Accessibility Engineer” with “ninja” skills. It is located in the Silicon Valley and is eager to hire the right person. Extremely generous benefits and compensation package will be made available.
As a front-end UI engineer, the successful candidate will be responsible for owning the accessibility process for the company. She will also provide external and internal communication regarding accessibility to the company. She will have at least 4 years of experience in UI Engineering, be able to look at, write, and consider cleanly designed code, have thorough familiarity with PHP, JS, CSS and HTML, as well as will have familiarity with object oriented JavaScript toolkits such as Dojo, MooTools, Prototype JS, etc.
Combined with a degree (MS or BS) in computer science or related field, the candidate will be a self-starter. She will be able to demonstrate experience in working with complex workflows while demonstrating the ability to work in complicated environments. Experience with assistive technologies such as speech recognition systems and screen readers when designing elegant, reusable UI components is a must.
The position is located in Palo Alto, California.
If interested, Send your CV to me at Pratik Patel no later than Monday April 11, 2011. Be sure to also send me a tweet, letting me know that you’re interested.
A Glimpse Of The LevelStar Orion SmartBooks
The future of note takers for the blind awaits you at CSUN. Have a glimpse of Orion: the new LevelStar SmartBooks. In just a few months, the amazing Orion and Orion 18 will be ready for your brailling fingertips. Orion SmartBooks are integrated with Android, the mobile environment that is taking the world by storm; and they will be speaking to you with the most natural synthetic voice ever.
Orion Smartbook Power
· Better than ever before, read your favorite books with integrated Braille or synthetic speech, or listen to them as digital talking books.
· Take quick notes for meetings and lectures, or write term papers and other large documents.
· Continue to enjoy many of the great programs you love on the LevelStar Icon.
And The most exciting surprises are yet to be announced!
Partnership Power
The Orion SmartBooks are made possible by a strategic partnership between the American Printing House for the Blind and LevelStar. Other key partners include Ivona Text to Speech and Option Wireless Technology. LevelStar is grateful to the National Federation of the Blind for contributing its deep insight to the project, and to Pratik Patel (Chairman of the ACB’s Information Access Committee) for lending his rare technical expertise.
Glimpse at Orion Power
Visit LevelStar and its partners during CSUN 2011 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego:
§ LevelStar LLC – Douglas 523
§ American Printing House (APH) – Douglas 700
§ Ivona Text to Speech – Manchester 53
Win an Orion SmartBook
Sign up now for a chance to win an Orion SmartBook on its release day. Visit us at CSUN booth 523 or e-mail us at orion@levelstar.com, or call 800-315-2305, (extension 1). Include your name, address, and phone number.
Follow the progress of the LevelStar Orion on the web at:
http://www.levelstar.com
Guido D. Corona
Director Marketing
Levelstar LLC.
685 South Arthur Ave. Unit 1A
Louisville, Colorado
80027
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to share the following information regarding the White House fall Internship program application.
The application deadline for the White House Internship Program’s fall 2011 session is Sunday, March 13. Please take the time to think of five future young leaders you believe would serve as great White House interns, and personally encourage them to apply.
A White House internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office of the President and prepare them for future public service involvement.
Below is more information that might be helpful to prospective White House interns:
- Check out this blog from a former White House intern with a disability: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/02/24/people-you-meet-white-house-internship-program
- Visit the White House internship website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/
- Apply to the White House internship program: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply/
- Learn more about the selection process: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/selection/
Please encourage all eligible young leaders to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!
Sincerely,
Alexa Posny, Ph.D.
