#313 Eileen Hadden

Experiencing Text: Low tech to high tech

Eileen Hadden

Assistive Technology Access Specialist

Vermont Assistive Technology www.dail.state.vt.us/atp

  • Serves all ages
  • Trainings, workshops, 1:1 demo (3 centers throughout the state)
  • Not evaluations unless is the person is a VT Rehab Client
  • Loans equipment and software 4-6 weeks period to see if does fit your needs

Great list serv for questions: http://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=DSSHE-L

Library resource: http://www.listenupvermont.org

  • Available if your library is a member (inexpensive for libraries to join)
  • Download audio book (up to 2 books that expire after a few weeks)

Text to speech programs (Eileen will developing a quick comparison of the 4 programs this summer)

1. TextAloud ($30) – http://www.nextup.com/ – The program’s functions:

    • Can read text files (.txt or .doc), .pdf, or words that can be copy and pasted into the program.
    • Can order different voices for $35. Voices in other languages are available.  It cannot translate but can read other languages.
    • Can set up shortcuts (hot keys) when in other programs other than text aloud (email, internet browser) that can activate the screen reader.
    • Can take a text file and convert it to an audio MP3 files so that you do not have to be at the computer.
    • Download 30 day trial for free from their website
  1. WYNN Wizard – http://www.freedomscientific.com/lsg/products/wynn.asp ($995 – $375)
    • Same features as above
    • Adjust colors, reading speed, and pauses
    • Built in dictionary
    • Highlighter – which can be saved (just the highlighted feature)
    • Homophones
    • Web browser is built right in you do not have to leave the program.
    • 2 Versions available for purchase
      • Wizard version (includes scanning) $995/license
      • Reader version (everything except for scanning) $375/license
    • Trial on website
  1. Kurzweil 3000 – http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000v11_default.aspx
    • Similar as above
    • Available on flashdrive can take the program to any computer (need administrator privileges)
    • Demonstrated the scanning feature (using portable scanner which is very small, less than a pound) – scanned a paper and was immediately converted (as long as it is typed print no handwriting)
  1. Text Help Read and Write Gold – http://www.readwritegold.com/ ($585)
    • Demonstrated homonym finder – analyzing and picked up the word and you can select between them.
    • Available on flashdrive can take the program to any computer (do not need admin access to the computer)
    • Main difference: tool bar stays the same no matter what program you have open

Portable scanner that you can go down the page – For a text book.  Starting price is around $1200

Highlighter tape (post-it back) – can highlight a text and then remove it (and return it to the library

Pulse penhttp://www.livescribe.com/smartpen/index.html – uses specific paper.  Records audio as you write. When you review your notes later you can tap on your note and it will play back audio what is being said at that time.

  • up to 4GB memory
  • Add on program for $35 take picture of notes and translate it into electronic notes that a screen reader can read.
  • Don’t need high speed internet access to download program information from the pen to the computer.  Just connects directly to the computer through USB.
  • Can buy them online or through popular retailers: Apple.com, Best Buy, Staples etc.

Kindle – From http://www.amazon.com

  • Requires author permission for text-to-speech (says on Amazon)
  • Can adjust font size
  • Light accessary can make a difference for individuals with visual impairments
  • Comes in 2 sizes
  • No glare on the screen
  • Has a built in dictionary
  • Highlight and save

Classmate readerhttp://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/learning_disabilities/_details/id_107/classmate__reader.html

  • Text to speech
  • Download books in an electronic format through a cable
  • Use the NAIMIS books from class
  • Room for a compact card and can hold a number of books

Talking calculator ($20)

  • Text to speech
  • Can plug in head phones

Fusion – http://www.writerlearning.com/fusion_overview.php

  • Text to speech (speaker or headsets)
  • Word prediction
  • Portable – text to speech
  • Download to a flashdrive or upload from a flash drive

Reading Penhttp://wize.com/scanners/p1570330-wizcom

  • Like a bar code scanner.  You can highlight the word and it will read it.
  • Reading words

Info scan touch systemhttp://wize.com/electronic-dictionaries-and-translators/p292576-wizcom-technologies-infoscan-3-lite

  • Reading words
  • Designed for picking up text so it can store it in the pen and be download it to your computer later. (taking notes)

Plex talk devicehttp://www.irti.net/store/page5.html

  • Big MP3 player
  • Formatted with Daisy books.  Can skip from page-to-page without having to scroll through the whole thing