Dear AccessWorld readers,
This month the AccessWorld team brings you information on an always popular topic, cell phones, with a review of four books that can help you finally master the iPhone, an evaluation of the Samsung Gusto 2 from Verizon Wireless, and an evaluation of the new free BlackBerry Screen Reader. For those of you who are back to hitting the books this fall, you will want to be sure and read about the STudent E-rent Pilot Project (STEPP), which makes accessible college textbooks available for rent for students who are visually impaired or print disabled. This issue also contains an explanation of how Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations affect people with vision loss as they navigate airport security. Learn about your rights, what to expect, and how to better prepare for airline travel.
This issue also contains an evaluation of RNIB and AmbuTech's iGlasses that detect objects in a person's path of travel and alerts them to the obstacle via vibration. Last, but certainly not least, AFB Tech's William Reuschel begins his series to update AccessWorld readers on its Small Visual Display project, which was originally introduced to our readers in 2009. His first article is an overview of the project, describing how the project has progressed, and his later articles will build upon this overview and become more detailed by discussing specific technologies involved in evaluating the quality of a small visual display.
As the days now grow noticeably shorter and students return to school, it's a logical time to begin thinking about work and careers. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and next month AccessWorld will recognize its observance by taking a closer look at new employment resources for people with vision loss as well as revisiting tried and true job search strategies.
The AccessWorld team hopes you will read each article in this and every issue to gain as much access information as possible. We encourage you to stay proactive in seeking out the access strategies that best meet your particular situation.
Sincerely,
Lee Huffman
AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief
