AFB Launches the Transition to College: Program Activity Guide
AFB CareerConnect recently launched the Transition to College: Program Activity Guide for students with vision loss who are considering post-secondary education to achieve their career goals. It includes 24 activities available online, in printable format, and in downloadable UEB braille. Teachers, transition counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, community rehabilitation programs, and individuals who are blind or visually impaired can access this resource free of charge.
Your Participation Is Requested
Participation from AccessWorld readers is requested to help support a short research study of blind and visually impaired Americans. The purpose of this research is to cultivate in-depth knowledge of the issues that affect people living with blindness or vision loss. We would greatly appreciate your participation in this research, which focuses on technology and watching TV with vision loss.
To take the survey, please select the link below:
Survey on Americans with Visual Impairments
CTA Foundation Announces Winners of CES Accessibility Contest
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation recently announced the winners of the annual Eureka Park Accessibility Contest at CES 2018: Blind Touch, Lili Smart, SignAll, SofiHub, and Unaliwear. The CTA Foundation, a national foundation with the mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives, is providing each winner with a booth in Eureka Park—the home of startups during CES—and a $2,500 cash prize. CES 2018, the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, will run January 9–12, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"We had an incredible collection of entries this year and are excited to feature these five great innovators during CES," said Steve Ewell, executive director of the CTA Foundation. "These companies represent a wide range of technologies showing the impact consumer technology has in helping older adults and people with disabilities live healthier, more independent lives with the support of innovative tech."
The CTA Foundation partnered with Extreme Tech Challenge to collect entries from more than 200 startups from around the world. The winners were selected from emerging, Eureka Park-eligible, startups based on the potential of their innovative technology to positively impact older adults and people with disabilities:
- Blind Touch develops phones for individuals with visual impairments of all ages to help them connect, communicate and socialize - leveraging the power of smartphones for the vision loss community
- Lili Smart The Lili Smart platform uses an app interface, in home sensors and a wearable to monitor people receiving care, allowing for the 24/7 organization and exchange of information needed to care for a loved one from a distance
- SignAll is an automated software that translates sign language to text, with over 70 million sign language users worldwide - seeking to break down barriers and foster more inclusion
- SofiHub uses the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to create an at-home assistant for seniors, them safe by setting important reminders, creating reports for caregivers and sending out alerts in cases of emergency
- Unaliwear is a voice activated smartwatch designed to keep seniors safe and healthy without requiring a smartphone, by giving reminders, detecting falls, summoning emergency assistance and much more
The CTA Foundation is proud to support companies working to help seniors and those with disabilities. These finalists attest to the power of technology in helping people of all ages and abilities live more independently. Learn more about the CTA Foundation here.
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation
The CTA Foundation, a public, national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, was launched in 2012 with the mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives. The foundation strategically supports programs that affect these communities and facilitates dialog between industry, consumers, government, advocacy groups and other key stakeholders. More information can be found here.
Microsoft Releases the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
Microsoft recently released the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. General highlights include increased access to creating 3D objects and augmented reality, the inclusion of the My People Taskbar which allows users to pin people to the taskbar for easier access, the ability to send items viewed on a phone or tablet to a user's PC, as well as other improvements and features. You can find an overview of the new features here. In addition, the Windows screen reader Narrator now has the capability to describe images. You can find a list of all the accessibility changes and updates here. The website Cool Blind Tech has published a two part series regarding this update. Part one of this series is here and part 2 is here.
The American Printing House for the Blind Releases Nearby Explorer Online for iOS
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has released their Nearby Explorer Online app for iOS devices. The app is free to download and use and provides location information as a user moves. The information provided can be adjusted by the user. Unlike the standard Nearby Explorer app, this version does not contain onboard maps, so will require a cellular data connection to use outdoors. The app also includes indoor navigation through the use of Bluetooth beacons allowing this feature to be used without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The app can also be used to gather information about mass transit stops such as the next vehicle stop time. After setting announcements, many features are available on the lock screen of a user's device allowing for quick access while traveling. Download the app (iOS) and learn more about its features.
College Bound Students Can Close the Gap with a Gap Year at Perkins
Perkins School for the Blind recently announced College Success @ Perkins, a selective, nine-month, residential college-readiness program for high school graduates with visual impairments, including those with some college experience who need to polish their skills before returning.
A college degree or certificate can enhance career opportunities, financial independence, and lifestyle—being prepared for the challenge is essential. Current research indicates that 6 out of 10 blind or visually impaired college students never complete their studies. Aimed at improving students' odds to succeed in a college environment, the specially designed Perkins curriculum allows individuals to gain college credits while honing the varied skills needed to grapple with all aspects of campus life.
Up to 15 participants will live in newly renovated space on Perkins' Watertown, Massachusetts campus while they earn credits at Boston area universities. In addition to academics, participants will refine essential independent living skills, socialize, learn to navigate dorm living, and internalize the realities of life at college.
With activities designed to develop and maximize executive functioning and self-discipline, students will learn how to manage coursework, organize their schedules, and sharpen their focus. From hands-on use of assistive and mainstream technologies to activities that bolster self-advocacy skills, College Success @ Perkins is designed to put students in charge of their futures and help each individual create their optimal college experience.
Applications are currently open for the 2018-19 academic year.
