Software Developers Create Application to Help People with Visual Impairments Access RME Interfaces
Can Kirca, a visually impaired musician and avid user of RME's Babyface Pro, was tired of working with audio interfaces that weren't accessible with his screen reader. A professional software developer and former Apple employee, Kirca, who currently works in IT at Turkey's National Ministry of Education, teamed up with Alexey Zhelezov of Heidelberg University in Germany to create AZS OSC (open sound control) for Windows, a software application that makes RME interfaces accessible to visually impaired and blind users by connecting to their screen readers.
"Unfortunately, most audio interfaces are not accessible with screen readers," Kirca explained. "I had just bought an RME UFX+ audio interface and it has some buttons on it, but it's not possible to read the screen or use a magnifier because the screen and text size is very small."
In addition to the UFX+, TotalMix FX — RME' proprietary mixing software that comes with all of its interfaces — was found to also be inaccessible for Kirca.
"When I went to use TotalMix FX, it was not possible to root channels, enable phantom power, control volume and such because it is a completely graphical interface," Kirca explained.
So he and his sighted colleague Zhelezov teamed up to change that. They discovered that RME products were compatible with OSC (open sound control), a protocol that allows users to connect and manage devices via the network.
"A user is able to manage their device by typing demands instead of clicking them," Kirca said. "For example, when you type '/vol,' it allows you to set a value for volume. You don't need to use a mouse for any graphical interface."
Kirca reached out to RME to receive the full command list, which consisted of about 300 commands.
"We have developed a new application which consists of three views — buttons, sliders and faders," Kirca explained. "It's about 100KB, and it's completely free and completely screen reader-compatible because all the buttons are labeled, and all sliders are labeled. You can use your computer keyboard to navigate between options."
Now, people with visual impairments can manage all controls on RME devices with the AZS OSC application.
"I can now complete my headphone output, my microphones, my monitors and enable phantom power," Kirca said. "All these options are finally available for blind users."
Since the release of AZS OSC, Kirca said blind musicians from across the world have been gravitating towards RME's interfaces.
"Finally, a really quality audio interface has been made accessible," he said, adding that he helps blind users set up their interface via Skype no matter where they are in the world. "Now, blind users can use RME devices to create podcasts or to record, mix and master their music."
"There are so many blind musicians in the world who are making great recordings," Kirca continued. "We are changing the approach for the professional interface and showed the world that you can make it accessible if you want. I hope this will be an example for other companies. They can make their products accessible using the method that we used and, believe me, this is a very easy process. It's important to be connected and help others."
"There are also visually impaired musicians among the world's leading mix and mastering engineers," Kirca continued. "For a lot of these professionals, their only need is finding an accessible way to work with software and hardware."
The application is currently available free here.
VisionCare, Inc. Names Thomas Ruggia as New Chief Executive Officer
VisionCare, Inc. a developer of advanced visual prosthetic devices for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), announced that Thomas Ruggia has been appointed as the company's new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 6, 2020. Mr. Ruggia leaves a Fortune 50 company to lead VisionCare into a new era where a broader population of older adults living with forms of blindness have increased access to their technology and the only FDA approved surgical treatment for macular degeneration, the telescope implant and CentraSight treatment program.
"We're thrilled to welcome Tom to VisionCare. His nearly 20 years of ophthalmology business experience means he has a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the health care environment in the United States and abroad, as well as significant experience in the development and commercialization of vision products with differing regulatory and pricing structures," said Richard Powers, Executive Vice President. "Tom brings new energy to VisionCare at a pivotal time when we are poised to expand the reach and appeal of the CentraSight treatment program."
Before joining VisionCare, Mr. Ruggia spent five years at Johnson & Johnson, working at Johnson & Johnson Vision and The Janssen Pharma Co, respectively. Most recently at Johnson & Johnson Vision, he was the Vice President WW Customer Experience and Ocular Surface Disease, responsible for two global commercial teams working in customer strategy, customer service, and field technical service. At Janssen, he was the commercial strategy leader in ophthalmology assigned to an asset in development for AMD. Previously, Mr. Ruggia spent fourteen years at Alcon, a division of Novartis, working in a variety of ophthalmology sales and marketing roles with escalating responsibility. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from The College of New Jersey in 1998.
"For nearly two decades, I've been fortunate through my work to witness the direct impact of introducing vision-enhancing technologies, devices, and therapies on the quality of life of people with low vision around the world," said Mr. Ruggia. "The opportunity to lead and grow VisionCare to serve a broader patient candidate pool is one that I embrace. I look forward to communicating more about our plans to further develop our novel technology and introduce an enhanced delivery system that will improve the patient and provider's surgical experience."
Able Artist Foundation Announces the 2020 Music Contest For Musicians With Disabilities
Any musician with a verifiable disability is welcome to submit two songs to be reviewed by AAF board members and other participating judges to win sample libraries/software from contest-participating AAF partners. There will be three winners, one grand prize winner, and two runner-ups.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Applicants need to verify their disability via medical documentation.
- Must be the primary songwriter/composer
- Each song submitted must be in mp3 format and should be no more than 5 minutes and no less than 2 minutes.
- Must own all the rights to their music.
- Open to all ages and all countries.
(Note: the contest is intended for early-to-mid-career musicians.)
Additional Information
- Music can be in any genre, song, trailer, or cue.
- Music should?but doesn't have to be?nicely mixed. (Pro-mixing isn't necessary.)
- We are evaluating content/substance/songwriting/cue-writing ability, not mixing ability.
Important Dates
May 7, 2020: Contest Launch August 1, 2020: Submission Deadline September 15, 2020: Winners Announced
All three winners will have their music reviewed for possible sync-licensing opportunities for advertising, film, and TV by Hitlist Music.
Carroll Center for the Blind Announces New Virtual and Day Summer Programs for Youth with Visual Impairments
Every summer, the Carroll Center for the Blind offers specialized youth summer programs for children, teens and young adults between the ages of 8 to 21. This year the center will offer a mix of both remote and day programs that provide students the opportunity to connect with their peers, develop independent skills in the home and for school, and continue to grow their independence. Additionally, individualized instruction in all areas (technology, braille, daily living skills, O&M, etc.) is also available for all ages.
Programs for all ages and interests, include:
- Computing for College
- Teen Job Readiness
- Introduction to Careers in Music
- Optimize Your College Success!
- Youth in Transition
- Youth Learning Day Program
- Ready, Tech, Go! (Ages 8 to 12)
- Ready, Tech, Go! (Ages 12 to 15)
- Cooking with Christy
- Easy Healthy Cooking
- Oh, the Places You'll Go with Maps!
- Map it Out!
New programs are being added every day so be sure to check the youth summer program page often.
If you are interested in attending one of the virtual or day youth summer programs, or would like to inquire about an individualized program, the admissions team is ready to answer any questions you may have. Please contact the center at 617-969-6200, extension 216, toll free at 800-852-3131 or by email at kathy.felt@carroll.org.
