by Billie Jean Keith
The announcement of new products and services in this column should not be considered an endorsement of those products and services by the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. “The Braille Forum” cannot be responsible for the reliability of products or services mentioned.
Software Piracy
We’ve all groaned at the high cost of software to make computers accessible for users who are blind or visually impaired. Software piracy is one of the culprits, and we’re all paying because of it. This is a serious problem for developers, and the industry is fighting back.
About 10 years ago, some developers used copy protection to discourage theft, but soon gave up because it was a problem on many computers and seriously inconvenienced users. Currently, developers are returning to a protection method in spite of the difficulties. Microsoft is scheduled to copy protect Office 2000 by requiring the purchaser to register the software. If the user doesn’t, the software stops working after a few uses, and the user must then register the software to reactivate it. Also, the user is only allowed to activate two copies — supposedly one on a desktop and one on a laptop.
Other major manufacturers plan to adopt similar restrictions, which means we should get used to limited copies of software.
Executive Director Sought
The Mississippi Industries for the Blind is seeking an executive director to be responsible for the management of a $16- million budget and the supervision of satellite manufacturing locations. The successful candidate will be directing a team of 250 employees and working with state agencies and a board of directors. A demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing concerns with an understanding of issues pertinent to the blind community are essential for the successful applicant. A bachelor’s degree is required. The successful applicant will receive a full benefit package.
Applications will be accepted until January 30, 2001. Send resumes to Mississippi Industries for the Blind, P.O. Box 55567, Jackson, MS 39296.
Shell Accounts with National Dial-Up
For people who are still reliant on DOS, Olagrande.net offers shell services used for years with local dial-up numbers throughout most of the country. The cost is approximately $20 a month. Check out their web site at www.olagrande.net, or for more information and a list of local numbers, send an e-mail to Bruce Jilek at jilek@olagrande.net.
Ray Charles Honored
Singer Ray Charles was among the honorees at Turner Broadcasting’s 2001 Trumpet Awards ceremony on January 8 in Atlanta. The event will be broadcast on February 24 at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) on Turner Broadcasting System’s cable network. Performers will include singer Melba Moore, country music’s Charley Pride, jazz/pop singer Freda Payne and jazz singer Al Jarreau. Ray Charles received the Living Legend Award. The 2001 Trumpet Awards were hosted by actors Diahann Carroll and Richard Roundtree. The event recognized black professionals in fields such as law, politics and entertainment.
New Number
ABLE-NET has a new toll-free number. It is (877) 221-5427. The company provides a variety of Internet services to all 50 states and Canada, and discounts for organizations and individuals with disabilities.
Free British E-Mail Newsletter
The “E-access Bulletin” is an e-mail newsletter on technology issues for people with visual impairments. It features articles such as, “Digital libraries — Information Retrieval, Adapting Windows, Free Membership to Audio Book Club, and Web Sites That Suck.” The bulletin is sponsored by three British organizations: the Royal National Institute for the Blind; the National Library for the Blind; and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. To subscribe to this free monthly bulletin, send an e-mail to: eab-subs@headstar.com with the words subscribe eab in the subject line.
Talking Caller ID
Full Life Products, of Mirror Lake, NH, offers a range of caller ID’s that talk, and one with a large print display, all made by Oregon Scientific. The Jumbo Caller ID displays numbers in 1 1/2-inch high format. Besides large print, the Jumbo has a 99-call memory, a date display, an inside/outside thermometer and a built-in clock with alarm feature. The cost for this Jumbo (model 888) is $89.95.
The talking caller ID’s range in price from $29.95 (model 500) to $129.95 for a model (Dialogue JV-35 Talking Telephone) designed for people with visual and/or hearing impairments. Other talking-only models cost from $60 to $80 each. With one model only (JV-35), you can receive a cassette instruction tape and braille quick guide free upon request. All products are subject to shipping and handling charges of $8.95. For more information and ordering, call toll-free (800) 400-1540.
Safety Whistle
Sound is the number one factor in deterring crime and finding people during emergencies. Try this new safety whistle with universal locking safety clip to attach whistle to keys or pocket. It’s loud — up to 118 decibels! The whistle is manufactured with a double chamber for multiple pitches. It works in extremely cold weather and in water rescue conditions.
The safety whistle costs $6 per whistle. For ACB clients, this will include everything — shipping and sales tax. Send check to Wings & Safety Things, P.O. Box 370, Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035. To order by phone: (408) 275-8604, or e-mail safety@safetywhistle.com.
Student Aid Audio Guide
After applying for one of ACB’s many scholarships, (see the November “Braille Forum”), check out the “Student Aid Audio Guide” prepared by the U.S. Department of Education for students who are visually impaired or blind. The 45-minute free CD can be played on any CD player and contains information on federal student aid programs, application procedures, eligibility criteria, loan repayment options, deferment and cancellation provisions, and non-federal resources. Request a free copy from the Federal Student Aid Information Center by calling toll-free (800) 433-3243, between 8 a.m. and midnight (Eastern Time) seven days a week.
High school students may be interested in a free braille publication called “Funding Your Education” specifically written for entering freshmen. The center’s web site is designed for text-only access. Try it out at http://www.ed.gov/studentaid.
Window-Eyes 4.0 Released
In the past few weeks, GW Micro has released the latest upgrade, Window-Eyes 4.0. According to the company information, Window-Eyes 4.0 introduces revolutionary support for braille displays (30 braille displays supported), enhanced support for Internet applications, such as Internet Explorer 5.5, Outlook Express 5.5, Outlook 2000, Eudora, PMMail and Agent. Also, there is total support for Windows Millennium. There are special upgrade rates for current registered Window-Eyes users. For more information, call (219) 489-3671, or visit the web site at http://www.gwmicro.com.
West Virginia Alumni Directory
If you attended the West Virginia School for the Blind and wish to be included in the WVSB Alumni Association Directory, send your name, complete address, day/evening phone numbers, date you entered school, date you departed/graduated and state if you wish to purchase a braille or large print copy. If you want to, include your birth date and e-mail address. The cost per directory is expected to be less than $10. Information must be received by January 31, 2001. Send information to Ninetta Garner, 231 Grafton St., Romney, WV 26757, or call her at (304) 822-5907 before 10 p.m. (Eastern time).
New Company Sells White Canes
Howell Mobility Products, a new company, sells straight and folding canes manufactured by WCIB. This is a good basic white cane made of 1/2 inch aluminum tubing with a golf grip handle that can be fitted with custom cane tips. The cost ranges from $15 to $19 per cane. Choice of cane tips include: a standard cylinder tip, a mushroom model, two marshmallow sizes, and a more specialized hollow 2.25-inch nylon ball tip that works well over uneven surfaces and grass. Tips cost between $1.50 and $3.
For details, phone (248) 548-1788, or e-mail jhowell@michiganconnect.com. You may also visit the web site, http://www.michiganconnect.com/whitecanes. The mailing address is: Howell Mobility Products, 717 Louis Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48607-4603.
Download TV Listings
An ACB member told us about a service providing a schedule of TV channels to be downloaded each month. This service is free of charge for any blind person. E-mail addresses are not shared with anyone. Once downloaded, the monthly schedule can be searched by name, performer, movie title, etc. For more information, call toll-free (800) 577-3492, e-mail tony@tv-now.com, or visit the web site, http://www.tv-now.com/downer.htm.
New Brochure
Mobility International USA now has available a free brochure detailing international exchanges. The brochure, made in cooperation with the Social Security Administration, tells about benefits and options, what you gain from an international exchange, funding options, and the most commonly asked questions. To receive a copy, contact Mobility International at (541) 343- 1284 or via e-mail at clearinghouse@miusa.org.
On-Line Pen Pals for Children
ePALS Classroom Exchange, Inc., an on-line resource for classroom communities, and WeMedia, Inc. have developed a partnership which will make it possible for parents, guardians and caregivers to find ePALS (electronic pen pals) for children with disabilities. Through the ePALS program, children can improve their communications skills, learn about other cultures and make friends with children all around the world. This program is fully compliant with the Children’s On-line Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Currently, the ePAL Classroom Exchange serves 2.5 million members in 182 countries. For more information about the ePALS Classroom Exchange, visit the web site at: http://www.epals.com, or contact WeMedia, Inc. by phone, (646) 769-2837, TTY, (212) 375-6235, or e-mail Caryn Kaufman at carynk@staff.wemedia.com.
Free On-Line Services
A computer access company for consumers who are blind or visually impaired in the United Kingdom will provide some free on-line services for clients in several countries. According to information in the American Foundation for the Blind’s on-line technology magazine, “AccessWorld,” the countries include Australia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scandinavia and the United States. Free e-mail and web space will be available. The company, Dolphin Computer Access, plans to be an Internet provider also. For more information, contact Dolphin Computer Access, 100 South Ellsworth Ave., 4th Floor, San Mateo, CA 94401, or phone (650) 348-7401.
Braille Jewelry
Christiansen Designs specializes in unique jewelry creations featuring braille as part of the design in items such as earrings, cuff bracelets, and rings with standard phrases or special orders. Kim Christiansen can now support fundraising initiatives with substantial discounts on bulk orders. Several items are suited to fundraising, such as braille key rings, or the “Read For Fun” book pins.
A new brochure is available showing all recent designs. For more information, or to order, send e-mail to: kim.christiansen@valley.net, or visit the new web site, http://www.braillejewelry.com, or phone (802) 649-2925. The mailing address is: Christiansen Designs, P.O. Box 583, Hanover, NH 03755.
IBM Home Page Reader Update
IBM has released its updated version of Home Page Reader. HPR is a low-cost, easy-to-use talking Web browser that works with e-business Web sites. Many computer users with visual impairments will be able to buy, sell and trade on the web for the first time. According to IBM’s information, Home Page Reader 3.0 for Windows offers the greatest functionality in a talking web browser at the lowest cost in the industry. HPR provides Javascript support for complete access to the web, supports nine languages and offers many new options and features that simplify set-up and operation of the browser. Javascript support allows the software to speak aloud all information on a web page, including conventional text, tables, graphic descriptions, text in column formats, data input fields, forms and image maps. This enables blind and visually impaired users to complete on-line forms for purchasing, selling or trading products and services over the web.
The new version supports three additional languages — Brazilian Portuguese, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese in addition to the existing U.S. English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese languages.
Home Page Reader is a complete, self-contained talking browser, and no screen reader is required. The suggested retail price for HPR version 3.0 is $149. Users of Home Page Reader versions 2.0 and 2.5 can download a free upgrade to Version 3.0 from the IBM Accessibility Center web page at: http://www.ibm.com/able. For more information, contact IBM media representative Rebecca Gee at (914) 945-2913, or e-mail geerebec@us.ibm.com.
Arabic Screen Reader
An Arabic and English language screen reader, the Sakhr Arabic Screen Reading Solution, was recently introduced in the GITEX Computer Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates. It reads in Arabic and English using Sapi software, reading and navigating the Internet in a manner similar to IBM’s Home Page Reader. For more information, send an e-mail message to fmosman@mailer.scu.eun.eg.
Conference
“Vision Loss in the 21st Century — Everybody’s Business” is a conference scheduled for Feb. 19-22, 2003 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It is an international symposium that seeks to create improved public understanding of blindness and vision loss in our society, serve as a catalyst for new partnerships, strengthen existing alliances, and provide a stimulating forum for learning. For more information, call the American Foundation for the Blind at (800) 232-5463, or the Foundation for the Junior Blind at (323) 295-4555. Or you may visit their web pages: http://www.afb.org or http://www.fjb.org.