10 Honorees Receive Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao’s New Freedom Initiative Award Award Recognizes Achievements On Behalf Of People With Disabilities – Press Release of the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Barriers to USA employment being addressed.

Accessibility in Windows 7 « Microsoft

Affordable Assistive Technology Solutions on TechConnect

Blind people are better at finding their way : Neurophilosophy

Braille Literacy: An Early Disability Rights Activist Discusses the Paving of the Path

China Launches First Barrier-free E-commerce Website For Blind And Elderly – ChinaTechNews.com

Crossing the RSS Divide – making it simpler and compelling « As Your World Changes – get to grips with news feeds and podcasts.

Descriptive Audio Brings Disney Attractions to Life for the Blind

Disabled access to websites under UK law | OUT-LAW.COM by Pinsent Masons LLP

FCC to hold hearing at Gallaudet, Marlee Matlin to participate – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a field hearing at Gallaudet on disabilities access issues as part of its effort to gather information from experts and consumers for the development of a National Broadband Plan.

Invitation to participate in a Google usability study – your chance to participate in a survey.

iTunes 9.0.2 Notes Accessibility Improvements– The Mac-cessibility Network – News [Lioncourt.com]

Knock Detecting Lock Transforms Your Door Into A Pattern Sensitive Surface, Opens With Secret Knock » ZiggyTek – includes a kewl instructional video, it says here.

MacSpeech Dictate Receives Update to V1.5.6– The Mac-cessibility Network – News [Lioncourt.com]

Orca – GNOME Live! – screen reader/magnifier for Linux. Instructions and downloads here.

Persons with disabilities demand access to computer education – better life awaits Nigerians who have this education, summit hears.

Social Media for Seniors — Lessons Learned « As Your World Changes

Super Talent Gives Super Speed in Super Small Package » ZiggyTek » Blog – is this the first USB version 3 drive?

Teaching Blind Children to Navigate

The New York Times Addresses Accessibility in Its iPhone App– The Mac-cessibility Network – News [Lioncourt.com] – some apps have become inaccessible in recent updates, but not this one.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, Issue #233, Tuesday, November 03, 2009 – always topical and useful, so why not subscribe to the
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Ubuntu: the complete beginner’s guide – Times Online

VMWare Fusion 3 Maintains Accessibility– The Mac-cessibility Network – News [Lioncourt.com] – desktop virtualisation on the Mac stays accessible.

WebAIM Screen Reader Survey Shows VoiceOver Gains but Downplays Flash Access Issues (Updated)– The Mac-cessibility Network – News [Lioncourt.com]

Wellness Checkpoint Health Risk Assessment Certified by CNIBs Accessibility Program – important that health management devices are accessible to wide range, says Canadian blindness organisation.

 MacSpeech, Inc. today announced the Plantronics Calisto® Headset with Bluetooth® USB Adapter is now certified for use with MacSpeech® Dictate, the premier speech recognition solution for the Macintosh. By combining the Calisto Headset with Bluetooth USB Adapter and MacSpeech Dictate, customers can now use a single wireless headset for dictation and control of the Macintosh, that can also simultaneously pair to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device, such as the iPhone, to make and receive calls. The Calisto Headset with Bluetooth USB Adapter is the only Bluetooth-enabled device certified for use with MacSpeech Dictate. “The Plantronics Calisto with Bluetooth USB Adapter provides state-of-the-art noise-cancelling Bluetooth headset technology and great mobility. Now you can use the same Bluetooth device with your iPhone®, and then using the USB Adapter, dictate directly into your Macintosh, or control it with your voice. All this voice power with one sleek device.” “Simplicity, sound quality and wireless mobility have resulted in very favorable response to the Calisto Headset with Bluetooth USB Adapter,” said Judi Hembrough, director of Product Marketing at Plantronics. “Now Macintosh users can benefit from a best-in-class wireless headset for MacSpeech.”

The Calisto Headset with Bluetooth USB Adapter combines a robust noise-canceling microphone with an extended boom to deliver outstanding audio quality. The Calisto headset battery offers up to 8 hours of talk time, up to 10 days of standby time and a range of up to 30 feet from the adapter. It comes included with a USB charger for convenient charging. MacSpeech Dictate is the only desktop speech recognition solution for the Macintosh.

MacSpeech Dictate provides unprecedented speech recognition accuracy with minimal training and works with existing Mac applications. MacSpeech Dictate delivers a truly Mac user experience, and conforms to behaviors already familiar to Macintosh fans worldwide. Beyond dictation, MacSpeech Dictate lets people perform basic navigation of their Mac and control it with their voice to launch applications, open new windows, execute menu commands, etc.

Compatibility and Availability The Calisto Headset with Bluetooth USB Adapter is available today for use with MacSpeech Dictate 1.5.5 or higher. MacSpeech Dictate requires Intel-based Macintosh hardware and requires Mac OS X 10.5.6 Leopard through Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Currently registered customers of MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 are being notified about special pricing automatically via email.

Available in India with ICONS (Exclusive Indian Distributor for MacSpeech Dictate

You may not have noticed, but some people are starting to complain that we’re losing the art of handwriting. Claire Suddath wrote a piece for Time, in which she said that people aren’t just dropping the use of cursive, but typing and text messaging are beating out even longhand as acceptable forms of communication. Of course, that’s fine until your carpal tunnel kicks in and you’re wearing wrist braces and contemplating surgery.

Lest you think I’m making fun of people, my arms go numb when I sleep sometimes, so I’m speaking from experience. Sometimes I’ve considered writing things out on paper, hoping it’ll make my arms stop hurting. It at least saves one of them, right? And of course text-to-speech software is essential for people who can’t physically type at all.

Another option would be for me to use something like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or MacSpeech Dictate, both of which are speech-to-text programs. But your computer may already have speech-to-text built in. Microsoft introduced speech-to-text capability in Windows Vista, and Apple’s Mac OS X also offers speech recognition. In addition to your computer and the necessary software (if any), you’ll need a microphone to make this work.

You can check out David Pogue’s review of Dragon’s software in The New York Times last year to see how it handled his tests. Without training the software to recognize his voice, he read a passage from a book into it and got a 99.3 percent accuracy rate. Pretty neat, huh? But how does it know what you’re saying?

It’s actually rather complicated. The computer has to break your words down into different sounds it can understand, sometimes hundredths or thousandths of a second long. It then compares that information to its statistical database to determine which sounds are most likely to go together to try to figure out which word you just said. The software also has to figure out where each word starts and stops to put the words together to create sentences. These are things that you and I do every day, but a computer doesn’t have the intelligence to do it on its own. Homonyms that we might pick up from the context of the sentence make no difference to a computer that can’t think for itself.

In his review, Pogue said Dragon’s software will pause before homonyms to allow you to choose between words. It also understands natural language commands, which is helpful. But it can’t differentiate between two different speaking voices — so you couldn’t use it to transcribe meeting notes, for example. That’s even with support for eight different accents built into the software. At least the software doesn’t make any typographical errors — it just types incorrect words, which you can fix. Pogue said that the Dragon program will grow more accurate the more it learns how you speak. With time and development on artificial intelligence, it’s possible that speech-to-text software will become even more sophisticated. Perhaps one day it will know exactly what you’re talking about.

For more on speech recognition and related topics, take a look at these articles on HowStuffWorks.com:

How Speech Recognition Works
How Universal Translators Will Work
5 Types of Microphones

(review date August 2008 by Kevin O’Gorman)

Introduction

This product, released in 2008, is speech recognition software for the Apple Macintosh. It allows creation of both simple and complex documents and control of most aspects of the computer just by using your voice. In conjunction with Apple’s VoiceOver (screen reader and screen magnification) technology this software provides strong support for students with physical and learning disabilities. Dictate uses the same speech technology as Dragon Naturally Speaking from Nuance and is customised for the Macintosh. It is compatible with Intel-based computers and Macintosh OS 10.5 Leopard. It takes advantage of the Macintosh operating system’s built-in support for speech recognition.

Dictate works by creating a speech profile of the user’s voice matched to a selected language. It allows creation of one or more profiles in different languages and language variants. Many languages are available. The version of the software for sale in Australia provides a number of English variants, including an Australian English option.

MacSpeech Dictate is sold as a boxed set of two DVDs with a quick start guide. There are also options to buy the software with a range of headsets including a wireless version. To ensure audio fidelity, the basic headset kit is provided with a USB audio adapter for Macintosh computers with only line-in inputs. To be recognised automatically, the adapter needs to be plugged in before starting up the computer. However, it is easy to use the Sound Panel in System Preferences to have the software recognize the headset afterwards. The basic headset was found to work well for the purpose.

Installation and Setup

Installation is a straight forward but lengthy process. The quick start guide is easy to read and contains sufficient information about installation. Additional documentation is available on the first DVD, including a 40 page user manual in PDF format. The first DVD is used to install the application and the second to install the language files. This second part can take up to an hour.

image of microphone setup dialog

Initially the user must calibrate the microphone and train the application to recognise their voice. Dictate provides wizards to help with calibration and training. Once this is done, the application remembers these settings from session to session. The microphone can be re-calibrated at any time. The first step in training is to create a speech profile. The user selects the language option to be used and enters a name for this profile. A prompt is then issued to read from a pre-prepared script in the selected language, which is to be read in the user’s natural reading style. This takes about ten minutes. Once the profile has been saved, the software can be used. Alternatively, another profile can be created. Even with this minimal training of the software, basic speech recognition was very accurate. Dictate can be configured in Application Preferences to either launch in the default profile or to allow selection from a list of created profiles.

If necessary, Dictate allows further training of profiles. This is done by reading additional scripts and by importing examples of the user’s writing style from Word and other text documents. The software is very sensitive if specialised vocabulary is used. Dictate provides a means for adding a vocabulary list of specialised terms using the built-in note pad.

image of voice training window

Using Dictate

Documentation is mostly electronic, with the quick start guide, user manual and Tips and tricks window available from the help menu. The quick start guide contains voice commands for commonly used punctuation, while the user manual contains a comprehensive list of all voice commands. Dictate also allows creation of customised voice commands for specific purposes.

Dictate works in a modal fashion and can be opened in Command or Dictation mode. Command mode allows control of system functions and applications, while Dictation mode allows creation and editing of textual documents. A set of global voice commands is available in either mode. A floating Available Commands window provides a list of common global and application specific commands. The list of available commands varies depending on the mode being used. Dictate also allows control of applications by their menu commands.

Dictate provides a simple note pad for capturing speech, but material can be dictated directly into a Word document, another word processor application or text editor. It was found to work very well with Apple’s default word processor TextEdit. The initial draft of this document was created using Dictate with very few recognition errors. It must be kept in mind that dictation is session based. That is, it is not possible to use Dictation mode to edit pre-existing text. However, it is possible to select, copy and paste text from a previous session in Command mode. The text for each session appears to be stored in some sort of temporary cache that allows the software to perform editing functions.

The level of accuracy can be adjusted in General Preferences. A range from faster and less accurate to slower and more accurate can be selected.

Dictate allows the microphone to be switched on and off from a floating control button or a menu command. However, the software can also be placed into a sleep mode with a voice command, allowing it to be “woken up” with the keyboard or mouse.

I found the Australian profile to be quite accurate in interpreting my accent. However, having been born in London, I found the UK English version to be more accurate.

The company has stated in release notes that spelling and correction functions will be features added in a free update late in 2008.

Issues

several problems were encountered with the software. in the first two weeks of use, there were several crashes-about one in every three sessions. This usually happened in Command mode when using different combinations of global commands. Dictate provides a built-in feedback mechanism for reporting application crashes and the company was quick to respond to feedback to try to identify the problem. Since installing an update to the program, this problem has significantly decreased.

Another problem occurred when trying to create new profiles in other language variants. It was not possible to create profiles in US and UK English without crashing the application. MacSpeech has provided a “Dictate data first aid” application on their website to address this problem that checks for corrupted files and downloads replacements. The download and information about its use is at the MacSpeech web site mentioned below. After running the data first aid process, it was possible to create multiple profiles in different language dialects, including UK English and US English.

A minor problem occurred when using a mouse, trackpad or keyboard to perform some functions while using Dictate. This sometimes caused the software to stop responding to my voice. It was then necessary to restart the application to continue dictating. MacSpeech does warn of this problem in the user manual.

Product Information

I spend an average of 12-14 hours a day on my computer: checking and responding to email, social networking, editing articles for WOW-Women On Writing, doing analysis and editing of book manuscripts for clients, working on a TV series adaptation of my book The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, and writing the first draft of a new book project. That’s a lot of sedentary chair time.

As writers, it’s really hard to carve out time to take care of ourselves physically. I don’t know about you, but it seems that whenever I do take the time to go to the gym or out for a walk, I have so many story ideas that come to me when I have absolutely no way to write them down.

Then I saw a piece about the work and walk station on 20/20. I knew creating a treadmill computer workstation would be a great way to continue creating and drop the 30 lbs. that began padding my small frame little-by-little over the last six years. Finally, a way to get back into those Size 0 jeans! How’s that for multi-tasking.

So, I asked my handy-dandy hubby (a general contractor) to build something for me, using my Costco treadmill that was gathering dust in the garage. He suggested we repurpose a Pottery Barn ladder bookshelf we weren’t using. Hubby removed the lower shelves, then cut a laminate board (from Home Depot) to fit around the treadmill console and work as a keyboard and mouse table. He secured the board to the treadmill handles by extra-strength Velcro strips (and it doesn’t budge). The height of the table is perfect for me—keeping my shoulders/elbows at a 90 degree L while I walk and type on my ergonomic split keyboard. (Yes, I’m using a Microsoft keyboard with my iMac until Apple comes up with one.) I have a wireless mouse, and also internet wi-fi throughout the house, so my work and walk station is complete with everything I need. Though I may invest in a set of external speakers, so if hubby wants to watch a DVD, he’ll be able to hear it over the sound of the moving treadmill. The best part about the way this station is constructed is that the Velcro allows the keyboard table to be removed easily, so the treadmill can be used normally.

My next foray into creating the ultimate active writing space will be to see how/if I can use a headset and Dictate, Apple’s voice-recognition software, to “write” my next book while I get into shape.

And, of course, I still have to decorate my creative space. I’m so excited! I’m considering creating a giant vision board on the entire wall around my workstation, or maybe a colorful, hand-painted craft and inspiration word cloud… Stay tuned for future posts showing my completed space—and an update about how my computer-chair butt has been transformed into a fitness magazine booty!

What are you doing to stay in shape? Do you have a fitness routine that works with your writing and computer-time schedule?

It was mid September and I was chatting with a friend, discussing our businesses and what we were each working on.  She mentioned that she had ordered “Dragon Speak” software so she could dictate instead of type everything into her computer.

“Cool!” I said!  “Does it work on a Mac?” I asked.

Of course the answer was no, but after some poking around, I discovered MacSpeech Dictate which is somehow related to this “Dragon Speak” and I started investigating.

The software seemed pretty cool.  And would help my wrist — if you are at all like me, you may sometimes worry about tendonitis or eventual carpal tunnel syndrome because of all the painting, drawing and computer work.  So being able to cut down on that would be good.

Reading on, I did discover that the software required the Leopard operating system for my computer.  That meant an upgrade.  It caused me to pause…

When upgrading software, especially the operating system of your computer be it Windows or Mac, there is always the potential that things that work great now, might not be so happy in the new environment.

Like moving to a new home, sometimes you just don’t anticipate all the issues and expenses.

Well… this has become a spendy proposition!  I upgraded to Leopard, which several people (other than just Apple) assured me they liked.  I got the MacSpeech Dictate which I’m happy with so far. (I’m using it to type this blog!)

Then the fun began and my money started flowing into the economy in ways I didn’t forsee.

All of the sudden, Photoshop@ CS2 kept freezing.  I went online and discovered I had to upgrade to CS3.  $600.

QuickBooks@ Pro 2005?  Nope!  Wouldn’t open.  Had to upgrade.  $160 (with a discount)

Scanner?  Have to use a different interface — they aren’t making my big scanner anymore so not supporting upgrades.  Can’t scan directly into Photoshop™ anymore.

Of course I also had to download and install free upgrades for my Wacom tablet, filters I use and a few other things I’m forgetting at the moment…

Knock-on wood I think that’s all that I will have to change.  But it also means learning the new ways of working in these programs too.  That one program created quite the domino effect!

MY ADVICE FOR YOU:

Before you upgrade an operating system, make a list of ALL the software you use regularly.

Go online and check the compatibility of your current software with the new OS.

Make a list:  what has upgrades to download and install for free?  What will you need to buy?

With technology, it is a fact of life that you have to upgrade things every so often.  I understand that.  But it doesn’t mean it is as easy as they would like you to believe!

I’m sure I’ll be happy in the end– when I pay the bills and know how to use everything.  But I wish I had gone into it knowing a little more about how much I’d have to spend, do and learn.

Hopefully this little blog will help you be better prepared the next time you upgrade!

~ Tara

If you are interested in dictation software, here are the links.  They work pretty well but you do need to read and edit.  And talk slowly, clearly, and “say” your punctuation.

FOR MACS:  http://www.macspeech.com
FOR PCS:  http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/

I’ve been doing a lot of reading about scaphoid fractures. The bad news is this is a tricky little bastard of a break. There’s not much blood flowing to the bone and if you break it in the wrong place you can kill the bone. I already have one dead bone in my body, the tip of my right thumb. I broke it off one morning getting out of bed, felt it snap, and went to the doctor where  an x-ray revealed the tip of my thumb floating in flesh. it’s not hurting anything, although it’s weird to think about it being there. I’m sure it’s dead by now. It’s been years.

Back to the wrist. Next Monday I find out how bad the break is. If I broke it the “right way,” I may be in a cast for six weeks maybe eight. If I broke up the “wrong way,” I could be in a cast up to six months. And it may require surgery. All this because I put my foot down and there was nothing there. Aging is a bitch.

So, if you are the praying type, or the healing energy type, or any kind of superstitious type, or even some sort of atheist type, send good thoughts my way. I’ve been in this cast for less than a week and seriously have considered bashing it against a rock. What I wouldn’t give for a good shower without a plastic bag involved!

Right now it feels like my arm is swelling, and I can see that my fingers are turning purple. Jenny assures me that this is normal. But she’s never broken her wrist so I question her knowledge of normal. I’ve never broken a wrist either, but it seems to me that all the swelling should be gone by now. The fingers turning purple is probably okay, I know that bruises grow, and I know they grow more when you get older. While there’s a part of me that hates to admit I’m getting older, these bruises on my fingers prove otherwise. I just hope the bruising goes away quickly, because it looks like my hands are dirty but in a purple sort of way. Besides it hurts. Amazing that breaking my wrist did not hurt, but having all the blood drain into my fingers does.

Well it’s almost 3 AM and I think I’ve proved that MacSpeech Dictate works just fine. So off to bed I go so I can get up tomorrow, put a bag on my arm, take an impossible shower, and spend the day talking to my computer. If you ever break your arm, buy a Mac, and get this program. It is truly AMAZING!

By the way, the microphone that comes with the software is so good, even the cheap one, that I have a fan blowing on one side of me, and the TV on the other side, and all the mic picks up is my voice. I should be an an advertiser!

Goodnight.

by Samuel Sennott

With MacSpeech Dictate set to come out next month, there is quite the excitement. New York Times Technology columnist David Pogue has a simple review that may be helpful for sending to that special educator or Apple enthusiast that could benefit from learning about the upcoming software release. Also, it could be useful to send to that special education director to explain the widespread benefit of easy to configure and highly accurate speech recognition.

Here is the link to the video podcast.