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                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 1062

                           Tuesday, July 19, 1994

Today's Topics:


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                 Re: Computers for blind people in Thailand?
                     GW Micro announces internet access
                         Digital watches for Blind ?
                     Re: what's wrong with this picture?
                            Re: Blind Web Access
                            Re: Blind Web Access
                     Re: what's wrong with this picture?
         Press/Digital Introduces DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer
                  need speech recognition software for mac
                     Re: what's wrong with this picture?
                            Re: Special Keyboards


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                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 926-6187



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Subject: Re: Computers for blind people in Thailand?
From: osamuai@aol.com (OsamuAi)
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

You may wish to be in touch with Mr. Yutaka Takamine, who works for the
disability programme of ESCAP in Bangkok.  His office address is ESCAP,
Social Development Division, U.N. building, Rajadamnern Avenue. Bangkok
10200.  He knows people who works with blind people there.

With best regards.

Osamu Nagase





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Subject: GW Micro announces internet access
From: mdlawler@gwmicro.com (Michael D. Lawler)
Organization: GW Micro, Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana


We would like to announce that GW Micro, Inc. (makers of Vocal-Eyes and
Sounding Board) now has internet access.  Support questions should be sent
to support@Gwmicro.com.  You can join our mailing list by sending the command

subscribe gw-info your real name

in the body of a message to listserv@gwmicro.com.  In adition all of our demos,
literature, newsletters, and set files for Vocal-Eyes are available through
our listserv.  Send the command

index

in the body of a message to listserv@gwmicro.com to see what is available.

I am happy to say that we are also on the blind-l mailing list along with
the blind news mailing list.
--
Michael D. Lawler
FIDO 1:236/55
voice 219-483-3625
Internet mdlawler@gwmicro.com
GW Micro, Inc., Product Support




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Subject: Digital watches for Blind ?
From: jpotts@crl.com (John Potts)
Organization: CRL Dialup Internet Access        (415) 705-6060  [login: guest]

I am looking for a digital watch with an alarm for use by a blind
person.

John

jpotts@crl.com





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Subject: Re: what's wrong with this picture?
From: mgflax@panix.com (Marshall G. Flax)
Organization: Currently, _extremely_ disorganized

In article <32973@handicap.news>,  <LyndaS@edc.org> wrote:
>Index Number: 32973
>
>    recently my brother sent for some info on speech scanners. he came by the
>other day with the brochure from xerox. it's a nice glossy 4-color with a photo
>of an older couple on the front. he's seated at the scanner, she's washing
>dishes (never mind that they're old as if to imply that all deaf folk are old,
>or vice versa. that's just dumb). but, the caption reads:
>
>        "just because you're blind or visually impaired
>         doesn't mean you can't be well read"
>
>    i just wanted to run this by you all for reaction to this wording, because
>my reaction was powerful. what's you're take on this? or am i all wet behind
>the ears :>...?

Well, it actually is difficult to be blind and well-read.  There just isn't
that much available in Braille, especially current-events.  (Yes, I know
that many of the mass-market publications are available, but _Foreign Affairs_
or _Harper's Magazine_ or technical journals.)  A good scanner can actually
make a big difference.

marshall
--
[Marshall G. Flax -- 718-256-3482 -- 8776 16th Ave #2, Brooklyn, NY 11214-5802]




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Subject: Re: Blind Web Access
From: robocop@clark.net (matt roberts)
Organization: Clark Internet Services, Inc., Ellicott City, MD USA

In article <32931@handicap.news>,
Tara Kent-Holton <tholton@cabell.vcu.edu> wrote:
>Index Number: 32931
>
>Most of what I've heard about WWW seems to imply that you need a mac
>or windows to access it.  But I have also heard that there are sites
>where line editor access is available.  Can anyone give me
>information on such access?  Thanks.

You just need a computer and an Internet site that has WWW.  Here on
Clark.net, I used WWW and I had no problems.  I have never found any
Internet feature that I couldn't use with speech.
--
                                        Matt Roberts 410-451-0790
                                        CompuServe: 73042,16
                                        Genie: g.roberts1




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Subject: Re: Blind Web Access
From: danley@whatsamatta.u.edu (Jim Danley)
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana

Tara Kent-Holton (tholton@cabell.vcu.edu) wrote:

: Most of what I've heard about WWW seems to imply that you need a mac
: or windows to access it.  But I have also heard that there are sites
: where line editor access is available.  Can anyone give me
: information on such access?  Thanks.

The short answer is yes.  There is a text based program called lynx,
spelled l y n x, which will allow you access to the Web.  Discussions of
lynx can be found in the newsgroup comp.infosystems.www.users.

Lynx can currently be obtained by anonymous ftp from: ftp2.cc.ukans.edu
in the pub/lynx directory.

        Jim





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Subject: Re: what's wrong with this picture?
From: ebohlman@netcom.com (Eric Bohlman)
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)

LyndaS@edc.org wrote:
: Index Number: 32973

: hi all,

:     recently my brother sent for some info on speech scanners. he came by the
: other day with the brochure from xerox. it's a nice glossy 4-color with a phot
o
: of an older couple on the front. he's seated at the scanner, she's washing
: dishes (never mind that they're old as if to imply that all deaf folk are old,
: or vice versa. that's just dumb). but, the caption reads:

:         "just because you're blind or visually impaired
:          doesn't mean you can't be well read"

:     i just wanted to run this by you all for reaction to this wording, because
: my reaction was powerful. what's you're take on this? or am i all wet behind
: the ears :>...?

1) (nitpick on) "just because ... doesn't mean" isn't really a proper
construction in written English (though it's acceptable in spoken
English). (nitpick off)

2) "Visually impaired" is somewhat of a weasel phrase.  "have low vision"
would be more direct in the above quote.

3) "Blind" is a perfectly acceptable and respectable word that is
not in need of euphemism.  It happens to be the word that the vast
majority of people who have so little vision that they need to use
alternative methods of orientation, mobility and reading apply to
themselves (about the only gotcha is that the phrase "the blind"
should be avoided because it gives a false impression of
homogeneity; blind people differ as much as do sighted people).





------



Subject: Press/Digital Introduces DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer
From: spb@tntvax.ntrs.com (Steve Bonine)

No endorsement implied.  I'm just passing along the information.

To: Digital.Press.and.Analysts.News:    ;
from: pr-news@pa.dec.com (Digital Press & Analysts News)
Date: Tue, 12 Jul 94 13:31:25 -0700
Sender: rjones@raptor.pa.dec.com

||||||  Digital Press and Analysts News  ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
                                              Digital Equipment Corporation
                                          Maynard, Massachusetts 01754-2571
Editorial contact:

Michael Dodson
(508) 493-0293


                 DIGITAL INTRODUCES DECTALK EXPRESS
                         SPEECH SYNTHESIZER


            New Lightweight, Portable Speech Synthesizer
             Designed for Use at Work, Home, In Transit


MAYNARD, Mass. -- July 12, 1994 -- Strengthening its commitment to
physically challenged customers, Digital Equipment Corporation
today announced DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer, a lightweight,
portable speech synthesis product providing expanded PC
capabilities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired or
have learning disabilities.

     The DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer -- when used in
conjunction with one of many supporting software applications and
any one of a broad range of computing platforms -- converts ASCII
text to synthesized speech output, allowing users to hear computer
monitor screen contents, database contents and other text
communicated via high-quality, natural-sounding DECtalk speech.
The product provides users access to a wide range of computer
applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic
mail and database applications.

     In other areas, DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer may be used
for text-to-speech applications in education, entertainment,
personal use and other markets for non-telephone based speech
synthesis via external audio output.

Portable Unit Features Many Options

     The portable, lightweight unit -- weighing less than one pound
and measuring 3.6" wide by 7.6" long by 1.25" high -- is designed
for use in the workplace, at home or in transit.  Accessories --
such as a carrying case and Braille labeling -- facilitate
transportation and ease-of-use, and were designed with the needs
of individuals with disabilities in mind.

     Other DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer features include
(depending on software applications):

     o  nine natural-sounding and highly intelligible predefined
        voices (four male, four female and one child)

     o  75 to 650 words-per-minute speaking rate range, allowing
        for uses from slow spelling to fast scanning

     o  user volume control

     o  comprehensive pronunciation rules and controls for pauses,
        pitch and stress, providing enhanced naturalness and
        accuracy of spoken text

     o  speech options, providing users the choice of having text
        spoken by letter, word or phrase and having some, none or
        all punctuation pronounced

     o  large integrated word dictionary

     o  word-by word indexing that allows for a direct match
        between screen viewing and spoken text

     o  start-up and installation information in large print and on
        an audiocassette tape

     DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer is equipped with a serial
port for connecting to PCs, allowing  for use across a variety of
computer platforms, such as IBM compatibles, laptops, notebooks,
palmtops, workstations and Apple or Macintosh computers.

     "Based on the popularity of DECtalk speech synthesis products,
we responded to a a genuine need for this same technology in a
portable application," says Ed Lazar, Manager of Digital's
Assistive Technology Group.  "In addition to addressing needs
across many commercial markets, DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer
offers increased independence and flexibility to PC users who are
blind, vision impaired or have learning disabilities.  We've taken
the same unparalleled high-quality level of DECtalk speech and
developed a portable, lightweight unit that provides our customers
access to any number of office and home applications and uses."

     Lazar also notes that DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer is a
cost-effective solution for companies who wish to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which places greater
responsibility on employers to provide workplace accommodations for
employees who are physically challenged.

Pricing and Availability

     DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer is available now in the
United States, and may be ordered through DECdirect and Desktop
Direct by calling (800) 344-4825 or (800) 722-9332.  Pre-purchase
technical assistance may be obtained by calling 1-800-722-9332.
DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer is also available through a
network of Digital's Assistive Technology Value-Added Resellers.
The unit retails for $1195. Accessories include a carrying case,
headphones, a nine-pin RS232 connector, a two-foot cable and an
external power wall cube.  A one-year warranty is included.

     Digital Equipment Corporation is the world's leader in open
client/server solutions from personal computing to integrated
worldwide information systems.  Digital's scalable Alpha AXP
platforms, storage, networking, software and services, together
with industry-focused solutions from business partners, help
organizations compete and win in today's global marketplace.
                                ####

Note to Editors:  Digital, the Digital logo, Alpha AXP, DECdirect,
                  Desktop Direct, DECtalk and DECtalk Express
                  Speech Synthesizer are trademarks of Digital
                  Equipment Corporation.

CORP/95/535
============================================================================
Electronic Editorial Contact: michael.dodson@mlo.mts.dec.com
============================================================================
Digital Press and Analysts News is sent as a courtesy to members of the
press, analyst and consulting community.  For subscription information
please contact:
  Russ Jones
  Digital Equipment Corporation
  Voice: 415-853-6566   FAX: 415-853-6537    Internet: pr-news@pa.dec.com
All Digital press releases, fact sheets and backgrounders are archived on
ftp.digital.com in the /pub/Digital/info/pr-news directory.
============================================================================




------



Subject: need speech recognition software for mac
From: spam@iastate.edu (mike begley)
Organization: Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

We're looking for speech-recognition software for macintosh computers.  We're
going to have a blind student working in the office this fall, and we need him
to be able to make use of the computer.

Any advise, suggestions, reviews, etc. are appreciated.

thanks!

-mike begley
spam@iastate.edu
--
|\-/|  mike begley
| O |  spam@iastate.edu
|/_\|  (515) 233-6210




------



Subject: Re: what's wrong with this picture?
From: igregson@wimsey.com (Ian Gregson)
Organization: BC Sport & Fitness Council for the disabled

In article <32973@handicap.news>, LyndaS@edc.org wrote:

> Index Number: 32973
>
>     recently my brother sent for some info on speech scanners. he came by the
> other day with the brochure from xerox. it's a nice glossy 4-color with a phot
o
> of an older couple on the front. he's seated at the scanner, she's washing
> dishes (never mind that they're old as if to imply that all deaf folk are old,
> or vice versa. that's just dumb). but, the caption reads:
>
>         "just because you're blind or visually impaired
>          doesn't mean you can't be well read"
>
>     i just wanted to run this by you all for reaction to this wording, because
> my reaction was powerful. what's you're take on this? or am i all wet behind
> the ears :>...?

Lets face it Lynda, XEROX and other companies really have rely on
stereotypical images to appeal to an audience.

But in this case they are trying to sell to a captive audience who know
their capabilities. The 2 don't gel very well.
They probably talked to the wrong people.

The message can be taken several ways, but it immediatly does sound
condescending and infers people with visual imapairment are not well read.

Figure this if it works for them they will use it, if it doesn't they will
wonder why and change it, hopefully to something better suited to their
target audience.

Ian Gregson
Chair BC Sport & Fitness Council for the disabled
Vancouver British Columbia
Canada




------



Subject: Re: Special Keyboards
From: curt@maroon.tc.umn.edu (Curtis W Griesel)
Organization: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

In <32926@handicap.news> joec@hookup.net (Joe Clark) writes:

>Index Number: 32926

>> I have a customer who has hired a visually impaired person, they are
>> > looking for a black keyboard with white letters.  Any ideas on somewhere
>> > I could send the customer?

Hooleon Corporation makes keytop labels in a variety of  colors that can
be attached to any keyboard.  I'm sure black background with  white
letters is available.  Call them at 602-634-7575.

Curt
--
Curtis W. Griesel
University of Minnesota - Computer and Information Services
curt@boombox.micro.umn.edu




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                 End of Issue # 1062 of the Blind News Digest

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