Tag Archive

Accessible Reading and Braille

Resources in the Community

Amazon's Kindle to get audible menus, bigger font

Amazon’s Kindle to get audible menus, bigger font
By Jessica Mintz

Associated Press
Posted: 12/07/2009 01:55:11 PM PST
Updated: 12/07/2009 03:47:24 PM PST

SEATTLE ­ Amazon.com will add two features to the Kindle e-book reader to make the gadget more accessible to blind and vision-impaired users.

Monday’s announcement comes a month after Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y., and the University of Wisconsin-Madison said they would not consider widely deploying the device as an alternative to paper textbooks until Amazon makes it easier for blind students to use. Both universities bought some Kindles to test this fall.

The Kindle has a read-aloud feature that could be a boon to blind students and those with other disabilities including dyslexia, but turning it on requires navigating through screens of text menus.

Amazon said Monday it is working on audible menus, which would let the Kindle speak menu options out loud. It’s also working on an extra-large font for people with impaired vision. The additions should reach the Kindle next summer, Amazon said.

Chris Danielsen, a spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind, said Monday that the organization doesn’t know enough about the new features to say whether they adequately address concerns of the blind community.

But, he said, it’s a good sign Amazon is expressing commitment to improve the Kindle.

Amazon released this year the $489 Kindle DX, a large-screen model aimed at textbook and newspaper readers.

Several colleges including Arizona State University are testing the gadget this academic year and sending feedback to the company.The federation for the blind, which is based in Baltimore, teamed up with another advocacy group, the American Council of the Blind, to sue Arizona State in an attempt to block it from using the Kindle as a way to distribute electronic textbooks because the devices can’t be used by  blind students.

It also filed complaints with the Justice Department against five other schools participating in the Kindle trial with Amazon: Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., Pace University in New York, Princeton University in Princeton, N.J., and Reed College in Portland, Ore.

Syracuse University and the University of Wisconsin were not among the pilot-test schools.

Danielsen declined to comment when asked if Amazon’s proposed changes would lead the federation to abandon its complaints.

Resources in the Community

Job Opening: Assoc. Govt. Program Analyst, equal employment opportunity claims.

Department of Development Services, Associate Governmental Program Analyst

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the general direction of the Chief of the Office of Human Rights and Advocacy Services, the position provides a high level of technical assistance and coordination in the equal employment opportunity.
Required travel is 15-30%.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
As a trained Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor, assists DDS employees and managers to resolve potential discrimination complaints at the lowest administrative level. As a trained Equal Employment Opportunity Investigator from Discreet investigations, investigates informal and formal complaints of discrimination that occur at DDS Headquarters applying state and federal equal employment opportunity laws, rules, and regulations. Provides technical assistance and consultation on DDS policy and procedures on equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodation issues to management and staff at Headquarters, the four developmental centers and the state-operated community facility. Reviews and provides comments to developmental center and stateoperated community facilities on proposed responses to DFEH and EEOC. Assists with problem identification and develops recommendations for solution. Conducts appeal reviews of discrimination complaints and prepares reports for recommended action by the Director. As the back up to the Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator, conducts review of Headquarters employee reasonable accommodation requests (RARs), presents cases and makes recommendations to the Reasonable Accommodation Committee in response to RARs, prepares reports of recommended action and prepares letters of determination for the Director. Monitors, provides training, and makes recommendations related to the provision of bilingual services at Headquarters, developmental centers and community facilities. Coordinates language survey for Headquarters, developmental centers and stateoperated community facilities. Serves as contract manager for the translation/interpretation contract for the Department. Prepares various reports regarding the Department’s annual work force analysis, upward mobility goals, employment goals for the employment of persons with disabilities, and other reports mandated through legislation. Coordinates activities related to the Department’s Upward Mobility Program including, but not limited to, providing employees with resources and technical assistance, developing and maintaining the Upward Mobility Guide, and acting as DDS liaison to the State Personnel Board (SPB). Performs general analytical assignments such as bill analyses, departmental correspondence, and other assignments in support of the mission of the office. Desirable Qualifications: Good communication skills, Previous EEO experience or investigative

Please state the basis of your eligibility in the job title box, as well as ID# 003-5393-002. Applications without this info will NOT be reviewed. All completed applications will be reviewed and only the most qualified will be be scheduled for interviews.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Maria Johnson
mariajohnso2@dds.ca.gov
(916) 322-7742 direct line

LightHouse News

Check out our TMAP review on BlindBargains. Send us your tactile map adventure story and get a $5 gift.

TheLightHouse/Smith Kettlewell Tactile Maps program recently got a great review on Blindbargains.com. Check it out here.

A TMAP is an 11×14 map consisting of raised lines to indicate streets. Street labels appear in Braille and a Braille key comes with each map. For more details, go to our website.

Currently, we are running a special offer! Order a TMAP and send us your feedback in the from a short blog post. Tell us how you, your students, or your colleagues used TMAP. Anecdotes and local color welcome!  We’ll post your story on our blog and send you a $5.00 gift certificate to Adaptations.

Resources in the Community

Making government info more accessible with Flash and PDF?

Here is one view of Adobe’s bid as access leader, original article from Ars Tecnica.

Adobe is attempting to capitalize on initiatives to make government information more accessible while promoting its technologies, such as Flash and PDF, as cornerstones for implementing open access. However, these technologies are actually an impediment to making information truly accessible. Read more here: http://is.gd/4Jr8J.

Resources in the Community

NFB of California Braille Celebration October 22-25

National Federation of the Blind of California

Invites you to join a celebration of Braille Oct 22-25 2009:
Hilton Hotel Newark/Fremont
39900 Balentine Drive
Newark, CA 94560

Make Reservations Now at:
(510) 490-8390

Room Rates:
$85 per night plus Tax

Convention Registration:
$15

Pre-register Now:
http://www.nfbcal.org/nfbc/prereg09.html

Hotel is accessible from Bart, Airports, Eastbay Para transit, and shuttle

Main Attractions:
CSB Jazz Ensemble; Exhibit Hall, Bunco, Resolution; and topics to include education rehabilitation and legislation concerning blind Californian

Come one come all!

Stay tuned for details about the Bridging for Braille Walk!

Resources in the Community

Position Re-opened: Director, Minnesota State Services for the Blind

The position of Director, Minnesota State Services for the Blind has been reopened. Applications will be accepted until Friday October 16, 2009. Details on the position are at:

https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/5944ad2e1a56b5d64c0cf02afd2ee4fa/View

Note the minimum educational requirement in this new posting have been adjusted and now calls for a Bachelor’s rather than a Master’s degree.

Please share this posting with all who may have interest in this very
attractive position.

Thank you.

Richard Strong
Minnesota State Services for the Blind

Resources in the Community

Employment Opportunity: Minnesota State Services for the Blind, Assistive Technology Specialist

Minnesota State Services for the Blind, SSB, has an immediate opening
for a Assistive Technology Specialist.  You can see the announcement
at:

https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/a016f2279bdccd964dff9315f4ff1f33/View

REHAB PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3 , Assistive Technology – Blind $ 22.92-$33.99 hourly, $ 47,857-$ 70,971 annually

Date Posted: 10/02/2009
Closing Date: 10/16/2009
Hiring Agency: Employment & Econ Development Dept
Location: St. Paul
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Posting Number: 09DEED000199
Employment Conditions: Permanent, Full-time
Work Shift: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday-Friday , 08:00 AM-04:30 PM
Travel Required: yes
Job Grouping: Human Resources
Classified Status: Classified

Job Description: Provide access technology consultation, design, coordination, and instruction services to State Services for the Blind (SSB) customers and rehabilitation counselors, so that effective and compatible applications and assistive technologies are used. Conduct assistive technology assessments and develop timely recommendations so cost-effective, compatible applications and assistive technologies are used to enable SSB customers to achieve the goals of their individual plans for employment. Make recommendations concerning assistive/adaptive technology instruction to customers and staff and conduct such training when necessary. Ensure that assistive/adaptive technology interfaces effectively with standard and customized applications and programs, operating systems, and mainframe and personal computer systems in varied environments. Technology includes, but is not limited to:

– Screen reading hardware and software;
– Electronic note takers;
– Braille embossers and Braille translation software;
– Refreshable Braille displays;
– Screen enlargement hardware and software;
– Optical character recognition systems;
– DAISY DTB playback hardware and software; and
– Closed circuit televisions and other technology options.

There is some overnight travel throughout the State of Minnesota.

Minimum Qualifications: Please describe your qualifications, experience and knowledge in the “Job Specific Questions” portion of Resume Builder in the following areas: Failure to address these areas may result in
your resume not being considered.

At least three years of experience working with blind/visually impaire people in the field of Adaptive/Assistive Technology, including some information technology expertise, which demonstrates the following
knowledge, skills and abilities:

OR

Combination of education (Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, or related field) and one year experience
working with blind/visually impaired people in the field of Adaptive/Assistive Technology, including some information technology expertise, which demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and
abilities:

Knowledge of:
– Various types of assistive/adaptive technology such as those
described in Job Duties above.

Skill in:
– Diagnosing and resolving general computer problems- hardware and/or
software related.
– Diagnosing and evaluating individuals’ technology needs, performance
and capabilities with assistive technology;
– Integrating assistive/adaptive technology with other technology
applications and programs, operating systems, and computer technologies
in varied environments;
– Evaluation of job sites to determine assistive technology needs as
well as possible compatibility with assistive technology;
and

Ability to:
– Develop, coordinate and implement technology recommendations and
programs to meet the special needs of blind, visually impaired and/or
deafblind SSB customers;
– Conduct demonstrations of assistive technology; and
– Establish and maintain effective working relationships with SSB
customers, rehabilitation counselors and rehabilitation technicians,
other SSB staff, other state agencies, community and advocacy groups,
related organizations, employers, vendors of assistive technology, SSB
technology trainers, and the general public.

Your resume MUST contain sufficient detail of past experiences to
determine qualifications based on the above criteria. Selection of
interviews will be based on assessment of experience/qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of
-Conducting needs assessments and job analyses; developing and
modifying work stations; and selecting, adjusting, and readjusting
adaptive equipment to meet customers’ needs;
– Federal and state laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures
related to vocational rehabilitation programs and the ability to

interpret and apply them in a variety of situations;

– Well-organized, with excellent time management skills; and

– Effective verbal and written communication skills in the coordination with customers and clients on assistive technology needs.

Selection Process: The selection process is a resume-based, skill-matching process. Your resume will be entered into a database. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you.

How to Apply: You are strongly encouraged to submit your resume through
the online Resume Builder at <https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/ResumeBuilder>. You may copy and
paste in your existing resume or let the software create a resume for
you. You may edit your resume later should your contact information or
experience change. The Resume Builder also collects your work preference
information so we can match you with future job openings that meet your
interests.

Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to both your current and anticipated Human Resources offices.

If you wish to apply with a paper copy, submit your resume AND a completed State of Minnesota Employment Application form to: Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB), 200 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar
Street, St. Paul, MN 55155. Be sure to indicate the posting number of this job on your application. The paper application is available on the State Employment Web and MMB web sites, at any state agency HR office,
or by calling 651-259-3637.

Contact for More Information: Sue Zeches,
651/259-7107/sue.zeches@state.mn.us.

Resources in the Community

Workability at UCB, Connecting community organizations and college students with disabilities

Another great post from World Institue of Disability this week…

WAIV – WorkAbility IV at UC Berkeley

WorkAbility IV is a collaboration between the State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the University of California, Berkeley. WAIV (pronounced, ‘wave’) is designed to connect Cal students with disabilities to alumni with disabilities – who are also consumers of DOR – with internships and career jobs. WAIV strives to bring together employers, UC Berkeley, DOR and the participants, and as such, offers something for each of the stakeholders.

Read more here.