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I am very interested in this innovation becoming a reality, and hope that this technology also encompasses Voice Output guidance. Currently individuals who are Blind combine the iPhone with VoiceOver and a refreshing Braille display, it would be excellent to have these features combined in one device, along with tactile images. 

This innovation would be excllent for accessibility in school as well as the community and workplace. Refreshable Braille displays (in conjunction with text to speech) are efficient to use when a book or document is available in electronic format, however so many still remain in paper format, and inaccessible to Blind readers who need Braille. This would provide instant access! While a refreshable braille display offers access to a computer or iPad, this concept (a portableBraille Reader) would continue to provide instant access at school, in the workplace, at a restaurant, in a meeting, etc. 

This innovation would be excllent for accessibility in school as well as the community and workplace. Refreshable Braille displays (in conjunction with text to speech) are efficient to use when a book or document is available in electronic format, however so many still remain in paper format, and inaccessible to Blind readers who need Braille. This would provide instant access! While a refreshable braille display offers access to a computer or iPad, this concept (a portableBraille Reader) would continue to provide instant access at school, in the workplace, at a restaurant, in a meeting, etc. 

If an individual has difficulty with speaking or communicating due to Apraxia, Aphasia, being deaf or HOH, or even an accident or another condition that may hinder their ability to speak, they may benefit from using these communication apps. Both Assistive Chat and Predictable work very well for someone who may write or type well, and would like to communicate/ converse using text to speech. Combined with word prediction for faster "talking," as well as assistance with spelling, and the ability to add favorite phrases, or use emoticons. Assistive Chat and Predictable apps both offer a person or student the ability to converse with peers socially as they write or type what they want to say and have it spoken aloud. Predictable offers emoticons, handwriting to text, and the ability to send messages via email, text, social networking, etc. 

Assistive Chat: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/assistive-chat/id379891874?mt=8

Predictable:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/predictable/id404445007?mt=8

The Technology Exists, there is NO excuse. Accessible textbooks and learning materials need to be provided by publishers for ALL learners, of every ability, using what ever Assistive Technology is required/ preferred/ desired. Schools and organizations NEED to be on board, and need to agree NOT to purchase books or learning materials unless they are accessible to ALL students and individuals. This includes testing materials. Every student can learn efficiently and express their intelligence and knowledge once they have equal access. They have a right to equal access.  

Take a stand, make a difference, promote access for ALL students. This is an imperative time for positive change. 

I am looking forward to attending the Robot Zoo and Science Festival tomorrow!!! Most especially the exhibits from MIT!

I am looking forward to attending the Robot Zoo and Science Festival tomorrow!!! Most especially the exhibits from MIT!

Excellent, free tool/ software for educators and students, as well as all individuals wgo may need an accessible format, or those who simply enjoy ebooks.

calibre can convert from a huge number of formats to a huge number of formats. It supports all the major e-book formats.  

The conversion engine has many features. It can rescale all font sizes, ensuring the output e-book is readable no matter what font sizes the input document uses. It can automatically detect/create book structure, like chapters and Table of Contents. It can insert the book metadata into a "Book Jacket" at the start of the book.

calibre can directly connect to all the major (and most of the minor) ebook reading devices, smarthphones, tablets, etc. In addition, using the Connect to folder function you can use it with any ebook reader that exports itself as a USB disk. You can even connect to Apple devices (via iTunes), using the Connect to iTunes function.

Excellent, free tool/ software for educators and students, as well as all individuals wgo may need an accessible format, or those who simply enjoy ebooks.

calibre can convert from a huge number of formats to a huge number of formats. It supports all the major e-book formats.  

The conversion engine has many features. It can rescale all font sizes, ensuring the output e-book is readable no matter what font sizes the input document uses. It can automatically detect/create book structure, like chapters and Table of Contents. It can insert the book metadata into a "Book Jacket" at the start of the book.

calibre can directly connect to all the major (and most of the minor) ebook reading devices, smarthphones, tablets, etc. In addition, using the Connect to folder function you can use it with any ebook reader that exports itself as a USB disk. You can even connect to Apple devices (via iTunes), using the Connect to iTunes function.

"The prestigious da Vinci Awards is an international forum recognising those who develop new technologies and innovations that enhance mobility, and enable people to function at their fullest." See a youtube video for all of the finaists here:http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6bhWOgQf8bTrexbvjGi1MGVwq-bxgLi1