Blio Reader

Kurzweil and K-NFB have a new eReader out called Blio. It's a free download and currently only available for PC's. Apps are on their way for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch and Android. Supports XPS and ePub. Check it out: http://www.blio.com/meet_blio

C-Series Device Information from Tobii ATI

I received this letter from Tobii earlier this week:


November 8, 2010
Dear C-Series Customer,
We are excited to announce to you our C-Series Revitalization Program. This program includes changes
to both the hardware and software of our C-Series devices. This will allow you, our valued customer, to
obtain maxim urn performance of each device. What could even be better? Your device will be enhanced
at no cost to you!
Effective now through April 29th, 2011, we will be accepting C-Series devices at our corporate office and
product center in Dedham, MA for this revitalization upgrade.
A Tobii team member will be contacting you to outline the details and how to take advantage of this
exciting opportunity. If you have any questions please call 781-355-7142.
We are looking forward to providing these great new improvements to your device!
Sincerely,
The C-Series Team
TObli ATI Tobii Techrralofly AB,
333 EH Sl'eoi Head quarters
DedhiTi, MA 02026 K.irlsrowiijer: ^D
USA
y

Webspiration Classroom Service

New from Inspiration an online subscription to improve writing and thinking skills. A thirty day trial is available for an Individual Educator Trail subscription or a 10 user Classroom Trial subscription. Individual Educator Subscriptions are available for 1-3 years ranging from $39.00 - $110.00. Classroom Subscriptions are available in 10, 30 and 40 packs.

http://www.inspiration.com/sites/default/files/WebspirationSalesFlyer.pdf

Update - CSUN Fast Trax

June 12-13, 2011 - Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) Statewide Conference in Houston, TX

Price: $1, 795.00 (Training Only) / $1,525.00 (TATN Attendees Discount)
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, 7145 W. Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77092
Additional Information: Register by April 1, 2011 (TATN Early Bird deadline) for the ATACP training and the TATN Statewide Conference, and receive a discount on the ATACP training ($1, 525) and TATN conference ($75).

Limited space available.

Registration Coming Soon!

http://www.csun.edu/cod/training/trainings.php

Page Set Central

Page Set Central is an Exchange site for Tobii Communicator and Symbolmate Page sets. (http://www.pagesetcentral.com)

This is a searchable database of over 450 pagesets that you can download onto your device. You can also download and share pagesets that you have created. You will need to set up a user name and password to login to this site.

Region 4 has a new Tobii ATI sales representative. Her name is Amber Stallworth and her email is amber.stallworth@tobii.com.

Proloquo2Go

For those of you that are having problems with purchasing the iPod Touch Combo Pack from Origin Instruments because of the iTunes cards, the problem has been solved. I purchased a few more combo packs at the end of our budget process, and instead of sending the iTunes cards, Origin pre-purchases the software for you and sends you a certificate with a Redeem Code to download the software.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) will be offering the "Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP)" in conjunction with this year's Texas Assistive Technology Network Statewide Conference. The "FastTrax" certificate version of the ATACP will be available on Sunday, June 12th and Monday, June 13th. Then attendees can also attend the conference on the 14th-16th. We will be able to have up to 40 participants for this event. The cost for the certificate training will be $1,525 and the price for the conference will be $75 (early bird rate applies on or before April 1st). To obtain more information on the certificate in assistive technology through CSUN, please go to http://csun.edu/cod/training/index.php

More new technology

We've added the Kindle, Nook and Sony e-Readers to the inventory

New Items in the ATRC

I hope you all are ready for the new school year. I just wanted to update you on a few new items for the ATRC's short term loan program.

GoTalk Express 32
DynaVox Xpress
Power Link 4
Play and Learn Book (new edition)
Eco 2 (I had the Eco-14's upgraded to the Eco 2)
Touch guides for the Vantage Lite and Eco 2
The Pixon Project from PRC


These are a few of the new things.

I've also been working on culling the lab and once team training gets started, I hope to have some items available for long term loan.

More iPod Apps for Education

I found this link in the recent ConnSENSE Bulletin.

http://www.connsensebulletin.com/2010/05/apps-for-education/

Atomic Learning

Atomic Learning has two new resources to support assistive technology initiatives:

1. Gayl Bowser will present a free webinar on creating an assistive technology professional development plan. To register for the webinar, click on this link:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/921294178

2. Gayl Bowser has a new assistive technology blog, IntegrATe.

Bookshare Introduces New Online Professional Development Learning Module - How to Provide Accessible Materials

Bookshare has a new online learning module called "Bookshare: Providing Accessible Materials for Students with Print Disabilities," for teachers and families who want to learn more about digital accessible books and how to use accessible books from Bookshare. This module was developed by the IRIS Center for Training Enhancements housed at Vanderbilt University to help educators learn about the benefits and use of digital accessible books. While it's designed for pre-service and in-service teacher training, it has tremendous value for anyone unfamiliar with accessible books.

The easy-to-use module has simple definitions, audio clips, and short movies about accessible books, assistive technology, and Bookshare. It follows the story of a general education teacher who has students with disabilities needing accommodations in his classroom. From this practical introduction, the module progresses to topics from Bookshare membership to how to find books and how to download the free software tools.

Spread the word…tell a friend, parent, student or colleague about Bookshare, digital accessible books, and the new IRIS online learning module. Request the books you need now for the fall to be ready for a “back-to-school” accessible book jumpstart! If you or your school are not Bookshare Members yet, sign up now to ensure timely access to required school reading, as well as good books for reading pleasure.

iHome iPod Speaker Case

Here is another speaker case for the iPod Touch. This case is similar to the iMainGo case that we currently have. However, with this case, you turn the speaker on and off outside of the case. It also has loops for a wrist or neck strap. So far, I have only found this on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/iHome-IHM4P-Portable-Speaker-Players/dp/B0018YDI60/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1273672651&sr=1-76

AT Resources

I found some cool resources in this months Special Education Technology Practices magazine.

1. PortableApps.com (http://portableapps.com) a collection of free assistive technology tools have been designed to run on a USB drive

2. Gizmos (http://www.explorelearning.com) Interactive learning materials to engage students

3. Doc2PDF (http://www.pdfonline.com/convert-pdf/) converts documents to PDF

4. The Learning Network: Teaching and Learning with the NY Times (http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com)

ABC on the iPad with Proloquo2Go

See the news report from ABC's Sharyn Alfonsi.
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/proloquo2go-ipad-software-voice-autistic/story?id=10497862

eBook Reader Comparison Chart

Here is the link to the Barnes and Nobles's website where they compare the Nook with the Kindle. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/compare/?cds2Pid=30195

CSUN Online M. S. In Assistive Technology and Human Services program

Announcing CSUN’s launch of the ONLINE M.S. in Assistive Technology and Human Services (ATHS) program... Coming Spring term, 2011.

Applications for the ATHS program are open ...

Please visit our web site to learn about our program features:

· Program general web site: http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/aths/aths.html

· Course descriptions: http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/aths/courses.html

· Schedule for the online spring 2011 cohort ... Classes start in January, 2011: http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/aths/schedule.html

· Review admission requirements and apply online (only online applications are accepted): http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/aths/apply.html

· Tuition and financial aid information can be found here: http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/aths/tuition.html

For assistance with the application process, contact Bard Frye, program manager, at barb.frye@csun.edu or 818 677 6404.

Cyanics Portable Swing Speaker System with Protective Case

Cyanics is the manufacturer and it's model number is IPS46 - $22.95

It has a rechargable battery that includes the charging MicroUSB cable

http://www.cyanics.net/speaker__car_cassette_adapter_for_ipodiphone

I purchased through Overstock.com. Amazon does vend this as well.

Warm Up with Spring Savings from netTrekker!

netTrekker has a promotion going on right now that if you purchase netTrekker now, you can add an additional 6 months to your subscription. Follow this link: http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6515707561077a741d&m=feea1d7770630d&ls=fdfa15787466037574147975&l=fec215737d6d057a&s=fe2211797064017d731279&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2e1571726c0678701672&r=0

Inspiration 9

New from Inspiration

Learn to use Inspiration at your own pace! www.inspiration.com/Inspiration9Training

CSUN Pre-Conference Session

This afternoon, I attended a Pre-Conference session entitled "The i-Pod Touch in the Special Needs Classroom and At Risk Students". There were three presenters and all three were Apple Distinguished Educators. This was a hands on session where everyone had an iPod Touch to explore the apps that were being demonstrated and to give input into how they were using the iPods in their classrooms. Check out the handouts at http://ipods4specialneeds.ning.com/. You need to join the ning to access all the information. There are tutorials and links for useful websites. Check out under the link tab "iPod Touch Apps for Special Education" this is a detailed list of Apps for the Special Needs Population.

We were also shown a couple of new pieces of technologies.

I PEVO Point 2 View USB camera. http://www.ipevo.com/Point-2-View-USB-camera_p_70.html
This little camera can be used as a document camera and as a webcam and it's $69.00.

Thumb Tac Microphone. This microphone looks just like a thumb tac and plugs into the speaker jack of your iPod. http://www.switcheasy.com/products/ThumbTacks/ThumbTacks.php

Apple iPad

Pre-Sale of the iPad starts on March 12, 2010

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/03/05ipad.html

Don Johnston, Inc. Free Webinar

Don Johnston will be hosting two free webinars on Accessible Instructional Materials: Obtaining eBooks and Implementing Them with Technology. The dates are March 31st @ 12:30 p. m. CST and April 6th @ 2 p. m. CST. Here is a link to a downloadable Accessible Instructional Materials Planner on their website.

http://www.donjohnston.com/pdf/aim/acc_inst_mat_plnner_bro.pdf?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Download&utm_content=ffontenot%40esc4.net&utm_campaign=AIM+Do+You+Have+a+Plan%3F+%231+March+9+2010

Two New Products from gh, LLC

ReadHear Mac - ReadHear™ Mac is the first ever fully-featured Digital Talking Book player for the Mac! The great accessibility features available in the gh PLAYER™ are no longer limited to the PC. ReadHear Mac provides excellent benefits to those who enjoy and appreciate learning and listening to all types of books, articles, and documents. It supports MathML, Nimas 1.1, Daisy/Niso 2005. Bookshare, RFB&D AudioPlus, Educational Publishers, e-Pub & DRM supported soon!

I downloaded ReadHear Mac on one of the new MacBook Pros that we purchased for the ATRC and it is wonderful! If you have a Mac, download the 30 day trial and check it out. www.gh-accessibility.com/products/readhear_mac

ClickHear and ClickHear Mobile

ClickHear™ is a new talking tool for the Internet. With ClickHear, you can browse the web easily regardless of reading or visual difficulties!
ClickHear is a toolbar that operates in a web browser. You start by downloading and then installing ClickHear on your computer. After installation, the ClickHear toolbar will appear at the top of the browser. Simply start reading at the top of the page or choose a section to begin reading. Navigate through the page with a click of the mouse. ClickHear reads not only general text on a web page, but also text fields, buttons, and even alt text for images.
Customization options allow you to change the appearance of the text and contrast, directly zoom-in or out on the page with panning availability, and also choose the cursor and toolbar size. Three high quality Nuance voices are included.

http://www.gh-accessibility.com/products/clickhear

Proloquo2Go on the iPad

For everyone that has asked me whether the Proloquo2Go software will run on the iPad when released, here is your answer from Assistiveware.

On Wednesday, January 27th, Apple announced the iPad, a device with a 9.7-inch
(diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display. Proloquo2Go, along with most of the 140,000 iPhone apps will run on the iPad. Current Proloquo2Go users will be able to download Proloquo2Go to the device and run the software at its normal size or pixel doubled mode, where it will fill the screen. We do have plans to optimize the software for the device's higher resolution but do not have a timeline or pricing for this update.

If you would like to stay informed of Proloquo2Go updates, you can do so by signing up for the AssistiveWare News here:

http://www.proloquo2go.com/Support/

Proloquo2Go Tech Support

Assistiveware replied to my email on how to keep the students from deleting the Proloquo2Go software off of the iPod. Here is their reply:

While Apple does not currently allow you to lock apps to prevent them from being deleted, you can restrict access to various Proloquo2Go features, such as Edit Mode.

Goal: Modify Restrictions for a beginning user

1) Go to Settings and scroll down to and tap Proloquo2Go.

2) Tap Restrictions

3) You can restrict access to the Edit mode and to Adding new items. For some users Adding items is fine, but you do not want them to accidentally delete items so you can disable Edit Mode for that purpose. You can also block access to the Options View, Typing View and/or Recent View.

Register Now!

June 15-18, 2010

Texas Assistive Technology Network Statewide Conference, San Antonio, TX

For More Information:

http://www.texasatconference.net/
- Registration
- Hotel information
- Call for exhibitors
- Call for papers

Early Bird Rate: $65.00 (good through April 1, 2010)

TATN Website: http://www.texasat.net/

Assistive Technology (AT) enables students with disabilities to access the curriculum, increase independence, and participate actively in education and life activities. Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) is working hard to ensure that students with disabilities receive assistive technology devices and services so they can benefit from a free, appropriate public education.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn the latest trends for your students!

More on the Apple iPad

Apple sent this out via email today.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/?cid=CDM-US-DM-P0009044&Email_PageName=P0009044-&Email_OID=dfd5b430bc4db2c2836d0227ad9ac0c4&cp=em-P0009044-&sr=em

Apple iPad

Check out the new iPad from Apple, Inc.

http://www.macworld.com/article/145938/2010/01/tabletannouncement1.html?t=201

The iPad won't be available until late March but will come in a 16gb for $499, a 32gb for $599 and a 64gb for $699. These units will have wi-fi. The 3G models will arrive in late April for an additional $130. AT&T will provide prepaid 3G service at the rate of $14.99 for 250 mb of data or $29.99 a month for unlimited data.

Proloquo2Go

While doing some online research to see if there was a way to keep a student from deleteing the Proloquo2Go software off the iPod Touch, I came across a public forum that had some useful posts. Check it out: http://forum.assistiveware.com/viewforum.php?f=24

Inclusion Works Conference

2010 Inclusion Works! Conference
February 10-13, 2010
Renaissance Hotel, Austin, Texas
Conference rates:
$200 Professionals
$75 Parents/Students

For more information on the Conference, click on this link: http://www.thearcoftexas.org/conferences/Publicity%20Web%20Info%20Conference%20Details%209-09.pdf


New This Year.…Making Inclusion Work
with Assistive Technology
In collaboration with IW favorites Kirk Behnke & Tricia Peters & a
new face at IW, Cindy Miller and The Region 4 Education Service
Center, with great enthusiasm, Inclusion Works presents
The IW Assistive Technology Lab!
Come explore low and high tech devices
designed to provide access to the general
curriculum and to curricular activities for
students with disabilities.
We can.’t WAIT to see what Kirk, Tricia & Cindy have in store for
us!