Sunday, November 30, 2008

Mobility@Your Library - #4 Assistive Technology

Here is #4 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#4 Assistive Technology. This includes Handhelds. Text-to-Speech. Speech-to-Text.
Text-to-Sign Language. See also CSLA 2.0 Team tutorial on “Discovering Assistive Technology.”

EXAMPLES:
  • ReadtheWords is a free text-to-audio service that lets you (1) upload all sorts of text including: MS Word, Adobe PDF, HTML File. Write Text Content. Cut & Paste Text. Website Address. RSS Feed. (2) Select a reader. (3) Listen.
  • Jott allows a user to dictate thoughts or stories into your computer. Ideal for communicating on the go. It allows you to use your voice to send hands-free e-mail and text messages, post to Twitter, and more. Librarian-in-Black Sarah Houghton-Jan reports that she uses Jott during her long commute to San Jose Public Library.
  • GuidebyCell allows a library or museum give self-guided tours, where individuals use their own cell phones to call a number and listen to explanations or stories at different locations. For example, a library display of childrens book illustrators through the ages could have 10-15 display cases, each with a story available through GuidebyCell.
  • Cell phone features. Here are examples of features available from the Apple iPhone: tactile buttons, zoom, giant fonts for mail messages, network-based voice-dialing, voice-dialing applications, hands-free speakerphone, audible/visible/vibrating alerts, downloadable assignable ringtones.
  • iCommunicator: wireless text-to-speech device makes effective two-way communication possible for persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or experience unique communication challenges. iCommunicator translates in real-time:• Speech to Text• Speech/Text to Video Sign-Language• Speech/Text to Computer Generated Voice
  • Signing Avatar by VOLT – Vcom3D – story demo
  • HandHelds for Autistic students help them cope in many ways. The Edutopia article describes how a PalmPilot helps a young boy keep up with his studies and relate better with classmates.

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