ATMac

For users of Augmentative and alternative communication, primarily about using your OS X machine as an AAC device.

The Laboratory for Understanding Collaborative Technology at Northwestern University is working on a project to build and evaluate new original technologies for users with disabilities. They are currently recruiting subjects with a variety of impairments (cognitive, sensory or motor) from the Chicago area.

Have you ever wanted to make phone calls on the net using a synthetic computer generated voice? If you’re an AAC user, then this is a great way to communicate with people remotely. This article will show you how to set up Wiretap Anywhere to send your speech voice to Skype’s internet phone system.

Some people burst with talent and will manage to create amazing stuff irrespective of the physical setbacks one suffers if affected by ALS. Tucker is certainly one of those people. Being confined to a wheelchair and having to control his computer with his head this sound designer, video editor and multimedia magician is as creative as ever.

AssistiveWare have released the Proloquo version 2.0, a major upgrade to their communications software for people whose disabilities prevent them from speaking or make speech difficult or unintelligible.

AT&T and Apple introduce new iPhone text accessibility plan (TAP) for customers with disabilities. This is a great step forward, but do they ever reject application for the TAP and would that leave users saddled with a contract for a plan they can’t use?

Lon Thornburg explains how to make your own communication boards using Audacity with PowerPoint or OpenOffice.

10 reasons why learning to use iTunes can simplify your life. Each reason is supported by an explanation of why you need to know something, and how to accomplish it.
Website: AAC Intervention: Ten Terrific Reasons to Use iTunes
ATMac Comment: This document talks about how iTunes can be helpful for teachers and carers supporting AAC users. [...]

I saw this great photo once in One GirlFriday’s blog:

When I asked her about it, this is what she told me about the photo:
That was a bumper sticker that Dustin had attached to his wheelchair when he was in kindergarten over 20 years ago. He then had an Apple IIe, Unicorn board, Adaptive Firmware card.
Dustin [...]

A few days ago, Apple added a page to their website detailing 300+ New Features In Leopard which was divided into various categories. There are 17 features listed under the Universal Access Features category,
mostly relevant to users of VoiceOver such as support for refreshable braille displays, the new “Alex” voice, new VoiceOver features, and so [...]

RJ Cooper has just made available a large cordless iPod remote control which is already switch-adapted. He reports that will be also be releasing a scanning version in coming months.