Ribbon Cutting Event September 14 4

Tesitmonial Success Story...

2012-01-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

“I love it! It’s great! I’m having a great experience here. The people are very nice and very caring and considerate. I’ve learned a lot here. My skills here have enhanced very well here. I see a lot of improvement in my work. I think it’s a great place for people who have disabilities. It’s challenging in a good way. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who had a disability and they won’t regret it.

Season's of Giving Thanks

2011-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

This past week I was reminded just how blessed we here at EmpowerTech are. Every day we get to witness our students learn something new, engage in activities that before would never be possible. And then there are those times that they get remind us that they in turn are thankful too. Daily we are reminded that there are too many things we take for granted and in the student story below you will see how saying please and thank you shouldn’t be one of those things.

This past Wednesday I was having a bad day (one of those days when you realize halfway through it that you’ve been walking around with toothpaste on your shirt) when Lisa came into my office. Lisa has been attending our free Open Access Lab every Wednesday for over a decade. She also faithfully shows up just when I’m in the middle of something; but I always take time to talk with her about what she’s going to work on. This past year Lisa has been making memory books using PowerPoint to give to her family and friends. She also uses this time to check her email and to reply to any she receives. Some of you may have gotten her notes. There are times when she needs help with email and will always politely ask when she does.

Lisa is almost old enough to be my mother but she views the world through the eyes of an 8 year old, and delights in those things that can be taken for granted. The simplest things- like saying please and thank you, and that sometimes a little prayer doesn’t hurt. There is never a time that she doesn’t bring out the best in someone wither her smile, her generosity of heart and sincere gratitude. She’s also very intuitive to a person’s mood but never let’s that stop her when she needs help. So after she pointed out the toothpaste on my shirt she asked; “please help me with an email invitation to my cupcake birthday party” Now you know there was no way I was going to refuse her request and set to work helping her compose an email. As I typed she stood behind me with her hand on my head; seemingly to look for any mistakes that I may make (Lisa cannot read but does recognize words like, cupcake). When I was finished I asked for her approval and she nodded her head. There is more to the story (her list of presents all of which were to be shiny) but I won’t go into details. However, I do want to add that she asked after my father who has been ill, then let me know that she prays for him. Well my friends this did me in so smiling through my tears, I said thank you that means a lot to me. As she was leaving my office she paused at my door, smiled, pointed to herself and said; “thank you for helping me”.

In the spirit of thanks giving, Lisa and all of our other students I ask you to please consider a gift to our programs by clicking here to donate.

And thank you for your support of EmpowerTech and our students

EmpowerTech Receives Grant from Allergan

2011-11-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

We here at EmpowerTech wish to send a huge thank you to the Allergan Foundation for supporting our programs this year!

EmpowerTech Student Teaches Smart Art

2011-10-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Coming in to EmpowerTech I was not very familiar with Microsoft Office. I knew the basics and could design templates, however I was no expert. Today, upon my arrival, I was happily greeted by one of the students, David. David had helped me last week when I was having trouble with the Smart Art application. He taught me all there was to know about Smart Art and even went on to teach me a few of his favorite tricks. After David greeted me today, he immediately asked me what I would be working on and if I needed any help. Of course I couldn’t turn down advice from an expert, so I welcomed David to pull up a seat and assist me with today’s assignment. He helped me with page boarders and showed me easier ways to do research on the internet. David is just one example of the many students here at EmpowerTech who have mastered the tools of Microsoft Office and no w use their acquired knowledge to help others.

Steve Jobs dies age 56

2011-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs, the wizard behind Apple who put the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad into the hands of millions of religiously devoted consumers around the globe, died Wednesday.

He was 56 and had battled pancreatic cancer since 2004.

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," the company said in a statement. "Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

In a separate statement, his family said, "Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family. ... In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness."

Letter from Student

2011-09-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

I received this letter from one of our blind/low-vision students on September 22; just a few short days after our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The reason why I'm sharing this with you all is simple; this is one of the first letters he has written since losing his sight. He sent this letter as an attachment via email, something most of us take for granted and can do almost without thinking. But for him it was a great challenge but as you can read he did it! I'm so very proud of him and his commitment to continue breaking down the barriers and opening the doors in his path.

September 22, 2011

Dear JoanElaine,

When I first began at EmpowerTech I thought of the school like any other educational program. Quickly did I realize at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that was not the case. When you were speaking at the event, it hit me like a train the amount of the energy and effort it took you and your staff in putting this whole program together. Thank you for inviting me to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and the positive experience you create at the school.

I will continue working hard.

Sincerely,
A. L.

Interesting Fact-

2011-08-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

Kevin A. Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Industries for the Blind (NIB)

Since the passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act in 1938, people who are blind have been a major part of the U.S. labor force by creating quality products for the federal government and military. This contribution to the manufacturing boom after the Great Depression and during World War II was decades before the signing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...Today, thanks to modern developments in assistive technology, people who are blind have a wide range of career options. However, the unemployment rate among working age Americans who are blind still hovers around 70 percent. Why is this?...

One issue is that employers assume they will have to invest lots of money to arrange a work environment that is conducive to people who are blind. In reality, the cost of accommodations is often nominal. Data from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) indicates that most accommodations for people who are blind or visually impaired cost less than $500. In fact, 50 percent of the accommodations required to set-up a barrier-free work station cost less than $50 and 31 percent cost nothing!

A national survey conducted by the Office of Disability Employment Policy on consumer attitudes toward companies that hire people with disabilities indicated that 92 percent of the American public views companies that hire people with disabilities more favorably than those that do not, and 87 percent would prefer to give their business to companies that hire people with disabilities.

I encourage companies to consider this information when making informed decisions about the modest investment required to accommodate this underutilized labor resource

Scientific breakthrough: Seeing with your ears

2011-08-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

A neuroscientist has unveiled an "amazing" new device that could allow the blind to visualize what's around them, helping them to navigate through their surroundings. Though it's still just a prototype, the device, named the vOICe, was unveiled this week at the American Psychological Association meeting in Washington, D.C. It combines a set of goggles, a webcam, a smartphone, and earbuds to convert visual information into sound. Here, a brief guide to this innovation:
How does the vOICe work?
A webcam that's mounted in the goggles takes a snapshot, which is scanned from left to right by the smartphone's vOICe software program. Objects in the snapshot are assigned different frequencies and volumes, based on where they're located. Then the listener hears a "soundscape where the changes in frequency and volume correspond" to the objects in the snapshot image, again from left to right, says neuroscientist Michael Proulx, as quoted in Discovery News. If there's an obstacle such as an ottoman on the user's left, it will be represented by a shift in tone and frequency that occurs in the first part of the recording.
Is this all new technology?
Not really; the technology to convert visual signals into audio has been around for about 15 years, but with advances in phone technology, "mobiles are now smart enough to handle the required imaging software," says Tibi Puiu on ZME Science. Also, the small size of newer smartphones is what makes this technology easily portable for the first time.
Is the vOICe easy to use?
Not at first: The developer has found that "one of the biggest challenges is that it takes people three months of training to use it." But once a blind or visually impaired person gets used to the device, it's expected to give them much more independence than they would otherwise enjoy.
Sources: Discovery News, ZME Science

Message from the new Director of Development, Lisa Gaynor

2011-07-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a brief moment of your time to introduce myself to all of you.
I’m Lisa Gaynor a long time community member of both Westchester and Santa Monica. I am so pleased to let you all know that I am now the new senior development director of EmpowerTech. I know that I have some big shoes to fill following behind Ally Walker, but I do want to assure you all that I have the background and the resources to do a fantastic job not only for EmpowerTech’s students but for the organization as a whole.

For the past 5 years I have been an independent grant writer primarily working with nonprofits in the LA County area. It is through my expertise that Common Ground received one of their largest grants to date. I am a mother of 3 children all of whom graduated Santa Monica High School and both of my son’s are recent graduates of LMU (class of 2008 and 2010).

I want to let you in on the true reason that I made my decision to join EmpowerTech, and that is I had an uncle with a disability. He was diagnosed with polio in 1938 at 20 months old. We all seem to forget that back then this was a death sentence but due to perseverance by my grandmother he became an invaluable member of the community. He was an extremely talented artist, but the only job that he could get was working in an electronics firm as an assistant.

His dream was to design sports car models similar to “Hot Wheels”. I can only wonder what his life would have been like if EmpowerTech and assistive technology was around back then. His struggles and disenfranchisement from the community may not have happened had he had a computer and the necessary training. The first time I walked through EmpowerTech’s doors I remembered all the stories my uncle told me of his childhood and the taunts other kids bestowed upon him. I don’t ever want that to happen to anyone that comes to EmpowerTech. I want to give them the tools that allow them to achieve unprecedented levels of independence, self-confidence and fulfillment. I am honored to be a part of EmpowerTech’s team and to the memory of my uncle and those that will come behind him, I promise all of you I will do my job and do it well

What's New For Musicians... The Lime Lighter!

2011-07-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced to a company called the Dancing Dots they serve blind musicians and their educators through technology and training. How cool is that? Can you imagine loosing your sight and not being able to read music any more? Dancing Dots has a solution for you, they're the go to company; "Where Music Meets Technology for the Blind"

They have a new product for low vision muscians called, The Lime Lighter. I sugesst that you take a few minutes to cehck this video out!

3-minute video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7uVxADu2Do

EmpowerTech Finds a New Home

2011-05-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

EMPOWERTECH UPGRADES LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S ONLY ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER WITH MOVE TO NEW FACILITY

Non-Profit In Need of Donated Office Furniture & Equipment for New Location

MAY __,2011: LOS ANGELES— EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, announced that is moving on June 30, 2011 to a new, larger facility located at 9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard in the Westchester section of Los Angeles.

Unlike EmpowerTech’s current space, which features an open configuration, the new center will have private offices and training rooms that will allow the agency’s Assistive Technology Specialists to work privately and in smaller groups with students.

Joan Anderson, EmpowerTech Executive Director commented “It will be enormously challenging and expensive to move an entire high tech facility without interrupting service to our students, but at the end of the day, this will be a major improvement for EmpowerTech. To make this happen though, we need additional financial support to pay for the move. It is our hope that we can rely on the community to help us preserve this invaluable resource by making contributions to help offset our relocation costs.”

EmpowerTech was recently given a notice to vacate by June 30, 2011 after its current landlord leased the building to a new tenant. Assistance was immediately provided by the H.B. Drollinger Co., Westchester’s largest property management firm, which located and arranged for the new facility at 9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard.

Karen Dial, President of H.B. Drollinger Co. stated, “When we learned about the tough spot in which EmpowerTech had been placed, we felt we had to get involved. Our company has been part of the Westchester community for decades and we feel an obligation to look out for our neighbors—especially for a neighbor like EmpowerTech which has done so much for our local community. We are pleased that we were able to come through for this incredible organization.”

In addition to financial assistance with the upcoming move, EmpowerTech is seeking donations of office furniture and equipment . Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to contact Joan Anderson at (310)-338-1597/ janderson@empowrtech.org.

Sky's The Limit Skydive Event

2011-03-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

SKYDIVING FOR DOLLARS: LOCAL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PARACHUTE IN TO RAISE FUNDS LOS ANGELES-BASED ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER

EmpowerTech To Host “Sky’s The Limit” Event on April 30, 2011
March 3, 2011—LOS ANGELES: Proving that anything is possible and, in fact, the “Sky’s the Limit” for persons living with disabilities, EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, will host day of skydiving in Lake Elsinore, CA on April 30, 2011.

The event, which is open to the public, requires individual jumpers to recruit friends, relatives, and colleagues to sponsor a jump by pledging money to support EmpowerTech. The minimum total pledge per jumper is $1,000.

Joan Anderson, Executive Director of EmpowerTech commented, “The theme of this year’s event is “Free Falling for the independence and freedom for individuals with disabilities.” This captures the essence of what goes on every day at EmpowerTech—talented individuals pushing the limit and overcoming obstacles and fears to achieve their full potential.”

“Sky’s the Limit” will consist of jumps throughout the day at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA. All jumps will be “tandem” jumps with professionals from Lake Elsinore Skydive. On the ground there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and fun for the whole family.

Two members of the EmpowerTech Board of Directors, Keith and Ravi, will lead the procession of jumpers and kick off the day’s events. Keith is a graduate of the agency’s Blind and Low Vision program and is back at work as one of LA’s premier radio DJ’s. He will be raising funds to assist current and future students. Ravi Rajan is also raising funds for Empowertech, both through this jump and through his participation in the upcoming Boston Marathon.

Anderson stated, “Anyone who is surprised when they first hear about “Sky’s the Limit” does not know our students and staff—they don’t back down from a challenge and they live to conquer obstacles. This is all in a day’s work for them. “Sky’s the Limit” represents a tremendous opportunity not only to demonstrate what extraordinary people are capable of, but to give our supporters in the community the chance to interact with our students and staff on the world’s most level playing field—a 120 mile per hour, 60 second free fall from an airplane!”

EMPOWERTECH APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF BLIND & LOW VISION SERVICES

2011-02-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

Veteran Educator Nicolas M. Crisosto to Lead One of Los Angeles-Based Non-Profit’s Core Service Offerings
FEBRUARY__ —LOS ANGELES: EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, announced the appointment of Nicolas M. Crisosto as Director of Blind and Low Vision Services.
Mr. Crisosto has been a Lecturer in Computer Science at California State University Channel Islands, an instructor at The Society for the Blind in Sacramento, CA, and is a former chapter president and California State Treasurer for the National Federation for the Blind. He graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a degree in Mathematics, and is an alumnus of the Colorado Center for the Blind’s Independence Training Program.
EmpowerTech Executive Director Joan Anderson commented, “I am excited to welcome Nicolas Crisosto to the EmpowerTech team. Our Blind and Low Vision programs require a Director with experience, expertise, and a passion for helping others. Nicolas is the complete package. When it comes to learning intricate computer technologies, he has sat on both sides of the desk—as a teacher and a student—and he knows firsthand the challenges and the rewards of mastering non-visual techniques. The positive impact that I expect Nicolas will make on our students and on our organization is difficult to overstate.”
After an initial evaluation of EmpowerTech’s Blind and Low Vision service offerings, Mr. Crisosto plans to enhance the agency’s core curriculum to include instruction in advanced computer software applications and more advanced Assistive Technology programs. In addition to his collegiate-level instructional experience in basic computer literacy involving the full suite of Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer, Mr. Crisosto also is proficient in a broad variety of Assistive Technologies including including JAWS, OpenBook, VoiceOver, WindowEyes, Guide, Duxbury, JulietPro Embossers, scanners, BrailleNote, and LaTeX.

Mr. Crisoto commented, “When I was given the opportunity to join EmpowerTech in a leadership capacity, I leapt at the chance. Giving people the freedom and independence to manage their lives through technology that so many take for granted, is a rare opportunity. I am excited to work with my new colleagues to enhance EmpowerTech’s existing programs and to make an even greater impact on the community we already serve so well.”

Stairways to Success

2011-01-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to provide a success story about one of the students in the TRADE program. Glancing though the roster of 40 students, however, I could recall no dramatic success stories. Rather, the emerging mental image was of many earnest laborers methodically pursuing their dreams. Surveying the students diligently working at their computer stations and remembering their excitement during the Achievement Celebration last December, I contemplated how far they have come.
Students have entered the TRADE program with widely varying academic and computer skill levels. They arrived hoping they had found a program that would enable them to build computer skills and/or to become more employable. They just needed to be in a program that would be responsive to their individual needs. They discovered that when given time to learn at their own pace they were able to learn how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. They were able to use a search engine and communicate through email. The curriculum was challenging and interesting. They were surrounded by supportive instructors.
The following comments, provided by students recently, are typical:
“I enjoy coming and I’m starting to learn something new every time I come. The staff are nice and everybody is nice here.”
“I really like it because I can go in there now and just do it myself. Before, I had to have somebody to help me. It’s helping me. Some of the stuff that I saved I can see on my computer at home…and show it to my mom.”

“The class is wonderful and I love coming here…It really helps me to be a good worker on the computer and to be professional.”

“I like the class. I learn a lot. It would help me when I get a good job because they would know that I know computers a lot and every time I learn new stuff. They are wonderful teachers.”

The TRADE students are like masons building stairways of personal and professional empowerment. The TRADE curriculum, assistive technology, and individualized accommodations are their bricks, trowels, and mortar. Although daily progress is often incremental, over time the results have proven to be quite substantial. Their methodical, hard-earned successes should be acknowledged and celebrated!

Web Accessibility--the Basics

2011-01-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

Written by Rosemarie Punzalan, Communication Specialist and resident web accessibility expert, CFILC

Whether you are a novice with little or no web development experience or new to accessibility, it doesn't hurt to understand the basics of POUR Web Usability. POUR stands for Perceivable Operable Understandable Robust. Below are just some examples to give you a basic understanding of POUR.

Many of us surf the Internet to access communication, commerce, entertainment, information, and other important aspects of life that we take for granted. The most common senses we use when surfing the internet are hearing, sight and touch. These senses are important to our daily Internet access. It is very important that a user has the ability to perceive the web content. Not only is the ability to perceive web content important, but inputting the information into our brains is very important!

PERCEIVABLE
Hearing
There are many kinds of audio interactions we use when surfing the Internet. Some examples of audio interactions are: hearing music, listening to web radio, and watching videos. If you operate a web site, to make your audio information available to individuals who cannot hear, provide captioned audio. Below is an example of a video with closed captions that was posted on http://www.dor.ca.gov/rd_life.wmv.

Sight
Web sites provide enormous information with content that consists of graphics, multimedia, and text. Individuals who can see can read text, view images, understand the web page layouts, and understand the meaning of colors in certain cultural perspective (for example,– red and green street lights). To make your web content available to individuals who are blind or have low vision, prior to your web design, structure your content (i.e. headings, subheadings, lists, etc.). They rely on screen readers and keyboards to navigate through a web site.

Touch
Imagine an individual who is deaf and blind. How would this individual access information? There are ways a person who is deafblind can access information. 1) Through sign language where individuals use their hands to feel one another’s body movements, gestures and sign language; OR 2) A Braille device – a text can be converted to Braille.

OPERABLE
A standard keyboard and mouse is often used to access web content, but not everyone can use them. Some individuals use adaptive or alternative devices depending on their disability (for example, a mouth stick to manipulate a keyboard). Blind users depend on a keyboard and screen reader to navigate web content.

UNDERSTANDABLE
To ensure your web site is usable to people of all abilities, you should make sure the web content's language is as easy to understand as possible.

ROBUST
Technology changes and can be very expensive as well as time consuming. There are different operating systems and different versions of browsers. People who use adaptive devices or alternative devices such as screen readers or screen magnifiers to navigate web content do not always update their devices or software to keep up with other changes in computer technology. Ensure your web site is robust through all operating systems and different versions of browsers by testing it on multiple web browsers and operating systems.

Blind DJ back at Work

2010-12-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone as you know my name is DJ Ken. You’ve probably heard about me on the blog at the EmpowerTech web site. Before we get started, let's talk about a man who’s been truly blessed, taught some of the best techniques in technology by some of the most genuinely committed, experienced, passionate & accomplished teachers in the educational industry over at the Empowertech school of computer technology. Now just imagine a man who was one of the top broadcast professionals on the air in America, and the regional manager for one of the top telecommunications providers in the USA. Then out of nowhere Glaucoma had struck & attacked him like a Visual Virus. Would you believe I never saw it coming? Although, I had been advised by my medical physicians that it would immediately impact my future, personal & business relationships. Actually, he simply explained to me that my life will unfortunately change completely if I didn’t agree to at least one more surgery, although I had recently endured five excruciating operations within the last two years and was refusing to tolerate another one. I went totally blind in just a few weeks, not knowing that my highly successful career would change like I could never imagine. I didn’t start crying or feeling sorry for myself. I kept on pushing but after awhile, I needed a way to communicate with my colleagues, employees, representatives & most of all the clients. Now if you know anything about me, this tragic event had to be dealt with at once. So I resigned immediately to take some time and find the resources to better myself for my four boys & my beautiful wife Barbi. And there it was, EmpowerTech. Most would not know this, but when I arrived at EmpowerTech, I did not know how to type, email, download, or even go on the internet. I could not use a computer at all. & yes thanks to Chris, Eric, Joan, Julie, Joanne, Rosemarie & the man Tom Lange my Teachers I became the computer geek that I am today. Now when I head out to the radio station I’m able to get my show going without an intern or an assistant. I just walk into the control room & pop in my NVDA flash drive then it starts talking; now I’m on my way. Once everything’s up & going I can find out which commercials & songs that I need to play next. Also it tells the time & the order in which to play them. Yes I am on the air & it's time to be the number one DJ in L A again. Thanks to the fine people over at Empowertech, yo’ boy Ken has his independence back! ”that’s Y I say every day I’m Empowered!
Ken

NEW COOL STUFF!

2010-11-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Center for the Partially Sighted and the San Fernando Valley chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California held an event called The Best In Tech 2010 conference at the Radisson Hotel in Culver City. Attending this free annual event offered a rare chance to learn from actual users of the latest assistive technology about their favorite solutions (cell phones, GPS, CCTV's, note takers, etc.), attend workshops to learn how to use the latest solutions, including the Open Book Pearl Camera, latest features of JAWS 12, Transformer, Eye Pal Solo, Apex, Victor Reader, and Trekker Breeze, and get hands on experience by visiting the booths of the most popular vendors of assistive technology for the blind and visually-impaired.
Several event sponsors raffled off the Pebble portable video magnifier and the IBill currency identifier, a handy little item that's scarcely larger than a packet of chewing gum.
At Best in Tech, some of the products could be purchased at substantial discounts. The Open Book Pearl Camera, for example, was available at nearly a 50 percent discount, which, incidentally, will be extended through the end of March, 2011.
"At events such as this, I'm like a kid in a candy store," said Tom Lange, director of EmpowerTech's Blind/Low-Vision Computer Training Program. "I was wowed by the Pearl Camera demo, and when I found it at the Sweetman Systems booth at such a killer price, I bought it on the spot; I just had to have it now," Tom said. Tom received the product shortly thereafter and promptly set about putting it through its paces.
"Combined with my laptop, Open Book and Pearl is a portable reading solution that gives me highly accurate access to printed material in mere seconds compared to what I used to have with a desktop computer and a flatbed scanner; it's absolutely awesome!", Tom said.
If you missed Best in Tech 2010, you'll definitely want to attend next year's event. It's easy to get to and well worth the time spent.

Tesitmonial Success Story...

2010-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to announce to the community the positive outcomes for our client/student Paul R. from Santa Monica High School Young Adult Transition Services Program.

Paul R. is highly motivated to continue his training with EmpowerTech. He recognizes the advancement in his skills and is proud to demonstrate his proficiencies to others. This morning, Paul interviewed with the Silver Crest Senior Living Community in Santa Monica. The interview team was impressed with his manner, polish and clarity inviting Paul to return for a second level interview. He was asked to submit his resume and letter of interest to the main headquarters for Silver Crest's program, The Salvation Army of Santa Monica.

As you may know, securing a second level interview with the Salvation Army is a cu do for Paul! The Army is seeking only the best and Paul is approaching the grade.

Needless to say, Paul was delighted! He immediately proceeded to the public library and prepared his resume. The skill set required to produce the document was clearly the result of his training with EmpowerTech.

Eric, you and the devoted friends of Empower Tech are to be congratulated on your contribution to this young adult's adjustment to the world of work.

I am looking forward to referring additional clients to your program and sharing in their successes with your organization.

All Non-Profit organizations need full community support to continue their tremendous contributions. On behalf of our shared customers, please ask me to assist in fund raising activities sponsored by Empower Tech. My team and I at SAMOHI want to see EmpowerTech thrive not merely survive.

With sincerity,

Carol

Carol Gassman-Proud
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Transition Specialist Young Adult Program
Santa Monica High School

JAWS 12 Sneak Preview

2010-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

JAWS version 12 is due out later this year, and we've got the latest scoop on its most exciting changes!
The JAWS Configuration Manager is replaced with the Settings Center, where you can search for the setting that you want to change and simply change it, with no need to hunt through a variety of menus to track down where, for instance, you can change the level of punctuation that JAWS speaks or increase the JAWS speech rate. Also, the Settings Center remembers your last 25 changes and displays them at the bottom of the tree view, making it easier for you to fix a setting that you might have adjusted incorrectly or adjust settings that you change frequently.
Braille display users, take note! JAWS 12 lets you operate your computer from the Braille keyboard of any connected refreshable Braille display. Using the Braille keys, you can enter any character that would be entered through a standard QWERTY keyboard, and this includes all JAWS commands, too. If you're a whiz at Grade II Braille, you'll also be able to enter text in contracted Braille and have the result reverse-translated to text on the fly.
Finally, if you just can't seem to make your way around Office 2007 or 2010's new Office Fluent User Interface (OFUI) without getting frustrated and saying oh phooey!, JAWS 12 lets you choose whether to use the Office ribbon as is or to use a Virtual Ribbon interface that feels more like the old traditional Office menu system.
Stay tuned, and EmpowerTech will bring you the latest details on these and other exciting developments as we receive them.

Sendero Maps by Tom Lange

2010-07-23T12:27:00.001-07:00

Sendero Maps is the recently-released PC-based counterpart to the Sendero GPS software package that runs on a BrailleNote. I use Sendero GPS to keep track of where I am when I'm traveling around. Sendero Maps is essentially Sendero GPS in virtual mode. Using maps that Sendero gives you with the package, you can virtually explore any area on a map, calculate pedestrian or vehicle routes from point A to point B, as well as retrieve point-of-interest information. So, on the PC, I could open Sendero Maps, tell it that I'm located at 6234 W. 87th Street, calculate a route from here to an address such as 333 Wilshire Boulevard (a DOR office), , and explore the route. Or, I could doo a point-of-interest search for banks, schools, restaurants, or other points of interest and get addresses and phone numbers. Using the address info, I can set that as a destination and calculate how to get there. It's a great tool.

Still Living the American Dream...

2010-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Still Living the American Dream...

When Namundi and his wife set out for America in the early 70's life was filled with a bright kaleidoscope of dreams, a land of endless possibilities. He set his sights on progressing up the career ladder beginning as a bookkeeper for Weyerhaeuser Mortgage Company and before the company was sold ended up as the Vice President of the Mortgage Division.
Not one to rest on his laurels and loving the world of numbers he also held a variety of honorary positions with the West LA Chapter of the National Association of Accountants. In 2006, while working as a senior loan officer with Clarion Mortgage Capital Namundi noticed that something was happening with this eyesight, things were blurry and objects began to have halos around them.
Soon he was diagnosed with acute glaucoma in both eyes. In 2007, he was legally blind and the mortgage market had collapsed. I know what you are thinking, raise the white flag of surrender, give in, give up. Namundi did none of these things. You see Namundi loves numbers. He viewed the stats, weighed the odds, calculated with fierce determination that he would once again work with numbers. To help him win his independence back, is where EmpowerTech steps in. Over the course of several months in our Blind/Low Vision Program, Namundi has been reunited with his numbers. The kaleidoscope of dreams and endless possibilities don't end with the loss of eyesight, they begin again as they have with Namundi. Currently he is being vetted for a position as a disbursement officer with the FBI, yup that's right folks the FBI!

First PowerPoint Created Entirely by a Blind Person

2010-06-25T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Sky’s the Limit Powerpoint presentation was created using several devices and programs. The hardware included my Toshiba Laptop, a BrailleNote MPower note-taker and a Victor Reader Stream portable Daisy book reader/digital recorder. The software that I used included the JAWS for Windows screen reader version 11, Powerpoint 2007, Notepad, and version 1.3 of the freeware Audacity multi-track sound recorder/editor.

I began by creating a simple Powerpoint using a sampler set of four still photos of different phases of my skydive Each photo went into a single slide. I added title and/or descriptive text for each slide, then created the slide notes. I discovered that while creating the notes and running the presentation, JAWS wouldn’t read the slide notes aloud. . So for reviewing and editing, I transferred each slite’s notes to individual text files in Notepad, and transferred them to my BrailleNote note-taker.

I then read each file on my BrailleNote aloud and recorded the narrations on my Victor Reader Stream in MP3 format.
Next, I used Audacity to create four multi-track projects, one for each slide. Each project contained background music clips which were cut from various MP3’s in my collection of albums. I then imported an MP3 narration into each Audacity project, effectively dubbing in voice-over. After setting sound levels and adding effects like stereo phasing for the background music on slide 1 and repeat echo for part of the narration on slide 4, each project was exported to an MP3 file. The files were then inserted into their appropriate places in the Powerpoint presentation.
The end result is a multimedia Powerpoint presentation that, hopefully, is as fun to look at and listen to as it was for me to create. I thoroughly enjoyed the creation process and learned a lot in the bargain. The knowledge that I gained from this experience will be passed on to students in the future, and perhaps we’ll put together similar presentations as fun class projects.

2010-06-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
Lisa,came to EmpowerTech in mid-March. She first became aware of assistive technology in the late 1990s, after several years of increasing vision loss. The Zoomtext screen magnifier was instrumental in helping her perform a variety of computer-based administrative duties at a well-known charitable organization here in Los Angeles where she was employed for 28 years.

Three years after retiring from this organization, she decided to return to the work force and has come to EmpowerTech to refresh her computer and Zoomtext skills. She’s doing very well in the program, is enjoying herself tremendously, and her enthusiasm and hard work is an inspiration to her fellow students.

Blind DJ Keeps it Real

2010-03-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you're a rhythm and blues fan and you've been a listener to certain L.A. radio stations over the last ten years or so, chances are that you've probably heard Ken (not his real name). He's one of the guys who got you movin' and groovin' in the morning with all those hot jams that got your eyes open, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. He was one of the guys who played just the right tunes to take the tedium and frustration out of your long afternoon commute. And when the day melted down into a sleepy red glow and your wild desires started to show,
Ken made sure that the night time was the right time to be with the one you love, playin' those sweet songs, those straight-from-the-heart songs that put you in that special mood for that special someone.Ken's vision loss began back in 1997 and he became totally blind around the year 2000. In those days there were still knobs and switches, LP's and cartridges, so being a DJ wasn't that difficult for someone without vision. But as Ken adjusted to his blindness, the DJ technology changed too, from analog to digital, posing new challenges.Ken came to EmpowerTech recently, determined to learn to use computers with JAWS for Windows. His ultimate goal is
to use those new-found skills to get familiar with digital DJ technology and get back on the air. It will be a great day when we can hear that great music and that special radio voice of his once again.

Attorney uses AT at EmpowerTech

2010-02-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Chibuzo, (not his real name), was a practicing attorney in his country of origin. Although his legal practice was thriving, he found himself in ever-increasing danger, fearing for his life, for he and many others were part of a group of conscientious people who opposed his government in an effort to end human rights abuses perpetrated by the oppressive regime. When at last his position became untenable, he made sure that his wife and family were safe and well-cared for, then he came to the United States, sought and was granted political asylum. Today his future is still uncertain as he awaits a final ruling on whether he can stay and establish U.S. citizenship. In the meantime, he realized that he needed to obtain a law degree and pass the bar exam in order to set up another law practice, and, he needed to acquire good assistive technology and computer skills in order for him to reach those goals. This led him to EmpowerTech last spring. Though English was his second language, Chibuzo worked hard and graduated from EmpowerTech's Blind-Low Vision Training Program, having acquired a solid knowledge of JAWS for Windows, the computer environment in general, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet skills, all of which will serve him well in his efforts to pursue higher education and establish his career in the United States.

LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN FOR EMPOWERTECH’S “SKY’S THE LIMIT” SKYDIVING FUNDRAISER

2010-02-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

Disabled Students Among Scheduled Jumpers
February __, 2010—LOS ANGELES: EmpowerTech announced today that a team of jumpers will participate in the non-profit organization’s skydiving fundraiser, “Sky’s the Limit” on April 24, 2010 in Lake Elsninore, CA. EmpowerTech’s Director of Blind and Low Vision Services, Tom Lange, who is blind, will also make the jump and is planning to broadcast the experience on Twitter.

Only a limited number of spots remain for the jump. Individuals interested in jumping or in learning more about EmpowerTech, the only assistive technology center in Los Angeles that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, can visit www.empowertech.org.

The event, which is open to the public, requires individual jumpers to recruit friends, relatives, and colleagues to sponsor a jump by pledging money to support EmpowerTech. The minimum total pledge per jumper is $1,000 ($750 for students and persons with disabilities).

“Sky’s the Limit” begins with a first jump at 7:30 A.M. at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA, followed by 20 jumpers per hour throughout the day. All jumps will be “tandem” jumps with professionals from Lake Elsinore Skydive. On the ground there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and fun for the whole family.

Anderson stated, “We are so excited about Tom Lange’s decision to jump. He is an inspiration to us all and living proof that you can do ANYTHING with the right attitude and proper support. I am directing all of my fundraising efforts to sponsor Tom’s jump and I encourage the public to consider sponsoring a jumper, as well.“

Free On-line Banking Training at EmpowerTech

2009-12-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

OPEN ACCESS TRAINING SESSION (OATS)
Featuring: Online Banking Using JAWS for WINDOWS
Date and time: December 23, 2009

Are you nervous about giving assistants, friends, family members or relatives access to your checkbook and financial statements? Have you been ripped off? Would you like to be able to manage your financial affairs independently and privately? Nobody else but you needs to know about and participate in your financial business. Take charge!

For years, using their computers and an Internet connection, blind and visually-impaired people have managed their financial affairs independently and privately from the comfort and convenience of their homes and offices, and you can, too. Come to the next in a series of Open Access Training Sessions at EmpowerTech, to be held on December 23, 2009 from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Using online banking facilities at chase.com , we'll show you how to register, view account activity, add and update payees, pay bills and view payment history.

Annual Appeal!

2009-11-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

On behalf of the EmpowerTech Board of Directors, staff and our students, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season.

2009 has proven to be a trying year for most, including us here at EmpowerTech. We were faced with cutbacks across the all areas of giving and most importantly a decline in our fees for service. The good news is we were and are filled to capacity in all of our classrooms and receiving multiple program inquiries each day. Despite these obstacles, EmpowerTech once again triumphed. The start of our new fiscal year has brought positive energy and exciting gains in both our programs and our community foundation partnerships.

We would like to ask for your support to make it even more exciting and secure for our students. Just ask:

Mitch, a student who began in our Pre-school program and eventually moved into our TRADE program who is now working as a data entry clerk for the Los Angeles Mayor or

Devon, who has limited speech and motor skills and is able to communicate with his sister 2000 miles away via email by visiting our offices each week for FREE Open Access, his only opportunity to use the computer each week or

Sara, a blind and low vision student who has furthered her independence by learning Online Banking and is no longer reliant on others to access her personal financial information.

EmpowerTech programs are thriving and providing services to more people than ever. This year alone, over 2,400 people benefited from EmpowerTech services. We have an exciting children’s program that is designed to help children improve their overall school performance, a growing TRADE program teaching job and life skills to adult students, a free community Open Access Program has served over 300 individuals in 2009 and our Blind and Low Vision program currently has a waiting list of interested students. We have the staff, the tools, and the students, NOW WE NEED YOU!

Your support of EmpowerTech is critical to help us maintain our current programs and offer new programs. We couldn’t make a difference in LA without your support.

DONATE NOW

How we have impacted the future of our students

2009-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is from one of our TRADE student's mothers...
“You guys really deserve so much credit in regard to his maturing and growth, social skills and articulation. Before attending the TRADE program he was reclusive and didn’t want to communicate with others. I’m so thankful. He has so much respect for you. When someone shows Vernon how to do something on the computer, he says, ‘Eric said to do it this way.’ That’s all he’s been able to talk about. I’m thankful.”

Sarah's Story

2009-09-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

I think for most of us that are reading this message there are things that we take for granted: every day things; opening mail and reading it and paying bills with checks or through our on-line banking accounts. For most of the students here at EmpowerTech these things are done with assistance usually by another person. The following story will anger and appall you but I promise it has a very good ending.

The main character of this story is Sarah (not her real name for privacy purposes). Sarah is one of our recent Blind/Low-Vision program graduates, she is extremely independent and even more so after completing the program.
There were still a few things that she did need help with, primarily opening of her bills and then writing the checks. She did have a hired assistant who would come in a few hours a week to help her with this. Sarah and her got along very well and a trust began to form. For several months, a few hours a week, the assistant helped Sarah with her finances. Then one day by sheer luck, Sarah called her bank to check her balance. She was overdrawn and the check that the assistant wrote for her rent was going to bounce.
Very upset and beside herself she called Tom Lange, EmpowerTech's Blind/Low-Vision Director. Tom immediately calmed her down and helped her navigate along with her bank's assistance, the source of the overdraft, a check was forged by the assistant. The bank acknowledged the problem and replaced the funds.
A few days later and through a series of phone calls, Tom taught her how to use on-line banking.

You see there are things you and I take for granted; opening our mail, paying bills and on-line banking. But now because of EmpowerTech and Tom's help our Blind/Low-Vision students are all being taught and taking advantage of on-line banking even furthering their independence.

Student Comment about our TRADE Program

2009-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

In each quarterly TRADE progress report is a section for students to provide input. Some of the student comments are quite moving - such as the one in the report I am currently writing. The student is Christine - the tiny woman we often undoubtedly hear squealing with excitement when she experiences a success.

I think the class is fantastic. I'd love to continue as long as it takes me. As long as I will have my computer I will still come to class on Tuesdays. It will make me very smart!

1000 Empowering Moments

2009-07-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

EmpowerTech launches emergency fundraising campaign
We are calling this campaign 1000 Empowering Moments. Our goal is for 1000 people to give $100. We are looking to raise $100,000. These "Empowering" Moments are in addition to our daily Empowering Moments we get to witness in person. Devon, who has MS, and has been coming to EmpowerTech since he was a teenager, was diagnosed with MS a degenerative disease, that has slowly taken away all of his motor skills. For Devon having access to a computer and Head Mouse each Wednesday during our Open Access Lab is the only opportunity he has to send emails to his sister 3000 miles away. Please help us keep our doors open donate now

Orator for BlackBerry Smart Phones Coming Soon

2009-07-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

HumanWare is pleased to introduce Orator, its newest software solution Orator for BlackBerry SmartPhones is your BlackBerry® smartphone accessibility solution.A joint collaboration with Code Factory, the leading provider of screen reader technology and maker of Mobile Speak, and Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of the award winning portfolio of BlackBerry products and solutions, Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones is design to convert the information visually displayed on the device screen into voice output enabling people who are visually impaired to use BlackBerry smartphones to increase independence and productivity in today's competitive world. In today's world access to information on the go is key and highly related to the ability to communicate via portable mobile solution. The constant evolution of mass-market electronics has been providing more portability than ever before and smartphones are quickly becoming the predominant way that business professionals, individual consumers and students stay in touch with their friends, family and information while on the go. Unfortunately this mobile technology is more design for a sighted world and still creates accessibility challenges for people who are blind and visually impaired.Orator is unique screen reader software that brings your BlackBerry® smartphone to life using state of the art text to speech (TTS) technology with adjustable volume and speech rate to let you access and interact with the Smartphone applications. Orator converts the information presented visually on the device screen into intuitive and familiar speech output. Whether you are at work, home or on the go, Orator will let you manage your emails and contacts, make and receive calls, compose and read text messages and other features while on the go. Powered by Code Factory and design for the new generation of BlackBerry® smartphones with full QWERTY key board, Orator will provide you with a unique mobile communication experience. Orator provides you: •State of the art TTS engine voice output •Auto start mode when the device turns on •Full control over the speed and pitch of the voice •Different verbosity levels to allow users to define the amount of information provided •Keyboard echo settings for text entry •Easy to use command structure •Training mode to help familiarize yourself with the structure•Fully operational during a call •Multi language support •Support documentation on the device
HumanWare is pleased to introduce Orator, its newest software solution Orator for BlackBerry SmartPhones is your BlackBerry® smartphone accessibility solution.A joint collaboration with Code Factory, the leading provider of screen reader technology and maker of Mobile Speak, and Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of the award winning portfolio of BlackBerry products and solutions, Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones is design to convert the information visually displayed on the device screen into voice output enabling people who are visually impaired to use BlackBerry smartphones to increase independence and productivity in today's competitive world.In today's world access to information on the go is key and highly related to the ability to communicate via portable mobile solution. The constant evolution of mass-market electronics has been providing more portability than ever before and smartphones are quickly becoming the predominant way that business professionals, individual consumers and students stay in touch with their friends, family and information while on the go. Unfortunately this mobile technology is more design for a sighted world and still creates accessibility challenges for people who are blind and visually impaired.Orator is unique screen reader software that brings your BlackBerry® smartphone to life using state of the art text to speech (TTS) technology with adjustable volume and speech rate to let you access and interact with the Smartphone applications. Orator converts the information presented visually on the device screen into intuitive and familiar speech output. Whether you are at work, home or on the go, Orator will let you manage your emails and contacts, make and receive calls, compose and read text messages and other features while on the go. Powered by Code Factory and design for the new generation of BlackBerry® smartphones with full QWERTY key board, Orator will provide you with a unique mobile communication experience. Orator provides State of the art TTS engine voice output, Auto start mode when the device turns on, Full control over the speed and pitch of the voice, Different verbosity levels to allow users to define the amount of information provided, Keyboard echo settings for text entry, Easy to use command structure, Training mode to help familiarize yourself with the structure, Full operation during a call, Multi-language support, and Support documentation on the device

Serotek's Accessible Event and A New Release of Window-Eyes

2009-07-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Serotek has released Accessible Event, an online platform that makes group meetings ,webinars, lectures and other events accessible to the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind. It works with presentations designed in the Microsoft® Word, Excel®, and PowerPoint® or Adobe® Acrobat®, with those featuring displays in Microsoft Outlook®, or web pages in Serotek SAMNetâ„¢, Microsoft Internet Explorer® 7 or higher, or Mozilla® Firefox®, and with online meeting services such as Cisco WebEx, Citrix® GoToMeeting® and GoToWebinar®, Adobe Acrobat Connect®, Microsoft Live Meeting and more.
GW Micro is proud to announce the release of Window-Eyes 7.1 and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the public beta cycle. Your feedback helps make Window-Eyes the best it can be. Window-Eyes 7.1 is packed with features, including support for Windows 7, support for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7, enhanced Braille functionality, new scripting features for end users and script authors, and more. Window-Eyes 7.1 also continues to build on the foundation of stability, performance, and reliability. The unrivaled Window-Eyes Error Reporting feature has again proved itself invaluable, allowing resolution of a wide range of issues. GW Micro is committed to ensuring a stable computing environment so that you can get your job done, without worrying about crashes and unexpected reboots. You can rely on Window-Eyes. Read more about the features that Window-Eyes 7.1 offers at http://www.gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/Latest_Features.

News Bits and Bytes

2009-07-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Freedom Scientific announces that beginning in July, they will ship the new Focus 40 Blue braille display, which is more streamlined than earlier Focus displays and offers Bluetooth connectivity, for $4,495. To read the press release, click here.
Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) documents are becoming increasingly prevalent out there on the web, which is great if, for example, you’ve lost that dog-eared copy of the user’s guide for your mobile phone or you need to get an owner’s manual for a secondhand appliance that you bought on the cheap at eBay. While PDF documents are designed to look just like their hardcopy counterparts, trying to read them with JAWS or some other screen reader can be a dicey business for blind guys. Questions abound regarding which version of Adobe Reader works best and how to effectively use it with screen readers. To help solve these mysteries, the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) has produced a guide to accessing PDF documents. Entitled Screen reader access to PDF: a users guide, it covers a comprehensive array of topics including finding and configuring the proper version of Adobe Reader, reading PDF documents on web pages, saving them to your computer, navigation tips, conversion to other formats, and many more.

EmpowerTech Alumnus Mitchell Fink Joins Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa’s Staff

2009-06-10T16:41:00.001-07:00

Patience, focusing, determination, and faith have landed Empower Tech “alumnus” Mitchell Fink a position on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's staff!

Mitch sends a big thanks to Eric and Empower Tech staff for stressing the importance of learning

Mitch, who has a developmental disability, overcame his obstacle, through hard work and dedication, learned the computer skills necessary to perform his new job at City Hall during his time at EmpowerTech.

He looks forward to the trek downtown on Mondays and Thursdays. The bulk of his position is data entry. He enters certificate requests into a city database and updates any information such as due dates, how the certificates will be received, etc. Mitch is also responsible for filing these requests.

He has terrific bosses and is honored to know our very own Mayor Villaraigosa!

Amber and Best Buddies agency, which were initally contacted by Tawnie at WRC, landed Mitch this incredible job, and provide a great coach, Ashley, to mentor him for now.

EmpowerTech Luncheon June 23rd

2009-05-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

When life gives you lemons you make lemonade. Recently we had to cancel our annual gala. I must be honest, never in all of my years in non-profit fundraising have I had to cancel an event, so this was a tough one for me to do. In some ways it was akin to me admitting defeat, throwing in the towel to this economy, and realizing that I am not superwoman. But the flip side to this is that I make one mean glass of lemonade! Due to the cancellation we were going to loose our deposit with the hotel, I WAS NOT going to let that happen! So I turned it around and created an 'educational' luncheon. In addition to a delicious lunch and supporting EmpowerTech. For $50.00 you will have the opportunity to learn from labor and employment law attorney Alfred Klein. Mr. Klein’s provocative and interactive program will dispel some of the misconceptions about labor issues pertaining to the employment of individuals with disabilities.Those who attend will receive their CRE and their MCLE. And yes we will be serving lemonade!
For more information contact our office 310-338-1597

All I Ever Needed to Learn I Learned at a Preschool During an AT Class

2009-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

It is not everyday that you get to spend the morning with a group a preschoolers, well at least for me it's not. Judy will be leaving on vacation before the school year is over and we needed someone to cover her Tuesday morning AT classes. Without realizing I was uttering the words; "I'll do it" I had in fact said, "I can do it. (big question forming in my mind) I can handle a few of her classes while she's gone". They're just kids right? Images of the Little Engine That Could starting forming in my mind and for a week that was my mantra; I think I can, I think I can. You see I don't have any children and I have limited experiences with preschool children, you know the kind...ice cream outings, weekends and overnighters. I have however, been very fortunate to spend time with Judy and Melody assisting them in their various preschool AT classes. The key word here is, "assisting". So yesterday morning I found myself standing in front of one of the schools we work with in Santa Monica waiting for the doors to open so I could introduce myself to 19 preschoolers. Thank heavens Judy was there, she is so wonderfully patient, kind and passionate about her work and her students, I thought to myself how can I possibly fill in for her? I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. We worked with an inclusion class yesterday, this means that both children with special needs and typical children learn side by side...the way it should be. I could go on and on about the little successes I saw yesterday under Judy’s tutelage but I want to keep your attention so I will just tell you about Jack and Jill (not their real names).
I do know that some special needs kids don't take to new people very well and Judy let me know that Jill would probably be one of them. Jill entered the classroom with her teacher and proceeded to stick right by her side until Judy introduced us. I smiled at this little girl with the perfect big blue eyes accentuated by her purple glasses and fell in love. The itty-bitty child paused for a few moments before letting go of her teacher’s hand and then came to sit in-between Judy and I, in front of the laptop on the table. She looked over at me and petted my arm; her teacher told me that this doesn't happen often so apparently Jill liked me too. A year ago Jill had problems walking, she is not verbal and uses sign language to communicate. Today she walks and runs, still uses sign language but I know that in a few years she will be talking up a storm. Judy and she practiced on click and double click with the mouse (part of the computer skills that are taught by Judy and Melody). When her time was up she stood up and looked at both Judy and I and I know if she could have spoken she would have said thank you. Next up to the computer was Jack. Jack is severely disabled due to lack of oxygen at birth. His assistant a brilliantly jovial woman, who believes in Jack and thinks Judy is the sun shining in his life, began singing praises of our Judy and the program. Jack is in a wheelchair, has limited mobility and very poor eyesight and his assistant has to hold his head straight so he can see the computer. Jack is one of the most beautiful blond haired, huge soft-eyed little boys I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Judy diligently started working with Jack on his attention to the screen and single clicking. Very soon Jill came back to the table and wanted to be involved in the lesson. First she sat on Judy's lap and reached over to pet Jack arm, she moved behind him to sit on Jack's assistants lap again reaching over to pet Jack's arm as though she was encouraging him to click the mouse even going as far pressing his hand to a few times. Due to Jack's medications he timed out after 5 minutes. As his assistant was pushing him away from the table, little Jill slid underneath her arms and helped push his wheelchair. There are no words to describe the course of emotions that ran through me in those few short seconds but I do know this. I went to a preschool yesterday and met these 2 beautiful special needs children, that most in the world would see as disabled but to me they are more abled than most. Hence I have changed my mantra to I KNOW I can. I learned this at on a Tuesday morning at a preschool in Santa Monica during an AT class.

From Tom, the Tech Guy: BARD IS HERE!

2009-05-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download page, here! Now officially out of its pilot phase as of yesterday, April 30, 2009, the National Library Service of the Library of Congress has made all of its thousands of digitally recorded talking books available for download through BARD, free of charge to all blind and visually-impaired U.S. citizens with access to a computer, an Internet connection and a digital talking book player such as Humanware's Victor Reader Stream or Plextor's Plextalk Pocket DAISY book player/recorder.
After filling out a simple online application at the Bard website, readers will receive e-mails containing a user name and password as well as a user key which must be installed on their digital book player in order to enable playing of recorded content. Having completed this process, readers may log into BARD and access NLS's catalog of talking books and magazines.
Sporting a simple, no-frills user interface, BARD lets readers search the catalog by keywords such as an author's name or book title, or, if browsing is more to their liking, readers can peruse lists of recently-added books or the complete catalog organized by author, title or subject. Using these methods, it's easy, then, to locate available titles by such authors as Patricia Cornwell, Nelson De Mille or John Grisham, for example, to browse the humor section and locate titles by Tim Allen or Dave Barry, or peruse the music section and find Room Full of Mirrors, Charles Cross's biography of Jimi Hendrix, a must-read for Jimi fans.
In the magazine section, readers can obtain current issues of their favorite magazines such as Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction, Bon Appetit, Contemporary Soundtrack, National Geographic or Sports Illustrated, to name just a few. Back issues of these magazines are available there as well.
Tired of waiting days or even weeks for a talking book or magazine to arrive in your mailbox, only to find that a tape's missing or all snarled up? Go see the Bard and download your book or magazine in mere minutes! Transfer it from your computer to your digital book player and you're good to go! How cool is that?
BARD

Switches and Scanning

2009-04-22T18:46:00.001-07:00

The following is brought to you by:
Judy Nahman-StoufferAssistive Technology Educational SpecialistProjects Coordinator
EmpowerTech
When an individual cannot operate a mouse to access the computer, there is assistive technology to help them. If they can move any part of their body, a SWITCH and SCANNING can help them open a program, use the menu, surf the internet and type.Switches: Devices that enable the user to direct computer operations by means of a single action—such as a tap of a finger (or a toe).Scanning: A colored marker moves across the choices in a pattern. The individual hits the switch when the marker is at the selection they want to choose.Try virtual scanning yourself:University of Washington, Dept. of Speech & Hearing Sciences
Come to EmpowerTech for Open Access Wednesdays 3:30-6pm to actually try a switch and scanning.Come to OATS (Open Access Training Session) April 29th and May 27th

Posted by Tom, the Tech Guy: MathDaisy Release 1.0 Announced

2009-04-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

The following announcement comes from Neil Soiffer, Senior Scientist at Design Science, Inc.

We at Design Science are happy to announce the release of our newest product, MathDaisy. Many educational institutions now require teachers, instructors, and professors to make classroom materials accessible to students with disabilities. MathDaisy makes it possible to save Microsoft Word documents containing equations as a DAISY book that can be read by students on a personal computer or a dedicated eBook reader. The press release has been published on our website at http://www.dessci.com/en/company/press/releases/090413.htm

Our hope is that MathDaisy together with Word's Save as DAISY makes it easy enough to publish DAISY "books" with math in them that anyone can, and more importantly, will create accessible material to give to their students, colleagues, etc.

Neil Soiffer
Senior Scientist
Design Science, Inc.

Congratulations, Carrie!

2009-04-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go out today to Carrie, a recent graduate of EmpowerTech’s Blind/Low Vision Computer Training Program who completed her training as of March 31, 2009.
Carrie came to EmpowerTech in the latter half of 2008, from a blue-collar background with jobs including, among other things, sheet metal work in shipyards. Her vision loss began in 2003 as the result of myopathy related to multiple sclerosis and culminated in complete blindness in 2007. After hearing about assistive technology for the blind, specifically the JAWS for Windows screen reader, she recognized the potential for computers to enable her to pursue postsecondary vocational training. After a brief stint at the Davidson Program for Independence (DPI) at Junior Blind of America, she came to EmpowerTech and set about learning JAWS, becoming computer-literate and mastering the essentials of Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail with Microsoft Outlook and use of the Internet. She was hard-working, diligent and focused, showing good initiative in a number of areas. Where Excel can send even sighted people running from the room with an attack of the screaming heeby-jeebies, Carrie not only finished the Excel component of the program well ahead of her classmates, she took on extra projects of her own design, even reveling in it. She quickly realized the liberating potential of the Internet in terms of enhancing her personal independence and productivity and, at the first indications that she was ready, began online banking and one of her favorite activities: shopping.
It's easy for many people, even those without any sort of disability, to go through life looking only after themselves, doggedly pursuing their particular goals and personal agendas with little regard for others. Despite her two significant physical issues, multiple sclerosis and resulting blindness, Carrie went about her business with a quiet strength, determination, dignity and grace. Fueled by a desire to be the best that she could be, both for herself and for others, she acted as a mentor to classmates in need, explaining and helping them to understand difficult concepts or methods of doing things when instructors were unavailable to provide assistance. Not only did this provide welcome relief for the instructors at times, but it also fostered a sense of teamwork which proved beneficial to all involved.
Now that Carrie has completed the training program, she has immediately set new goals for herself. Her first goal is to master reading and writing Braille. At a time when only 10 percent of the blind population chooses to learn Braille, this is a laudable undertaking that, if achieved, will pay massive dividends to her in terms of literacy, personal productivity and the joy of the simple pleasure of leisure reading.
Secondly, unlike many blind people who feel compelled to pursue training for the "job du jour" promoted by many rehabilitation agencies throughout the country, Carrie wants to undertake vocational training that's in line with one of her passions: cooking or baking. Toward that end, she plans to enroll in culinary arts courses next fall at a local school.
We congratulate Carrie on her graduation, extend heartfelt thanks to her for all that she has done for her fellow classmates, and we wish her every success in all of her future endeavors.

Zoomtext Version 9.18 Released

2009-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

AI Squared, makers of the Zoomtext Magnifier and Zoomtext Magnifier/Reader, have announced the release of Zoomtext version 9.18. Highlights of this new release include a major tune-up that provides improved performance across the board, a cool new feature called Smooth Panning (patent pending) that allows you to comfortably navigate your applications without all that abrupt jumping around in the magnified view, Zoomtext scripting support for all Zoomtext licenses, and support for Windows Vista 64-bit Edition.

Already own ZoomText 9.1? If so, just go to www.aisquared.com/updates to download the free update!

Still using ZoomText 9.0 or earlier? No problem. Low cost upgrades start at just $75 for ZoomText Magnifier and $99 for ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. To place your order, call your local Zoomtext distributor or Ai Squared toll-free at (800) 859-0270.

Congratulations, Cheryl!

2009-04-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order for Cheryl, who completed the Blind/Low Vision training program at EmpowerTech as of March 31, 2009.

Cheryl came to EmpowerTech in the latter part of 2008. Before losing most of her vision due to diabetic retinopathy, she had been employed as a data entry clerk, with additional light clerical and phone receptionist responsibilities. After becoming aware of assistive technology, she sought training first at Braille Institute, moved on to the Davidson Program for Independence (DPI) at Junior Blind of America, and came to EmpowerTech for additional up-to-date training in the use of the Zoomtext screen magnifier and Microsoft Office applications. Prior experience with Windows-based computers served her well, for it wasn't long before she quickly mastered the essentials of the Zoomtext screen magnifier and a keyboard-based approach to computer navigation. Her touch typing skills, which were good at the start of the program, became formidable and, as a fellow student once described, “absolutely awe-inspiring”. Like many of EmpowerTech's better students, she was
hard-working, diligent and focused, showing unusual initiative by going beyond the scope of the program's curriculum to explore more esoteric aspects of Word and Excel. She quickly realized the potential of computers and the Internet to free herself from the drudgery of performing a number of personal day-to-day paber-based tasks with only a magnifying glass and embraced the convenience and benefits of such things as online shopping and banking.
Though she has some apprehension about trying to rejoin the work force in today's tough economic climate, she's eager to go back to work as a customer service representative or receptionist/clerk with her newly-acquired skills. We applaud her efforts in this regard and wish her every success in all of her future endeavors.

Joan's Personal Thank You

2009-04-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

The first letter that any new Executive Director writes is always the hardest. The reasons are many: will they like my writing style without placing too much emphasis on the grammatical, will my words convey what I want to express without upsetting anyone, and will they even read my words. Here’s what I think, words matter. I think that we are as a nation fumbling for the language of the current times, but I have the perfect two little words. Thank You. If I were asked last year about becoming the leader of a team of assistive technology professionals my first word would be, what? I had no idea what assistive technology was. But I do now. And for this I say thank you to my team. Thank you Ally, for taking a chance with me and seeing what I saw in our student’s eyes, what an amazing development department we now have. Thank you Judy, for your passion, your strength to set out into our community with your lessons; touching not only our preschoolers every day but their parents as well. Thank you Eric for your endurance, patience and familiarity with your students that you see every day during TRADE, you have taught not only them but me as well. Thank you Bruce and Tom for always amazing me that even without full eyesight you have taught your students through touch to see the world differently, completely. Thank you Melody, for your guidance that you give our preschool students through your body language, I have learned much through shadowing you, I have never met anyone who can teach so well without words. Thank you, Chris for accepting a new challenge and jumping in so quickly to our daily routine, the students have taken to you very quickly. Thank you Joanne, for your knowledge, your compassion, being the overall keeper of the mission of EmpowerTech, it is true without you my words would not be on the page right now.

2008 EmpowerTech DVD

2009-04-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks for to generosity of the Ahmanson Foundation we were able to have our first professionally produced DVD.

Clip from Tom's Interview With Luke Ford...Does Blindness Enhance other Senses?

2009-04-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

[Luke Ford]One question for publication:

I had this sense during our interview that your blindness enables you to see people, in some ways, more clearly than the sighted. That your blindness enhances many of your other senses. Is this true?

[Tom Lange]

It's interesting that you would say that. Perhaps that's because it seemed that I was more tuned in to you as we were talking and not distracted by the visual. It is a common misconception that blind people's remaining senses are innately sharper and that some blind people have some sort of "sixth sense". The latter, in my view, is somewhat ludicrous. It is true, that our remaining senses can and do become sharper, but they aren't innately so. Rather, they become that way out of necessity. In other words, whenvision decreases or is lost altogether, there's no physiological "magic switch" that is thrown which immediately cranks up the other senses into overdrive. Instead, touch, hearing and smell become heightened because we use them more to gather clues about our environment. There are, however, physiological aspects to this that become apparent over time. Laboratory studies now show that when the visual cortex of the brain becomes idle following vision loss at an early age, the brain will, over time in effect "rewire itself", so that the visuall cortex, or portions of it, may be assigned the task of auditory processing to supplement the capabilities of the existing auditory centers. If vision is restored later in life, as was the case with Michael May, the person will be ill-equipped to process visual images and may in fact have to "learn to see" all over again, with varying degrees of success.
Interesting, eh?

2009-04-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

The latest incremental upgrade to JAWS for Windows version 10 from Freedom Scientific features a 64-bit version of the screen reader as well as the ability to specify which sound card will be used for JAWS speech if you are using more than one on your system.
Humanware has announced two handheld electronic
magnifiers. the Smartview Versa has a 4.3-inch screen, 5-15x magnification and a rechargeable battery. The Smartview Versa+ has
all that and also plays music, shows videos and has an sd-card slot for storing material.
Humanware has announced Orator, a screen reader for the Blackberry Smartphone.
Humanware has also announced the new release of Victor Reader Stream, version 3 and the Stream Companion Software, with a new look. The new Stream, now available for download, allows you to search for text in text-based documents, has improved
navigation and file management, and lets you keep two synthesized voices available on the unit in the English version.
T&T Consultancy Ltd is excited to announce the upcoming release of
Say-Magic, a computing solution intended to provide improved access for individuals with low vision and learning challenges who wish to benefit from the advantages of speech input technology and display management technology. Say-MAGic brings together Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version 10 from Nuance Communications and version 11 of the MAGic screen-reader/magnifier from Freedom Scientific. While the product integrates these two applications, it also presents the user with an easy to understand interface enabling interaction with the computer using natural language and easy to remember and understand vocabulary.

Web News on Demand Accessable to the Blind by Tom the Tech Guy...

2009-04-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Baltimore, Maryland (March 31, 2009):
NFB-NEWSLINE®, the largest electronic newspaper
service in the world for blind and print-disabled
Americans, is pleased to announce the launch of
NFB-NEWSLINE® Online
(www.nfbnewslineonline.org).
Through NFB-NEWSLINE® Online's groundbreaking
features, subscribers can enjoy both an enhanced
experience in reading the news and dramatically
increased flexibility in how they choose to
access their favorite publication's content.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, said: "The NFB-NEWSLINE®
service was created so that blind people could
benefit from independent access to information on
world news and hometown events in the same way
that our sighted colleagues can. The new
features offered by NFB-NEWSLINE® Online are an
extension of this service's ability to allow
independent and flexible access to news content
by the blind. I am very proud of the increased
choice and convenience that initiatives like Web
News on Demand and NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket
provide to NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers."

Open Access Training Sessions (OATS)

2009-02-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

For many years, our center has offered individuals with disabilities “open access” to our computer lab for several hours each week. During Open Access hours, individuals use the Internet, try AT devices, reinforce their computer skills, or play games on the computer. Currently, Open Access is offered on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 6:00.

Soon we will offer Open Access Teaching Sessions (OATS). The last Wednesday of every month, a guest speaker will present information on a topic of interest during our Open Access hours. Information about the OATS schedule will be made available on our website.

Assistive Technology News, Brought to you by Tom, the Tech Guy

2009-02-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Code Factory Releases version 2.1 of Mobile Speak Smartphone and Mobile Speak Pocket, with support for more than 15 new devices, full support for Windows Mobile 6.1, support for the new Bookshare format and many more new features.
For details, see the Code Factory home page.

Users of the world-renowned Sendero GPS package who have not yet upgraded to version 5.0, the most recent release, may do so for half price during the remainder of February. For details, see the Sendero Group Home Page.

Humanware is pleased to announce KeySoft version 8.0, the latest upgrade to the KeySoft software suite. Version 8.0 will be available for mPower and PK platforms in March. KeySoft 8.0 requires one count of a Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA).

HumanWare strives to offer its customers and partners the best customer and technical support in the industry. To improve service to its customers across the US, HumanWare will move its support from Concord California to Canada over the next two months. The goal is to integrate its support infrastructure into one unified organization for the Americas.
See the Humanware Home Page for details.

Welcome to the EMPOWERTECH Blog

2009-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

As we seek to raise EmpowerTech's public profile, we are launching the new EmpowerTech blog. Check back frequently for news from the organization, profiles of our staff and the wonderful people we serve, and commentary about trends in technology, news, and the world that impact EmpowerTech and the people we serve.

As part of the blog, we are building a "Link List" that appears on the right-hand side of the page. Please submit ideas and suggestions for other interesting sites that cover technology, assistive technology, and issues related to persons with disablities, so we can add to our growing list of sites.

Be well,

Joan