Adaptive Technology Lab is Now Available! The Newsletter of the Oakland County Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired The Magnifier Fall 2006 The LVPI is pleased to announce our Dryer Computer Lab is open. There are three PCs available. Each PC has the following adaptive technology: JAWS Professional screen-reader software; Zoomtext with Speech Magnification software; FreedomBox Internet, E-mail and More software. One PC has a Video Eye Magnifier. A second PC has a scanner and a Braille Display device. A third has a Braille Printer with Duxbury Braille Translation software. Computers are available for use during library hours. It is recommended users have knowledge of the software, as library staff cannot provide training. For information on training, please see the articles below. We are pleased to have been the beneficiaries of such fine technology that assists our patrons. See page 3 for the lab’s dedication ceremony information. Computer Training Available for Adaptive Technology ACT Accessible Computer Training Sponsored by Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the LVPI. Free basic computer training program for new users, including introduction to the keyboard, the Internet and e- mail. Lessons are one hour per week with an individual peer tutor. To enroll, please call the library at 248-858-5050 or 1-800-774-4542. Trainers will then call you to schedule an appointment. eBlind! Sponsored by area Lions Clubs and the Oakland County Library Board. Free professional instruction is available every other Thursday from 1—5 p.m. for beginning to advanced computer training. Class descriptions are available by calling the LVPI. Classes can also be customized to fit your needs. Private lessons and in- home training also available for a fee. To schedule an appointment, please contact instructor John Whitacre at 1-888-325-4631 Fall 2006 Focus on Adaptive Technology What is FreedomBox? FreedomBox is a voice-controlled, Internet access device. It combines the power of a top-of-the-line audio output interface with high quality voice recognition to give users the power to control a properly equipped personal computer using nothing but voice commands. The brains of the FreedomBox are contained in the FreedomBox E-Mail Voice software package that can be loaded onto any suitably configured computer. Command Example How Does FreedomBox Work? Computer: What do you FreedomBox connects to the Internet through a want to do? portal called FreedomBox Network. The User: Send an e-mail. network provides all the access functionality of Computer: Okay. Who do an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and brings you want to send an e- together the most desired Internet-based mail to? services: e-mail; chat groups; shopping; news; User: Mom weather; entertainment options; direct links to Computer: Please say government and service organization sites; your e-mail message now. financial services and more. User: Hi, Mom. I can Who would use FreedomBox? send you e-mail without FreedomBox Network delivers Internet access touching the keyboard! for people who, in the past, have faced (Pause to end e-mail.) enormous barriers in accessing Internet-based Computer: What do you services. Internet accessibility opens up want to do? employment , educational, and other highly User: Send e-mail. desired information and services. Computer: Okay. E-mail sent to Mom. Where Can I use FreedomBox? FreedomBox is available for use during business hours at the Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired. Where Can I learn to use FreedomBox? Contact eBlind! instructor John Whitacre at 1-888-325-4631. Appointments are available every other Thursday between 1—5 p.m. The eBlind! room is located in the same building as the LVPI. Page 2 Fall 2006 Calendar of Events Book Club Discussion Wednesday, January 31, 2006 1:00—3:00 p.m. The Snow by Orhan Pamuk RC 50614 Poet Ka returns to Turkey after years of exile in Germany. While trying to rekindle romance with a childhood friend he investigates the suicides of several young women forbidden to wear headscarves to school. Meanwhile, a blizzard cuts off the town and a military coup occurs. Some descriptions of sex and some violence. Bestseller. 2002. Marley and Me by John Grogan RC 61561 and LP 11694 A columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer reminisces about the untrainable Labrador Retriever that he and his wife acquired as Florida newlyweds. Recalls Marley's hilarious escapades and his capacity for love as the Grogans become the parents of three kids. Bestseller. 2005. Note: Books for the discussion are duplicated based on book club registration. New and previous attendees should call us to sign up for the discussion, and we will then send copies to you. Dryer Computer Lab Dedication Ceremony Wednesday, December 13, 2006 3:00 — 4:30 p.m. Please join us as we dedicate our new assistive technology computer lab to its benefactor The Estate of Edward T. and Ellen K. Dryer in the LVPI 1200 N. Telegraph Road West Wing Extension, Building 14 East Pontiac, MI 48341 Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 6, 2006 248-452-9472 Refreshments will be served Page 3 OAKLAND COUNTY LIBRARY FOR THE VISUALLY & PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED PHONE: 248-858-5050 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-774-4542 FAX: 248-858-9313 TTY: 248-452-2247 OAKLAND COUNTY LIBRARY FOR THE FREE MATTER VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED FOR THE BLIND 1200 NORTH TELEGRAPH DEPT 482 OR PONTIAC MI 48341 HANDICAPPED