Another Round of Applause for Assistive Technology!

Posted by Carl Augusto on 1/25/2007 5:21:14 PM

Guest Blogger, Paul Schroeder, VP, Programs & Policy

Today I am blogging from the Assistive Technology Industry Association's (ATIA) annual conference in Orlando, Florida. This year's conference is especially exciting for me because I am participating in the presentation of ATIA Triumph Stories. These stories showcase the many ways that assistive technology enables those of us with disabilities to live independent, fulfilling lives pursuing our work, interests, and dreams.

Thanks to dedicated and creative technology developers, I can independently and successfully navigate the ocean of print information. Like other working professionals, I rely on a personal computer, but I use a screen reader to convert the text that normally appears on the screen into speech. I also use a PDA, except that mine has braille and speech output. My cellphone also has a text to speech converter so that I can use all of the features, like the address book, missed calls, text messaging, etc. And I also use a small portable reader/MP3 player for work and fun.

Being able to stay in touch with my family and download The Washington Post daily is just as important as staying current with job responsibilities. It is so important to spread the message that there is technology available to help people with vision loss, and other disabilities, maintain a productive and healthy lifestyle. After hearing the ATIA Triumph Stories, I hope the attendees feel more informed and confident, and maybe even a little inspired.

Re: Another Round of Applause for Assistive Technology!
Posted by percy chavez on 7/17/2008 8:25:57 PM

It's very interesting of having assistive technology ability in the world for people that are blind.

Re: Another Round of Applause for Assistive Technology!
Posted by F Bruce on 2/15/2007 9:43:03 PM

Could you please advise me which PDA has speech output. This would be so convenient

Re: Another Round of Applause for Assistive Technology!
Posted by Jake on 2/1/2007 4:25:24 PM

Assistive technology has enabled me to do tons of things too. I am just one of many, I believe, who has more or less been left out in the cold in terms of trying to find a job though. I am a JAWS user and have been for several years, and one of the things I really like about JAWS is extreme versatility. Quite honestly I don't know what I'd do without JAWS. I truly believe I could be very productive in a work environment.

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