How the iPhone changed the life of a blind user forever

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Cell Phones, Design, Software

We were just sent a pretty awesome story about a blind users first week with the iPhone that we just had to share. For those unfamiliar, the iPhone has some pretty extensive and amazing accessibility features aimed at blind users that helps them use the seemingly impossible to navigate (without sight) device. I’ve seen those features in action, but of course, I’m able to see…so it’s hard for me to judge them in practical use, despite coming easy feeling like Apple did a great job in planning their accessibility features.

Now we get to hear first-hand what the iPhone can do for the blind. Even more impressive than just acting as a phone and testing device, the right apps are able to offer insights into the world that the blind have never had easy access to. Particularly awesome is the part about the app that uses the iPhone camera to tell you what colors the phone is “seeing.” You’ll have to read it for yourself to get the full picture.

The one glaring problem? The fact that Apple forces you to use iTunes with the device, which is apparently a chore for the blind. Hell, it’s hard enough for a sighted person to get through that mess.

Read More | Behind the Curtain

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GM Plans Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Science, Transportation

AM General, the company that makes the Hummer H2 for GM, is hoping to make wheelchair-accessible vehicles by 2010. The car will be made for the U.S. and Canada and will include an automatic ramp that will be able to handle wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobile devices. They say they already have reservations for 3,500 units. Since GM has mentioned that other parties might be interested in its Hummer brand, it will be interesting to see if this will be another carrot or a last ditch effort by the company to keep those gas-hogs on the road.

Read More | Detroit News

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ChesterCreekTech’s Extra Large Keyboards Make Typing Easier

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, PC / Laptop, Peripherals

Know someone who is sight-impaired? You might want to alert them to ChesterCreekTech’s oversized “VisionBoard2” keyboard, with giant 1” keys (black on white or black on yellow) for easier readabililty and lessened eyestrain. The company also has an equally large version for kids, “The Kinderboard”, with color-coded punctuation marks, consonants and vowels, to aid in learning the alphabet. We don’t know if these are the first keyboards of their kind, but they’re definitely welcome additions to the tech world. The VisionBoard2 is available for $90 USD, while the Kinderboard retails for $80 USD.

Read More | Chester Creek Tech via Chip Chick

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