Chris Leckness

Now the blind can use a Windows Mobile Powered device.

Code Factory, the leader in accessible solutions for mainstream mobile devices, presents Mobile Speak Pocket: A full-fledged screen reader that provides innovative access to mobile devices powered by the Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone editions of the Windows Mobile operating system. Allowing navigation of the interface and use of applications on mainstream personal digital assistants (PDAs) and PDA phone hybrid devices, Mobile Speak Pocket (MSP) brings portable computing for the blind and visually impaired to a new level of accessibility.

Enjoy unparalleled access to the applications on a Pocket PC device including, but not limited to, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, File Explorer, Pocket Internet Explorer, Messaging for both SMS and e-mail, Pocket MSN Messenger, PPC Phone application, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Notes, and Windows Media Player

Running these websites, I have encountered several members that are blind. I wondered how a blind person gets along on the internet. One of these members shared some info that there are text to speech solution that give these folks this ability. There is even a way for me to make my websites more friendly for them. Unfortunately, the image verification system that my sites use make it difficult for the blind. If anyone emails me, I will manually create an account for them like I have done 2 other times.

Source : Code Factory via Jason Langridge's WebLog

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Chris Leckness, Microsoft MVP Windows Mobile

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ljkelman

This is very interesting news Chris.

My daughter has a visual impairment – Juvenile Macular Dystrophy – and even though she is only six she will,in time, benefit from the more recent advances in technology. Given her age though, and the prohibitive cost of specialist software for windows based PC’s and of Low Vision Aids, we have tried to focus more on manipulating text and images on our home PC but this type of software could make a big difference.

Thanks for posting this topic – it gives me something to investigate that is portable, which can easily be used at both school and home and most importantly is affordable.

Slainte.

WTCC

Interesting information. :approve:

I have a friend who is visually impaired. He works full-time in a job that involves lots of responsibilities. His computer is, like everyone else, a essential tool for him to be able to do his job. He mainly uses a program called Jaws (I believe). It basically reads out loud everything on his screen. He has recently purchased a new home computer but had to opt out of getting Windows Vista because it is not compatible (not yet at least) with the Jaws program. I find it really interesting that windows mobile could offer someone like him another alternative and that handhelds may be more advanced (in this area) than his home pc. Thanks for the info. I shall pass it along.

kalina34

I currently work as an assitive technology instructor for the blind and visually impaired and this really caught my eye and I think its awesome that you offered to help blind/VI users to sign up by emailing you to avoid the verification process that is often difficult for those users.I will be sure to share this site more with some of my more tech savvy students. we have another device at work I keep meaning to test out that makes the axim (and others too I believe )makes it accessible. I will be checking out mobile speak some more tomorrow!

kalina34

oh and just as an Fyi-one of the common computer program that is used Jaws as someone mentioned and another is zoom text which is more for low vision. I am by no means an expert in either but I do teach them and would be happy answer any question I could.

aedmunds7

I am blind & it is good to know that someone will help with the verification process; my son has to do this for me & this program seems to be a great aid. Thanks for giving!!

sgtommyc

This kind of apps do have a big WOW factor, and one can only wonder why it's not been made a long time ago?

Last week a a Scandinavian firm announced a helper for people with reading difficulties, it combines the build in camera, in most cellphone devices, with a Caracter recognicer engine, and a speech engine. The user takes a picture of the text (sign, poster, document), then the programe reads the text out loud, is that sweet or what?

Now we only need a programe, that can read signlanguage, via the camera, and translate it to speech :)

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Tommy C
Aka.TOCA

I'm not always right, but I'm never wrong
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gasusan2005

Thanks for the info Chris. I have helped others with Zoom and Jaws on their PCs. It's good to hear they have something to aid them in using the ppc!

Susan