ADAPTECHGBC: iOS App Offers Access for People with Print Disabilities

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

iOS App Offers Access for People with Print Disabilities

NFB-NEWSLINE(R), a free audible newspaper service for people with print disabilities, announced the launch of an exciting new access method.

NFB-NEWSLINE(R) Mobile, a free iOS application now available in the Apple App Store, features the text of over three hundred newspapers, forty magazines, and wire feeds, plus personalized television listings. This breakthrough access method will allow NFB-NEWSLINE(R) subscribers to easily view online and download their favorite publications with their iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), said: “NFB-NEWSLINE(R) has made another groundbreaking advance with NFB-NEWSLINE(R) Mobile. It is easy to learn, simple to use, powerful, and practical for today’s mobile computing environment. Now blind and print-disabled people have a wealth of information, available to them at their fingertips, which can be quickly and easily accessed throughout the day.”

“We are proud to offer our subscribers this new exciting mobile iOS application that allows them access to their favorite publications at home, while traveling to work, in the classroom, or in the office. If you’re looking for news from around the corner or from around the globe, NFB-NEWSLINE(R) Mobile can help you quickly find it,” said Scott White, director of the NFB-NEWSLINE(R) program for the National Federation of the Blind.

David DeNotaris, a blind professional, said: “Access equals success, and we have access to more newspapers, magazines and TV listings then ever before! So far I’ve used NFB-NEWSLINE(R) Mobile at the pool, on the treadmill, on the train, while waiting for breakfast at the diner, and I am sure lots of other places to come! I really enjoy my iPhone, and now that NFB-NEWSLINE(R) is on it, I can’t put it down! Great job, NFB-NEWSLINE(R) team!”

NFB-NEWSLINE(R) allows those who cannot read conventional newsprint due to a visual or physical disability to access publications as well as television and job listings over the telephone, on the Web, or by download to digital talking book players or MP3-playing devices.

For more information about NFB-NEWSLINE(R), visit www.nfbnewsline.org .

Source: National Federation of the Blind
http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/

WHAT IS ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

“Adaptive Technology refers to any item, piece of equipment, or product system, modified or customized, that is used to increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence. (29 U.S.C. Sec 22202).”

Adaptive Technology truly "opens the door" to life for people with disabilities. Moreover, it helps to compensate for the effects of disability such as loss of speech, paralysis, and visual impairment, cognitive problems, in an active and positive manner. It places the focus not on what is lost but on what is possible...what is constructive...what can be done! (Buning, 2008).”

Individuals with learning disabilities often have difficulty with skills that others take for granted. Reading, listening, organizing information or writing skills may improve significantly from the use of assistive technology.