Dan's Ease of Access Blog

Is Kinect for Windows the future for Assistive Technology?

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:19:45 GMT

With the announcement of availability of Kinect for Windows on Feb 1st, I thought it would be a great time to share some of the great possibilities that exist for the world of assistive technology. Here is a link to a project focused on the opportunity Kinect presents in the world of education.

Making Learning More Interactive and Fun for Young Children

Wiimote wheelchair control

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:05:00 GMT

I am always facinated by cool science fair projects like this that take ordinary stuff and put it together to make it extraordinary! This kid uses the acceleromer in a wii-remote to control a joystick (in this case for a wheelchair) but think of the other uses it could have.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/14/student-moves-quadriplegics-with-wiimote-wheelchair-control-vid/

Accessibiliy: A Guide for Educators

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:06:00 GMT

Recently Microsoft released Version 3 of our Accessibility Guide for Educators. To download the guide visit http://www.microsoft.com/enable/education/default.aspx.

A brief description of the Guide for Educators:

This guide from Microsoft provides information about accessibility and accessible technology to help educators worldwide ensure that all students have equal access to learning with technology.

The guide provides:

An understanding of accessibility and how it impacts the classroom
Definitions of impairment types and technology solutions for each type of impairment
Guidance on choosing accessible technology solutions
Resources for more information

Wii hack brings Headtracker to gaming!

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:04:00 GMT

Check this out! This is the coolest Nintendo Wii Hack I have seen yet. The link has a video demo of how headtracking is used for a virtual reality interaction with the Wii. Think of all of the games that could be possible for a person with a mobility impairment using something like this. Headtracking is not new but I am glad to see the technology finally finding it's way into more mainstream concepts like this.

Sticky Keys fix for Windows XP

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:47:00 GMT

I have been informed that in a recent Windows Update for Windows XP there has been an accessibility related fix. Apparently there was a bug with sticky keys where sticky keys did not work when you had locked your computer. (eg. you could not log back in using sticky keys) This bug has apparently been fixed and you can now log in using sticky keys from a locked state.

Vocal Joystick demo

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:05:00 GMT

Check out Vocal Joystick. This is pretty darn cool and comes to us from the folks at University of Washington. Watch the video to see how it works.

New Keyboard for Gamers. Potential for Accessibility Market?

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:58:00 GMT

Belkin has introduced the N52te keyboard for gamers. But is this really a super cool alternative input device in gamers clothing? The features include 15 programmable keys with 3 keymap states, backlit display, programmable 8 way thumb pad, and the ability to set up multiple user profiles. All of the marketing literature is geared for gamers but I think this has some serious "cool" potential on the accessibility market. And with an MSRP of $69.99 is one of the most reasonably priced devices on the market.

Why is Twitter inaccessible?

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:56:00 GMT

I was sent an email mail about the registration process for Twitter.by someone who uses a screenreader to use the computer. It turns out Twitter uses a standard visual CAPTCHA during registration. Unfortunately they seem to not offer any other type of verification like audio CAPTCHA. This means they have no way to register to follow my Twitter posts. So I will try to recap all of my activity on this blog once a day so that folks who are unable to register can follow the activity at CSUN.

In the meantime, I have sent a few mails around to hopefully get to the folks at Twitter to address the issue.

-dan

(edited for content 3/21)

Assistive Technology Vendors highlighted

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:47:00 GMT

A recent Seattle Times article highlights some of Microsoft's Assistive Technology vendor program members. I think all of these companies are super cool and on the right track technology wise. I think the mobile platform is one area where AT can help everyone. The physical form and changing environment of most mobile devices make it extremely hard most people to be as productive with thier device as they could be. AT can play a big part in making the experience of using a device easier. Ever try to read the screen of your phone in broad daylight? The glare can make it impossible. But what if you had a feature that would read the screen to you when it sensed it was too bright outside to see the screen? Suddenly people who are blind arent the only users of screenreading software. As i mentioned in my previous post, Dolphin, who is highlighted in the article, will be releasing Smart Hal, a screenreader for smartphones, in the near future. I can't wait to try it.

Vista Speech recognition commands

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:21:00 GMT

Rob Chambers from the Windows Speech team is creating a comprehensive list of all of the commands that Windows Speech Regognition is listening for. He has a few sections left to document but for the ones already on his blog click the link below.

Rob's Rhapsody Blog

Coming soon...Smart Hal

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:21:00 GMT

Dave Williams from one of our partner companies, Dolphin Computer Access, has a Blog where he is counting down to the release of Smart Hal. Smart Hal is a screenreader for Windows Mobile based Smartphones. In his most recent post he talks about why Dolphin chose to develop for Windows Mobile.

I can't wait to try this out on my Cingular 3125 Smartphone. Hopefully Dave will hook me up when I see him next week. Dolphin will be at the CSUN conference next week and has a session where they will be demoing Smart Hal. I hate to admit it but I could see using this while I am commuting. Imagine having access to your cell phone without having to look at it! What I am wondering is, will Smart Hal read the traffic report from SmartPhlow.

Twittering from CSUN

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:27:00 GMT

Have you seen Twitter? I just started with it yesterday but can already tell i'm going to be addicted. You can go to my Twitter page and add yourself as a friend if you want updates from CSUN (Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference). I wanted to post regular Blog updates but not that I have found Twitter I'll be using that.

Twitter is what is being called a micro-blogging service. I send a text message to an address and it posts to my twitter page for everyone to see. You can even have Twitter relay the text message to your own phone if you like via SMS. Imagine setting up a network with your friends that when you send one message it relays that message to everyone who has subscribed. No need to enter all of those addresses from your phone and the recipient has complete control of who and when they want to get messages. Services like these make using a cell phone feature like text messaging more powerful in my opinion. I hope we can see more creative services like this.

-dan

Meeting at CSUN...

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 18:40:00 GMT

First, Joanie from the Carroll Center replied to my post about contacts here at Microsoft. It looks like we are on the same page when it comes to the need for more transparency around technology. I would also argue that this need goes for the so called "open" companies as well.

On to CSUN... Joanie asks if I am available to meet. Yes I am. Joanie if you would like to suggest a time please let me know and I'd welcome a discussion about the Office Ribbon, you have my email :-). In fact I'll do you one better and introduce you to the folks from the Office team. They will be there too!

I look forward to meeting in LA.

Vista ships...record number of AT products available at launch

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 01:41:00 GMT

On Tuesday Windows Vista finally shipped to consumers. For a list of compatible Assistive Technology products go to the Microsoft AT search tool (http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/search.aspx) and select Windows Vista in the "Compatibe With" field. As of this writing there are 71 listed products available for download or purchase.

Here are some other key announcements in the AT industry...

Also make sure to listen to the archive of the Jan 30th broadcast of Main Menu on ACB radio, where I was interviewed about Vista. The archive of the show should post shortly.

-dan

Open communication and the shaping of accessible technology

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 01:02:00 GMT

Peter Korn of Sun and Joanmarie from the Carroll Center for the Blind have recently written about having access to developers (or the lack thereof). They both refer to the following quote...

"I cannot tell you how many times I’ve come across an accessibility regression in the Windows environment and have been powerless to do anything about it. I mean, where do you even begin? "

To answer thier question very directly... you can start with me. My email is dhubbell@microsoft.com.

-dan

Microsoft Accessibility at CES

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 11:53:00 GMT

For those of you who might be attending CES this year. I will be working in the Microsoft CES booth Jan 8th - 11th, demoing Vista's Accessibility features and the new "Ease of Access Center" as well as some new hardware/software offerings we have designed for seniors. I will be at the personal productivity station of the Windows Vista area of the Microsoft booth. Please come and introduce yourself.

Copyright Exemptions to DMCA for E-books

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 21:54:00 GMT

The copyright office has extended exemptions that allow the cracking of copyright features to allow the use of screenreaders with e-books.

Read the full article from TechDirt

Accessibility Video Tour

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 22:35:00 GMT

Recently members of the Microsoft Accessibility team were interviewed by Dr. Bill Crounse as a part of his House Calls for Healthcare Professionals series of on-demand audio programming.

Healthcare Professionals Webcast

Channel 10 Accessibility Video

Channel 10 Speech Recognition Video

-dan

IE7 Accessibility

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:52:00 GMT

Kelly Ford, a tester for the IE team, has posted some great information about IE7 and the compatibility with a number of Assistive Technologies including JAWS, Window-Eyes, Zoomtext and several Dolphin products. Visit the IE Blog for his entire summary and overview.

(edited for content 3/21)

Interview on CRIS radio

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:21:00 GMT

Last week I was interviewed by Jeremy Curry from GW Micro for the monthly 'On the Move' radio show that he hosts. It is being broadcast later today. You can find more information at AOL Ability. Or go directly to the Chicago Lighthouse website.

Jeremy and I discuss the upcoming releases of Microsoft Office and Windows Vista, and how changes with these new versions will make it easier for blind and low vision users to work with the computer.

If you have any questions regarding the program please send me email.

-dan

Microsoft Vendor Program Open Enrollment

Daniel Hubbell - MSFT — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:15:00 GMT

November is open enrollment for companies to apply for membership into the Assistive Technology Vendor Program. For more information about requirements or to request an application, please visit the Microsoft Accessibility Website.