Access Technology Tips
The NFB Jernigan Institute Access Technology team is pleased to introduce to you the Technology Tips section. We are always on the lookout for new and better ways to give blind people access to technology, as the ever-growing International Braille and Technology Center attests. With this new service we will provide you with frequently updated pointers to help you learn about new applications and new programs. The Access Technology team works with the relevant manufacturers or developers to obtain the tips listed here, to make sure that you get the best and latest about anything new in the world of non-visual access technology. The focus of our technology tips is on screen access software and Windows Vista, but other topics will be dealt with here.
If you have any feedback on the tips, please contact Clara Van Gerven at cvangerven@nfb.org.
Happy learning!
Working with Documents in Dolphin SuperNova and HAL
Dolphin Tips Forms Mode, Application Notes and Magnification Modes
Victor Reader Stream Tech Tip: Bookmark Alert
EasyConverter Tips!
You should expect accessible PDF documents
Making the Most of Tabbed Browsing In IE7 with Supernova or Hal
Victor Reader Stream - Some New Tips
An Overview of Freedom Scientific's PAC Mate Omni
Dolphin Easyreader 2.31, Series 2
Dolphin EasyReader 2.31
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Microsoft Office 2007
Victor Reader Stream Tips and Tricks
Eliminating the Pains and Strains of Computer Use
Freedom Scientific Braille Displays: Using Whiz Wheels for Greater Productivity
Victor Reader Stream: FAQ
HumanWare's BrailleNote mPower and BrailleNote PK can now access RFB&D AudioPlus DAISY Books
Smartphones and Smart Hal
Window-Eyes 6.1 and Windows Vista
Window-Eyes 6.1 and Windows Vista, Part II
Working with Documents in Dolphin SuperNova and Hal
Reading and editing documents with SuperNova/Hal couldn't be easier. As you navigate through the text, SuperNova/Hal reads the text underneath your cursor out loud one letter, word or line at a time, depending on which navigation keys you press.Move the cursor left or right and each character will be announced. Move one word at a time by pressing CONTROL + CURSOR LEFT or RIGHT and each word will be announced. And, by moving to a new line using CURSOR UP or CURSOR DOWN the line will be announced.
Do you want more information? SuperNova/Hal contains an array of speak keys that go beyond giving you just the character, word or line announcement. These are all multikey commands.
To read the character under the cursor press NUMPAD 4. To have the character announced using the phonetic alphabet press NUMPAD 4 a second time. Press NUMPAD 4 a third time and you will learn about the character's attributes like font name, size, style etc. And, a final press of NUMPAD 4 will give you the character's unicode value. Press NUMPAD 4 again and you are back at the beginning with the announcement of the character.
To read, spell and have a word read phonetically press NUMPAD 5 one, two or three times. To read, verbose and spell a line press NUMPAD 6 your required number of times.
To read the status line, which contains your position information, such as column, row, page and section, simply press the read status line key. This is NUMPAD 2. To read selected text on the screen, just press NUMPAD 1. Again, these are multikey commands!
Here are some more useful speak keys that you might want to use in Microsoft Word:
To read the current line up to the cursor:
Press LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD 1.
To read the current line from the cursor:
Press LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD 2.
Read sentence:
Press DOLPHIN KEY + NUMPAD 4.
Read paragraph:
Press DOLPHIN KEY + NUMPAD 5.
And what about moving a sentence or paragraph at a time and have the sentence or paragraph read as you go!
Move to previous sentence:
Press DOLPHIN KEY + COMMA.
Move to next sentence:
Press DOLPHIN KEY + PERIOD.
Move to previous paragraph:
Press DOLPHIN KEY + LEFT BRACKET.
Move to next paragraph:
Press DOLPHIN KEY + RIGHT BRACKET.
By default the DOLPHIN KEY is the CAPS LOCK key.
Working with tables
If you encounter a table in your document, SuperNova/Hal will automatically read the table one cell at a time, informing you of the column and row numbers of the cell you are on.Working with the Spell checker
While using the Microsoft Word spell checker you will find that when a misspelled word is encountered, SuperNova/Hal reads you the entire line which contains the misspelled word. This is done so that you may immediately identify the context in which the misspelled word occurs. To read the misspelled word by itself, press LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD 4 (custom application key 4). To spell the misspelled word, simply repeat the key press a second time.
Pressing TAB will bring you to the list of suggestions and pressing CURSOR DOWN will move you through the list. To repeat the selected suggestion press NUMPAD 0 and to spell the suggestion press NUMPAD 0 twice.
You can then TAB to the various spell checker buttons that allow you to confirm or ignore the correction. Each of these buttons have associated shortcut keys so once you become familiar with working in the Spell Checker selecting or rejecting options will soon become a single key press away.
To have Supernova/Hal read the shortcut key for a control, like a button, press LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD DEL.
Microsoft Word hot keys
Here are a few Microsoft Word hot keys to help you get started but remember that a review of the application's help will prove rewarding if you are working regularly in this application.Function: Hot key
Make letters bold: Control + B
Make letters italic: Control + I
Make letters underline: Control + U
Decrease font size: Control + Shift + <
Increase font size: Control + Shift + >
Remove paragraph or character formatting: Control + Spacebar
Copy the selected object: Control + C
Cut the selected object: Control + X
Paste: Control + V
Undo the last action: Control + Z
Redo the last action: Control + Y
Find: Control + F
Repeat find (after closing Find and Replace window): Alt + Control + Y
Insert a line break: Shift + Enter
Insert a page break: Control + Enter
Insert a section break: Control + Shift + Enter
Centre a paragraph: Control + E
Justify a paragraph: Control + J
Left align a paragraph: Control + L
Right align a paragraph: Control + R
Indent a paragraph from the left: Control + M
Remove a paragraph indent from the left: Control + Shift + M
Create a hanging indent: Control + T
Reduce a hanging indent: Control + Shift + T
Remove paragraph formatting: Control + Q
Apply the Normal style: Control + Shift + N
Apply the heading 1 - 3 styles: Alt + Control + 1 - 3
And don't forget that access to the Microsoft Word Application Notes is only a hot key away - RIGHT CONTROL + RIGHT SHIFT + SLASH. The application notes provides you with a summary of all the main SuperNova/Hal commands available in Microsoft Word.
Applies to:
• Hal
• SuperNova
For further information please visit the Dolphin site.
Dolphin Tips on Forms Mode, Application Notes and Magnification Modes
Tip: Using Forms on the Internet
Turning on Forms Mode
Did you know that when using virtual focus, turning "forms mode" on in Supernova/Hal 6.03 or later will allow you to type text in web page forms? To turn on "forms mode", either (a) press Caps Lock and Enter whilst on a web page or (b) go to the Supernova/Hal control panel, select the "File" menu, select "Situation Settings" and then select "Forms mode" by highlighting it and pressing the SPACEBAR. Now you will find as you tab around a web page in virtual focus you will be able to enter text into forms, search and other edit areas.
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Tip: Making use of Application Notes
Did you know there are Application Notes stored within the map file for almost every application?
Application Notes contain useful information such as a brief description of the application, as well as a list of custom hotkeys you can use within the application to perform useful tasks.
To view the Application Notes for any application press RIGHT CONTROL+RIGHT SHIFT+?
For example, the Application notes in Microsoft Word XP will tell you the following Custom Application Keys:
Left Shift + NumPad 7 - Announce alignment.
Left Shift + NumPad 8 - Announce bullet list.
Left Shift + NumPad 9 - Move focus to style box.
Left Shift + NumPad 4 - Read previous word.
Left Shift + NumPad 5 - Read sentence.
Left Shift + NumPad 6 - Read paragraph.
Left Control + Left Shift + NumPad 7 - Read line and column information from status bar.
Left Control + Left Shift + NumPad 4 - Spell checker action: read "Not in dictionary" control, read and spell the mis-spelt word and then read initial suggestion.
Dolphin Key (Caps Lock) + T - This action is exclusively for users of Dolphin Producer. When these products are first run after install the toolbar is not docked, it is floating in the middle of the document window. This action will automate the process of docking these toolbars.
Note: Certain custom actions require the visible presence of the Formatting toolbar. It is also important to make sure you switch off the setting "Standard and Formatting toolbars share one row" in the toolbar settings (View, Toolbars, Customize, Options).
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Tip: Making use of Magnification modes
Choose the Magnification mode that suits you
In all magnification modes, the magnified window will automatically follow mouse pointers and text entry cursors and will magnify the region around them. It will also automatically follow all windows, dialog boxes, controls within dialog boxes, pop-up and pull-down menus. This automatic tracking feature draws your attention immediately to any new information that appears on your Windows screen.
However, Lunar, LunarPlus and Supernova feature a choice of magnification methods: Full Screen, Fixed Window, Lens, Auto Lens, Left Split Screen, Top Split Screen, Right Split Screen and Bottom Split Screen. A detailed description of each magnification type can be found in the product documentation also available from the product help menu. You can also view screenshots of the different magnification modes on our website.
Trying out the various modes yourself is often the best way to determine which one works best for you. Simply press and hold LEFT CONTROL + the number 7 found on the numeric keypad to cycle through the various magnification types.
For further information please visit the Dolphin site.
Victor Reader Stream Tech Tip: Bookmark Alert
This Tech Tip requires Stream software version 3.0. To update your Stream to version 3.0 visit:
http://www.humanware.com/stream_support
and select the link to download the latest software.
A powerful feature of the Victor Reader Stream is the ability to create an audio bookmark used in conjunction with the bookmark alert feature. The audio bookmark is the equivalent of a sighted reader writing an annotation in the margin of a print book. The Stream user while listening to an audio bookmark can make his own voice annotation by recording a comment at a specific position in the book. To record an audio bookmark proceed as follows:
A. At the position where you want to record your audio bookmark, press the bookmark key (above key #3) multiple times until you hear, “Insert bookmark”.
B. Then press the Record key on the right side of the Stream. Stream will announce, Start recording”.
C. Then say your voice annotation.
D. Then press the Record key again to end the recording. The Stream will create a bookmark at the current reading position.
When you go back to that bookmark number using the Go To Bookmark function, the Stream will return you to that position in the book and automatically play back your voice annotation.
However, what if you return to the book months later and forget that you ever made an audio bookmark? The sighted reader has the advantage of seeing her written annotation in the margin when he or she re-reads the page. Well, with the addition of Bookmark Alerts in Stream version 3.0 the Stream will also alert you when you play the book and pass over a previously bookmarked position. If that bookmark was an audio bookmark it will also automatically play your recorded voice annotation.
If you wish to be alerted when you pass over a previously bookmarked position you must enable Bookmark Alerts in the Navigation and Playback menu.
A. Press the menu key 7 multiple times until you hear, “Navigation and Playback”.
B. Press keys 2 or 8 to find the Bookmark Alert menu item.
C. Press keys 4 or 6 to select the Enable option.
D. Press the Confirm key to save this selection.
E. Press Play or Cancel keys to exit the menu.
F. Now you are all set. As an audio book reader using your Stream, you can benefit from voice annotations the same way a sighted reader benefits by writing notes in the margin.
EasyConverter Tips!
TIP #1: Using Microsoft Word with EasyConverter
Applying a heading style
Applying a heading style means assigning a specific inbuilt Microsoft Word style to the current paragraph. How this heading style appears can be defined by you but it must be the built into the heading style that is used. It cannot simply be the customising of normal text with different font styles.
You can apply a heading style to a paragraph in a number of ways: through the "Styles and Formatting" task pane, through the "Formatting" toolbar or through a pre-defined Microsoft Word hot key.
The pre-defined Microsoft Word hot keys are:
To apply the Heading 1 style:
Press: Ctrl + Alt + 1.
To apply the Heading 2 style:
Press: Ctrl + Alt + 2.
To apply the Heading 3 style:
Press Ctrl + Alt + 3.
It is possible to add additional keyboard shortcuts to extend this further. Each style in Microsoft Word can have a unique hot key assignment. This is done through the "Styles and Formatting" task pane.
Assign a keyboard shortcut to a style
To assign a keyboard shortcut to a style, on the "Format" menu, click "Styles and Formatting" and then do the following:
1. In the "Pick formatting to apply" box, click the style to which you want to add a shortcut.
2. Click the down arrow next to the style (or press Alt + Cursor Down) and select "Modify".
3. Click the "Format" button and then click the "Shortcut key" button.
4. Click the "Press new shortcut key" box and then press the shortcut key combination you want to assign. For example, press Ctrl+Alt plus the desired key.
5. Look at "Currently assigned" to see if the shortcut key combination is already assigned. If so, select another combination.
6. Click "Assign" and then click "Close".
Viewing applied paragraph styles in the document window
To review the styles applied in your document, you can set the "Style area width" in the "View" property sheet of the Tools Options" dialog. When set, under the Normal document view, a margin will appear reporting the paragraph style applied.
To hide this option set the width to 0.
To simply view the structure of the document based upon the heading styles, select the "Document Map" option from the "View" menu.
Applying page breaks
With some digital talking book (DTB) players it is possible to navigate the book by pages as well as navigating by headings.
When creating a DTB within Microsoft Word, Dolphin EasyConverter will use Microsoft Word's page numbering as defined for the current document. This can be seen on the status bar when in Print Layout view.
When a page is filled with text or graphics, Microsoft Word inserts an automatic (soft) page break. You can also force a page break at a specific location by inserting a manual (hard) page break.
If you work on documents of more than several pages in length, and you insert manual page breaks, you might have to frequently rebreak pages as you edit the document. Instead, you might want to set pagination options to control where Microsoft Word positions automatic page breaks.
Inserting a page break
To insert a manual page break simply open the Insert menu, select "Break" and then select "Page break" from the available options. This can also be done by pressing Ctrl+Enter.
A more structured approach is to adjust Microsoft Word's pagination settings so that page breaks occur automatically as required. This ensures a more consistent layout to the document.
To view and adjust Microsoft Word's pagination options, select the paragraph(s) to adjust, open the Format menu and select Paragraph. In the Paragraph dialog open the "Lines and page breaks" property sheet.
• Widow/orphan control
A widow is the last line of a paragraph printed by itself at the top of a page. An orphan is the first line of a paragraph printed by itself at the bottom of a page. Selecting this option (which is on by default) ensures a page break will not result in a widow or orphan appearing in the document.
• Keep with next.
Selecting this check box will mean your selected paragraphs cannot be separated by a page break.
• Keep lines together.
Selecting this check box will mean your selected lines in a paragraph cannot be separated by a page break.
• Page break before.
Selecting this check box will mean your selected paragraph will always have a page break inserted before it.
Prevent a table being split over two pages
As with paragraphs, it is also possible to prevent rows within a table being split over two pages.
To do this position the focus on the row or rows that are not to be separated, open the Table menu and select Table Properties. Select the Row tab and unselect the Allow row to break across pages check box.
Applying alt text to images
An image inserted into a document can contain an alternative text description. Dolphin EasyConverter will extract this text along with the image when creating the digital talking book (DTB) or MP3 recording.
The alternative text (or alt text) is inserted by selecting the image and then opening the Format menu and selecting Picture. In the "Format Picture" dialog, open the Web property sheet where an edit area is available to enter your alternative text description.
TIP #2: Useful Resources and Keyboard Shortcuts
Microsoft Enable
Whilst the Dolphin product documentation provides a range of information on using Dolphin products with third party products, there are other additional resources are that you might find useful.
One such resource is the Microsoft Enable website, this can be especially useful if you need information on the short cut keys for Microsoft products such as Windows and Office. The Microsoft Enable home page provides various resources such as tutorials:
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
For specific keyboard short cuts for the various Microsoft products go to:http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/keyboard.aspx
TIP #3: Creating navigable headings in your DAISY book with EasyConverter
Automatically detect headings
Using headings in a document allows you to create a DAISY digital talking book that is divided into sections, these sections can be navigated by the reader.
Because the majority of Word documents don't have properly formatted headings, Dolphin EasyConverter has a setting (on by default) that allows you to automatically detect headings in a document. So, if your input file is scanned or does not already contain formatted headings, EasyConverter will try to detect them for you.
If the Word Document you are converting DOES have headings you can simply turn off this setting (go to Settings, choose input and uncheck the box 'Automatically detect headings in the document').
TIP #4: Save your MP3 or DAISY to an external player
EasyConverter and portable MP3/DAISY players
Did you know that Dolphin EasyConverter can save your MP3 or DAISY DTB directly to your MP3 or Hardware Daisy Player? Simply choose your conversion type and then press the "Copy output to MP3/DTB unit" button and your converted file will be saved onto your external device ready to take with you wherever you go.
NOTE: In order for EasyConverter to detect available external devices you need to plug your player in first.
For further information please visit the Dolphin site.
You should expect accessible PDF documents
NFB members frequently encounter PDF files that are not accessible. Much as with HTML-based web pages a few years back it can sometimes help to be able to provide pointers to the producer of the PDF document to help them understand how to properly create PDF documents that will offer an accessible and usable experience for all users.
Adobe provides a variety of documents that you can point people to (or use yourself when producing PDF files). These documents provide helpful guidance that help authors understand what steps are needed to make PDF files accessible, whether the documents are scanned images of paper documents, interactive forms, or are exported from popular desktop publishing applications.
The following documents are available:
Creating Accessible PDF from Microsoft® Word
This guide describes how to use Acrobat’s PDFMaker with Microsoft Word to make accessible PDF files. Some of the techniques apply to the Microsoft Office productivity suite as well, such as the PowerPoint® presentation graphics program.
http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/products/acrobat/pdf/A9-accessible-pdf-from-word.pdf
A desktop guide version that fits on one printed page is also available (and accessible as a PDF file) and provides the top five tips to help even those users who claim to have no time to address accessibility. This document shows what to do if you only have a few minutes.
http://blogs.adobe.com/accessibility/assets/WordToPDFReferenceCard_v1.pdf
Acrobat 9 Pro PDF Accessibility Repair Workflow
This guide provides a step-by-step method for analyzing existing PDF files and making them accessible based upon that analysis.
http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/products/acrobat/pdf/A9-pdf-access-repair-workflow.pdf
Creating Accessible Form with Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro
Describes how to use Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro to add descriptions to form fields, set the tab order, and perform other accessibility tasks related to PDF forms. These techniques do not apply to PDF forms created with Adobe LiveCycle Designer.
http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/products/acrobat/pdf/A9-pdf-access-repair-workflow.pdf
Making the Most of Tabbed Browsing In IE7 with Supernova or Hal: Navigating Browser Tabs
Tabbed browsing is a feature of Internet Explorer, new in version 7. Tabbed browsing allows you to access multiple web sites by loading each page into "tabbed" sections of one browser window rather than multiple browser windows. This allows you to view a selection of your favorite sites in one window, view multiple search results at the same time, and set several pages as your home page, rather than just one.
You can cycle between the tabbed pages by pressing LEFT CONTROL+TAB to move forward between tabs, or LEFT CONTROL+LEFT SHIFT+TAB to cycle backwards between tabs.
Dolphin products since version 6.53 will support Internet Explorer 7. If you do not already have the free Internet Explorer 7 map file, this can be obtained either by running the "Update from Internet" feature in the control panel of your Dolphin software, or by contacting our Product Support help desk (support@dolphinusa.com).
If you are running version 8.03 or higher of Supernova or Hal, you can experience for yourself some of the huge advances we have made to the Virtual Focus. Your Virtual Focus position will be remembered even when the browser window is covered up or minimized. This means that the Virtual Focus will remember your position when browsing web pages across the multiple tab function in Internet Explorer 7. It will even remember your position(s) if you are using multiple browser windows when comparing information across several different sites. This can be especially useful when you need to refer back to several web pages in the same session. If you are running Supernova or Hal version 8.01 or 8.02, you can update your software to 8.03 free of charge by running the "Update from Internet" feature in the Dolphin product's control panel.
Victor Reader Stream - Some New Tips
Stream Undo Key
Have you ever accidentally pressed key 4 or key 6 on your Stream and jumped to the previous or next chapter when you did not mean to? Then you had to fast forward or rewind to find your way back to your reading place? Is there a better way?Yes. If you press the Cancel (star) key within 10 seconds of the accidental move, the Stream will undo your navigation.
For example, suppose you were in the middle of chapter 5 and accidentally press key 6 and moved to chapter6. If you then press the Cancel key within 10 seconds you will be returned to your previous position in chapter 5.
Precise Positioning of Stream Bookmark at the Start of a Section
Have you ever had trouble placing a bookmark precisely at the beginning of a chapter or section in a DAISY book? Well, there is an easy way to do this. First move into the section where you want to place the bookmark. Then press the Where Am I key (#5) to have your Stream announce the heading number of the section. Now press the Go To key above key 1 until you hear, Go to heading". Then enter the heading number of your section and press the Confirm key to the right of key 0. Stream will now position you precisely at the beginning of that section. Now insert your bookmark the usual way. In general, you should remember that wehn using the Go To key to jump to a page number, heading number, or folder, file, or time offset you always have 2 ways to end your numeric hvalue for the item. You can press the Play key to move to the new position and start playing or you can end the entry with the Confirm key which will position you at the new location but not start playback.Stream Shortcut Key for Battery Status
Have you ever wanted to quickly get your battery status without listening to all the Key 0 Information Items?The quick way to hear the battery status is to press key 0 followed by a double press of key 4. In general you should remember that after pressing key 0 you can use either key 4 or key 6 to move backwards or forwards through the Stream information items.
An Overview of Freedom Scientific’s PAC Mate Omni
PAC Mate Omni™ is the latest version of Freedom Scientific’s Accessible Pocket PC. At its heart are Microsoft’s Windows Mobile™ Operating System, and JAWS for Pocket PC™.
As with previous versions of PAC Mate, you may choose your model based on whether you prefer to work with a Braille or QWERTY keyboard. PAC Mate Omni can be purchased as a voice-only unit, or a Braille display can be fitted snugly and securely to the unit. Braille displays are available in sizes of 20 or 40 cells, and these may also be used as a USB Braille display for your PC. Simply connect the display, and JAWS for Windows™ will detect the presence of the display and start sending information to it.
PAC Mate Omni works well with the many applications that comprise the Windows Mobile suite. It is the only notetaker at this time offering access to files in any version of Microsoft Excel™, any version of Microsoft PowerPoint™, and to Microsoft Word 2007™. While other notetakers offer some limited support for versions of Word earlier than 2007, PAC Mate Omni will not only render more of the formatting, but will also preserve the formatting Windows mobile doesn’t display. This means that if you open a document containing formatting such as footnotes and endnotes, make a change to the text, and save your document, PAC Mate Omni retains the footnotes and endnotes, even though at this time Microsoft doesn’t permit displaying them on a mobile device.
Full synchronization of your e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, notes and files is supported through the Windows Mobile Device Center in Windows Vista, or Microsoft ActiveSync in earlier versions of Windows. <!--[endif]-->
When surfing the web, you will find many of the handy, familiar JAWS quick navigation keys are available to you.
Windows Live™ support, including for Windows Live messenger™, means you can search the Web and keep in touch with people all from your Today Screen.
In the workplace, where connectivity and security are paramount, PAC Mate has no equal in the notetaker space. PAC Mate Omni will connect to Microsoft Exchange™ servers and virtual private networks. It supports the more secure WPA wireless data encryption standard. It protects your sensitive data through being able to password protect the unit, and through encryption of data on a storage card so it can only be read by the PAC Mate on which it was created.
The unique Reader Mode in PAC Mate Omni means it is the only notetaker to offer support for PDF files and various forms of eBooks including eReader.
If entering information in contracted Braille is your input method of preference, PAC Mate Omni’s unique contracted Braille anywhere support provides you with unparalleled power. While all notetaker devices will support contracted Braille input in their own applications, PAC Mate Omni goes much further, offering the ability for you to enter contracted Braille even in applications not designed for contracted Braille input. Even when entering text in Word Mobile, filling out forms on the web, or working with e-mail and Calendar items, contracted Braille may be used. And there is no need to back-translate before giving material to a sighted person. That all happens behind the scenes.
While Freedom Scientific has made Windows Mobile accessible and easy to use, we also appreciate that blind people have unique needs. That’s why we include FSEdit, our own word processor, which handles contracted Braille files, offers some handy means of selecting long portions of text, and more. You can use FSEdit, for example, to read books from Web Braille, or the contracted files available from Bookshare. Incidentally, PAC Mate Omni can download and unpack Bookshare books all on the device.
FSCalc is a very powerful calculator, and while offering a menu interface, also offers a look and feel that will be familiar to Braille Lite and Braille’n’Speak users.
Other optional blindness-specific software includes the ScanTalker™ barcode scanning solution which recognizes over a million items, FSReader™ for DAISY material including RFB&D, and the free FSCommander™, allowing you to use your PAC Mate Omni as a universal infra-red remote control.
FSTTY™ and Face-to-Face™ offer solutions for Deaf Blind customers who wish to use TTY services or communicate with someone in real time.
As you can see, PAC Mate Omni is packed with features and possibilities right out of the box. Most of the common tasks the majority of people want to perform are included in the package. However, PAC Mate Omni also allows you to install Windows Mobile applications written by a wide range of third party developers. Just as some people choose to stay with the software that came with their PC, some will choose simply to use what the PAC Mate includes. But just as others will install third party applications on their PC, so some will choose to use additional applications on PAC Mate Omni. The open platform approach means that you are not limited to the features your notetaker manufacturer puts on the device.
The list of applications people are running on PAC Mate Omni is long, and growing. One source of information about this is a community of users who have set up a web site called PAC Mate Gear. It can be found at http://www.pacmategear.com. This is a great resource for users to exchange information about what software works particularly well.
Just as some PC software is more accessible than others, so too you will find that some Windows Mobile software is more accessible than others. On occasion, JAWS scripts can be used to make certain software work more efficiently. However, Windows Mobile 6 is much more keyboard centric than its predecessors, meaning that newer applications often are easier to navigate and operate.
Here are just a few examples of the power afforded by third party applications.
- Town Compass Data Viewer allows you to access encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauruses, and a large selection of other reference material.
- Resco Audio Recorder records directly into MP3, permits editing of audio right from your PAC Mate, and provides an automatic gain control which is great for getting good recordings of lectures.
- Audible Player for Windows Mobile lets PAC Mate play the large library of books, newspapers, magazines and radio shows from http://www.audible.com.
- A range of media players add support for streaming media and other file types, such as OGG Vorbis.
- E-Wallet software allows you to store credit cards and other personal data securely.
- Sling Player Mobile allows you to watch and control your TV from anywhere in the world.
- Skype for Windows Mobile lets you speak with people around the world.
- Plug-ins for your Today screen add additional functionality, such as local weather.
- Tools aplenty for the IT professional, such as Web servers and HTML editors.
- And of course, plenty of games!
This is just a brief overview of PAC Mate Omni’s features. Freedom Scientific’s web site, http://www.freedomscientific.com, has more detailed information, including PAC Mate’s documentation for download. Freedom Scientific’s monthly Podcast, FSCast, featured a 90 minute demonstration of some of PAC Mate Omni’s features in its July 2007 issue, and the July 2008 issue discussed the exciting features just released in PAC Mate 6.1. FSCast is an audio resource packed with information about Freedom Scientific’s products, what you can do with them, and how blind people are using them. You can subscribe to it for free as a podcast, or download individual episodes from our web site.
If you have any questions about PAC Mate Omni, you are also welcome to call us at (800)444-4443.
Dolphin EasyReader 2.31 Series 2*
EasyReader 201 - Playing your book
When the material is opened the playback will start automatically as default. If the material contains audio it will play but if it comes without pre-recorded audio, the text will be played by a speech synthesiser.
To start and stop playback, use the Start/Stop button or press Spacebar.
There are several ways to navigate once you open your materials in EasyReader. Depending on how well structured the material is you can use some or all of the functions described in this series.
EasyReader 202 – Navigating in your book
To find out how your material is structured, open the Navigation Control dialog or click on CTRL+N. Select the Index tab and you will get a list of all navigation elements, such as, Heading, Page Number and Sidebar. When one of the navigation elements is selected the list to the right will be populated with all elements of that type. In the same dialog box, there is a dropdown list with all available heading levels (maximum 6).
To navigate ‘heading by heading’ use the Previous or Next Heading button or press the Up or Down Arrow on the keyboard. That will go to previous or next heading regardless of level. To navigate headings based on the level you selected press Ctrl+Up or Ctrl+Down Arrow.
If there are pages available in the material the user can go between them by using Previous or Next Page button or by pressing Page Up or Page Down button on the keyboard. The user can also go directly to a specific page by selecting the page in the list of Page Number elements or by using the Go To Page function in the Navigation Control dialog, reached by pressing Ctrl+G.
It is not possible to Fast Forward or Rewind in EasyReader but you can move between phrases instead (for time based navigation, see below). Use Previous or Next Phrase buttons or Left or Right Arrow buttons on the keyboard. If it is a DAISY material, the phrases are decided by the information in the SMIL files. If it is an HTML or Text file, a phrase is the same as a text sentence.
On the main screen just above the buttons, there is a time slider that shows the current position (time-wise) in the book. By grabbing and moving this slider it is possible to navigate by time in the book. It is also possible to move backward and forward in time by pressing Ctrl+Left and Ctrl+Right buttons on the keyboard. As default, this will move the current position 10 seconds at a time. For customization options, see section below. It is not possible to go to a specific time position.
It is also possible to navigate in the material by looking for a certain word or expression. The navigation can be started from where the word or expression is found. To search the entire material use Search button or press Ctrl+S, all occurrences of the expression are listed in the dialog. To only search in the current document use the find function, press Ctrl+F.
EasyReader 203 – The BookMark
It is possible to bookmark special locations within the material. There is no limit on the number of bookmarks that can be set but it is only possible to set shortcut key to 10 of them. A bookmark can be just a placeholder or could have a text and/or audio note attached to it. To navigate between bookmarks press Ctrl+Page Up or Ctrl+Page Down buttons on the keyboard or go directly to a specific bookmark by clicking on it in the Navigation Control dialog under the Bookmarks tab. In this dialog it is also possible to remove bookmarks if needed. It is not possible to import or export bookmarks in the current version of EasyReader.
EasyReader 204 – Miscellaneous functions
The volume can be set by using the volume slider on the main screen or by pressing Ctrl+J or Ctrl+K to decrease or increase the volume. The volume change affects only EasyReader and takes affect after restarting the playback or when changing navigation point.
To alter the speed of the playback use the slider in the Preference dialog box (Ctrl+P and Playback tab) or press Alt+Shift+J or Alt+Shift+K to decrease or increase the speed. The speed change does not change the pitch of the voice, only the speed.
To find out more about the book please use Book Information (Ctrl+I). That dialog box contains: current time, total time, remaining time, current heading title, current level, current page and number of bookmarks.
*Dolphin provides series of tips on the Dolphin EasyReader. Series 1 was an introduction to the EasyReader. Please feel free to contact Dolphin to obtain a copy.Dolphin EasyReader 2.31
General Information on supported formats
Dolphin EasyReader is a software tool that not only reads DAISY 2.02 and DAISY 3 materials (including Bookshare material) it also reads HTML and text files. The EasyReader is available in more than 15 languages, including Spanish, Italian and German.
DAISY 2.02 and DAISY 3 materials contain multiple files. Both formats contain a control file, NCC (DAISY 2.02) or NCX (DAISY 3), which keeps the material together. The text in the material is stored in an HTML (DAISY 2.02) or an XML (DAISY 3) file. The audio is typically streamed in MP3 format and the synchronisation between text and audio is controlled by SMIL files.
DAISY 2.02 materials can generally be protected by the PDTB scheme, however, the EasyReader can open materials that are protected with PDTB version 1.
EasyReader 101 – How to get started
EasyReader must be installed on the computer in order to read your DAISY files.
When starting EasyReader for the first time the help file (in DAISY format) will be opened as the default book. Please take the opportunity to listen to this before using the software. You can always reach the help file later via F1 and close it again with Esc. The help file describes all the features in detail and the extensive list of hotkeys can also be found here
Using hotkeys is the most efficient way of using the Dolphin EasyReader. Hotkeys can always be found by using the Key Description Mode (Shift+F1), which will announce the function for the pressed hotkey.
The EasyReader interface, not being a standard Windows interface, is fully accessible via self voicing or a screen reader.
EasyReader 102 – Getting to the point
DAISY books can be obtained from your school, a talking book library or a public library. Some organisations, such as Bookshare, offer books as downloadables.
Some organisations distribute HTML or Text files instead of DAISY materials. These can also be opened in the Dolphin EasyReader. To have these read out loud, the user will need a speech synthesiser installed on the computer.
To open any material, start EasyReader and click on the Open Book button or press Ctrl+O. The open dialog box is now shown. Select the drive that contains the material. If there are materials in the selected location they will be listed with the title and a symbol. If the material you are looking is located in a sub-folder, open the appropriate folder(s) until the material is found. Select the material and press the Open button.
If EasyReader is running and a CD with DAISY material is inserted, the user is asked if the material should be opened. However, if EasyReader is not running and the user inserts a CD with DAISY material, EasyReader will not be automatically launched.
EasyReader can open materials from all drives that are available on your computer. The main distribution unit for DAISY materials is currently a CD but some organisations have started to distribute it on memory cards as well. To be able to read such a card the user needs a card reader attached to the computer.
If the DAISY material is too big to fit onto one CD or memory card, a so-called “multi-volume book” is created by the producer. Each volume of a multi-volume book includes the full table of contents but only a part of the material. For example, volume 1 includes chapter 1 to 6, volume 2 includes chapter 7 to 10 and volume 3 contains chapter 11. If volume 1 is inserted and the user tries to navigate to chapter 9 there will be an audio announcement: “Please insert volume 2”. If the correct volume is then inserted the playback will continue on chapter 9.
For more information, please visit http://www.yourdolphin.com/
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Microsoft Office 2007
With the introduction of the Ribbon in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word 2007, Microsoft Office made a great change to the user interface of these applications. To ease the transition of existing Office users to the Ribbon, and to provide an optimized experience for users who are already accustomed to the Ribbon, these applications provide a Quick Access Toolbar (QAT). Any of the commands in the Ribbon can be easily added to this toolbar, allowing for easy access to commonly-used commands. Below, we’ll describe how to add commands to the QAT, and how to use them once they are there.
Adding a command to the QAT using the keyboard
- Begin by opening up Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, or Word 2007
- Press the ALT key to select the active tab of the Ribbon and active the access keys
- Navigate to any tab using the LEFT and RIGHT ARROWS, or by typing the access key associated with that tab
- Once you’ve selected the desired tab, use the LEFT and RIGHT ARROWS or the TAB key to navigate to a command that you use frequently
- When the desired command has focus, hit SHIFT + F10 to bring up the shortcut menu
- Press ENTER on the first option in that menu, which is “Add to Quick Access Toolbar”
- Now, that command has been added to the QAT.
Accessing commands on the QAT using the keyboard
- After you’ve added a command to the QAT, hit ALT to select the active tab in the Ribbon and activate the access keys
- Now, there are two ways to access the QAT
- You can either hit the access key to directly run the command
- You can hit the UP ARROW from the home tab to enter the QAT, then use the LEFT and RIGHT ARROWS to navigate all of the QAT commands
- Once you have focus on the desired QAT command, hit ENTER or SPACE to run that command
As you can see, by adding frequently-used commands to your QAT, you can access them with a few easy keystrokes!
For more information, please visit the Microsoft Office site.
Victor Reader Stream Tips and Tricks
Q. If I lose my reading place, how can I get back to it quickly if the DAISY or NISO book has no page numbers?
A. Most DAISY or NISO books without page marks have at least level 1 headings so you can use keys 2 or 8 to select level 1 navigation then use keys 4 or 6 to move back or forth between those headings. You can also jump directly to a relative heading by pressing the Go To Page key twice. This triggers the Go To Heading function which allows you to enter a heading number directly. Once you get to the major heading which is close to where you lost your place, you can then use keys 2 or 8 to select the 1, 5, or 10 minute time jump navigation. Sometimes if the DAISY headings represent large sections such as chapters, then setting a 10 minute time jump can be useful. If you lose your place then press the left arrow (key 4) to back up 10 minutes at a time until you hear text that you recognize.
Q. Is it possible to automatically start playing when I use the Go To key to jump to a desired file or place in a book?
A. Yes. If you press the Go To key above key 1 and then enter the number (page, heading, percentage, time, folder, file) to jump to you have a choice to finish entering the number with either the pound key or the Play key. If you enter the number followed by the pound key then you will be moved to the specified file/folder/position and must pres Play to start playback. However, if you enter the number followed by the Play key then you will be positioned at the specified file/folder/position and playback will start. In general, you should follow the number with the pound key when you wish to be positioned but not start playback. For example, you may want to place a bookmark precisely at the top of a page so you want to go to that page but not start playing. To position and start playing simply use the Play key to end the number entry instead of the pound key.
Q. How can I quickly get to the start of a DAISY or NISO book?
A. Press Go To Page followed by the Play key.
Q. How can I quickly reach the end of a DAISY or NISO book?
A. Press the Bookmark key repeatedly until you hear bookmark list. Then press key 6 until you hear “end of book”. There are always at least 2 default bookmarks on the bookmark list: one for the start and one for the end of the book.
Q. How can I quickly jump to a position far into a large text file?
A. While in the Text files bookshelf, press the Go To key above key 1 which functions as a Go to Percent key for text files. Simply enter the relative percentage offset from the start of the file that you wish to reach. For example you can enter 50% to position at the middle of the file, 67% to position two thirds of the way into the file and so on. You can press Go To Percent followed by the Play key to return to the start of the file.
Q. How can I quickly jump to a time position far into a book in Other Books?
A. While in the Other Books bookshelf, press the Go To key above the key 1 until you hear “Go To Time”. Then enter the time to jump to in the file in hours and minutes with no spaces. For example, enter 1 to jump 1 minute from the start of the book, enter 12 to jump to the 12 minute position, enter 123 to jump to 1 hour and 23 minutes, enter 1234 to jump to 12 hours and 34 minutes. The minutes can be from 0 to 99. In other words entering 99 means 99 minutes which is the same as entering 139 (1 hour and 39 minutes). Note also that the time is relative to the start of the book not the start of an individual file. You can also press Go to Time followed by the Play key to return to the start of the book i.e., to the start of the first file of your book.
Q. How do I backup just a few seconds with Rewind key? If I hold it too long it backs up 1 minute.
A. You can release the key before 5 seconds of pres and hold which is when the accelerated time jumps begin. Or, you can also (press and release the Rewind key instead of holding it down and this will backup 5 seconds for each press. Same for fast forward.
Q. How can I quickly remove all the bookmarks in a single book?
A. You can quickly delete all the bookmarks in a book by pressing the bookmark key five times then the number nine five times followed by the confirm key.
Q. What is the best way to transfer a zipped NLS download book to my SD card?
A. There are 2 ways with Windows XP. First method:
The second method involves one additional step but is considerably faster when copying to the SD card. Second method:
Q. How can I lock the keypad while playing a book?
A. If you are carrying your Stream in a backpack or purse while listening you may wish to lock the keypad so keys are not accidentally pressed. To do this, start the book playing, then press and hold the star key. To unlock the keypad press the 1, 2, and 3 keys in sequence.
Eliminating the Pains and Strains of Computer Use
Most would agree that computers are not inherently user-friendly. Many find using a computer to be painful, while others find daily computer use requires significant effort. These pains and strains of computer use are even more pronounced when the user is dealing with low vision or blindness.
Most programs, however, can be controlled with keyboard shortcuts which often simplify the interaction. Of course it would be overwhelming to try and learn them all. Instead, start with the most useful shortcuts in your most used programs and as well as some basic desktop shortcuts.
The USDA TARGET Center will be presenting a series of these shortcuts in this space. More detailed trainings are also available online and in-person through the TARGET Center.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Checking Your Outlook E-mail
Basics:
Switch to Mail: CTRL+1
Check for new mail: CTRL+M or F9
Compose a new message: CTRL+N
Open a received message: CTRL+O
Send: ALT+S
Reply to a message: CTRL+R
Reply all to a message: CTRL+SHIFT+R
Go to Address Book: CTRL+SHIFT+B
Advanced:
Switch to Folder List in Navigation Pane: CTRL+6
Switch to Shortcuts: CTRL+7
Next item (with item open): CTRL+COMMA
Previous item (with item open): CTRL+PERIOD
Switch between the Folder List and the main Outlook window: F6 or CTRL+SHIFT+TAB
Move among the Outlook window, the Navigation Pane, and the Reading Pane: TAB
Move around within the Navigation Pane: Arrow keys
Go to a different folder: CTRL+Y
Expand/collapse a group (with a group selected) in the Navigation Pane: PLUS or MINUS SIGN on the numeric keypad
Collapse/expand a group in the e-mail message list: Left and right arrow keys
Search Folder: CTRL+SHIFT+P
Switch to Inbox: CTRL+SHIFT+I
Switch to Outbox: CTRL+SHIFT+O
Choose the account from which to send a message: CTRL+TAB (with focus on the To: line) and then TAB to the Accounts button
Post to a folder: CTRL+ SHIFT+S
Go to the row above (message or group heading): ALT+ UP ARROW
Go to the row below (message or group heading): ALT+ DOWN ARROW
Add a Quick Flag to a message: INSERT
Mark as read: CTRL+Q
Note: These keyboard shortcuts are known to work for Microsoft Office 2003. Many of them are useful in Office 2007 as well. For information on any differences, please contact the TARGET Center. TARGET is the Washington, D.C. Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center.
Next time: Internet Explorer shortcuts
Freedom Scientific Braille Displays: Using Whiz Wheels for Greater Productivity
Overview
Freedom Scientific’s Focus 80 and 40-cell Braille displays and PAC Mate Portable 40 and 20-cell Braille displays are affordable, versatile refreshable Braille displays, and when used with JAWS® screen reading software, they are packed with advanced features and options. One of the unique features available on both of these Braille displays is the programmable Whiz Wheels. The Whiz Wheels, placed at either end of the line of Braille cells on each Braille display, have been positioned to promote the greatest comfort and economy of hand movement. Using the Whiz Wheels, it is possible to navigate quickly and efficiently through files, dialog boxes and menus without ever removing your hands from the Braille display.
Features and Tips
Movement within a File
Pressing down on a Whiz Wheel, in the same way you press a button will cause the movement setting of the Whiz Wheel to cycle through four available modes. Within a file, you can program the Whiz Wheels to let you move by line, sentence, or paragraph, or to pan through the file, allowing you to read continuously through the text. Moving the Whiz Wheel “down” or toward you will let you navigate towards the end of the file and moving the Whiz Wheel “up” or away from you will let you navigate towards the beginning of the file.
Movement within Menus
In menus, moving the Whiz Wheel towards you will let you navigate towards the end of the menu and moving the wheel away from you will let you navigate towards the beginning of the menu. Pressing down on the Whiz Wheel will select a menu item.
Dialog Boxes
As in Menus, moving the Whiz Wheel towards you will let you navigate forwards through the controls and moving the wheel away from you will let you navigate backwards through the controls. Depending on the control, the Whiz Wheels will function differently when pressed. In list views, combo boxes, radio buttons, tree views and check box control groups, pressing the Whiz Wheel down will put it in List Mode. In this mode, rolling the Whiz Wheel lets you scroll through the items. You can press the Whiz Wheel again to exit List Mode. For individual check boxes or buttons, pressing the Whiz Wheel toggles the state of the check box from checked to unchecked (or vice versa) or activates the button.
Tips
Remember that each Whiz Wheel is independently programmable. When reading text in a document or a web page, it is often very helpful to set one Whiz Wheel to Panning Mode and the other to move by line sentence or paragraph.
This allows you to read smoothly through the document using one wheel to pan forwards or backwards and the other wheel can be set to let you skim text, perhaps moving through the text reading only each paragraph’s first sentence until you have located specific material in which you are interested. Also, taking advantage of the various modes available in menus and dialogs will let you locate and quickly select menu and list items or configure your PC’s settings or the settings of an application by quickly locating and interacting with check boxes and buttons while never having to move your hands to the keyboard.
With the release of JAWS 9, Freedom Scientific has added more functionality to allow tracking of only the Braille cursor.
Freedom Scientific has put together a significant amount of technical and how-to information on our software and hardware products. We encourage you to bookmark these pages, and visit them frequently when you have a technical issue, or simply wish to learn how to accomplish various tasks with your Freedom Scientific products. These include:
Training resources for blind and low vision products
User manuals, keystroke guides, quick start guides and much more for your Freedom Scientific products
Frequently asked questions and technical support notices for Freedom Scientific products
Finally, keep up with what other JAWS users are saying and doing! JAWS user groups exist not only in the USA, but in the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, and other locations around the world. Join one of the many JAWS user groups.
Victor Reader Stream: FAQ
Q. Are NLS books now available for download?
A. NLS has recently opened an expanded pilot download site of digital talking books and magazines for NLS patrons who are registered for NLS service by their local library, who have a computer and high speed Internet connection to download the books, and who also have an NLS authorized digital book player capable of playing the NISO books downloaded from the NLS server.
Q. Who qualifies for NLS talking book service?
A. Only residents of the United States or American citizens living abroad who are unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of a temporary or permanent visual, physical limitation may receive NLS audio book services. Each individual must be certified first before accessing the NLS audio book services.
Q. What is the process to participate in the expanded NLS pilot project and enable my Stream to play NLS books?
A. There are 3 steps to the process to participate in the NLS expanded download pilot and authorize your Victor Reader Stream to play NLS books and magazines.
- Step 1 - Apply online to NLS
To apply for participation in the NLS expanded pilot visit: https://www.NLSTalkingBooks.org/dtb
This page provides basic information about the NLS service and a link to the application form. Once you complete this online application form, you will immediately receive an e-mail from NLS confirming that NLS has received the application. If you are approved to participate you will receive a second confirmation e-mail with additional information. If there is a problem with your application you will also receive a message explaining the problem. A third NLS e-mail will include a username, password, instructions for participation, and how to obtain help. - Step 2 - HumanWare will contact you
If NLS approves your application to the expanded download pilot, they will also notify HumanWare. HumanWare will then contact you by e-mail with a link to our web form where you will need to supply your player serial number. Please do not try to complete the web form until you receive our e-mail as we will be unable to process your information. - Step 3 - Sending the NLS Authorization Key to you
After you complete the HumanWare web form HumanWare will respond within 2 working days with a second e-mail. Attached to this e-mail will be an NLS authorization key file to install on your Stream. The e-mail will contain the installation instructions. After you install the key file, you will be able to play NLS digital talking books and magazines.
For further information please visit http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home.
HumanWare's BrailleNote mPower and BrailleNote PK can now access RFB&D AudioPlus DAISY Books
HumanWare's US customers can now use their built-in BrailleNote DAISY book reader to access the more than 100,000 AudioPlus® books available from RFB&D®. Because these books are password protected, they require special software to play. This software is enabled in KeySoft 7.21 build 54.
When you have installed the software, follow these steps to play the RFB&D® AudioPlus® books on your BrailleNote:
1. If you are not already a member, apply for membership of the RFB&D library. The application forms are available at http://www.rfbd.org/.
2. Complete a User Authentication Form to apply for a User Authentication Key (UAK) that will allow you to play the RFB&D® library books on your BrailleNote.
Note: The UAK is unique to the serial number of your machine and cannot be transferred to or from any other Daisy Book player.
3. When you receive your UAK number, enter it into your BrailleNote. To do this:
- Go to the Main Menu on your BrailleNote.
- Select the Utilities option, by stepping through the Main Menu until you get to Utilities and pressing Enter, or by pressing U anywhere in the Main Menu.
- From the Utilities Menu, go to "Key Management" by stepping through the list and pressing Enter, or by pressing K followed by Enter.
- From the Key Management Menu, go to "Enter a New Product Key".
- Enter the UAK number that you were given.
- You will be returned to the Main Menu if you are successful. You can now use the BrailleNote Daisy Book reader to read RFB&D® books.
4. When you receive your book CD from RFB&D®, you are also given a 4 digit PIN number that allows you to play it. When you first open the book, you will hear a pre-recorded message and you will be asked for this PIN number. Enter the number to start reading the book.
5. For more information on DAISY books, refer to the Book Reader chapter of your BrailleNote User Guide. For more information on BrailleNote, please visit http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home.
Smartphones and Smart Hal
Smart Hal is a screen reader for Windows Mobile 5 and Mobile 6 Smartphones. The first thing you might think is “Wonderful, I can access my phone!” The second thought you might have is, “What is the difference between a Smartphone and a cell phone?” This article will take you through what you’ll find on a Smartphone and how Smart Hal works with these great features.
The most important feature of a Smartphone is that it is still essentially a cell phone giving you the capability to wander to cords free and make phone calls to whomever you feel. Your basics are covered, but they have been for years. What the Smartphone offers is a Windows platform to access many more features like your e-mail, calendar, tasks, and Internet. You connect your phone to your PC with a micro USB cable, and using Active Sync, you can sync your phone with all these dates, contacts, and e-mails you already have set up in Outlook. By the way, while your phone is syncing itself to your computer, it is also being charged.
Using Active Sync, you can also upload onto your phone third party software, like Smart Hal, or other great software like Live Search or Orb. You may think that phones like these are just for high-speed business people, and not something readily accessible to the public. Not true. All major carriers provide Smartphones and many of these phones will come free or very cheaply with a carrier contract. Some of the more popular phones include the Motorola Q or the Cingular 2125. A list of Smart Hal tested phones can be found at Smart Hal Compatible Smartphones.
Once Smart Hal is on your phone, you have easy access to the information you need most in a comfortable screen reader. Press home key + 9 and Smart Hal tells you the date and time. Press home key + right soft and get your battery and signal status. The program also uses parameter keys for volume and speed to quickly adjust for changing environments. Press home key + 2, for volume parameter, then press 9 for Smart Hal to adjust to the highest volume or you can still use your up and down navigational buttons to adjust step by step.
When making calls, you have simple and easy access to your stored phone numbers by typing in the contact’s name you would like to search for and Smart Hal repeats the characters and the contacts as your choices are narrowed. During a call, you can set Smart Hal’s volume to be quieter while you talk. To set this, go to the Smart Hal menu (home key + 1), then select Speech, then Volume During Call. When someone is calling you, you can press the left soft key to have Smart Hal read aloud who the caller is.
For those new to texting and typing on a phone key pad, Smart Hal can repeat the character after every press for multi-key and even has an indicator noise to notify you when the cursor has automatically moved. If you press and hold down the star key, a menu will appear to change your typing style, allowing you to type just numbers or use T9 predictive text.
New users of Dolphin screen readers can always find two very important features. First, is the “Where Am I?” key which tells the user which application/screen they are in and where the focus is. For Smart Hal, this is home key + 7. The second feature is Application Notes. These specially written notes will describe the opened program to the user and special hot keys or other useful tips to the user. Application Notes can be found in the Smart Hal menu (home key + 1), Tools, then Show Application Notes.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Smartphones, Smart Hal, and what they can do. But armed with this basic knowledge, and a healthy appetite for technology, you should soon be texting and talking with the rest of the world.
For more information on Smart Hal visit http://www.yourdolphin.com/.
Window-Eyes 6.1 and Windows Vista
GW Micro released public beta versions of Window-Eyes version 6.1 beginning on January 30, 2006 which was also the general release of Microsoft Windows Vista. This is the first time in computer history when an MS Windows-based screen reader was available on the same day as a new operating system. The final release of version 6.1 will follow shortly, but this series of articles highlights features which apply both to the public beta as well as the final release of version 6.1.
Window-Eyes 6.1 provides complete access to all 32-bit versions of Microsoft’s newest operating system: Windows Vista. Windows Vista is similar to Windows XP in terms of layout: there’s a start menu, task bar, system tray, and desktop, all of which you can tab between. Windows Explorer still lets you browse your file system, the Internet and e-mail are still accessible through Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Mail (formerly known as Outlook Express), and all other third party applications will still sound and feel the same.
One of the features of Windows Vista that will seem familiar and at the same time, have a new look and feel is the Start Menu. The Start Menu includes three new features.
First is the Integrated desktop search—After pressing the Windows key, just enter the name of an application you want to run (for example, Word), and press ENTER. If multiple search results are found you can simply arrow through them and press ENTER on the one you want to launch. All of this functionality is contained completely within the start menu.
The second new feature is the All Programs tree view—After pressing the Windows key, press TAB a few times until you hear, All Programs. Instead of using multiple expanding menus, the All Programs menu now resolves to a tree view listing all installed applications. The standard method of opening and closing the various folders and files works similar to other tree views. This feature is also contained completely in the start menu.
Finally you can Tab between various portions—Common folders and shutdown/power tasks are also included in the start menu. Simply press the TAB key to move between each start menu group. After pressing TAB, use your arrow keys to move through the items in that group. Press ENTER on the selected item to open it.
If you are reading this prior to the official, final release of Window-Eyes 6.1, then you are free to try the full-install, public beta which can be downloaded at http://gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/Beta/. You do not have to own Window-Eyes to try this public beta version but remember it is designed for Windows Vista—not other operating systems.
Window-Eyes 6.1 and Windows Vista, Part II
In the previous NFB Tech Tip we discussed the Windows Vista Start Menu and some of the new features that offers. In this article we are going to continue with some other, new Windows Vista features and describe how Window-Eyes provides the screen access you need.
You may remember that pressing the Windows Key plus the letter E opens the Windows Explorer program. In Windows XP, Windows Explorer would give you a way to manage files on your computer. At that point you could press either the F6 key or the TAB key to navigate from group to group. In Windows Vista you can still do that same thing but in a more full featured way. For example, there is a new address area. The address area in Windows Explorer is similar to the breadcrumb feature found on some web pages: it contains items that show you how to get back to where you started. For example, opening up the Window-Eyes program folder causes the command bar to display “Program Files -> GW Micro -> Window-Eyes,” with each of the options linked to their respective folders. Once you select one of the items in the command bar, you can either press ENTER to open that selected folder, or press the DOWN ARROW to open a list of folders contained in the selected folder.
There is also a new search feature. Much like the search feature of the start menu, each Windows Explorer window also contains a search edit box. As soon as you begin entering information into the search box, the search begins taking place. This can save a lot of time.
You can TAB to the navigation pane where you might see the words, Documents, Pictures, Music, etc. This provides links to common folders, as well as a tree view containing all of the drives, folders, and files on your computer. As an example, this is a very quick way to move to a specific drive.
Moving to the command bar provides information that will change depending on the files that are listed. You might have buttons named Organize, View, Play All, Burn, etc. It displays tasks that are relevant to the files displayed in the Explorer window. For example, a folder containing music files will have command bar buttons that are relative to music tasks, such as a Burn command for burning music to a CD. A list of documents might bring up other command bar actions, such as e-mailing or sharing the selected file.
When you TAB to the list of files or folders, pressing TAB once more takes you to the current folder’s list view headers. The list view headers provide an easy to way to choose how information is sorted. List view headers function differently under Windows Vista than they do under XP. First, the headers are always present, regardless of which view your folder is in. Second, you can actually TAB to the headers, and arrow through them. Once you have selected a header, you can press the DOWN ARROW to open a menu containing various options for the selected header.
Finally, there are additional views—Windows Vista introduces new methods of sorting files in Windows Explorer, including Group by, and Stack By. For example, using Group By Name, Explorer will group folders and files into alphabetical groups A-H, I-P, Q-Z. Names like Internet Explorer would show up in the I-P group. Window-Eyes would show up in the Q-Z group. Groups can also be expanded (to display all contained files and folders) or collapsed (to hide all contained files and folders).
For further information on Window-Eyes, please visit the GW Micro site.
