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New Product Spotlight

Reminder: MassMATCH and the U.S. Department of Education make no endorsement, representation, or warranty expressed or implied for any product, device, or information set forth on this website. Neither MassMATCH nor the U.S. Department of Education has examined, reviewed, or tested any product or device contained on the MassMATCH website.

TeleStik Portable Reachers

... the lightest, smallest, most portable reachers in the world

Normally $29.95 plus S&H
Now just $19.99 AND get a standard reacher free (a $15 value).

TeleStik was designed and developed with two very important objectives in mind:

1. Producing a reacher that requires minimal  hand, shoulder, and finger strength

2. Producing the most portable lightweight reacher.

Less the 8 inches long, TeleStik easily fits in a fanny pack, saddlebag or purse. And when you need that extra reach, TeleStik extends from 8 inches to 34 inches or anywhere in between.

TeleStik is the ultimate pick-up tool and TeleStik is the first reacher quadriplegics can truly operate. Take TeleStik wherever you go.

Perfect for office, school or travel, TeleStik utilizes three pick-up mechanisms:

• Adhesive - incredibly unique adhesive picks up objects up to one pound, yet is delicate enough to pick up a piece of paper
• Magnet - super strong magnet picks up metal objects up to one pound.
• Hook - handy hooks are great for pushing elevator buttons, dragging objects toward you, picking up clothing etc.

Save money with this limited-time offer to get your TeleStik Portable Reacher.

The Viable VPAD

The VPAD is the first WiFi-enabled and portable videophone to be developed for VRS (Video Relay Service) users.  The VPAD has a 10.2-inch touch screen, an USB port, audio/visual ports, and allows for one-click connection to ViableVRS. Founded in 2006, Viable is a private, deaf-owned company, and the majority of its employees are deaf and hard of hearing and are personally vested in the innovation and development of the company's products and services. Visit Viable's website for further information. Learn about other telecommunications equipment options and relay services at the MassMATCH telecommunications funding guide web page.

AbleLink's Schedule Assistant

 

AbleLink Technologies, a developer of cognitive technologies, announced a new version of its specialized memory aid designed to improve executive functioning skills for individuals with brain injuries and other cognitive issues.  Research funded through DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Programs Agency) and feedback from soldiers with cognitive injuries led to enhancements to AbleLink’s Schedule Assistant which operates on commercially available handheld computers and gives users a powerful tool for managing tasks and schedules on the go.

Schedule Assistant is an easy-to-use, PDA-based program that uses pictures and audio reminders to alert a user to any event or task that needs to be performed at a specific day and time. New to this version is the “Quick Event” tool that allows the user to add a reminder event simply by tapping on the Quick Event icon, recording an audio message and designating the day and time for playback.  “Quick Timer,” another new feature, allows the user to set an elapsed time reminder (e.g., similar to an egg timer) for anytime later in the day. This is used to remember things that come up throughout the day that cannot be scheduled in advance, e.g., knowing when break-time is over, when to take dinner out of the oven, or when to take laundry out of the washer and put it in the dryer. The user simply records a verbal message and selects how many hours or minutes before the reminder plays back, i.e., “Remove the clothes from the dryer.”

Learn more at the AbleLink website

AT&T Offers iPhone Text Accessibility Plan

(from Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI])

New Rate Plan for Customers with Disabilities Includes Unlimited Internet and Messaging

The iPhone is now even more accessible for Americans who are deaf or have a hearing or speech disability. AT&T Inc. announced a new Text Accessibility Plan (TAP) for iPhone, designed to give iPhone customers with disabilities the choice of unlimited text messaging, Web browsing and easy access to e-mail for $40 a month.

"Our Text Accessibility Plan allows customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech disabilities to literally tap out their communications on the go," said Carlton Hill, vice president of Product Management, Voice Products and Affiliate Marketing for AT&T's wireless unit. "Now with TAP for iPhone, users can tap, flick and pinch the innovative Multi-Touch touch screen for a completely new world of functionality."

This new plan is available to new and current iPhone users with qualifying disabilities through AT&T's National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD). To qualify for the iPhone TAP, customers must complete an application for eligibility. The form is available for download at www.wireless.att.com/about/disability-resources/text-accessibility-plan-for-iphone.jsp. 

During the iPhone activation process, customers sign up for a standard iPhone voice and data plan. After the iPhone is activated, customers can e-mail, fax or mail the eligibility form back to the NCCD to change their rate plan to the TAP for iPhone.
                       
Current iPhone customers who qualify may also submit the NCCD application to request the TAP for iPhone. Customers can contact the AT&T NCCD with questions at 866-241-6568 for voice calls or 866-241-6567 for TTY calls.

AT&T offers TAP plans to qualifying customers for use with most handsets across AT&T's portfolio. The NCCD also helps AT&T customers with disabilities with a variety of applications that aid in wireless communications. These include Mobile Magnifier, which enables individuals who have low vision or are blind to zoom in on the screen and Mobile Speak, which reads aloud menu options.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com. For more information about AT&T's NCCD or other offerings for customers with disabilities, visit
www.wireless.att.com/about/disability-resources/disability-resources.jsp.

 

Verizon Wireless Introduces Nationwide Messaging Plans

(from Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI])

Verizon Wireless, the owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, announced the availability of three new Nationwide Messaging plans that will allow customers to use unlimited messaging on their wireless handsets. The new plans do not require an accompanying voice plan and are designed to meet the needs of customers who primarily rely on messaging to communicate with others.

The Nationwide Messaging plans are available on most handsets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Smartphones inclusive of BlackBerry devices. Starting at $34.99 monthly access, the new Nationwide Messaging plans include unlimited text, instant, picture and video messaging, and offer per-minute voice calling rates as noted below:

Nationwide Messaging Plan      
Monthly Access  Includes unlimited text, IM, picture and video messaging, plus:
Per-minute Voice Rate 

Consumer Devices        $34.99  Also includes mobile Web access and data usage       
Per-minute Voice Rate  $0.40 

BlackBerry      $54.99  Also includes e-mail, Web browsing and data usage    
Per-minute Voice Rate  $0.25

PDA/Smartphone  $54.99 Also includes  e-mail, Web browsing and data usage  
Per-minute Voice Rate  $0.25 

"We developed these messaging plans in response to feedback from our customers," said Robert Miller, vice president - marketing for Verizon Wireless. "We have a growing number of customers, particularly from the deaf or hard of hearing community, who are using their wireless phones to communicate via messaging. Our Nationwide Messaging plans offer an affordable solution for customers who primarily use messaging to communicate, giving them more choices to only pay for services they need."

All three Nationwide Messaging plans allow customers to send and receive international text messages for $0.25 per message. Nationwide Messaging plans are available with a one- or two-year customer agreement (activation fees, taxes, and other charges apply).

Additional Messaging Capabilities with Mobile Email

Customers who sign up for the $34.99 monthly access Nationwide Messaging plan will also have the option of adding Mobile Email to their accounts for an additional $5.00 per month. With Mobile Email, customers can access popular e-mail services, as well as configure the service to work with their POP3 and IMAP accounts. Devices that support Mobile Email include the LG VX8300, VX8350, VX8700 and VX9400; Chocolate, VenusTM, enV and VoyagerTM by LG; MOTOKRZR K1m, MOTORAZR V3c, MOTORAZR V3m and MOTORIZRTM Z6tv; Samsung AliasTM (SCH-u740), Samsung SCH-u900 and SCH-u620, as well as the FlipShotTM by Samsung and the GleamTM.

All PDAs, Smartphones and BlackBerry handsets will be eligible for the Nationwide Messaging plans. The SMT5800, Verizon Wireless XV6900 and MOTO Q 9m will also support Mobile Email.

For more information about the Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Apple iTune Store Search Movies by "CC"

(from Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI])

Apple has enhanced the iTunes store so that you can now search for movies that are close captioned.

Select "Search..." from the Store menu in iTunes to access the Power Search, then choose "Movies" from the pop-up menu.  You'll notice a new checkbox "Search movies that are available with Closed Captioning" under the row of edit text fields. Click the checkbox then click the Search button to view a list of all movies with Closed Captioning.  Currently, we're up to 52 titles with more being added continually.

Of course you can also fine-tune your search by adding text in the other fields too.

For more information, go to www.apple.com/itunes/store/

 

Apple Computer Announces Captioning Advances

(from Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [TDI])

Mike Shebanek, Apple's Senior Product Manager of Worldwide Product Marketing announced this week that closed captioning playback is now available in Apple's QuickTime software, iTunes for both Windows and Mac operating systems, and in the latest software for the iPod, and iPhone.  

 

Last week at MacWorld, Apple announced a new AppleTV that also supports closed captioned playback. The software for the new AppleTV will also be available to current owners as an AppleTV software update over the Internet.

Apple has also introduced closed captioned movies on iTunes, so you can now buy or rent movies with closed captioning.

Not every movie on iTunes is closed captioned yet, but Apple is continuing to work with the movie companies to add many more titles as quickly as possible. 

Shebanek also notes in an email to Cheryl Heppner from Northern Virginia Resource Center that the captioning technology they use is based on SCC files commonly used on DVDs, but also can use the traditional TV-style Line 21 captioned content.  The tools already exist for consumers and professionals.  Apple includes an application called "Compressor" in its Final Cut Studio software that enables anyone to add the closed captioning content to a video production and output it so it can playback in iTunes for Windows and Mac, iPod, iPhone, AppleTV, and in QuickTime on a Mac and PC." 

Furthermore, Shebanek adds that Apple's Final Cut Studio and zeitAnker's Annotation Editor are two examples of video editing software with captioning capabilities that are available.

Acrobat LCD

The most flexible 3-in-1 video magnifier is ideal for near, distance and self viewing. By rotating the camera, you can read, write, groom, and magnify images at any distance. The Acrobat offers a complete system for those at work, school or home.

Key Features

• 3 in 1 camera technology with memory for favorite settings
• Arm slides to the right and pivots to the front for a full inline position offering an optimal viewing experience
• Dual keypad for easy to access controls
• Detachable camera rotates 340 degrees
• 5ms high resolution 19" LCD monitor
• Auto focus
• Seven (7) viewing modes
• Up to 65x adjustable digital magnification
• Rolling carrying case for easy transport (sold separately)
• Set-up is easy - just plug and play
• Computer toggle capability
• 2 year warranty
• Line markers, object locator, remote control and more.....

For more information on assistive technology for low vision or to schedule a no-obligation product demonstration please call (888) 811-3161 or complete our online request form.

 

Active Life Station

Most of us take for granted the simple ability to access the tools we need to succeed in life.

When it comes to manipulating their environment, children with Cerebral Palsy face a continual physical challenge.  The ability to simply turn around can turn around a life.

The Active Life Station is a new and exciting innovation aimed at providing "within reach" access for children for whom physical movement is challenging.  Our goal is to facilitate success for these children by literally surrounding them with the tools they need and minimizing the effort required to access these tools.

In and effort to improve and refine this product, we are requesting your feedback in our "Participate and Benefit" Survey.  This survey is by invitation only.  The opinion of our target e-mail audience, Cerebral Palsy Resources, is highly valued in developing and improving the Active Life Station. 

Please take a few moments to participate in this survey and help us in our effort to turn around lives.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Click here for the

www.ActiveLifeStation.com

site and survey

SelecTrials works in clinical trial management software and management.  This survey is conducted as a product and market analysis.  SelecTrails focuses on Phase I-IV Trials for the medical device and pharmaceutical industry.  SelecTrials does not sell any products.

The New Heights Electric Elevating Wheelchair System,
manufactured by Bromac Assistive Technology

These wheelchairs offer the highest seat elevation of any product on the
market, and are designed to easily, and temporarily elevate you from a
standard seated height, to a height greater than that of a person
standing, or any height in between, providing full access to their users
in virtually any environment.

These wheelchairs will enable you to function independently in virtually
any environment, and will give you the freedom to do what you want to
do, without the need for assistance from other people.

For more information call us at 805-797-7989, or visit us on the web at
www.as.net/~bromac/5.html

BROMAC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
HC 1 Box 29
57899 West Rhodes Avenue
Dateland, Arizona 85333

Just because a patient has aphasia, doesn’t mean that they don’t still wish to communicate about their favorite restaurants, stores, ball teams, and product brands.  That is the thinking behind one popular new feature in the Lingraphica Express2, the speech-generating device for aphasia. By adding 260 brand logos into the device, the designers of the Lingraphica are providing users the opportunity to communicate about things they care about and have had as a part of their vocabulary most of their lives. These logos for sports teams, cars, TV networks, restaurants, branded medications, and cosmetics, put that vocabulary back at their disposal. Logos are especially accessible and useful for persons with aphasia because they are typically professionally designed to be recognized through shape and color alone. It is their graphic design that allows people who don’t know the language to nonetheless swiftly and accurately identify familiar logos even if linguistic material often forms the basis for the logo (e.g., the words ‘Coca Cola®’). And familiar logos are often reassuring to persons with aphasia.  They are associated not only with an array of specific products and services that are widely available, but can additionally be experienced as familiar, and even comforting.  They represent known quantities to persons whose abilities to make fine distinctions through direct address is, by definition, compromised. Call toll free at 1-888-APHASIA or visit www.aphasia.com/product.html to learn more about a free trial of the new Lingraphica Express2.

 

Facilitate direct, unaltered, face to face communication between those who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing by providing portable, easy to use wireless devices that shatter the communication barrier and allow freedom of communication with anyone, anywhere and at any time.

Doug Strickland uses the UbiDuo to communicate with a co-worker. Learn more about his experience!

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Learn more about this product at www.scommonline.com