New Technology
December Message from RJ Cooper
Wednesday, December 09 2009 13:38
Hi and Happy Holidays!
So it's RJ Cooper, the special needs tech. guy again. I now offer Gift Certificates. Click on this link for the 'scoop': <http://rjcooper.com/gift-certificate>
Some 'groovy' gift ideas from my catalog:
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My adapted game controllers for XBox 360, PlayStation 3, and others, are becoming quite popular, especially as *gifts*. They are reasonably priced and do just what the user needs (there are many variations at the site) and I will even customize units further, upon request. I also found a great way to 'attach' a controller to someone's tummy! (email me for specifics) Here's the link:
<http://rjcooper.com/game-controller> -
My Switch-Adapted Digital Camer is VERY popular: <http://rjcooper.com/digital-camera>.
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My Switch-Adapted MP3 Players are always a great, VERY reasonably priced gift, at http://rjcooper.com/mp3-player.
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The Switch-Adapted Guitar Hero Guitars are gathering steam, at http://rjcooper.com/guitar-hero
I wanted to highlight my very recent release of the Laptop Keyboard Covers. These are *really* necessary, in my humble opinion, when trying to use a laptop with, pretty much, any disability situation. And laptops are viable as full desktop replacements, these days, because they are available in 17" wide screens! http://rjcooper.com/laptop-keyboard-cover/index.html
And REMEMBER, order VERY soon to get it by Xmas!!!!
RJ :)
RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc. | 27601 Forbes Rd. #39 | Laguna Niguel | CA | 92677 | US
Communication is Key: The Tobii CEye Eye Tracker
Tuesday, November 17 2009 10:19
Eye control is an alternative and complementary input method to using a mouse and keyboard. By looking at a screen you control ‘the mouse’ and you click by blinking, dwelling (staring at the screen for a certain length of time) or using a switch.
When talking about eye tracking all components have to be considered – hardware, software, peripherals, service and support – and how well they work together. Designed and built by Tobii, the Tobii CEye eye tracker works flawlessly with compatible Tobii communication devices.
Windows 7: Navigate by Touch Screen
Sunday, July 26 2009 18:26
With Windows 7 and a touch-screen monitor you can just touch your computer screen for a more direct and natural way to work. Use your fingers or a pointing device to scroll, resize windows, play media, and pan and zoom.
Simple Loop Helps Special Needs Kids Control Their Mice
Wednesday, April 29 2009 18:30
Microsoft employee Mike LaManna was surprised to find few adaptive solutions for special needs children who had trouble using computer mice. Using creativity, trial and error, and some helpful coworkers, LaManna set out to change that.
The collaborative effort produced a simple and effective design involving a plastic toy ring fastened near the back of the left button on a small, laptop-sized computer mouse. It allows children with dexterity issues to keep their fingers on the mouse button--and it more easily fits a child-sized hand.
Mobile Device Uses Images to Help Children with Autism Interact
Tuesday, April 21 2009 18:00
Autism spectrum disorder, which affects more than 500,000 U.S. children and millions more worldwide, can make verbal communication a challenge. With support from Microsoft External Research, two U.S. academic researchers are developing mobile device software that can enable individuals with autism to communicate more effectively.
Bluetooth Aids the Blind
Wednesday, September 17 2008 18:35
From: NASA Tech Briefs Insider - 09/23/2008
A Bluetooth system developed at the University of Michigan tells blind or sighted pedestrians about points of interest along their path as they pass them. Called Talking Points, the system is the first known to use Bluetooth, allowing people to operate it entirely with voice commands, and incorporate community-generated content through a website.
The system uses a mobile device to pick up the Bluetooth signals and speak or display information to the user. Bluetooth beacons, or tags, would be located at points of interest where owners wish to give information to Talking Points users. A website would allow beacon owners to program their tags. Once a beacon is added, other community members could add their comments about the point of interest.
"Talking Points can be viewed as a first step in the direction of an audio virtual reality designed for people with blindness and very useful to the sighted community as well," said James Knox, adaptive technology coordinator for the University's Information Technology Central Services and one of the system's developers.
Read the entire article at:
http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6737
