Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and today it's time for our news roundup.  This is our new feature and in answer to hundreds of requests from our readers, each Wednesday we'll be publishing a selection of articles that will help our special needs emailers and technology buffs to keep up.  These articles will also give exposure to many companies that are dedicated and committed to improving the lives of many and our blog will also help to bring consumers and companies together in an informal way.

Give us our feedback as we'd love to hear from you.

 

At the business desk, I'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a great day.

 

Table of contents

 

1  Coalition of organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
2  house sub-committee Vote Could End Books for the Blind
3  Non-profit seeks secure revenue base in electronic junk
4  Stay active with low vision
5  A blind user would choose google as His Search Engine
6  Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted

 

Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
Applauds FCC's New Disability Accessibility Requirements
PR Newswire
Friday, June 01, 2007
 
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) Applauds FCC's New Disability Accessibility Requirements
By Press Release
 
    WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order, "Disability
Access Requirements Extended To VoIP Services" at its monthly open meeting.
The FCC Order levels the playing field so that interconnected Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers must meet similar requirements
for providing access to people with disabilities that wireline and wireless
providers currently meet.
    "We applaud this significant step forward in making sure persons
disabilities will not be left behind or left out of the next generation of
phone services using Internet technologies," says Jenifer Simpson, of the
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a cofounder and
spokesperson for the Coalition.
    The Order does three things for persons with disabilities. It extends
the accessibility and usability requirements of Section 255 of the
Communications Act to VoIP service providers. It requires VoIP providers to
contribute into the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)
Fund. It also requires VoIP service providers to meet the same TRS
obligations that traditional phone companies must meet, such as connecting
relay service users via 711, the nation's free access number to reach a
relay service center.
    "Companies using new phone technologies should make their products and
services accessible and usable for people with vision loss. Why should I
have to ask someone to place a phone call for me just because some company
forgot to design phone services with my needs in mind?" asks Mark Richert
of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), another co-founder of the
disability coalition supporting the FCC action. "And, if we can't get our
telephone bills in Braille, how do they expect us to pay them?"
    "New contributors into the relay services fund are important because
the number of traditional phone customers is continuing to decline,"
explains Karen Peltz Strauss of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD,
Inc.), also a founder of the new disability coalition. "Relay services are
absolutely essential for people with hearing and speech disabilities."
    "The 1996 Telecommunications Act required phone companies and
manufacturers to make services and products disability accessibility and
usable," adds Jenifer Simpson. "Here we are, eleven years later and some
companies still forget to design at the front end for the needs of people
with all kinds of disabilities, leaving them behind as the rest of the
population gets to use all kinds of new and exciting communication
technologies. Everyone's getting pretty fed up with not being able to use
these innovative gadgets and services. This FCC action is a good step
forward, but it's time for the whole communications industry to take a
giant step forward. We want to see accessibility in all products and
services in the marketplace."
    COAT is a new coalition of disability organizations, launched in March
2007, to advocate for legislative and regulatory safeguards that will
ensure full access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed
broadband, wireless and other Internet protocol (IP) technologies. The
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, or COAT, consists of
over 67 national, regional, and community-based organizations dedicated to
making sure that as our nation migrates from legacy public switched-based
telecommunications to more versatile and innovative IP-based and other
communication technologies, people with disabilities will benefit like
everyone else. More information about the disability coalition is available
at website http://www.coataccess.org.
 
SOURCE COAT
Related links:
http://www.aapd-dc.org
http://www.coataccess.org

 

House Subcommittee Vote Could End Books for the Blind.

 

PressRelease 
Author : National Federation of the Blind 
Earthtimes.org - USA
Thu, 07 Jun 2007.
 
On Wednesday, June 6, the House of Representatives Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee voted to substantially underfund the Books for the Blind program of the Library of Congress.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Since 1931, Congress has consistently supported on a bipartisan basis a national program of audio and Braille books for the blind, operated by the Library of Congress. The blind of America are shocked and disappointed that a House subcommittee has callously disregarded our literacy needs since literacy leads to independence. By appropriating only $7.5 million of the $19.1 million needed for transition from antiquated analog cassette tape technology to digital technology, the subcommittee has effectively voted to shut down the only public library available to blind Americans. The audio books produced by the Library of Congress will be useless unless the digital playback technology is provided for readers. The Talking Book program is at a crossroads because the analog tape used for the past thirty-six years has become obsolete and must be replaced for the program to continue. Virtually, all government programs, except Books for the Blind, have converted to state-of-the-art digital communication technology at a cost of billions of dollars to the taxpayers. Leaving the Books for the Blind program behind is unconscionable. Since it is early in the appropriations process, however, Congress still has time to correct this grievous error. We therefore urgently appeal to the full House Appropriations Committee, the members of the House of Representatives, and the United States Senate to provide the full $19.1 million requested by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress to begin production of digital talking books and players."
 
The Talking Book program serves over 750,000 blind Americans, including blind children and an ever-increasing number of older Americans who are losing vision. The incidence of blindness is expected to increase as the baby boom generation reaches retirement age. Therefore, the need for this essential program will only increase.

 

CONTACT: John G. Pare Jr., Director of Public Relations of the National
Federation of the Blind, +1-410-659-9314, extension 2371, Cell:
+1-410-913-3912, jpare@nfb.org

 

Web site: http://www.nfb.org/
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,118989.shtml

 

Las Vegas Business Press, NV, USA
Friday, June 08, 2007

 

Non-profit seeks secure revenue base in electronic junk
By BEN STEPHENS

 

With age comes wisdom, perhaps. Betting on green two years ago proved to be a lucrative move for the 52-year-old Blind Center of Nevada, the nonprofit organization's officials say.
 
Aspiring to expand its downtown facility and the social and professional services it offers to Southern Nevada's visually impaired, the agency needed more than donations and grants could offer. It filled the gap by establishing an electronics-recycling program.
 
The premise was to decrease the its dependence on donor charitability. This year, the recycling operation is expected to generate around $1 million in revenue, about five times what it projects to receive in public and private gifts. On the road to self-sufficiency, a dozen jobs -- nearly all filled by local visually impaired citizens -- were created.
 
The young enterprise, which until recently was cramped inside the small, original headquarters on Bruce Street, moved to a nearby commercial food storage facility last month, where it rents about 20,000 square feet of space. Vice President of Operations Bob Waldorf estimates tens of thousands of pounds of donated electronics are being shipped from the location to refiners and to Internet buyers each month.

 

Staff members sort through donated goods, separating the reusable from the recyclable. That which still has a working life or can be repaired is re-sold on Internet sites like Ebay, Waldorf said. The rest is sold per pound to refiners.
 
According to Blind Center figures, the enterprise diverted more than 500,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills last year and projects to triple that in 2007. Looking forward, the center aspires to collect 20 million pounds annually and says such volume would mean a total of 100 jobs.
 
These aren't just any jobs, though. "They're meaningful jobs," Waldorf says.
 
There is a need for the minor packaging and assembly positions to which many of the visually impaired have been relegated for years, but the positions that have resulted from the recycling program offer a career path. The lower-skilled positions typically earn minimum wage and aren't steady, Waldorf explained. In contrast, Internet sales gigs net anywhere from $8 to $12 an hour and offer full-time work. Waldorf intends to double the number of these jobs by year's end.
 
Service sector jobs for the visually impaired also were made necessary by foreign labor competition, Waldorf said.

 

"Like anything else, we're getting pinched by Mexico, China and other places," he said. "These are jobs we're not going to export."
 
Cynthia Watson, a fellow of the Alexandria, Va.-based National Industries for the Blind, came to the Blind Center on a temporary basis to document how to establish such an operation, aiming to simplify its implementation in the other 80 blind centers throughout the country.
 
She said these jobs offer unprecedented choice to the visually impaired as well as a conduit to self-sufficiency. "Not everyone who's visually impaired wants to work in the manufacturing setting," she said.
 
Higher wages, Watson adds, make it more attractive for visually impaired persons receiving Social Security to trade in their aid checks for paychecks, because the positions are more lucrative.
 
"They can become taxpayers instead of tax users, and become independent again," Blind Center President and CEO Veronica Wilson said. Technological advances such as screen magnification and voice recognition software afforded this career path to the visually impaired, she notes. "The easiest way to adapt a job for the visually impaired is the computer."
 
There are an estimated 76,000 visually impaired persons statewide, and of those, 10,000 are legally blind, according to the center's figures.
 
The statistics also show the unemployment rate among the blind is 72 percent. In Nevada, 80 percent of the blind population lives below the poverty level, compared with the national average of 65 percent, the figures indicate.
 
Currently, the Blind Center has about 500 members receiving its free services. While membership has increased tenfold in the last half decade, Waldorf insists the center needs to expand its reach. He's confident there's enough electronic waste to accommodate the growth, considering the estimated 1,300 personal computers going out of service every day in Las Vegas.

 

According to a figure he cited in a presentation to the State Legislature last month, Nevada produces 23 million pounds of electronic waste per year.
 
 Among the center's stiffest competition in vying for that volume is ARC International Corporation, a national electronics recycling company that established a presence in North Las Vegas in February. Company officials say its facility can handle about 4 million pounds of this waste per year. ARC has been in negotiations with the Blind Center, although officials there declined to elaborate.
 
"They would buy some of what we collect," Waldorf said of the negotiations. Despite efforts to ramp up future recycling capacity, "I don't think we're coming close to (recycling) 10 percent (of the waste) here, even with ARC," Waldorf said.
 
"There's way more than enough room for many players. It's just a matter of jockeying for a position," he said.
 
But could private ventures be as successful in attracting taxpayer dollars to keep electronics products, which contain toxic materials, from contaminating landfills?
 
The Blind Center had a bill in the Legislature (AB 471) this session, which sought to fund additional equipment to enhance its recycling program. The bill lapsed during the session.

 

The equipment would have allowed the Blind Center to break down its own donated goods into raw materials - plastic, glass and metal. Becoming more self-contained would generate higher revenues, rather than outsourcing goods to companies like ARC, Waldorf explained.
 
The other leg-up the nonprofit Blind Center may have on private enterprises in attracting waste volume is the tax write-offs the public reaps for what it donates. ARC, which also takes in items on a donation basis, only offers less waste ending up in landfills.
 
However, the less experienced Blind Center must ensure it can match the capacity of private enterprises' capacity if it hopes to make the most of this advantage.
 
bstephens@lvbusinesspress.com | 871-6780 x316
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2007/06/08/news/iq_14776885.txt

 

Stay Active with Low Vision.

 

Newswise (press release) - USA
Monday, June 11, 2007.

 

Vision loss doesn't have to mean a loss of independence. An array of
assistive devices, certified specialists and the right attitude can help you
function with declining eyesight.
 
If you're among the estimated one of every 20 Americans with low vision, you
might feel as if you're confined to your home, dependent on loved ones and
unable to pursue your favorite hobbies.

 

But, it doesn't have to be that way, according to Cleveland Clinic's Men's
Health Advisor.

 

Although low vision-sight that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact
lenses or surgery-can have a significant effect on your life, help is
available. Vision and rehabilitation specialists can help you make the most
of your remaining vision, and an array of programs and optical devices can
allow you to maintain some independence and keep doing many of the things
you've always enjoyed.
 
"With a good attitude and the right person to help you learn to problem
solve and to find some of the basic solutions that you need, there certainly
is no reason why you can't continue to do the vast majority of things you
used to do," said Patrick Baker, MHS, OTR/L, CLVT, CDRS, a Cleveland Clinic
occupational therapist and low-vision rehabilitation specialist. "You don't
have to depend on everybody."

 

What is Low Vision?

 

Low vision most commonly results from eye disorders such as age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and cataracts, as well as diabetes
(diabetic retinopathy). Eye or brain injuries also may cause low vision, as
can retinitis pigmentosa, a rare inherited disorder that affects peripheral
and night vision.

 

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends regular eye exams every
two years for adults ages 41 to 60, annually for those 61 and older and more
frequently for people with diabetes or other eye-disease risk factors.
Usually, eye disorders are detected during these exams; however, once they
lose some vision, many people may be unsure where to turn next.

 

"Any time you're starting to lose functionality due to vision loss, it's
time to seek a low-vision exam from a certified low-vision specialist," said
Ann Laurenzi, O.D., a Cleveland Clinic optometrist.

 

Evaluating Low Vision

 

Unlike a standard eye exam, a low-vision exam concentrates more on how to
function with your condition, and your specialist will show you how to make
the most of your remaining eyesight. For example, a person with central
vision loss from AMD must adapt and be trained on how to function better
with his peripheral vision, Dr. Laurenzi said.

 

The process often requires a team of specialists, who will train you on the
types of vision aids and strategies you'll need. "In a lot of cases, it's
not just going out and getting equipment. It's finding out what you do, what
you want to do, what's hard to do and what's the best tool that's going to
help you resolve those issues," Baker said. He noted that occupational
therapists specializing in low vision can help patients not only use vision
aids, but also develop strategies to maintain a good quality of life.

 

Functioning with Low Vision

 

Vision aids are the key tools to help low-vision patients function. They may
include magnifying devices, ranging from simple magnifiers and telescopic
glasses, to complex closed-circuit TVs and battery-powered, head-mounted
video magnifiers.

 

If you're a reader, many books are available on audiotape, and many
newspapers are available online in large-print formats. Also, reading
machines can voice typewritten text placed on their scanning surfaces.

 

Many insurance plans do not cover vision aids, so you may have to pay for
them out of pocket.

 

Aside from vision aids, experimenting with lighting and contrast schemes can
help you function with low vision around the home. For example, use a dark
tablecloth with light-colored plates.

 

What You Can Do
Seek eye doctors and occupational therapists specializing in low vision.
Visit the American Optometric Association's Web site-www.aoa.org-to find a
specialist near you.
Work with your family members to develop an organizational plan for your
household, and follow it closely.
Work with your therapist to find the ideal lighting setup that maximizes
your vision, and experiment with contrast schemes, such as having dark
furniture on a light-colored rug.
 
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/530752/

 

Softpedia.com
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
 
A Blind User Would Choose Google as His Search Engine

 

By Bogdan Popa
 
Interesting test revealed that Google managed to beat Baidu
by Bogdan Popa, Security and Search Engines Editor
 
The Chinese company Intelliconsulting recently conducted a market research that revealed that Google finally managed to beat the Chinese rival Baidu after the users preferred the Mountain View company as their default search engine. The tests included 2,740 Chinese internet users who didn't know which search technology they use, having to choose the best one for a total of 8 categories such as news, Internet and technology, finance/business, entertainment, shopping/dining, travel/transportation, science/culture/education and government services/public information. According to the Search Engine Journal, Google was the winner with 48.2 percent while Baidu recorded only 39.8 percent.
 
"35.7% of the participants indicated that they didn't appreciate that Baidu's natural search results were mixed with advertising. The respondents also didn't like the fact that results don't include Chinese content from websites outside of China and that they don't seem objective. The instability of Google's website, thanks mostly to the great Chinese firewall, was seen as negative as well as having no page-caching. The fact that Google doesn't offer a search functionality for free mp3's and other downloadable entertainment was also not appreciated," the same source explained.
 
 The battle between Google and Baidu is extremely important for the Mountain View company as it strives to expand its products into the rich Chinese market. However, the local Google alias Baidu managed to attract the majority of users with its Google-like solutions. At this time, the search giant is probably thinking at new ways to conquer China after it opened a lot of new offices and designed new flavors of the products for the Chinese users. This is quite the most important win recorded by Google in the battle with Baidu so we should expect for new moves soon. Meanwhile, Baidu seems to like "the best defense is the attack" motto and prepares to start the European expansion.
 
http://news.softpedia.com/news/A-Blind-User-Would-Choose-Google-as-His-Search-Engine-57084.shtml#reviewForm

 

24Dash.com (UK)
Monday, June 11, 2007
 
Sussex: Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted
By Pam Caulfield
 
The first talking bus stops are being piloted
 
The first talking bus stops for the blind in Brighton and Hove are being trialled.
 
The five innovative bus stops will tell people which stop they are at and when the next bus is due.
 
Key fobs activate when its owner approaches a bus stop. The fob has two buttons allowing its user to prompt the bus stop to announce its locatio n and a second button to tell them when the next bus is due.
 
Blind Alison Evans, from Peacehaven, who will test the scheme, said: "I think the talking bus stops will definitely be helpful.
 
"At the moment I have to ask people which stop I'm at and when the next bus is coming.
 
"People are normally very good, but you're reliant on someone being there."
 
Once the trial has been completed, the systems will be fitted to a further 15 bus stops in Brighton and Hove.
 
Brighton and Hove City Council has worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to develop the scheme.
 
http://www.24dash.com/news/2/21673/index.htm