I have called both DirecTV and our cable company asking about assistive
options for on-screen menus and access to guides and advanced features like
on-demand and DVR capabilities. As far as I know, our community is being
left behind in this area. It would be great to see "screen reader" talking
technology applied to set top boxes. But perhaps a more practical, powerful
approach would be the possibility of controlling the DVR / set top box from
a computer already equipped with a screen reader. Perhaps provide the
actual audio/video presentation on the computer as well. Of course, the
software would have to be accessible. Cable might be close to some of this
capability if you have a TV tuner card installed in your computer. DirecTV
shows that the technology is there in their internet connected HD DVR, which
allows sighted users to download on-demand movies to their DVR and
additionally allow users to schedule their DVR's downloads and recording
times from a web interface from anywhere in the world. As the TV and
computer technologies continue to converge over the next few years, I feel
this is a great opportunity for the visually impaired to potentially
participate in using some of these new, advanced features.
Don Marang
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sherrie" <[email protected]>
To: "Blind-computing" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:59 PM
Subject: [Blind-Computing] Need suggestions for assistive technology
I received the following from a friend and was wondering if anyone
had any suggestions I could offer. I am not sure exactly what to
tell this person.I need advice about what is not available or could
be improved...
Here is the letter I received:
How do you feel about contributing some ideas about handling
technology? A friend is working on his computer science degree. One
class this semester requires
that he improves current hardware or software, or designs new
hardware or software in some way. He was trying to figure out a
niche market to address. I
suggested doing something to help the visually impaired with
computers, cell phones, etc. Is there something that you find
particularly difficult or frustrating
with any of your computer or digital equipment? If you could design
something "perfect" for a blind user, what would it be? How would it
be different
from what you currently have or use? Feel free to offer as many
suggestions as you like. I'm not sure the extent of his project, but
I'm sure he'll try
to do something immediately usable.
Visit the JAWS Users List home page at:
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Visit the Blind Computing home page at:
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Use the following address in order to contact the management team
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If you wish to join the JAWS Users List send a blank email to the
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Visit the JAWS Users List home page at:
http://www.jaws-users.com
Visit the Blind Computing home page at:
http://www.blind-computing.com
Address for the list archives:
http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
To post to this group, send email to
[email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to
[email protected]
For help from Mailman with your account Put the word help in the subject
or body of a blank message to:
[email protected]
Use the following address in order to contact the management team
[email protected]
If you wish to join the JAWS Users List send a blank email to the
following address:
[email protected]
