the Iris Network - Support Empowerment Independence

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Feature Story - July / August '09

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Bangor Savings Bank Gives Back to Maine Communities

Cast your vote for The Iris Network!


Bangor Savings Bank Foundation will be awarding $100,000 to 68 local non-profit organization and they are asking the community to help decide how to best distribute the funds. The charitable organization getting the most votes will receive a $5,000 grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. The Iris Network has been included in the Bangor Savings Community Matters More poll and we ask that you consider casting your ballot for The Iris Network. The number of people experiencing some level of vision loss is expected to increase by 75% by 2020. As we plan ahead to better serve our consumers, this gift would help greatly in supporting our efforts to meet the needs of those we serve, providing every opportunity to improve their quality of life as they continue to live independently.

Please go to the following website http://www.bangor.com/yourmattermore/voting.aspx and cast your vote for up to three of your favorite charities, including The Iris Network. We are truly honored and grateful for this opportunity and ask if you could spread the word to your friends, family and neighbors. Voting ends March 2, 2010, one vote per person. Thank you Bangor Savings Bank!
 


Trekker Pro and Trekker Breeze

Click play button below or click the stand-alone Windows Media Player button to view a demonstration.

 

Both the Trekker Pro and Trekker Breeze are GPS products from Humanware, so what’s the difference between the two? Humanware won’t appreciate the Trekker Breeze being called a “lite” version of the Trekker Pro, but in many ways, that’s how this reviewer sees it. Not only is the Trekker Breeze more compact, it is easier to operate out-of-the-box because it has fewer features. Also, the Trekker Breeze is lighter on the wallet-- $895 versus $1695 for the Trekker Pro.

The Trekker Pro was designed for a traveler who is comfortable using computer menus, and wants the ability to plan and change routes using the GPS software. Learning to use all the features of the Trekker Pro takes some time, and for this type of traveler it is time well spent. The Trekker Pro is packaged in a larger size—the Bluetooth receiver and external speaker are separate devices and the Trekker Pro is the size of a hand-held computer. The Trekker Breeze is a one-piece unit slightly larger than a large cell phone.

The Trekker Breeze will record a route as you walk it or ride through it the first time. You may then save the route, back track through the route, and learn what businesses are on the route. You may even add points of interest along the route—the entrance to the park or a bus stop for example. These are easily recorded by voice into the Trekker Breeze database of locations, and each time the route is traveled this location will be announced as you near it. You cannot, however, type in an address on the Trekker Breeze and have the GPS calculate directions to that address. This feature is only available on the Trekker Pro.

The Trekker Pro may also be purchased as a Trekker Maestro for an additional $200. The Maestro incorporates a complete handheld computer capable of word processing, email, Internet, etc., in addition to the GPS software.

In summary, the Trekker Breeze is a compact GPS that is easy to learn and will assist users in maintaining a route, and locating businesses and landmarks on the route. The Trekker Pro is a GPS with expanded features such as route planning that will take up a bit more space in your backpack and require a steeper learning curve. Both GPS products will help you stay on the right track!
 

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Focussing on Maine's Blind and Visually Impaired since 1905. The Iris Network is a Maine state resource for people who are visually impaired or blind to attain their determined level of independence and integration into the community. We are nationally recognized as a leader creating support and opportunities for independence, working in partnership with people who are visually impaired or blind in Maine. blind in maine, blind, iris, eye, chat, vision, maine, airs, macular degeneration, center, impaired, help, teacher, david searle, computer, rehab, rehabilitation, portland, in, visual, sight, Park, Network, Iris Network, Saco, Bangor, Houlton, Ellsworth, Lewiston, New England, blindness, loss, group, help, services, Grace, David Searle

 

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Call Us: Voice or TTY 207-774-6273 (in the Portland area) - Fax 207-774-0679 - Toll Free: 1-800-715-0097 (in Maine only)

 

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