Technology Resources & Reviews

Livescribe Pulse Pen

The Livescribe Pulse Pen (http://www.livescribe.com) is a device the size of a wide pen, that allows users to write notes on special paper notebooks, and record audio information that is organized and linked to the written note.

Trekker Pro and Trekker Breeze

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.

Reading with the Stream

Sssshhhh....There's really no need to tell your print-reading friends about the Victor Reader Stream!

Should they see you listening to a novel, the local newspaper, tapping your foot while you listen to some music, or recording a note to yourself on the Victor, they might ask about some of its features. Keep a steady poker-face when you tell them, "Sure it plays audio files, like an iPod, and you can put in hours of voice notes, like a digital recorder."

The Adaptive Workplace

My name is Les Bennett and I have been employed part time by the Iris Network as Contributions Secretary since May 2005. When I began this position, I had some sight, approximately 20/100 in one eye, but during the first month of employment, that remaining vision was lost. Faced with this loss of vision, it soon became necessary for adaptations to be made to my work station in order for me to perform the required tasks.

Lighting

There are two types of lighting General, overhead lighting and Task lighting, which is used for a specific activity, such as reading or other close activities.

Using light effectively is essential in maximizing your access to vision. With task lighting, provide light throughout the room along with additional task lighting near the activity. While the area of activity should be bright, the entire room must also be well illuminated to reduce shadows. It is not helpful to work in a pool of light surrounded by darkness. Light should be directed at the task, not be too intense (usually 60 watts or less), and should be angled so that it does not create glare and reflectance. Different light bulbs facilitate comfort of lighting. This usually pertains to the visual impairment itself and to the preference of the individual using the light.