Proloquo2Go 2.0 Released With Many New Features

Earlier this week Proloquo2Go 2.0 was released. To view the video on its original site click here. Proloquo2Go is one of the best augmentative alternative communication (AAC) apps for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Some of the new features include the ability have multiple users, new text-to-speech voice and new page layout options To review a full review of Proloquo2Go click here. To download Proloquo2Go click here.

Click read more below to view screenshots of Proloquo2Go.

Apple Releases New Podcasts App

Today, Apple released a new app called Podcasts. Click here to download the free app. The app has a number of improvements including the ability to subscribe to Podcasts from your device. Podcasts are a great way for people with reading disabilities or visual impairments to keep current with the news. Click read more below to see screen shots of Podcasts in action.

iOS 6: Guided Access Accessibility Feature

Apple's upcoming iOS 6 software update for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch will include a great accessibility feature called Guided Access. Guided Access will allow teachers and parents to control their children's device usage. For example, you will be able to lock app controls such as settings. This will ensure that children will not change settings or use distracting features. This feature will benefit people with autism. Guided Access will also allow teachers to give tests on the iPad or iPhone and ensure that the students will not be able to search for the answers or exit the test app. Guided Access will allow museums to use iPads as displays without worrying about people changing to another app.

iOS 6 will be released in the fall. To learn more about iOS 6 click here.

iOS 6: Single App Mode Will Help Teachers Give Tests on the iPad

Apple's upcoming iOS 6 will include single app mode which will allow teachers to keep students from leaving a test. This way students cannot leave the test and go look up the answers online. This allow teachers securely administer tests on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

To learn more about iOS 6 click here.

Watch Apple Announce iOS 6 Accessibility Features at WWDC

Watch the video above to learn more about the new accessibility features coming to iOS 6. The video will automatically start playing at the point were Guided Access is being announced. Click here to learn more about iOS 6 accessibility.

Apple Announces Dictation For the Mac

Apple announced a new feature called dictation that will allow users to talk to their computer and have their words transcribed into text. This feature is similar to dictation on the iPhone 4S and The New iPad. The feature will be built into OS X Mountain Lion. Dication is simular to the Windows and Mac program called Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Apple says the following about dictation,

 

" Now you can talk anywhere you can type. Dictation converts your words into text. It uses the built-in microphone on your Mac, so there’s no need to set anything up — just start speaking instead of typing. When you say “comma” or “exclamation point,” Dictation punctuates for you. The more you use Dictation, the smarter it gets. It learns voice characteristics. And it recognizes people from your contacts so it enters names accurately. Dictation supports English (U.S., UK, and Australia), French, German, and Japanese."

Apple Announces iOS 6 With New Accessibility Features

Today, Apple announced iOS 6 a new update for its mobile devices. Among other new features is enhancements to Siri and new accessibility features. Click here to learn more about Siri.  With iOS 6, Siri will be able to answer even more of your questions. Siri is also making its way to The New iPad. Another new feature is called Guided Access. Guided Access is designed to help students with Autism and related disabilities stay on task. It works by allowing a teacher or parent to control what control a kid can have. For example, you can turn off access to the home button to ensure that the child stays on task. Apple says the following about Guided Access,

"iOS 6 comes with even more features to make it easier for people with vision, hearing, learning, and mobility disabilities to get the most from their iOS devices. Guided Access helps students with disabilities such as autism remain on task and focused on content. It allows a parent, teacher, or administrator to limit an iOS device to one app by disabling the Home button, as well as restrict touch input on certain areas of the screen. VoiceOver, the revolutionary screen reader for blind and low-vision users, is now integrated with Maps, AssistiveTouch, and Zoom. And Apple is working with top manufacturers to introduce Made for iPhone hearing aids that will deliver a power-efficient, high-quality digital audio experience."

Another great change is word by word highlighting for Speak Selection. iOS 6 will allow the iPhone to work better with hearing aids. Also included are enhancements to VoiceOver including VoiceOver compatibility with zoom, assistive touch, and maps. iOS 6 will be available this fall as a free update.

Click read more below to learn more about iOS 6 accessibility.

Reminder: WWDC Kicks Off Monday, June 11

On Monday, June 11 Apple will kick off its WWDC conference with a Keynote at 10 A.M. Pacific. Apple is rumored to cover OS X Mountain Lion, iOS 6 and possibly Siri for iPad and new Mac computers. Nothing is official until word comes directly from Apple. Last year at WWDC Apple unveiled iOS 5 with many new accessibility features including Speak Selection and Assistive Touch. Stay tuned to the Assistive Technology Blog to hear all about the announcement and how it affects people with disabilities. Let us know in the comments what features or products you would like to see announced.

Click read more below to view more images.

Computerized Glasses Help Visually Impaired Navigate Obstacles

Spanish researchers had created a prototype pair of computerized glasses. The glasses look like a large pair of sunglasses with cameras on each lens. The glasses work by analyzing the environment around the user and then highlighting objects that may be obstacles. The highlighting helps the user easily identify obstacles. The users need some vision in order to see the highlights so this is not intended for the blind. The glasses are currently in the prototype stage of development and is not available to consumers. Stay tuned for more information about pricing and availability.