DAISY CONSORTIUM: INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE WORLD'S BLIND AND PRINT-DISABLED POPULATION -- PAST, PRESENT, AND INTO
THE FUTURE
George Kerscher
Research Fellow, Recording For the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)
Project Manager to the DAISY Consortium
Abstract: The DAISY Consortium created the first Digital Talking Book (DTB) and this is now known worldwide as the DAISY format. The DAISY DTB is the application of existing worldwide standards used to define the next generation of information technology for people who are blind and print disabled. The acronym DAISY, Digital Audio-based Information System, is both a name for a reading system and for the Consortium of libraries, non-profit organizations and for-profit Friends of the Consortium around the world that spearhead the development of the International standard. This article will briefly trace the history of DAISY's development and go on to explain the current activities and future plans for the single worldwide standard.
NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR
THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED:
DIGITAL PLANS AND PROGRESS
John Cookson and Lloyd Rasmussen
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
The Library of Congress
Abstract: NLS produces about 2,000 talking books and 50 magazines per year on specially formatted cassette tape for free distribution to a readership of about 764,000. Cassettes and special players are delivered by U.S. Postal Service from a network of 138 participating libraries. To control the cost of technical obsolescence and to meet patron and sponsor expectations, NLS will replace this analog system with a digital system over the next ten years.
DIGITAL TALKING BOOK STANDARDS
DEVELOPED BY NLS AND PARTNERS UNDER NISO AUSPICES
John Cookson, Michael Moodie, and Lloyd Rasmussen
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
The Library of Congress
Abstract: The functionality, compatibility, and longevity planned for future digital talking books require clear, exact definitions of component format and content. NLS will achieve this by working with a diverse team of experts to establish an applicable standard. This article outlines the plan, describes progress, and indicates what further work is necessary to complete the standard.
USING DIGITAL TALKING BOOKS IN
SCHOOLS
RFB&D's TOP PROJECT
Steve Noble
Policy Analyst, Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network
Abstract: The principal aim of RFB&D's TOP project is to experiment with using Digital Talking Books (DTBs) in an educational setting, while focusing particular attention on the ability to provide DTBs over computer networks. Generally speaking, the project is designed as a consumer trial in which information gleaned from students using DTBs in schools will be fed back to RFB&D for the purpose of increasing overall product utility, as well as amassing a wealth of useful anecdotal data concerning the practical implications of delivering accessible textbooks over computer networks.
WORLDWIDE TRAINING &
TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR DAISY
George Kerscher
Research Fellow, Recording For the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)
Project Manager to the DAISY Consortium
Abstract: How can a worldwide Training & Technical Support program be implemented to support the DAISY standard? The key to a successful implementation plan lies with building expertise throughout the Consortium. This paper explores the DAISY "Train the Trainers" courses, regional training centers, technical conferences, and the extensive technical support helpdesk the DAISY Consortium maintains. These activities are all intended to develop experts within every organization in the DAISY Consortium.
DIGITAL TALKING BOOKS ON A PC:
A USABILITY EVALUATION OF THE PROTOTYPE DAISY PLAYBACK SOFTWARE
Dr. Sarah Morley
National Centre for Tactile Diagrams, University of Hertfordshire, UK
Abstract: This paper describes the design and evaluation of the first system to play digital talking books on a PC: the DAISY Playback Software V1.0. The features of the software for navigating through structured digital audio are described. A detailed usability evaluation of this prototype software was designed and conducted to assess its current usability, in which 13 blind/partially sighted participants completed a series of realistic tasks and answered detailed usability questions on the system. Recommendations for improvements are presented which might inform designers of similar systems, such as other digital talking book systems or WWW browsers.
DAISY ON OUR DESKTOPS?
A REVIEW OF LpPLAYER 2.4
B.T. Kimbrough
Vice-President, Enabling Technologies, Jensen Beach, Florida
Abstract: As the first commercially available software for reading DAISY books on a PC, LpPlayer is a very inexpensive vehicle for gaining access to the new format. LpPlayer requires no special hardware, but does need a Pentium-class desktop or laptop computer, equipped with a sound card and CD-ROM drive, along with enough memory and storage capacity to support Windows 95 or 98. Because the software does not voice its own prompts, blind users will find it essentially useless without a screen-reader supporting either speech or refreshable Braille. In fact, the presence of both speech and Braille can add significantly to the player's usefulness, particularly if full scanned print text is provided along with the recorded narration.
LATE BREAKING NEWS:
MICROSOFT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR DAISY CONSORTIUM
Abstract: The DAISY Consortium announced on July 5 that Microsoft Corporation has pledged financial and technical support for the Consortium’s ongoing work to establish global accessibility standards for the next generation of digital talking book (DTB) technology.
ONLINE DISTANCE EDUCATION -
"ANYTIME, ANYWHERE" BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE
Axel Schmetzke, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Library
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Abstract: It is questionable whether the architects of the Wisconsin idea, which inspired and shaped university extensions all over the country, were including people with disabilities in their thinking when they proposed to make education more available to the community at large. There is no indication in the pertinent literature that this was the case. However, regardless of whether people with disabilities were included or not, it is likely that they were among the beneficiaries of the extended programs.
PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR
STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS: A CASE STUDY
Robert Perkins
School of Education
University of Charleston, SC
Abstract: Several pieces of legislation provide mandates for colleges, universities and other institutions to provide equal access to their programs and facilities. This project's original objective was to attempt to find an efficient way to deliver services to students with visual disabilities. Specialized equipment was to be housed in a teacher education technology lab. The second objective was to help pre-service and in-service teachers to incorporate assistive technology into their teaching and curricula. This case study describes the attempt made by the University of Charleston=s dual purpose program of providing services and technologies to its own students, while at the same time exposing the professionals of tomorrow to the world of assistive technology.
DEVELOPMENT OF A TALKING TACTILE
TABLET
Steven Landau, President of Touch Graphics
and
Karen Gourgey, Director of Baruch College Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
Abstract: Researchers have long understood the value of tactile presentation of pictures, maps and diagrams for readers who are blind or otherwise visually impaired. However, some practicalities have always limited the usefulness and appeal of these materials. It is often difficult for a blind individual to make sense of tactile shapes and textures without some extra information to confirm or augment what has been touched. Labeling a drawing with Braille is one way to accomplish this, but since Braille tags must be large and have plenty of blank space around them to be legible, they are not ideal for use with fairly complex or graphically rich images. Also, reliance on Braille labeling restricts the usefulness of tactile graphics to those blind or visually impaired persons who are competent Braille readers.
CALL FOR CHAPTERS
Design and Implementation of Web-Enabled Teaching Tools
A book edited by Mary Hricko, Kent State University, USA
Abstract: The primary objective of this book is to explore the myriad issues regarding web accessibility, specifically focusing on those areas that cover the design and implementation of web-enabled teaching tools. Thus we need a collection of scholarly research works on web accessibility which will address a vast number of issues ranging from the fundamental definition and basic concepts of universal design to case studies of experiences on application of web accessibility.
CALL FOR ARTICLES
Accessibility of Web-Based Information Resources for People with Disabilities
A special issue of Library Hi Tech, with guest editor Axel Schmetzke, Ph. D.
CALL FOR ARTICLES
Information Technology, Accessibility, and Distance Education
A special issue of Information Technology and Disabilities