Here us the recording that Lucy did with me I hope you like it . Here is the link:-
https://soundcloud.com/lucy-watson-993251257/sen-together-episode-5
Category: new hardware
DELL Inspiron 15 305
A client requested that I upgrade the hard drive to 1TB. With SSD this would mean cloning across using either cloud or a device that would achieve this. But when I opened up the Dell I discovered a space for a 2.5″ SSHD which was a pleasant surprise. So the following steps were made to installl this additional drive
- Fit a a thermal cover to reduce heat on the SSHD
- Fit in position
- Start up laptop
- Go to Computer Management via right mouse click and select from list
- Format the said drive – and set any partitions if needed
- Rename the volume of the drive
- Check in File Explorer the drive is visible.
Voice Navigation on the Amazon Fire Cube TV
Check out this video on YouTube:
This seems to be what I am looking for
Wonder if this works on the fire stick tv?
Echo Connect
The Echo Connect is a device that uses the Echo Dot and Alexa device to link to your landline. Freeing up your hands to use your voice to answer and make calls. It was quite frustrating to setup and we did struggle to get it going and I still don’t know what i did to make this work! I will investigate further. Another useful feature is it’s able to cope with automated phone systems ” Press 1 for Insanity” type systems. Google Mini can’t do this and leaves you unable to navigate them without pressing keys.
For blind and partially sighted users this is a great addition. Phone calls can be answered anywhere in the house where the user is. Especially if you have more than one smart speaker (Echo Dot) . For £39.99 it’s very affordable. But I would warn you to make sure you set up on the Alexa app and also to change the language set as this seems to affect its functions in the UK. Change it from US to UK and it sends a file down to convert it to the UK settings. That is one thing I think may have caused it to work. But not sure! Will research further and get back to you.
AMAneo BTi – Mouse Adapter
This innovative adapter means that you can access an iPad or iPhone with any mouse, including assistive mice like a head mouse, thumb mouse, rollerball or joystick. It’s a world first and it has the potential to enhance the way that users experience technology. Get ready to make everyday interactions like connecting with friends, browsing the internet, and playing games so much easier.
Click here to view the product and watch a video:-
AMAneo BTi Mouse
My work with AbilityNet
I feel fortunate to have had more than Andy Warhol’s 15 mins of fame! Here is an article written about me and my work as a volunteer for AbilityNet. There has been no cheque in the post though !
https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/help-your-tech-abilitynet-volunteer-offers-advice
Tap
This is a new way to control a keyboard by wearing these rings on your finger and typing in the air with combinations of finger movements. Similar to the old Quinky device but brought into the 21st Century. Hopefully I have been provised a set to evaluate and will feedback on how they are used in the meantime here is some information
Sound Solutions
At #bettshow2019 I came across this company. They provide a mobile sound field which helps everyone including teachers saving their voice ! They not only do soundfields using the last bandwidth DAB frequency they also look at how to make environments more sound friendly to all – not just the hearing impaired. Lovely people – swing by their website and see what they have to offer you. http://www.rgsoundsolutions.co.uk
Orcam MyReader
I have been working with a client who has severe visual impairment and just this weekend we bought an Orcam My Reader device. She is an author and finds large magnification of text very difficult to practical use as she reads ahead for meaning and the slowness of the magnification way makes that difficult. Using the Orcam to review her research for addition to her book having a tool like Orcam that can read the text back to her both from printed and screen materials on a computer/mobile device is just amazing for her. If you want to know more details check out this video clip. It is for the Orcam MyEye – both MyReader and MyEye have similar functions but the MyEye does facial and product recognition whereas the MyReader is just for reading and it’s slightly cheaper. Both devices cost between £2,000 -£3,000 depending on which device and what accessories are required:-
Rocketbook
There are a number of different types of electronic notebooks on the market . Rocketbook (£34.99) is re-usable notebook ( up to 5 times) on a single notebook.
It’s application? In terms of special needs I think that it’s a way of improving handwriting. Pupils will try harder I think of it is going to be saved for posterity.
Happy Handwriting!
…and drawing!
AccessAbility Solutions 