Google releases Talkback on Android

Google has provided Talkback as a solution for accessibility in Android since early in Android's history.  Where it began as a way to make the Android OS accessible to blind users, it seems that Talkback is growing, and growth is good!

First off, developers have added a "Select to Speak" feature, which is an exciting addition for people with print disabilities.  This feature adds an always-on "badge" to your device.  Press the button, tap the text, or drag a selection-box over the text you wish to be read, and the phone will begin reading the selected text aloud. To enable this feature go to the Android settings, then under Accessibility enable "Select to Speak".

 Additionally, Talkback is adding verbosity settings for spoken feedback.This new version brings 6 new, natural-sounding voices to choose from.  There are 3 new female voices to join the already present female voice, and now includes 3 male voices.  Speech rate and pitch can be adjusted to suit personal needs and preferences.  The new set of voices adds a major improvement to the adaptive abilities of Android.  As I see it, this makes Talkback work for people with Dyslexia and other print disabilities too.

All the previous functions of Talkback are still in place, and some have been improved!  Keep in mind, to enable Talkback you will need to give the app permissions to access most of the content of the phone.  This includes texts, e-mails, credit card numbers and any other personal info placed on the device.  These permissions are necessary from an accessibility standpoint.  In order for the phone to read feedback and content, it needs to be able to "see" everything that you use on the device.

The ONE app that every student needs!

If there is one thing that nearly every student will do this year, what is it?... Give up yet?

Nearly every student uses a computer for classes and coursework.  And in all likelihood, the computer will be used at night at some point.  All-Nighters are common for many types of students.  The problem with them is that a lack of sleep can have dire consequences, especially on learning, focus and productivity.

Every LCD screen emits blue-light.  Humans have a natural response to blue light.  It wakes us up!  That's really nice during the day, but at night blue light degrades melatonin, a naturally occurring sleep hormone, and will prevent us from falling asleep.

F.lux on Windows 7

Now, the one app you need is called F.lux!  It's a screen filter which adds a red hue to the screen to reduce the amount of blue light being emitted.  It adjusts the intensity of the filter as the sun goes down, which helps your body maintain its normal sleep patterns.

Any student who occasionally pulls an all-nighter, listen up...  This isn't just about sleep, it reduces strain on the eyes caused by bright screens in dark spaces. This could even be a major help to gamers who are playing all night but still want to be able to sleep.

Speaking personally, I love this app.  I wear glasses, and my eyes can strain easily when I'm working on a bright screen.  F.lux helps me to work longer, and helps me to maintain my sleep hygiene once the work is done for the night.

Save your eyes, download F.lux!

April is Autism Awareness

Autism Awareness Brown Bag

The Office of Disability Resources is hosting a brown bag for staff, administration, and faculty about autism spectrum disorder in higher education on April 28^th, 2017 in Thalacker Conference Room. 

Email ktully@naropa.edu for more information or accomodations.