Accessibility Minute - Assistive Technology Tips and Tricks for Everyone

A weekly look at assistive technology--tools designed to assist people with vision, mobility, or hearing impairments. Produced by the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indiana.

AM570 LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader 05/10/2024

AM570 LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! As digital content becomes more prevalent, accessibility becomes more important. One example of such accessibility is the LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech device. The LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader makes it easy for people with visual impairments, reading disabilities, and other disabilities to access and manipulate text-based content. With this innovative technology, everyone can stay informed and connected while they learn, entertain, and communicate. LyriQ is a text-to-speech (TTS) reader that converts written text into spoken words, allowing users to listen to written content. With the LyriQ, you can read a book, an envelope, the letter that came in it, a prescription label, and anything else! All actions with the LyriQ can be controlled with either hand gestures, buttons on the base, or an optional keypad (sold separately), making it "extremely easy" to control. To listen to a document, place that document on the device’s base surface. The LyriQ will automatically scan it and start reading the contents aloud. Overview of LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader: Control reading speed Forward and backward navigation by sentence Variety of different languages and different voices Built-in speakers, audio output jack, or Bluetooth connection to headphones Folds flat when not in use Save multi-page documents (such as a book) onto a USB flash drive Weighs 3 pounds Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I’d like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m —— filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/31216342

AM569 TeachMe: Kindergarten app 05/03/2024

AM569 TeachMe: Kindergarten app Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! If you’re searching for an educational, fun app for your kindergartner, check out TeachMe: Kindergarten. There are six different age-appropriate subjects that TeachMe: Kindergarten teaches to kindergarten-aged children: sight words, addition, subtraction, spelling, and writing letters and numbers. Subjects align with the US common core standards enabling parents and children to practice relevant curriculum-based topics while achieving rewards. The app uses colorful graphics, cheerful characters, and playful animations to keep kids entertained while they learn. Through games, quizzes, and other interactive elements, TeachMe: Kindergarten introduces essential concepts in a way that resonates with young learners. By offering a well-rounded curriculum, TeachMe: Kindergarten ensures that kids develop a diverse set of skills that will serve them well as they progress through their education. There are no in-app advertisements or in-app purchases in the app. The application plays in landscape mode and is suitable for both iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices. Other features include: 6 different sticker reward scenes: farm, beach, underwater reef, pirate cove, city, playground Over 150 different stickers to add to scenes Save learning information for up to 40 students Select which subjects are displayed for each student Click to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I’d like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m —— filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/31087578

AM568 Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse 04/19/2024

AM568 Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! A poor office setup can lead to pain in your back and shoulders. Ergonomic mice are designed to reduce or eliminate movements that have been known to cause these injuries or aggravate them in people who already suffer from repetitive strain injuries (or RSIs). If you’re in the market for a new ergonomic mouse, check out the Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse. With its ergonomic design, customizable features, and precision engineering, the MX Master 3S sets a new standard for performance and versatility. With its contoured shape and soft-touch materials, this mouse provides optimal support and grip, reducing strain on your wrist and fingers during extended work sessions. Other features include: Equipped with Logitech’s advanced Darkfield Laser Sensor technology, allowing it to track on virtually any surface with incredible precision and accuracy, including glass surfaces With customizable buttons and gestures, users can personalize their mouse to suit their specific workflow and preferences, assigning shortcuts, macros, and actions for streamlined navigation and task execution Features a sculpted shape and soft-touch materials that fit naturally in the hand, reducing strain and fatigue Can be paired with up to 3 devices simultaneously, enabling seamless switching between computers at the press of a button Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I'd like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m ------ filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/30889183

AM567 - AT Awareness Day 2024 04/12/2024

AM566 SoundingBoard AAC App 04/05/2024

AM566 SoundingBoard AAC App Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! There are so many augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) applications available to help transform your mobile device into a communication device. One available app is the SoundingBoard AAC App by AbleNet Inc. In just a few minutes, you can create custom boards with up to 20 message locations using the developer’s symbols or your very own. Designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, this innovative application serves as a bridge for individuals with communication challenges, empowering them to express themselves effectively and confidently. SoundingBoard AAC allows users to create personalized communication boards tailored to their unique needs and preferences. With a vast library of symbols, images, and customizable layouts, individuals can craft boards that reflect their vocabulary and communication style. Overview of SoundingBoard AAC: The app accommodates diverse communication needs by supporting multiple boards and easily switching between them Can be used in home, school, or clinical settings – or virtually anywhere! Users can select synthesized voices or record their own voice to accompany their messages, adding a personal touch to their interactions AAC app features adjustable settings, including font sizes, grid layouts, and color contrasts, to cater to users with varying visual and motor abilities Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I'd like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m ----- filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/30681598

AM565 Ramble Tag Metro 03/08/2024

AM565 Ramble Tag Metro Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! In the bustling landscape of urban living, accessibility and inclusivity in public transportation are paramount. As cities evolve, so do the tools designed to enhance the daily lives of individuals with diverse mobility needs. One such innovation making waves in the realm of urban mobility is the Ramble Tag Metro. The Ramble Tag Metro is a groundbreaking assistive device designed to transform the way visually impaired individuals navigate through metro systems. Unlike traditional methods that heavily rely on canes or assistance from others, the Ramble Tag Metro empowers users with a more independent and efficient means of getting around. The Ramble Tag Metro consists of a lightweight harness worn by the user and a guide handle held by a sighted guide, often a fellow commuter or a transport staff member. The design is focused on ensuring a secure and comfortable connection between the user and their guide, creating a seamless communication channel. The tactile and audible feedback of the Ramble Tag Metro allows users to anticipate movements, changes in direction, and upcoming obstacles, providing a heightened sense of spatial awareness. This innovative approach not only enhances safety but also fosters a sense of autonomy for individuals who may have previously felt limited in their ability to explore the city independently. Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I'd like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/30272948

AM564 Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse 02/23/2024

AM564 Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! Over the past few months, we've covered a few ergonomic keyboard options to help prevent a repetitive strain injury (or RSI). To help further reduce your risk of an RSI, you should also be using an ergonomic mouse. One available option is the Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse by Logitech! With Lift, you can rest your hand on a softly textured grip, with easy-to-reach buttons that help you work all day without lifting a finger. It features an “optimal” 57º angle that rests your hand in a “natural handshake position.” This angle puts less pressure on your wrist throughout the day while placing your arm and upper body in a more natural posture. Here's more from Logitech: “With a more relaxed upper body, your mind can focus on the things that really matter. Stay zen from a.m. to p.m. with whisper-quiet clicks and a smooth-gliding, quiet scroll wheel that adapts to the lightest touch…” Other features include: Connect easily using Bluetooth Low Energy or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver – ideal for congested environments like the office Powered by a single AA battery (included) Great fit for small and medium hands Easy-to-reach customizable buttons, whisper-quiet clicks, and a SmartWheel for smooth, seamless scrolling Has been designed, developed, tested, and approved according to criteria set out by leading ergonomists Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I'd like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m ---- filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/30070108

AM563 Moonlander keyboard 02/16/2024

AM563 Moonlander keyboard Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the ErgoDox EZ ergonomic keyboard by ZSA. Another ergonomic solution from the same company is the Moonlander. According to the product’s description, the Moonlander is a “next-generation ergonomic keyboard” and is jam-packed with lots of neat features. First, just like the ErgoDox EZ, the Moonlander is a split keyboard so users can place both halves exactly where they need them. With this split design, users can type at shoulder width which keeps their chest open. Typing like this helps maintain a more relaxed posture and eliminates hunching over. The Moonlander is considered a mechanical keyboard, which means: “In a mechanical keyboard, each keypress is crisp and distinct. Different key switches offer a dramatically different typing feel. When building out your new Moonlander, choose between ten different types of switches. If you’re not sure which is right for you, we’ll help you choose…” Other features include: Portable: carrying case included Modular: Remove or swap any part Fully backlit: RGB LEDs with smart animations Gamer-friendly: The left side can fly solo Two-year warranty. No fine print. Change any key switch on your Moonlander at any time, without soldering and without voiding your warranty. Every unit ships with a free tool that makes this easy For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. I’d like to take a moment to thank inTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m Josh Anderson filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/29969383

AM562 - BridgingApps 02/09/2024

AM562 - BridgingApps Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! There are a lot of great apps out there that can really assist individuals with disabilities. But where can one go to find apps based on disability, need or functionality of the apps? Your local Tech Act provider is a great place to find out about the latest and greatest apps and to get a demonstration of them or even borrow a device. Here at the INDATA Project, we also use a great resource called Bridging Apps. Bridging Apps is a service coming out of Easterseals of Greater Houston and offers a one-stop shop to finding apps that can help with a myriad of different needs. According to their website, "BridgingApps, a program of Easterseals Greater Houston, is a community of parents, veterans, therapists, doctors, educators, and people with disabilities who share information on how apps and mobile devices can help people of all abilities reach their highest levels of physical, social and cognitive development." Some of the information available on their website at bridgingapps.org include: Full app database including featured apps and a search tool that allows individuals to search by need, disability and other parameters. Links to become a reviewer for the site to help others make choices on finding apps to accommodate their needs. Learning database with videos on using mobile technology. Community resources and more! You can also hear members of BridgingApps on our sister podcast, Assistive Technology Update, where they have a recurring segment called 'An App Worth Mentioning', which dives deeper into an app featured on their site. For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit EasterSealsTech.com. I'd like to take a moment to thank inTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I'm Josh Anderson filling in for Laura Metcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/29859233

AM561 Speechify 02/02/2024

AM561 Speechify Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! Reading and obtaining text and information can be very challenging for individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. Fortunately, there are tools like Speechify to help out! Speechify is the “#1” text-to-speech program that turns any written text into spoken words in “natural-sounding language.” The program is available as a Google Chrome extension, an iOS or Android app, or you can copy and paste text directly on Speechify’s website. To use it, all you have to do is type, paste, and edit any text in the designated area to convert it to speech. Or you can even drag and drop your Word or PDF file after you create an account! According to Speechify’s website: “With Speechify, reading is no longer a barrier. Speechify also makes reading much more enjoyable and efficient. It’s easy to see why millions of people across the world trust Speechify to enrich their lives…” Features of Speechify include: Take Speechify with you wherever you go; listen on your desktop or mobile phone Available in several different languages Adjust the reading speed; "high-quality" AI voices can read up to 9x faster than the average reading speed "Natural-sounding" AI voices sound more fluid and human-like than other AI readers Use the app to snap a pic of a page in any book or printed material and hear it read out loud to you Anything you save to your Speechify library instantly syncs across all devices Hundreds of free audiobooks And more! Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I'd like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m ---- filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/29750328

AM560 ErgoDox EZ Keyboard 01/27/2024

AM559 Resoomer 01/19/2024

AM559 Resoomer Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! Reading many documents and understanding the main ideas in the text can be very challenging for individuals who struggle with reading comprehension and more. Fortunately, there are tools like Resoomer to help! Resoomer Resoomer is an effective artificial intelligence (or AI) tool that supports a mix of productivity and learning, making it useful for teachers and students. It can summarize your documents, URLs, pasted texts, or even images of printed pages. According to Resoomer's website: "To help you summarize and analyze your argumentative texts, your articles, your scientific texts, your history texts as well as your well-structured analyses work of art, Resoomer provides you with a “Summary text tool”: an educational tool that identifies and summarizes the important ideas and facts of your documents. Summarize in 1-Click, go to the main idea or skim through so that you can then interpret your texts quickly and develop your syntheses…" Features include: Effective summarization tools promote efficient understanding Speeds up access to key knowledge Easy-to-use automatic summarization or use manual options for greater refinement Accessibility benefits from narration Multiple account feature is effective for school use Free to use, but you can pay for a pro account for added benefits And more! Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I'd like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m Josh Anderson filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/29530018

AM558 INDATA Full Day Trainings 2024 01/12/2024

AM557 Logitech Comfort Wave Wireless Keyboard 01/05/2024

AM557 Logitech Comfort Wave Wireless Keyboard Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! Ergonomic keyboards, mice, etc. can help prevent repetitive strain injuries in individuals who spend a lot of time on a computer. If you are unfamiliar with a repetitive strain injury (or RSI), an RSI refers to damage to your muscles, tendons, or nerves caused by repetitive motions and constant use. One available ergonomic keyboard is the Logitech Comfort Wave Wireless Keyboard. The Logitech Comfort Wave Wireless Keyboard is a keyboard that keeps individuals comfortable all day long. It combines a dynamic curved design with the familiarity of a straight keyboard. Users get the added benefit of a padded palm wrist and a wave-shaped keyframe in a “familiar keyboard layout and form factor.” Other features include: Easily connects to the computer by inserting the USB receiver The unique wave design guides your hands into the best position and conforms naturally to your fingers—easy comfortable whisper-quiet typing without a learning curve A large cushioned palm rest helps position your hands properly on the keyboard and offers a comfortable place to rest them when not typing Pair up to 6 compatible peripherals through the same receiver using Logitech Unifying technology Get instant access to your music, calculator, email, and more with media control keys and 18 programmable keys Visit Logitech.com to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I’d like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m —- filling in for Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/29341218

AM556 Rainbow Smart Toothbrush 12/29/2023

AM555 Nostalgia MyMini Personal Electric Skillet and Grill 12/22/2023

AM554 Relish Day Connect Clock 12/15/2023

AM553 Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display 12/08/2023

AM552 Victor Reader Stream 3 12/01/2023

AM551 Qfiles 11/24/2023

AM550 Sir Linkalot Spelling 11/17/2023

AM549 NaturalReader 11/10/2023

AM548 Dynamilis Handwriting App 11/03/2023

AM547 MedReady Pill Dispenser 10/27/2023

AM546 Duolingo ABC 10/20/2023

AM545 Duolingo 10/13/2023

AM545 Duolingo Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! Learning new languages can be challenging, but apps like Duolingo can help make it fun! Duolingo is a mobile app that can help individuals learn 40+ different languages. According to its description on the App Store, it is “the world’s most downloaded education app.” It teaches languages through quick, bite-sized lessons. While using the app, users can practice speaking, reading, listening, and writing to build their vocabulary and grammar skills. It was designed by language experts and can help individuals prepare for real conversations in French, Spanish, Italian, German, English, and more. “Whether you’re learning a language for travel, school, career, family, and friends, or your brain health, you’ll love learning with Duolingo.” Other features include: Fun and effective game-like lessons and fun characters help users build solid speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills Has a science-based teaching methodology proven to foster long-term language retention Users can work toward their language learning goals with playful rewards and achievements when they make practicing a daily habit While Duolingo is free to use, users can purchase Super Duolingo, which features no ads and fun perks like unlimited hearts and monthly streak repair; Super Duolingo is free to try for 14 days Available for both iOS and Android devices Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I’d like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/28299665

AM544 Smart Tales 10/06/2023

AM544 Smart Tales Hey there! Welcome to Accessibility Minute, your weekly look at Assistive Technology, those clever tools and devices designed to help people who have difficulties with vision, mobility, hearing, or other special needs! Marshmallow Games is a multi-award-winning game studio that develops apps used by millions of children worldwide. The company is a team of educators, developers, artists, and designers. One of their available apps is Smart Tales. Smart Tales is an app full of stories and educational games for children that stimulate the imagination and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. While it helps ignite children’s passion for math and other STEM subjects, it also helps with reading, letter formation, and other early literacy skills. Additionally, many of its stories touch on social and emotional learning themes. Smart Tales uses plenty of narration (in both stories and activities) to help individuals who might be unable to read instructions; this feature may also benefit users with visual impairments and dyslexia. There is also an option for a dyslexia-friendly font as well as built-in color blindness filters. Other features include: Designed in collaboration with education experts Personalized Learning Path adapts to each child’s learning pace and preferences Over 1,000 games of logic, math, coding, and creativity 80+ interactive stories to help children fall in love with reading 300+ printable worksheets Parents area allows parents/caregivers to set the usage timer and check on their child’s progress in real-time New features help improve the readability of texts and the user experience for children with special needs For children ages 2+ Available for both Android and iOS devices Visit to learn more! For more information, to read our blog, or to drop us a line, visit . I’d like to take a moment to thank InTRAC, the Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation for sponsoring our transcript today. You can find out more about InTRAC at relayindiana.com. That was your Accessibility Minute for this week! I’m Laura Medcalf with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, in Indiana. /episode/index/show/accessibilityminute/id/28103819

AM543 GPS SmartSole 09/29/2023

AM542 SmartDreams Bedtime Stories 09/22/2023

AM541 FamilyWall 09/15/2023

Accessibility Minute - Assistive Technology Tips and Tricks for Everyone

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