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Current EyePod TechnoCast
EyePod TechnoCast: Volume 7
Red Eye from the EyePod TechnoCast Logo DESCRIPTION:
In this installment of the EyePod Technocast, we introduce you to the Talking Tactile Tablet, or TTT.
 
This hardware does an amazing job of conveying a variety of information to the end user using tactile graphics and audio feedback.
 
So come join us as we explore the TTT, learn how it works, and play a few games in the process. This podcast will illustrate how the TTT can be used as a fantastic vehicle for learning as well as offer the user and his/her classmates, friends, and/or family a great way to have some serious fun!
 
The TTT and it’s accompanying materials and applications are manufactured and developed by Touch Graphics, Inc. For more information about this equipment, feel free to contact us.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD:
 
Click on the eye above or the link below to download Volume 7 of the EyePod TechnoCast in MP3 Format now. (19.4 MB @ 96Kbps)
 

RSS FOR IE7 AND MOZILLA FIREFOX 2 USERS:
 
RSS Logo If you are using Internet Explorer 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 2 as your Web Browser, you may click on the RSS Icon here, or in your browser above, to display, and/or Subscribe, to the EyePod TechnoCast RSS Feed.

RSS FOR USERS OF
OTHER BROWSERS:
 
If you are using a Web Browser other than Internet Explorer 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 2, you will require a Feed Reader in order to Subscribe to the EyePod TechnoCast RSS Feed.
 
For all your RSS needs, including Podcasts, Flying Blind, LLC recommends downloading the Feed Reader News Aggregation Software from:
 
 
For Podcasting only, Flying Blind, LLC recommends downloading the Juice Podcast Receiver Software from:
 
 
Once your chosen software has been installed, you may copy and paste the following link into your RSS Reader to Subscribe to the EyePod TechnoCast RSS Feed:
 
www.flying-blind.com/feed.xml

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NEWS:
E-Blink ShowCase: Spring 2009 Specials
Launch a Reversed Version of this Article for Low Vision and Vision Impaired Subscribers
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RELEASED: May 19, 2009

 
E-Blink ShowCase Logo Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer the following items in our E-Blink ShowCase, your source for affordable, refurbished equipment manufactured by this industry’s leaders.
 
If you have questions about, or are interested in purchasing any of the products listed below, please contact us at E-Blink@Flying-Blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107.
 
Flying Blind, LLC accepts all major credit cards, PayPal transactions, and Bank Certified Checks.
 
Please note that all products are available only while supplies last, so hurry!

US$4,995.00
Photo of the Braille Star 80
One Braille Star 80 for US$4,995.00!
 
This excellent solution for a work station has been the Braille display of choice for many Federal employers, and couples ergonomic comfort with robust functionality to perform a number of tasks designed to make the employee as productive and efficient as possible.
 
This unit has hardly been used and is priced over 50% off its suggested list price.
 
Technical Details Here:
http://www.handytech.de/en/normal/products/for-blind/braille-star-80/index.html

US$3,495.00
Photo of the BrailleNote PK
One BrailleNote PK Outfitted with BrailleNote GPS for US$3,495.00!
 
Combine the world's smallest note taker with the industry's most seasoned GPS solution and what do you have? A winning combination for any user wishing to access all of the BrailleNote's powerful applications while exploring their environment.
 
This extremely portable, powerful package gives the user endless options for portable information management and navigation in a package weighing less than 2 pounds and costing approximately half of the value of this combination's suggested list price.
 
Technical Details Here:
http://www.humanware.com/Site/Files/Shop/ 70715216e8eb9a3601729376a94b7ceb/BrailleNotePK-NZ.pdf

US$895.00
Photo of the Pac Mate QX400
One Pac Mate QX400 (Classic Model) for US$895.00!
 
We are pleased to offer the World's first accessible Windows Mobile device designed for persons who are blind at a price close to that of an accessible, off-the-shelf PDA.
 
This speech-only solution touts all of the functionality of the classic Windows Mobile platform while offering many of the same JAWS For Windows commands via its QWERTY keyboard that users are already familiar with executing when using a PC, thus lessening the overall learning curve.
 
Technical Details Here:
http://www.freedomscientific.com/ fs_products/PACmate_qx400.asp

If you represent a manufacturer, agency, organization, or conscientious user of Adaptive Technology wishing to have your previously operated technologies represented in a future E-Blink ShowCase, please contact us at E-Blink@Flying-Blind.com to discuss placement within future Flying Blind, LLC Newsletters.

NEWS:
PRESS RELEASE: Flying Blind, LLC and Optelec BV Release "In Touch With Alva: A Guide To Unleashing the Power of Your ALVA Braille Controller", Version 1.0
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RELEASED: May 11, 2009

 
PRESS RELEASE:
Monday, May 11, 2009
 
Flying Blind, LLC (http://www.flying-blind.com) and Optelec BV (http://www.optelec.nl) are pleased to announce the release of "In Touch with ALVA: A Guide To Unleashing the Power of Your ALVA Braille Controller, Version 1.0", a Flying Blind, LLC publication.
 
This comprehensive tutorial has been designed for users of Optelec's ALVA Braille Controller, as well as both sighted and vision impaired service professionals responsible for training users in how to integrate this life-changing technology into their adaptive technology journey.
 
Both Larry Lewis, founder of Flying Blind, LLC, and Optelec enjoy a rich history with refreshable Braille technology. Lewis attributes his educational, professional, and personal successes largely to the advent of refreshable Braille, a technology that Optelec's founder pioneered in the late 1970s.
 
The ALVA Braille Controller, the sixth generation of ALVA Braille terminals, began shipping in July of 2008, and has been embraced by users as more than just a traditional Braille terminal. The ALVA Braille Controller not only allows users to interact with their PC and accessible mobile devices via a Braille display, Braille keyboard, and optional audio input/output via either USB or Bluetooth connections, but it's built-in system and flash file storage options enable the user to portably manage information as well as host a Screen Reading session directly from the ALVA Braille Controller when connecting to a PC that does not have a Screen Reader installed.
 
"We are excited to have assisted Optelec with this necessary effort," states Lewis, whose company developed the tutorial. "The ALVA Braille Controller's vast degrees of functionality offer users many flexible, powerful, and above all, accessible options for use within the classroom, workplace, and throughout their community. A tutorial such as this will enable both users and trainers to fully realize the potential of this exceptional solution."
 
"We are most pleased that such an innovative, unique product like the ALVA Braille Controller now has such a succinct, yet comprehensive tutorial to provide guidance to its customers." stated Ivar Illing, International Product Manager, Optelec BV. "Such a resource mirrors Optelec's commitment to provide responsive post-sales support to its end users, as well as to those who train them in the utilization of this device."
 
The "In Touch with ALVA" Guide is comprised of lesson plans which will guide both the user and the service provider through:
  • Familiarization with ALVA Braille Controller, its internal menus, and "Notes" functionality.
  • Utilization of the ALVA Braille Controller to interact with a laptop or desktop computer.
  • Incorporation of the ALVA Braille Controller into one's accessible mobile phone experience.
Photo of the Alva BC640 Graphical representations and coded illustrations have also been integrated into the early sections of the tutorial to provide visual affirmation to sighted service professionals. This Tutorial has been designed to become an evolving and dynamic resource intended to compliment the ALVA Braille Controller as new features and functionality are implemented, and future lesson plans will be updated accordingly.
 
Anyone wishing to download Version 1.0 of "In Touch with ALVA: A Guide To Unleashing the Power of Your ALVA Braille Controller", may do so by clicking on one of the following links:
 
Optimized for Web Reading / Viewing (764 K):
http://www.flying-blind.com/pdfs/In_Touch_With_ALVA_Guide_V1.0W.pdf
 
Optimized for Printing (6.33 MB):
http://www.flying-blind.com/pdfs/In_Touch_With_ALVA_Guide_V1.0P.pdf
 
The above links offer the "In Touch with ALVA" Guide in PDF format for easy access. If you do not have the free Adobe Reader software already installed, the most current version can always be downloaded and installed using the following link: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
 
For detailed specifications on the ALVA BC640, click the following link:
http://www.visioncue.com/ALVABC640.html
 
For an audio overview of ALVA features, you may download Flying Blind, LLC's EyePod TechnoCast, Volume 6, titled: "The ALVA Braille Controller: A New Generation of Refreshable Braille Solutions" here:
http://www.flying-blind.com/ept/EyePodTechnoCast6.mp3
 
For those interested in comprehensive distance or on-site training, please e-mail training@flying-blind.com and you will receive a response within 24 hours of your request.
 
Contacts:
 
Larry L. Lewis, Jr., President, Flying Blind, LLC
larry.lewis@flying-blind.com
 
Ivar Illing, International Product Manager, Optelec BV
iil@optelec.nl

NEWS:
President's Message
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RELEASED: January 20, 2009

 
Photo of Mr. Larry L. Lewis, Jr. smiling, with a beautiful blue sky in the background of the photo. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
Greetings, and a Happy 2009 from the Flying Blind, LLC Team and its affiliates. We trust that you all had a safe and blessed holiday season, and have recharged the batteries for what promises to be an exciting, prosperous, and rewarding 2009!
 
Welcome to the first Newsletter from Flying Blind to kick off the New Year. In this issue, the FB-Eye Spotlight introduces you to Povidi, a start-up company with an evolving adaptive solution that Flying Blind is assisting in bringing to market. We have some great refurbished products for sale in our E-Blink Showcase. And in this installment of the Eyepod Technocast we give you a detailed snapshot of the Talking Tactile Tablet, its functionality, and some of its corresponding materials. We also have a few interesting FB-Notes to conclude the newsletter.
 
So make yourself comfortable, and enjoy. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please e-mail them to me directly at larry.lewis@flying-blind.com
 
Respectfully,
 
— Larry L. Lewis, Jr.
    Larry.Lewis@Flying-Blind.com
    President and Founder
    Flying Blind, LLC

NEWS:
FB-Eye Spotlight: Povidi
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RELEASED: January 20, 2009

 
FB-Eye Spotlight Logo Povidi: http://www.povidi.com
 
In this edition of the FB-Eye Spotlight, we introduce you to Povidi, Orientation from "Down Under"!
 
It’s been said: "It doesn’t matter where you've been, but where you're going." SoundPost enables those of us who are blind to "get to where we are going" by efficiently and easily orienting us to where we are, and which direction we need to travel.
 
Povidi Company Logo SoundPost is an orientation device whereby a base station is mounted to a location such as an entry-way, stairway, escalator or bus stop. The user, equipped with a hand control can easily locate the base station either through the emission of audible tones, vibrations, or audible phrases which can be programmed into the base station. It is not a GPS solution, nor does it circumvent the need for a mobility tool such as a white cane or a service animal.
 
SoundPost runs off of off-the-shelf batteries which only need to be changed once per year in the base station. And, it plans to enter the market at a price point affordable for large institutions, government agencies, and end users.
 
SoundPost is on the brink of entering the market in 2009, and Flying Blind is honored to be partnering with SoundPost in the hopes that their entrance into the market will truly better our vision-impaired community.
 
Feel free to visit the SoundPost website link above; this link, and additional information, can also be accessed within various sections of the Flying Blind, LLC Website.

NEWS:
E-Blink ShowCase: Winter 2009 Specials
Launch a Reversed Version of this Article for Low Vision and Vision Impaired Subscribers
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RELEASED: January 20, 2009

 
E-Blink ShowCase Logo Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer the following items in our E-Blink ShowCase, your source for affordable, refurbished equipment manufactured by this industry’s leaders.
 
If you have questions about, or are interested in purchasing any of the products listed below, please contact us at E-Blink@Flying-Blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107.
 
Flying Blind, LLC accepts all major credit cards, PayPal transactions, and Bank Certified Checks.
 
Please note that all products are available only while supplies last, so hurry!

US$2,995.00
Photo of the BrailleSense 32
One BrailleSense 32 for US$2,995.00!
 
This is an amazing bargain which offers you a hardly used, 32 cell, state-of-the-art notetaker for over 40% off its suggested list price.
 
It’s the only notetaker on the market with a built-in visual display along with an attachable battery that can be easily replaced. And, the BrailleSense’s countless applications allow you to independently complete everyday tasks while enjoying a variety of audio and Braille media.
 
Technical Details Here:
http://www.gwmicro.com/Braille_Sense/ Braille_Sense_Brochure.pdf

US$1,995.00
Photo of the BrailleConnect 24
One Brailliant 24 for US$1,995.00!
 
This 24 cell Braille terminal is the perfect display for individuals requiring portability while offering enough Braille cells to access either a laptop PC or an accessible cellular phone. This unit offers both USB and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and ships with a 90 day extended warranty.
 
Technical Details Here:
http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/braille_and_speech/braille_displays/_details/ id_32/brailliant_24.html

US$1,895.00
Photo of the Braille Voyager
One Braille Voyager 40 Cell Refreshable Braille Terminal for US$1,895.00!
 
We are selling this Braille Voyager Terminal for over 50% off its suggested list price!
 
This economic solution for professionals "on the go" is being sold for almost 50% off its suggested retail price. It’s USB interface enables the user to use the display without a power supply on either a laptop or desktop PC, and its ergonomically positioned Braille keys and thumb-keys enable the user to perform most navigation commands without moving his/her hands from the Braille display, thus maximizing the user’s productivity.
 
*Laptop not included.
 
Technical Details Here:
http://www.visioncue.com/Voyager.html

If you represent a manufacturer, agency, organization, or conscientious user of Adaptive Technology wishing to have your previously operated technologies represented in a future E-Blink ShowCase, please contact us at E-Blink@Flying-Blind.com to discuss placement within future Flying Blind, LLC Newsletters.

NEWS:
EyePod TechnoCast Volume 7:
The Talking Tactile Tablet

Launch a Reversed Version of this Article for Low Vision and Vision Impaired Subscribers
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RELEASED: January 20, 2009

 
EyePod TechnoCast Logo In this installment of the EyePod Technocast, we introduce you to the Talking Tactile Tablet, or TTT.
 
This hardware does an amazing job of conveying a variety of information to the end user using tactile graphics and audio feedback.
 
Photo of the Talking Tactile Tablet So come join us as we explore the TTT, learn how it works, and play a few games in the process. This podcast will illustrate how the TTT can be used as a fantastic vehicle for learning as well as offer the user and his/her classmates, friends, and/or family a great way to have some serious fun!
 
The TTT and it’s accompanying materials and applications are manufactured and developed by Touch Graphics, Inc. @ http://www.touchgraphics.com. For more information about this equipment, feel free to contact us at enews@flying-blind.com.
 
You may click on, or forward, either of the following links to download: EyePod TechnoCast Volume 7: The Talking Tactile Tablet, in either MP3 or ZIP Format (19.4 MB @ 96Kbps) now:
 
MP3 Format: http://www.flying-blind.com/ept/EyePodTechnoCast7.mp3
 
ZIP Format: http://www.flying-blind.com/ept/EyePodTechnoCast7.zip
 
We offer the ZIP format as a courtesy to anyone that might wish to download the podcast without the interference of their installed media player. Once downloaded, simply extract the enclosed MP3 and enjoy.
 
Or you can subscribe to the EyePod TechnoCast Feed using the RSS link provided below. Enjoy!
 
http://www.flying-blind.com/feed.xml
 
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Flying Blind, LLC RSS Feed Icon for Subscription to the EyePod TechnoCast


NEWS:
 FB-Notes
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RELEASED: January 20, 2009

 
Flying Blind, LLC Logo Flying Blind, LLC Launches On-Site and Distance Training Services
 
Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to be offering formal training to agencies, organizations, and end users on all of the industry’s adaptive hardware and software, speech and Braille solutions, as well as most low-vision products. In addition, Flying Blind, LLC is offering training on many of today’s mainstream, Microsoft-based applications.
 
Flying Blind, LLC’s founder, Larry Lewis, has an extensive background in education and is a strong proponent of formalizing teaching methodologies that offer an enjoyable and productive training experience for each student. In this vein, Mr. Lewis has assembled a team of trainers that mirror his commitment to offering exemplary training in a most caring and responsive manner.
 
Flying Blind, LLC offers these fee-for-service trainings either on-site, via telephone, or via one’s preferred audio chat client. For more information on these services, or to purchase training, please send an e-mail to: training@flying-blind.com.

Flying Blind, LLC Logo Mr. Lewis Begins Personal Blog
 
This final FB-Note is of a personal nature. Rarely do we stray from the topic of adaptive technology here, which is Flying Blind, LLC’s core competency, but over the last couple of months, on a number of service-related listservs, Mr. Lewis has repeatedly come across the recurring discussion regarding persons who are blind, and physical fitness. Especially among school-aged students, physical education and physical fitness is often an afterthought for the blind participant, and many questions from service providers have been raised regarding incorporating physical activity and wellness into the lives of their vision impaired clientele.
 
Mr. Lewis has been involved in a wide variety of physical activities over the years, but none have excited and inspired him more than his journey to learn the martial art of Gracie-Style Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a journey that began for him just a few years ago. This Martial Art is optimal for persons who are vision impaired because by its very nature participants are in such close proximity to one another. You can read more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracie_Jiu_Jitsu#Origin.
 
The discussions on these listservs, coupled with some other motivators, have inspired Mr. Lewis to begin blogging about his journey. In this blog, Mr. Lewis will be documenting his perspective as a blind participant in Royler Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while sharing with you many of his experiences training at different academies around the country. He’ll also offer his perspective, as well as his very own struggles, questions, and achievements, necessary to further improve his skill set.
 
We invite you to share in Mr. Lewis's journey at http://gracie-blindjits.blogspot.com/ as it is updated with new posts and commentary. Or, feel free to simply share this link with an interested client, friend, or family member.

We thank you for reading this edition of the Flying Blind, LLC Newsletter. For questions, comments, or suggestions, please e-mail us at enews@flying-blind.com.

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