I have been thinking recently that some of you might be interested in learning about some of the assistive technology I use regularly. Remember, I am not an expert in how all these technologies work. So, for further details, if you are interested, look at the specific technologies on the Internet. The first technology I will discuss is Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I find this program extremely useful because I cannot write quickly with this technology’s assistance; I write everything with Dragon that I need to register. I mainly use this technology when writing emails. Letters, etc., basically, anything I need to write. I use this technology. To write on my blog posts.
I don't like using this phrase very much, but I think Dragon NaturallySpeaking has been a godsend. It allows me to write anything I want without needing someone to write for me. The other great thing about this technology is that it adds to the punctuation I need in a sentence. So, the only thing I have to worry about is conveying the right tone in any paragraph. Another great thing is that I will not tire, so that I can write for as long as possible. I was told about this technology in middle school. I even used an earlier version of it to write some papers. When I got my first laptop, they were able to transfer the program to my computer, and since that time, I have not looked back. My use took off in college. I wrote all my papers with it, and they did not come out half bad, if I do say so myself.
Another technology that has made a significant difference in my life is my Victor Reader. This device was the kind of device I was looking for in college; it would have made lectures a breeze for me. I discovered this device while I was in Honolulu. It was recommended to me by the head of a company called Island Technologies. This device can be used as a recorder. It helped me significantly by the fact that it was able to record lectures in a classroom setting. The sound was noticeable. This device also plays audiobooks from the library for the blind and physically handicapped, a service I have used since childhood.
Another fantastic thing this device can do is download books straight from the library for blind people without needing cartridges. I will say that I prefer the second generation of this device. The third generation has some minor improvements, such as having Bluetooth—and expanded memory, as well as more voices from different regions of the world. I think the most significant difference between the second and the third is the ability of the second generation to download digital books. I can tell the third generation does not have that capability. My opinion does not make up for the fact that the creators of this device could not just leave well enough alone. I understand expanding the memory, but if something is not broken. Why improve upon it? I know all the cosmetic changes like the memory and the boy selection. The only thing that I do not understand is the fact they took away the ability of this device to transfer the cartridge books onto this device quickly. Which I am sure was a slight oversight by the engineers of the third generation of the Victor reader but is still mildly irritating to those of us who enjoy good digital books on the cartridge as much as the selection of audiobooks even gets directly from the Library for the blinds digital service.
I recommend Dragon NaturallySpeaking to anyone who finds it challenging to write at a fast pace. I also recommend it to anyone who is visually impaired or has visual difficulties. I recommend the Victor Reader second-generation to anyone who is blind or visually impaired.
I have detailed the Victor Reader second-generation’s technical specifications. In a previous blog, I also encourage you to check it out.
Comments