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News and Developments in Assistive Technology

Contents:

Kurzweill K1000 and MP3 Files
SETTING DIRECTIONS EMP0LOYMENT SEMINAR 16th November, 2002
SETTING DIRECTIONS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY EXPO 29th Nov, 2002
Dragon NaturallySpeaking V 6.0 New Features
textHelp! WordSmith & Read ' Write now have Real Speak Option
Library Technology Access Program Initiated
New AT&T British Voices released

Kurzweill K1000 and MP3 Files

The latest version of Kurzweil 1000 is out and it finally makes sense to purchase it. Rather than a watered down K-3000, the new version 6 offers a wide range of features for visually impaired individuals as well as the blind. But the feature that has me excited is it's ability to scan a document, have it read by the Kurzweil voices and then save the file in an MP3 format. The MP3 format allows the audio file to be compressed by a factor of 10. Now students can create their own CD based recordings of literary textbooks and class handouts.

For further information go to: http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurzweil1000.html or http://www.kurzweiledu.com/k1000features.html

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Dragon NaturallySpeaking V6.0 New Features

Version 6 of Dragon NaturallySpeaking has been released, with a number of significant developments such as:

• Improved Accuracy
• Easily transferrable voice files
• Acoustic Optimiser
• RealSpeak Read Back Voices

For more details go to: http://www.voicerecognition.com.au/version6.htm

textHelp! WordSmith & Read ' Write now have Real Speak Option

A realSpeak version of Read ' Write and WordSmith is now available (at extra cost). For more information go to: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product.asp?product=6525 or http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product_review_article.asp?article=9293

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Setting Directions Employment Seminar

Setting Directions Employment Seminar will provide an information packed day for people with disabilities who are considering employment opportunities. The Seminar will provide essential information about employment opportunities as well as hands-on workshops to enable participants to develop their skills with the support of skilled professionals.

Setting Directions Employment Seminar will enable you to hear first hand from employees with disabilities as well as hearing about;

• Resume writing skills and techniques
• Interview techniques
• Creative ways to approach employers
• Career opportunities and services
• Negotiating workplace adjustments
• Disclosing your disability when applying for jobs and in the workplace: the pro's and con's
• Employment and the law: know your rights and responsibilities

Setting Directions Employment Seminar Organising Committee invites people with disabilities, including students, to attend. Disability service providers are also welcome to attend however these places are limited.

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Setting Directions Assistive Technology Expo & Seminar

at the

Bankstown Sports Club Conference Centre
Garrison Level (Level 1), 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown

cost: FREE

29 November 2002

Come and see computers that talk, programs that type for you, devices that control your
environment, pens that read and pictures that speak! Technology suppliers will be available to
answer any of your questions.

The Setting Directions Expo will be showcasing the range of software and hardware that would benefit people with disabilities in education and employment sectors.

New AT&T British Voices Released.

The very Realistic AT&T voices now have further options apart from the American Crystal and Mike. Also available are the British male and female voices, Charles and Audrey. Whilst Charles VERY British, Audrey would have to be one of the best, most natural and easy-to-listen-to voices I have heard. It is certainly comparable with my previous favourite, the L & H RealSpeak Jane. When used with Text Aloud to transcribe text into audio, at speeds of up to 50 times real time, Audrey produces a very realistic, pleasant and clear reading of the text material, which can be easily transferred to CD, DAT or computer for later listening.

To listen to a playback of Audrey, on a file that was transcribed at 50 times real time, (and a review of Text Aloud) go to: http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/atproject/text_aloud/index.php or click here. For further information on Text Aloud & the AT&T Voices, go to the Next Up website at: http://www.nextup.com/TextAloud/index.html

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AT Project News