Access Technology at the NFB

Access Technology at the NFB

Future Reflections
Fall
2007
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Access Technology at the NFB
by Anne Taylor, Director of Access Technology
There
is no place quite like the International Braille and Technology Center for the
Blind (IBTC) at the NFB National Center in Baltimore; it is a unique and ever-expanding
collection of current access technology. The evaluations performed on the IBTC
equipment are impartial, and the NFB Jernigan Institute provides this knowledge
to the public. Anyone who is looking to purchase a piece of software or equipment,
or anyone with an interest in access technology is welcome to visit this facility.

The impact of an initiative like the IBTC does not simply lie
in having the access technology sitting around; the access technology (AT) team
associated with it is always on hand with expert opinions and qualified help.
The team can provide tours of the IBTC, give feedback on specific questions,
and address a variety of technology issues that visitors may have encountered.
Whether you are looking at embossers, notetakers, cell phones or even low-vision
equipment, the AT specialists can give you advice tailored to your needs, either
in person or over the phone.
The technology specialists support the Technology Answer Line,
and will help you with any technology questions no matter where you live or
which aspect of AT you want to cover. In addition to this, we can provide you
with print or Braille copies of the Technology Resource List, an annually updated
listing of what is available in access technology. The list is also available
online from the NFB Web site at <http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Technology_Resource_List.asp>.
The resource list gives an overview of the technology that is available for
blind users, prices, manufacturer contact information, and other helpful details.
A new and perhaps less well-known feature of the technology
initiative at the NFB is the Accessible Home Showcase (AHS). This space holds
samples of mainstream home appliances that are usable by the blind. Because
none of the current appliances on the market are truly accessible, we have opted
to focus on those machines that are most usable and efficient. The showcase
covers large appliances, such as ranges, microwaves, dishwashers, and the like,
and other small electronics as well. The NFB welcomes visitors to this new facility,
and the AT team can help if you are trying to find something for your home.
As with the IBTC, there is a list of appliances and electronics
associated with the Accessible Home Showcase. This list contains a brief description
of the nonvisual interface and suggestions about things to look for and consider
before buying a unit. It describes the machines that are on display in the AHS,
as well as some other easily available appliances that you are likely to come
across when you go shopping for a new appliance. The list is available in Braille,
print, and online (see <http://www.nfb.org/nfb/accessible_home_showcase.asp>).
The online version is updated as often as needed. Our access technology team
welcomes any additions to or comments about the list so we can continue to improve
it as a practical tool that helps consumers find the brands and models that
will best suit their needs.
We encourage all NFB members and other access technology users
to communicate their experiences to our IBTC staff. Because the NFB is in close
communication with the access technology manufacturers and many mainstream technology
companies, your comments can change the look of future products. The AT team
is always working to get better products to the consumers. Part of that commitment
means that our AT team is often involved in testing units for manufacturers
before these products are released.
Web accessibility is high on the agenda for many people. The
AT team is very involved in promoting better design to increase Web site accessibility.
Our team tests and evaluates sites, and awards the NFB Non-visual accessibility
seal to those sites that qualify. Certified Web sites are listed on the NFB
Web site, and members can use the web accessibility section of the NFB site
at <http://www.nfb.org/nfb/certification_intro.asp> to notify the AT team
of inaccessible Web sites.
The International Braille and Technology Center and the Access
Technology team have some formidable resources. Please do not hesitate to use
us when you want help, advice, or just a look around. You can reach the AT team
via option 5 on the NFB main menu at (410) 659-9314; or you can e-mail us at
<[email protected]>. The Access Technology staff does not customarily
provide individual training sessions; however, the AT staff reserves the right
to evaluate individual requests. For further information, please contact Anne
Taylor at <[email protected]>.

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