Month: June 2021

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Accessible Assistive Technology Resources Bridges Blog Educational Resources Employment Resources Independent Living Resources Information Resources Recreation Resources Series: Accessing Visual Information, June 2021

KNFB Reader

The fifth in a five-part series: Accessing Visual Information Series.

We are surrounded by visual information, but it’s not always accessible. This month, the Bridges Helpdesk explores tools that put access to that visual information at your fingertips.

In this fifth installment of the series, we learn about KNFB Reader.

What is KNFB Reader?

KNFB Reader is an app which reads print information aloud to users who have print disabilities. The text can also be read using a Braille display. The app has text detection and tactile feedback to help the user ensure that they are capturing all of the text in the photo. It also features highlighting capabilities for those with low vision or other print disabilities for which pinpointing text would be useful.

How Much does KNFB Reader Cost?

KNFB Reader is available for all Apple products, as well as for Android and Windows 10. It is $99.99. Since KNFB Reader can help individuals read school assignments and important work documents, many universities, employers, and VR agencies have been known to purchase this app for individuals.

KNFB Reader Features

KNFB Reader features a variety of useful options, including:

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.

June: Accessing Visual Information Series

Part 1: About Aira

Part 2: Accessing Aira

Part 3: Aira in Action

Part 4: Seeing AI

Part 5: KNFB Reader

Categories
Teen Blog

Facebook Live Event

Didn’t catch us live on Facebook? It’s not to late. You can connect here and join our Meet the Instructors event. Feel free to ask questions. We will monitor the link and provide responses as needed.

Categories
Accessible Assistive Technology Resources Bridges Blog Educational Resources Employment Resources Independent Living Resources Information Resources Recreation Resources Series: Accessing Visual Information, June 2021

Seeing AI

The fourth in a five-part series: Accessing Visual Information Series.

We are surrounded by visual information, but it’s not always accessible. This month, the Bridges Helpdesk explores tools that put access to that visual information at your fingertips.

In this fourth installment of the series, we find out about Seeing AI, a free tool to access visual information that is available only on iOS devices.

What is Seeing AI?

Seeing AI is an artificial intelligence application which can identify text, objects, and colors for people who are blind or low vision. This app is available in 16 languages.

Seeing AI is available for free from the Apple App Store. However, at this time, Seeing AI is not available for use on Android devices.

Short Text Mode

This mode is extremely useful because it recognizes text without requiring the user to take a photograph. Simply open the app, make sure the “short text” mode is selected at the bottom of the screen, and point the camera where you think the text appears. As soon as the application detects text, it will begin reading. Are you too far down the page? No problem. You can move the camera to a different orientation until you get the information from the document that you need. This mode is great for reading mail, school assignments, notes, menus, and receipts.

Other Modes of Seeing AI

Seeing AI has many other modes, including:

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.

June: Accessing Visual Information Series

Part 1: About Aira

Part 2: Accessing Aira

Part 3: Aira in Action

Part 4: Seeing AI

Part 5: KNFB Reader

Categories
Teen Blog

June 2021 Monthly Newsletter

A young white man in a blue shirt and baseball cap leans against a metal fence with a ballfield in the background.
Student Patrick Hagen stands in front of the baseball field at Ripken Stadium while attending a Connect Program session.

Teen and Young Adult Programs June 2021 Monthly Newsletter See what’s new at IMAGE this summer, including an exciting return to in person program options!

Categories
Teen Blog

COVID-19 Coronavirus Reopening Plan Teen and Young Adult Service Programs

Updated for all teen and young adult summer programming through September 30, 2021.

The IMAGE Center is acting to keep staff and consumers safe to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Here’s how we’re doing our part:

  • Follow our Leaders. We follow all State guidance related to education-based activities, including reopening actions and face covering requirements on the State of Maryland for reopening advisements and Governor’s orders.
  • Flexible scheduling. All activities will operate on a hybrid schedule, offering both virtual and in-person learning opportunities.
  • Reduce contamination risk. Food and water will NOT be provided during programming at this time.

Before you join us in person, please:

  1. Monitor your health and interactions. Join us online instead if you have:
    1. Cough, shortness of breath, fever, or any other symptoms of COVID-19.
    2. Recent exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  2. Prepare and pack. Bring a backpack with items you will need for the duration of the program including: water, a snack, beach towel, sunscreen and writing or communication device. FOOD AND WATER WILL NOT BE PROVIDED.
  3. Mask up. All non-vaccinated participants and family members, please wear a mask during check-in, program transitions, and checkout. IMAGE Center staff will advise when there is an option to remove masks for outdoor programs.
  4. Take precaution. Hand sanitation will be provided for check-in, transitions and check-out.
  5. Respect personal space. Activities will be designed with respect for social distancing and mindful spacing.
  6. Talk about it. Please contact us at youthservices@imagemd.org  if you have any questions or concerns.