Category: Employment Resources

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Accessible Assistive Technology Resources Bridges Blog Educational Resources Employment Resources Extracurricular Resources Independent Living Resources Information Resources Recreation Resources Series: Choose Your Own Adventure April

AIRA Access Points and Be My Eyes Apps

Choose Your Own Adventure April

Life is an adventure, but where to begin? Join us at the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Helpdesk as we explore tools to support you as you Choose Your Own Adventure this April!

  • April 4: Museums for All
  • April 11: AIRA Access Points and Be My Eyes Apps
  • April 18: Public Transportation
  • April 25: Paratransit/Call-a-ride

In this second installment of our “Choose Your Own Adventure April” series, we share details about free access to live human visual support/information via smart device apps.

Smart Device and Connectivity Required

As a preliminary matter, please note that the tools discussed below use applications (apps) on smart devices, like smartphones, tablets, etc. Additionally, these apps provide real-time information, so they require wi-fi and/or data connectivity to function.

About AIRA

Aira is a service where you can call an agent in real-time to assist you with tasks in which visual information might be helpful. Using the camera on your phone, the agent can provide you with information about your environment or answer visual questions for you at your request. Agents have undergone rigorous training and have been through various clearances and background checks so that users can feel confident that their information and privacy will be protected throughout all Aira calls.

Getting started with Aira

First, you will need to download the free Aira Explorer app in the Apple App Store or the free Aira Explorer app in the Google Play Store. You just need your name, an email address, and a password to register with Aira.

You’ll also need either a mobile phone number or an email to set up a free account. If you need help, call 1-800-835-1934 or go to AIRA’s website to get a link to download the app. Using this method, you will open a Guest account (they are free).

Pricing

Aira is primarily a fee-based service. For more information, please reference “Changes to AIRA’s On-Demand Visual Interpretation Services” in the Bridges Blog.

Free options

Aira also offers free access under certain circumstances, including “Access Points” – locations at which you may use Aira at no cost. Notable Aira Access partners in the Maryland region include Wegman’s grocery store, Target, Starbucks, TD Bank, Bank of America, and the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind. Additionally, there are multiple museums, including quite a few in Washington, DC, that offer free Aira Access during your visits there.

About Be My Eyes

Getting started with Be My Eyes

First, you will need to download the Be My Eyes app in the Apple App Store or the Be My Eyes app in the Google Play Store. You just need your name, an email address, and a password to register with Be My Eyes.

Pricing – always free!

The Be My Eyes app provides unlimited access to sighted volunteer assistance at no cost. Yes, it’s completely free, and there are no advertisements, in-app purchases, or requests for donations.

Beta-testing: AI-powered assistance from Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes is primarily a volunteer-staffed app that connects blind/low vision individuals seeking visual information with sighted volunteers. Just three weeks ago, Be My Eyes announced that it will soon be adding Virtual Volunteer, a digital visual assistant powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4. Virtual Volunteer will not involve human volunteers, but Be My Eyes support will remain “if and when the tool is unable to answer a question, it will automatically offer users the option to be connected via the app to a sighted volunteer for assistance – our volunteer experience isn’t going anywhere.” From the Be My Eyes Virtual Volunteer announcement web page.

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s 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.

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Accessible Assistive Technology Resources Bridges Blog Educational Resources Employment Resources Extracurricular Resources Independent Living Resources Recreation Resources Series: March Madness, Reading Edition; March, 2023

Voice Dream Reader and More!

March Madness – Reading Edition!

March is National Reading Month, so the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Helpdesk is celebrating March Madness – Reading Edition! This month, we will be sharing reading-related resources all month long.

In this third installment of our “March Madness – Reading Edition!” series, we delve into Voice Dream Reader as well as some other accessible reading apps.

About Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader is a versatile, navigable, and intuitive tool. For ten dollars, you can buy lifelong access to a powerful reading app.

Files that Voice Dream Reader Can Read

You can read multiple file types, including EPUB (that are DRM Free), DAISY Audio, DAISY Text, Plain Text, HTML, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Additionally, Voice Dream Reader can scan many PDF files, even some that other readers might struggle with. If there is a PDF you want to read, you can check if Voice Dream Reader can do it by simply sharing the file with the app, and opening it. If Voice Dream Reader it gives you the option, you can proceed with the scan and read the PDF.

Easy to Load Files into Voice Dream Reader

Sometimes it can be frustrating to make sure the file you want is in a place that your reading app can access. You can store and organize books and other files from a variety of sources, including others apps, the web, and Bookshare. You can also use Voice Dream Reader to access local files on your device.

From a shared Google Drive folder to an online news article to anything from your Bookshare account, you should be able to access virtually any reading material. You should be able to navigate it systematically and customize how quickly and with which voice it is read to you. You can also keep track of it based on (1) where it came from, (2) when you downloaded it, and (3) other, more creative criteria up to and including renaming the file to something that makes more sense to you.

Other Voice Dream Reader Features

  • Can pair with a refreshable braille display
  • Control of Reading Modes
  • Audio Controls
  • Library Management
  • Annotation
  • Visual Controls
  • OCR
  • Free companion Apple Watch app can play your reading list offline while not connected to iPhone
  • Play recordings, like Zoom recordings. For example, if you save a Zoom meeting recording in Dropbox, you can then share it to Voice Dream Reader and play it back from there – including voice controls (speed, etc.).

Voice Dream Reader Limitations

Performance

Of course, no tool is perfect, and no reader is best for every situation. For example, when reading a data table, Voice Dream Reader will just represent the data as a block of text. Maybe that’s good enough for you. If not, perhaps the solution exists within the app itself, and perhaps it would be best to organize that data elsewhere. Either way, Voice Dream Reader tends to work well in the majority of circumstances. If there’s an issue with how best to use it, whether it’s a good fit for you, or what other apps might be best to supplement it, please reach out to us at the Free Bridges Helpdesk; we’re here to help you figure out how best to meet your needs and achieve your goals.

Cost

Voice Dream Reader is a paid app. It costs ten dollars ($10), but this is a one-time cost. You do not need to pay any additional fees for upgrades.

Platform

The Voice Dream Reader app is ONLY available on iOS platforms. This includes iPhones and iPads. However, Voice Dream Reader is not available on Android devices, and it is not available to use on a computer.

Other Free Accessible Reading Apps

NaturalReader

Dolphin EasyReader

BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download

Bridges Can Help

For more information, including help in funding the hardware or software needed to access reading materials, please reach out to us at the Free Bridges Helpdesk.

Even if you just want to chat about the different options and experiment with them, we are happy to set up a phone call, Zoom meeting, or FaceTime meeting to work with you on any topic.

Whatever you decide, and however you go about it, we look forward to hearing from you. And, happy reading!

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s 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.

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Accessible Assistive Technology Resources Bridges Blog Educational Resources Employment Resources Independent Living Resources Information Resources Recreation Resources Series: March Madness, Reading Edition; March, 2023

Bookshare’s New App: Bookshare Reader

March Madness – Reading Edition!

March is National Reading Month, so the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Helpdesk is celebrating March Madness – Reading Edition! This month, we will be sharing reading-related resources all month long. Additionally, on Sunday, March 19, from 8-9 pm, we will host a Student Zoom Meeting featuring Accessible Reading Tools. We look forward to enjoying March Madness with you!

In this second installment of our “March Madness – Reading Edition!” series, we explore the new, free reading app from Bookshare: Bookshare Reader.

Bookshare Background

Bookshare is a service that provides accessible books to qualifying individuals. Bookshare provides a wide range of titles including textbooks, bestsellers, children’s books, career resources, and more. To find out more, check out our Bridges Blog post: Bookshare.

Accessing Bookshare Books

Once you have a Bookshare account, you can access books by either downloading or streaming them. When you download Bookshare titles, you may choose the file format in which you want to access the book using print, enlarged print, audio, and Braille. These file formats include (though not every format for every title): EPUB, DAISY, DAISY with images, BRF, Microsoft Word, DAISY with audio, and MP3.

About Bookshare Reader

Reading Bookshare Books

Like other reading apps, Bookshare Reader allows the user the ability to change the speaking rate and to change the voice itself. In addition, a reader can navigate Bookshare books by using headings coded into the book. However, the coding is not perfect, so navigation can, sometimes, be more problematic.

How Can I Use Bookshare Reader?

Bookshare Reader can be used in multiple ways. Using your Windows OS, MacOS, or Chrome laptop, you can run it through an internet browser on Bookshare (by choosing “Read Now” when you select a book). You can use the same method to stream books on your phone, or you can download and use the iOS Bookshare Reader app or the Android Bookshare Reader app. There is also a Bookshare Reader Skill on Alexa-enabled smart devices and speakers, and you can search for and read Bookshare books using this skill.  

Bookshare Reader is new and improving. It’s free, geared toward people with all print disabilities, and customizable by the consumer.

Why Should I Use Bookshare Reader?

If you’re wondering why yet another reading app has been created, Bookshare Reader has advantages that other options, including the commonly-used alternative, Voice Dream Reader, do not. For example, as long as one has a Bookshare account, it is entirely free. Further, with Bookshare Reader, the text is presented in such a way as to be more readable by your device itself, or by Bookshare’s own voices. Please note: if you use Bookshare Reader on your iOS phone, you must make sure that VoiceOver is off while the reader is speaking, or else the voices will clash. But at the same time, this makes it easier to read out loud by going line-by-line. In the end, Bookshare Reader provides an additional option to use, and individuals can choose which app to use and when to use it to meet their individual needs and comfort levels.

Try It and Help Make It Better

Most new software has hiccups, and that’s to be expected. While it is frustrating that one needs to turn off VoiceOver to use the Bookshare Reader app, it’s a problem that can be fixed.

One might ask why the problem exists in the first place. Well, even though Bookshare is focused on individuals with print disabilities, blind and low vision users are in the minority of Bookshare users. There are many more individuals with learning disabilities and typical vision who use Bookshare. Maybe that’s why the VoiceOver bug wasn’t fixed before release.  

But not to worry … we can help! Bookshare cannot improve its instructional materials or its content without feedback from its constituencies. So if you notice something that could be better, please reach out to us at the Free Bridges Helpdesk or to Bookshare directly; we never know how much better things can get unless we try.

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s 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.

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Bridges Blog Educational Resources Employment Resources Extracurricular Resources Independent Living Resources Recreation Resources Series: March Madness, Reading Edition; March, 2023

Free and Low-cost Braille Books

March Madness – Reading Edition!

March is National Reading Month, so the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Helpdesk is celebrating March Madness – Reading Edition! This month, we will be sharing reading-related resources all month long. Additionally, on March 19, from 8-9 pm, we will host a Student Meeting featuring a new reading tool: Bookshare Reader. We look forward to enjoying March Madness with you!

  • March 7: Free and Low-cost Braille Books
  • March 14: Bookshare’s New App: Bookshare Reader
  • March 21: Voice Dream Reader
  • March 28: Accessible College Textbook Program

In this first installment of our “March Madness – Reading Edition!” series, we share resources for – and reasons to obtain – free and low-cost braille books.

Why Braille Books?

This post focuses on braille books (rather than books with enlarged print) because braille books can be difficult to find. Unlike print, braille is a tactile medium, and even refreshable braille has the limitation of only displaying one line at a time. Accessing and using hard copy braille books helps an individual develop efficient braille-reading hand movements, provides spatial information (multiple lines at one time without needing to scroll up or down), and is available even when electronics break down.

Ways to Use Hard-copy Braille Books

There are multiple ways to use these hard-copy braille books – even if you don’t yet read braille!

Current braille readers can:

Individuals learning (or interested in learning) braille:

While nothing replaces quality instruction (in braille or print), you might consider using braille books to help you learn to read braille. Just like with print, reading braille takes PRACTICE! These braille resources can provide you with some self-teaching opportunities. For this purpose, consider getting some books that you enjoy and know by heart). When you read the braille, you will already know what the word is, so you will actually be teaching your fingers what the word feels like! This works best for books in UEB (Unified English Braille) and note that punctuation (period, question mark, etc.) is attached to the word they follow – just like in print.

Please reach out to us at the Bridges Helpdesk for any assistance we can provide.

Free Braille Books to Keep

Seedlings’ Book Angel Program for Children with Vision Loss

Through this program, blind/low vision U.S. children ages birth through 21 may order up to FIVE (5) free braille books per year. Please note that this is limited to books on one or two volumes.

Temple Beth El Braille Book Bindery

Individuals may choose from many Braille books in either contracted or uncontracted Braille. The volunteers of Temple Beth El Sisterhood provide these books at no cost, but they welcome donations of Braille paper, Braille binding supplies, and money to support this mission.

Free Braille Books Program from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults (AAF)

Hard copy braille books. 2023 books include:

Braille Institute’s Special Collection

Blind/low vision children in the U.S. and Canada may order up to 2 Dots for Tots® kits two times per year (targeted at ages 2-5, but open to all—might be great books to read to younger family members, neighbors, etc.).

Free Braille Books on Loan

Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) branch of the National Library Service (NLS)

Choose from thousands of braille book titles and over 30 magazines in Braille and electronic Braille formats. Books & magazines can be mailed or downloaded for FREE.

If you are not yet registered as a Library patron, you can complete an English LBPD application or a Spanish LBPD application and email it to the LBPD at reference.desk@maryland.gov.  

If you are not certain whether you are registered as a patron of the Library, please contact the Library at 410-230-2424 or 800-964-9209.

Low-cost Braille Books (to Keep)

BRL—Beulah Reimer Legacy

Very reasonably priced, high-quality Braille-print picture books. Great for learning braille as a teen with books you grew up loving and for braille readers taking care of younger children.

Seedlings Braille Books (for purchase)

Seedlings has a wide variety of braille books for purchase (after you get your three free Angel books—see above). Here are the categories of Seedlings books, followed y the number of titles in each category:

National Braille Press (NBP)

NBP has a variety of titles including some not available anywhere else, including technology guides for blind/low vision individuals, cookbooks, recreational reading, books in Spanish and English, and more.

American Printing House for the Blind (APH)

While APH books are not necessarily low in price, schools have funds that can only be spent at APH. In addition to textbooks and early learning books, APH offers books with tactile graphics that can be helpful in science and other classes.

The Braille Bookstore

The Braille Bookstore offers many titles in hard copy braille for all ages, including adults.

Read How You Want

Read How You Want is a commercial publisher of accessible books, and available formats include Braille and DAISY digital books. While this publisher is located in Australia, prices are in U.S. dollars, and the variety of titles includes many that are not common in the U.S.

Braille Library & Transcribing Services, Inc.

This group offers braille in three ways:

Categories include:

Louis Database of Accessible Materials

“The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) maintains and promotes the Louis Database of Accessible Materials, named in honor of Louis Braille. Louis contains information on accessible materials produced by over 75 organizations throughout the United States and Canada. These materials include educational materials in braille, large print, audio, and electronic file format.

Our aim is to provide maximum visibility to accessible educational materials and to meet that goal, the Louis search also includes information from these national repositories.”

Bookshare – Embossing Bookshare Books

While Bookshare does not provide hard copy books, it does provide the option to download books in BRF (braille-ready file) format. Note: you must be a member of Bookshare to download these files. Then, you may either emboss the books yourself or find another entity (teacher, agency, individual) to perform the embossing.

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s 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.

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Bridges Blog Employment Resources Financial Resources

Internships!

Forward Focus February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that just means that we need to pack it FULL! This month we share resources to help us maintain a Forward Focus in February.

In this third installment of our “Forward Focus February” series, we check out some internships and job opportunities that may be of interest. Also, even if you are not seeking an internship or summer job this year, it’s great to know what is available!

DORS-sponsored programs

Maryland students have a tremendous resource in the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and its Office of Blindness & Vision Services (OBVS). In addition to providing needed tools and technology for individuals with disabilities, DORS provides employment-related support. In fact, the title of the DORS web page is: “DORS: Helping Marylanders With Disabilities Go To Work”

DORS supports several agencies and non-profits in providing work-based learning experiences (WBLEs). These are (typically summer) programs where you receive training and coaching and where you get to have part-time PAID jobs. While the details of these programs have not yet been finalized, it’s never too early to make sure that you have an open case with DORS and are communicating with your DORS counselor. 

If you know your DORS counselor:

Contact your DORS counselor about what you would like for the summer. If you don’t know exactly what you want, talk with your DORS counselor about what might be available that would meet your needs.

If you don’t know whether you have an open case with DORS:

  • Contact DORS directly and ask. Find more information on the Request DORS Services webpage.
  • The Free Bridges Helpdesk is happy to help. Please reach out to us, and we can help you with finding out who to contact and/or with contacting that individual.

If you know you don’t have a case with DORS yet:

Please reach out to the Free Bridges Helpdesk. We look forward to discussing any of these matters with you, and we’re happy to connect you with Muttasim Fadl, the Transition Specialist for OBVS/DORS.

Other Internships For Maryland Students

NASA Internships

Description:

  • These paid internships are offered across NASA facilities in fall, spring, and summer sessions.
  • One application is viewed agencywide.
  • Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.

Eligibility:

  • U.S. Citizens
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (grade point average)
  • Opportunities are available at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and educator levels
  • Prior experience is not required

Location:

Application deadline:

  • Early March
  • Apply soon!

Prerequisite:

Internships for Students Already in College

Accessible Pharmacy

Description:

  • Paid internship
  • Get hands-on experience with the following:
    • Healthcare & medication management
    • Sales
    • Market research
    • Customer service
    • Quality assurance
    • Writing

Eligibility:

  • Enrolled in a college or university
  • Be blind or have low-vision
  • Work from home
  • Must be outgoing
  • Must feel comfortable speaking on the phone with clients, patients and our pharmacy team

Location:

Application deadline:

  • None stated, but don’t wait

AFB Talent Lab Internship Information webpage

Description:

  • A fully remote and flexible program consisting of nine terms completed over the course of three years. You may participate in one, multiple, or all nine terms.
  • Participants are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program, including foundational coursework, independent and team-oriented client projects, and meetings with program mentors and supervisors.
  • Participants represent the AFB and, as a result, are required to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards while participating in the program.

Work Requirements:

  • Participants should expect to be engaged with program coursework, projects, or other activities for a certain number of hours each week depending on the term:
    • For Summer sessions, expect to work about 25-30 hours each week.
    • For Spring & Fall sessions, expect to work about 6-10 hours each week.

Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled full-time in college or another higher education program
  • Studying computer science or a related field
  • Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior
  • Have a recommendation from a professor or instructor

Application deadlines:

AFB Talent Lab Apprenticeship Information webpage

Description:

  • A fully remote, full-time program (35 hours per week) lasting two years.
  • Participate fully in all aspects of the program, including foundational coursework, independent and team-oriented client projects, and meetings with program mentors and supervisors.
  • Participants represent the AFB and, as a result, are required to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards while participating in the program.

Eligibility:

  • Be able to work full-time for 2 years to complete the program
  • Be skilled at using Assistive Technologies, such as screen readers or magnification, etc.
  • Have an interest in pursuing digital inclusion through product testing and management.
  • Provide a professional resume
  • Provide a professional letter of recommendation, such as from a colleague or a supervisor.
  • Provide a writing sample of approximately 500 words in length.

Application deadline:

  • “The next cohort of the AFB Talent Lab Apprenticeship is currently expected to begin in January 2024 with applications reopening later in 2023. Please continue to check [Apply to Join the AFB Talent Lab] page for updates on application dates and deadlines.”

More information:

Internships for the Summer of 2024

NLS Aspiring Leaders Internship Program

Description:

  • The program runs during the summer, between 12 to 15 weeks.
  • Under the guidance of mentors, interns work on selected tasks and projects within one of the five main divisions of NLS: the Office of the Director, Business Operations Division, Collections Division, Patron and Network Engagement Division, and Program Delivery Division.

Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students and those who have graduated within the past five years from an accredited two-year or four-year college or university are eligible to apply.

Application deadline:

  • Deadline for summer internships is typically in November of the prior year

NLS (the National Library Service)

Description:

Eligibility:

Application deadline:

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s 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.