Websites
Daisy Resources for Conversion
| Description: |
The DAISY Consortium was formed for the purpose of establishing the International Standard for the production, exchange and use of the next generation of Digital Talking Books (DTBs). The DAISY Consortium is made up of organizations throughout the world who serve persons who are blind or print disabled. The object of the DAISY Consortium is to improve access to all kinds of information for blind and print-disabled people. |
| Website Address: |
www.daisy.org
www.yourdolphin.com |
IDEAL Website Training Modules
| Description: |
The Indiana Designs Equitable Access for Learning (IDEAL) a funded project of the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Exceptional Learner. The main focus is to create training modules directly related to the fields of disabilities. These modules are built adhering to the simplest of HTML/Web standards to help ensure accessibility and fast downloading when possible.
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| Website Address: |
www.idealindiana.com |
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
| Description: |
The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) is located at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Indianapolis. The IERC is an educational resource center for materials for the blind and visually impaired students being served in Indiana. |
| Website Address: |
www.icam.k12.in.us/ierc |
NIMAS at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
| Description: |
NIMAS refers to a collection of consistent and valid XML-based source files created by K-12 curriculum publishers. From these well-structured source files, accessible, student-ready alternate-format versions of textbooks and core materials (e.g., Braille, e-text, Digital Talking Books, etc.) can subsequently be created and distributed to qualified students with disabilities. NIMAS files are NOT student-ready versions. IDEA 2004, P.L. 108-446, establishes the NIMAS as a national standard and requires states and local districts to adopt the NIMAS for providing textbooks and instructional materials to students who are blind or print-disabled. nimas.cast.org |
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Readers
Adobe Corporation Free Ebook Reader
| Description: |
Provides a free reader to be used for PDF files. It replaces both Acrobat Reader 5 and the Adobe eBook Reader. It allows typeface, images and layout as you would see in the book. Adobe Reader is NOT the same software are Adobe Acrobat.
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| Website Address: |
www.adobe.com/epaper/ebooks |
Read Please
| Description: |
Reads any text you see on your screen - all purpose text-to-speech software.
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 Download Read Please |
Speakonia
| Description: |
The easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) is similar to Notepad. Speakonia reads aloud any given text with just one mouse click!.
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Download Speakonia |
Natural Reader
| Description: |
NaturalReader is a Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
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Download Natural Reader |
RealPlayer
| Description: |
Real Player acts as your music, video, and movie player. It will play videos that you download from the internet (not necessarily through Real) or play DVDs that you insert into your PC's drives. Much like other programs of this nature, it will also allow you to create MP3 playlists, and can be used as your primary means of listening and arranging MP3s.
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Download RealPlayer |
MobiPocket Reader
| Description: |
Provides a free universal eBook Reader that functions on any product that is running Windows 2000 and Windows XP including SmartPhones and PDAs. It is able to bookmark, text search, adjustable font size and color. It is required to read Mobipocket eBooks. |
| Website Address: |
www.mobipocket.com |
Microsoft Corportation free Ebook Reader
| Description: |
Provides free software application designed to deliver an on-screen reading. It is required for reading Microsoft eBooks. Besides similar print book layout it also allows for highlighting, marking, and annotating your eBook. |
| Website Address: |
www.mslit.com |
Overdrive Media Console
| Description: |
Provides free download to manage and access media from OverDrive. It is needed to run OverDrive Audio Books, OverDrive Music, and OverDrive Video. The Media console allows transfer of media to supported portable devices.eBooks.
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| Website Address: |
www.overdrive.com |
Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
ICAM has entered into an agreement with Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic to provide greater access to instructional materials for qualified print disabled students who need access to audio file alternate format(s) of standard print instructional materials. All Indiana schools now have access to RFB&D’s materials through the ICAM. This access is available through the ICAM at no cost to Indiana local educational agencies and covers textbooks, trade books (novels) and teacher resources. You must be a registered DRM with ICAM to download materials.
Access the RFB&D library to search for titles using this link: www.rfbd.org/catalog.htm
Webinar Training:
Ellen Gallagher, of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic will be providing “A Getting Started Tutorial” live webinar demonstrating the process for accessing and retrieving materials from the RFB&D library through the ICAM.
The dates to attend a live webinar will be available on the following Tuesdays at 3PM(EST):
September 22
September 29
October 6
October 13
As a DRM you should have received an email invitation to attend a session if you haven’t please contact the ICAM at 800-795-9271.
Hardware and Software compatible with RFB&D audio files:
https://custhub.rfbd.org/BrowseProducts.asp
If you have previously purchased a Victor Reader Stream and need a UAK key to access the RFB&D audio files contact:
Ellen Gallagher, Service Director
egallagher@rfbd.org
312-236-8715 ext. 208
Teacher Training:
RFB&D provides a wonderful on-line resource for teachers called Listening Through Learning for teachers. The on-line resources contain a variety of downloadable lesson plans, strategies and activities and case studies. Teaching Tools include lesson plans including poetry, music and stories, interactive activities in Listening Lab strategies, such as POWER listening and case stories of teachers meeting the diverse needs of their students.
To access RFB&D’s Learning Through Listening (LTL) resources go to their website at:
http://www.rfbd.org/training_support.htm
Don Johnston Read: OutLoud
| Description: |
Read:OutLoud is an accessible text reader that provides below-grade level readers access to the general curriculum. The Read:OutLoud software is made available here by ICAM under a state-wide license. You must be a registered DRM with ICAM to download this software..
Please note: Due to licensing restrictions, you can only visit the download page one time. Please download all the files necessary from this page before closing your browser. If you log out or your session ends, you will need to contact ICAM to have your account reset before you can download additional files.
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| Installers: |
Read:Outloud v6 version 6.0.1 is now available! The update can be downloaded from Don Johnston's website directly:
http://www.donjohnston.com/support/ROL6_sup/
(This installer will update your Read:OutLoud from 6.0 to 6.01 (to check your current version – once inside Read:OutLoud, Click on Help | Choose About. (The update install will not update versions of Read:OutLoud earlier than 6.0. If you have not updated to Read:OutLoud 6, you should uninstall your older version of Read:OutLoud and do a complete installation of this Read:OutLoud, version 6.0.1.)
These are the basic files you need to install and use the Read:OutLoud software. You can also download an ISO image from which you can create a cross-platform installer CD. The ISO image is an optional download.
Please verify that you have the latest Microsoft .NET Framework before installation. The update that is needed is called Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and can be obtained by going to the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=AB99342F-5D1A-413D-8319-81DA479AB0D7&displaylang=en
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ISO Image: This file is a ZIP file containing and ISO cd image of both PC and Mac Installers, Help, Getting Started, Installation Guide, and the Quick Card documentation. This download is 697 MB.
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| Teacher Materials |
Teacher materials include a Getting Started guide, help materials, passwords, and other reference material. All files are in PDF format and will open in a new browser window/tab.
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| Virtual Learning Plan |
These resources will assist you in:
- Understanding the rationale behind Indiana’s commitment to provide accessible instructional materials
- Deepening your knowledge and ability to proficiently use Read:OutLoud with your students
- Obtaining additional tools and templates that will support you with everyday implementation
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| Technical Documentation |
Technical documentation files are intended to help guide you through the installation process, converting NIMAS filesets and other technical topics. All files are in PDF format and open in a new browswer window/tab..
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Talking Books
A Talking Book in its fullest implementation is a group of digitally encoded files containing an audio portion recorded in human speech; the full text of the work in electronic form, marked with tags of a descriptive mark-up language; and a linking file that synchronizes text and audio portions. The players allow reading or playback of the digital format of books intended for persons with disabilities to provide opportunities to increase the quality and availability of information. Listed below is a sample of some playback technology available.
Book Port
| Description: |
Book Port primarily allows DAISY content to be loaded in to the device as well as other content. A user is able to listen to electronic text that has been transformed to text to speech within the device
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| Website Address: |
www.aph.org/products/bp_bro.html |
Victor Reader Stream
| Description: |
It is a digital talking book player. It supports a variety of electronic formats. It has a SB memory card and USB connection.
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| Website Address: |
www.humanware.com |
Telex Scholar
| Description: |
Detects and automatically plays CDs, Mp3, consumer CDs. The LCD screen is small for monitoring.
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| Website Address: |
www.telex.com/talkingbook/ |
Classmate Reader
| Description: |
Classmate reads text to students while allowing them to follow along the highlighted text. It can play various electronic book formats such as DAISY. It has a SB memory card and USB connection port.
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| Website Address: |
www.humanware.com/ |
Text To Speech
Text to Speech (TTS) is a type of speech synthesis application that is used to create a spoken sound version of the text in a computer document. TTS can enable the reading of computer display information for persons with print disabilities. It may simply be used to augment the reading of text message. Current TTS applications include voice-enabled email and spoken prompts in voice response systems. TTS is often used with voice recognition programs. There are numerous TTS products available.
Book Wizard Reader
| Description: |
Book Wizard Reader is a program to read digital talking books as outlined in the specifications designed and approved by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) and the Digital Audio Information System (DAISY) consortium. The program adheres to the DAISY 2.02 and DAISY/NISO Z39.86-2002 definitions and provides you with enhanced ability to control and navigate through both structured and unstructured audio files.
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| Website Address: |
www.aph.org/tech/bwr_info.htm |
Converters
SWITCH Sound Converter
| Description: |
Switch is a sound file converter for Windows. It can convert many different types of audio files into mp3 or wav format and more.
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Download SWITCH |
Audacity
| Description: |
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.
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Download Audacity |
"Save as Daisy XML" add-on for Word
| Description: |
The new "Save as DAISY XML" add-on for Word 2003, XP, and 2007 makes it possible to save docs as Daisy Standard, the globally accepted method used to publish content for print-disabled users.
This is a compressed file containing the executable and readme file. Instruction on installation and use are provided in the readme.
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Download "Save as DAISY XML" add-on for Word |
MathDaisy 1.0
| Description: |
Design Science announces that MathDaisy 1.0 is Now Available for purchase. This add-on enhances the Microsoft Save as Daisy plug-in for Word and allows schools to easily create accessible math from Word documents. They have a 30 day free trial available on the website.
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Download "MathDaisy 1.0" |
TAMC - TechAdapt Accessible Media Center
| Description: |
A conversion tool provided for free of charge to schools and other public education agencies and educational professionals for NIMAS conformant files
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Download "TAMC - TechAdapt Media Center" |
ICAM Tools
Instructions for Downloading Digital Files
Step by Step instructions for downloading and unsealing the digital files of materials requested
Magnifyers
Virtual Magnifying Glass 3.3
| Description: |
Virtual Magnifying Glass is a free, open source, screen magnification tool for Windows and Linux. It is simple, customizable, and easy-to-use. |
| Website Address: |
magnifier.sourceforge.net/#download |
Lupe for Macintosh
| Description: |
Lupe for Macintosh is a FREE screen magnifier utility, that magnifies the area around the mouse cursor from 2 to 8 times.
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| Website Address: |
www.artissoftware.com/lupe.html |
Lens Magnifying-Glass for Windows
Other
Below is a list of some of the resources and/or services that will render a file for a fee in the appropriate file format that is needed for a local educational agency.
TechAdapt AMP Services
Bookshare AMP Services
RFB&D AMP Services
Accessible Textbooks in the Classroom
Book Scanning Information:
www.woodtechnologies.com
www.digitalscanning.com
