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What's New

Olympus DM-4 Now Available from Handy Tech North America

Olympus has released the "DM-4" Digital Audio Device. The DM-4 is a specialty recorder, designed for a specific market and is only available to specialty dealers in the Assistive Technology Markets (Low Vision and Blindness, Speech, Hearing, Learning Disabilities, Physical Impairments).

Olympus DM-4

The Olympus DM-4 incorporates a large color LCD display, easy-to-use menus for audio recording, editing and playback of podcasts, music, audio books, text books and DAISY books.

The DM-4 offers an internal memory of 8GB for over 2,000 hours of recording. It also features an external microSD slot that allows for up to 16GB of additional memory. Users can enjoy a wide variety of media for work and leisure, including audio recordings, music, audio books, podcasts and images.

It offers sophisticated features like Voice Guidance, Voice Commands, Text-to-Speech, DAISY (Digital Accessible System) and supports Audible.com books, MP3, WMA and PCM formats. Olympus also includes OLYMPUS SONORITY sound editing software.

The DM-4 is a DAISY player certified by Daisy Consortium, meaning it can play digitally recorded material in the DAISY talking book format popular with the visually impaired and those with Dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

The DM-4 features robust Speech Recognition capabilities that are powered by Nuance VoCon 3200, Nuance's trusted Speech Recognition engine. Users are able to speak commands that allow them to access folders and set-up options, and easily add items to their lists and calendars. Pre-defined keywords such as "work", "travel", "memo" and more can be added to audio files making it easier to access files by using your voice.

DM-4 also features Nuance Vocalizer for Text-to-Speech to provide voice guidance, enabling visually challenged users to achieve equal accessibility while capturing recordings or moving through the device's menu, folders and set-up options. Users are also able to hear file details like date, time, artist, title and preset keywords to easily identify files without having to listen to them.

The unit is compatible with "PCs" and "MACs". Package includes DM-4, Lithium-Ion Battery, AC Adapter, Olympus Sonority Software, Stereo Earphones, USB Cable, USB Adapter, Carrying Case, Strap, Instruction Manual.

Cost: $299.00 plus shipping.

For more information on this and other extraordinary offerings from Handy Tech North America, please call: 651-636-5184 or send an e-mail to: sales@handytech.us.



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Mac Academy Workbook and Study Guide

Handy Tech North America is pleased to now offer the Mac Academy Workbook and Study Guide for purchase. This 80 page document was developed by Handy Tech North America for use with the Mac Academy Basic Training Workshop, a three day class that teaches people how to use the Voiceover screen reader included with every Macintosh computer running the 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system. The workbook may also be used as a stand-alone training tool and reference resource.

Adaptive technology trainers, vision teachers, rehabilitation professionals and anybody who would like to learn to use Voiceover will greatly benefit from this insightful and thorough publication which is available on CD, in regular print, large print, and in Braille formats.

A proud value add reseller of Apple products, Handy Tech North America is now also including a free electronic version of the workbook with every purchase of an Apple computer from Handy Tech North America.

Also, effective immediately, purchase any of the Voiceover supported Handy Tech Braille Displays from Handy Tech North America and gain free admission to any of the Mac Academy basic training workshops that are open to the public for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase, a $750 value.

Registration is required, this offer is not retroactive and travel and expenses are not included.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the above options, please don't hesitate to contact Handy Tech North America at: 651-636-5184 or send e-mail to: info@handytech.us.

The Mac Academy Workbook and Study Guide may be purchased online, by credit card over the phone, by check or money order, and purchase authorizations from companies, organizations and government agencies are also welcome.

Please make purchase authorizations out to:

Handy Tech North America
3989 Central Ave. NE.
Suite 402
Columbia Heights, MN 55421

Fax purchase authorizations to: 1-866-347-8249 or e-mail them to: sales@handytech.us.

Purchase Online









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Register for ATIA 2011 Orlando Conference and Save

What: Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2011 Orlando Conference Exclusive $30 ATIA VIP full conference registration discount; Must register with code: XEDA3336.
Where: Caribe Royale Orlando, Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
When: Conference: January 26-29, 2011

We're pleased to announce you are eligible for discounted admission to attend the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Orlando conference and exhibition, January 26-29, 2011, at the Caribe Royale Orlando Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This benefit (a $30 discount off of full conference registration fee) is exclusively available to friends of exhibiting companies.
ATIA 2011 Orlando provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, and those who support, work with, employ or educate people with disabilities, access to the latest AT products and services information, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Here is just a sample of all the great benefits available in Orlando:

To capitalize on this great opportunity, simply follow these easy steps:
Register for the ATIA VIP Attendee Discount program. You will be prompted to enter your coupon code.

Register online at: https://www.goeshow.com/atia/orlando/2011/attendee_registration.cfm

To register by e-mail, fax or mail, download a registration form from: http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3816

For complete information on ATIA 2011 Orlando, visit: http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3733

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Phone Upgrade Options Clinic

Handy Tech North America is excited to announce an opportunity for you to receive assistance with upgrading software on the Nokia bundles with screen reader software and KNFB reader mobile.  In January Code Factory released version 4 of mobile speak, in April Nuance released version 5 of the talks and zooms premium edition and in the middle of May KNFB Reading Technologies released version 6.4 of the KNFB reader mobile software. Talks and Zooms and KNFB reader mobile are both free upgrades. Mobile speak is an upgrade costing $199. 

On June 12th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm we will be holding a free clinic in our office at 3989 Central Avenue NE, Suite 402, Columbia Heights MN 55421. Handy Tech North America staff will be available to assist you with upgrading your phone software. 

If you are not able to make it on June 12th and would like to drop off your phone for upgrading, this is also an option available for you.There will be a $20 charge for this service and Handy Tech would like you to call for scheduling an appointment and receive an RMA to prevent any delays in processing your requests. 

If you live outside the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area and would like to send your phone in for updating you may do this as well. The charge for this service is $50 including shipping. 

Things you’ll need to successfully update your software:

1. Your phone you wish to upgrade.
2. User name and password for KNFB reader site. If you’ve forgotten or lost your password visit www.knfbreader.com for assistance with this.
3. Serial number for KNFB reader software.
4. If you wish to upgrade mobile speak you will need your licensing information and mobile number so the license can be tied to your phone number instead of using the serial number you currently have.

Registration for the clinic is required. Walk-ins without registration will not be admitted. Also, not registering leaves us no way to contact you if the event is cancelled and we would hate for you to make a trip for nothing. Please RSVP to this event by visiting: www.handytech.us/phone_upgrade_options.html to fill out a registration form.

If you wish to take advantage of the drop off option or mail in option, please give us a call at 651-636-5184.

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Now reintroducing: Mobile Access Payment (MAP) Program

Handy Tech North America in partnership with Code Factory, are pleased to reintroduce a new financing option by which consumers may pay for any of the Code Factory products over a twelve month period, interest-free.

Are you tired of limited accessibility to mobile devices such as cell phones and PDA’s? Have you ever been in a situation where you could have greatly benefited from the use of an accessible GPS solution or Mobile screen reader, but couldn’t justify the purchase due to the up-front cost? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in a position to take advantage of HTNA’s Mobile Access Payment Program, MAP. Originally unveiled in April of 2009 as the first affordable means of obtaining access to mobile accessibility by allowing individuals to purchase mobile screen readers and GPS solutions through financing options. The MAP program was suspended for a short time due to a few individuals who elected to default on their financial commitment and limited recourse in HTNA’s efforts to collect on a debt. These few individuals really ruined the program for all of the honest people; however, now thanks to a new licensing system put into place by Code Factory, the opportunity is once again available. 

The Mobile Access Payment (MAP) Program takes the sting out of your pocket book and in spite of a struggling global economy, makes this life changing technology attainable by people for whom the lump sum expenditure may be prohibitive.

United States residents may now purchase the award-winning Mobile Speak 4.0 mobile screen reader, Mobile Geo 2.5 GPS solution, as well as Mobile Speak Adventure and Mobile Speak Gold software bundle packages on the 12 month MAP payment program.  

This program is currently only available for the United States residents purchasing their accessible solutions from Handy Tech North America, a company well known for their work in modifying mainstream off-the-shelf technology for use by people who are blind or have low vision and their high quality of service and support. Thanks to Code Factory’s talented software engineers, HTNA’s slogan “It’s all about adapting,” now refers to purchasing options as well as products.

We're sorry; we are not able to offer hardware products such as mobile phones or GPS receivers on the MAP Program at this time. As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

For more information about the MAP program, visit: Mobile Access Payment (MAP) Program.

For more information about Code Factory products, visit the Code Factory web site.

Please note: The MAP program is being offered by Handy Tech North America and Code Factory. All sales are final and under no circumstances will adjustments to payments be made due to changes or fluctuations in retail pricing of products being offered in the MAP Program

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Record your best moments now!

Have you ever been in a situation where you had a really great idea and didn’t have any way to write it down? Have you ever wanted to record a band concert, or live music, or a conference, but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up microphones and extraneous equipment? If you’ve answered Yes or Maybe to any of the above questions, Handy Tech North America, HTNA has the solution for you.

As proud distributors of the Olympus line of digital recorders, we are happy to be carrying the Olympus DM520 high quality accessible digital recorder for only $199.99 + shipping. Thus far, our favorite device has been the Olympus DM520, which allows for recording and playback of multiple formats. Navigate the menu structure with ease and change settings using the built-in voice guidance. If you run out of room on the device with the built-in 4GB of storage, this digital recorder has the capability of increasing the storage capacity by an additional 16GB with a MicroSD card.

The Olympus DM520 ships with the exceptional Olympus Sonority software, allowing for easy editing and file management as well as an interface for downloading and managing podcasts.

Some of the amazing features of this recording package include:

What’s in the package:

Please feel free to direct any questions to our sales team by sending an email to: sales@handytech.us.

If email isn’t your thing, we can be reached by phone at: 651-636-5184 option 1.

Orders may be placed for fast UPS delivery starting today, so please order your Olympus DM520 today and enter a new world of high fidelity recordings.

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Purchase any Handy Tech Braille Display and receive admission to the Mac Academy for free!

Handy Tech North America is now offering an in-depth 5-day workshop on how to use the Voiceover screen reader that ships with every Apple Macintosh computer running the OSX10.6 Snow Leopard operating system. The first workshop is scheduled to begin June 14, 2010 and we intend to schedule several more of these workshops around the United States and at the Handy Tech North America training center.

As an added incentive for our Braille display customers, Handy Tech North America is now offering free admission to the Mac Academy with the purchase of any Handy Tech Braille display. This is a $1,000 value and it is being extended indefinitely.

In another recent promotion, Handy Tech North America announced the availability of a free Mac mini with the purchase of an Easy Braille portable display. This promotion ends April 15, 2010. Recognizing that not everybody wishes to have an Apple Macintosh computer, we are offering a comparable PC option under the same terms. However, for those who wish to learn how to use the Voiceover screen reader that comes with every Macintosh computer running the Snow Leopard operating system, this deal is extra sweet for you because you also qualify for the free Mac Academy workshop.

That's right, not only will you be purchasing one of the best quality portable Braille displays in the world, but you will also get a Free Mac mini computer (upgradable) and we will spend 5 days teaching you how to use it.

For more information on this and other extraordinary offerings from Handy Tech North America, please call: 651-636-5184 or send e-mail to: info@handytech.us.

If you aren't interested in purchasing a Handy Tech Braille display, but would like to register for the Mac Academy workshop, you may do so at: Mac Academy Workshop Info and Registration

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Come to the Mac Academy!

Description

This 3 day intensive workshop is designed to teach participants how to use the Voiceover screen reader that is installed on every Apple computer running the OSX10.6 Snow Leopard operating system or later.

Each day consists of group instruction, time for practice, and personalized one on one instruction.

Topics covered include, setting up an Apple computer and using Voiceover out of the box, understanding the various elements, menus, and dialogs encountered within the OS, and the many applications that come pre-installed; word processing, browsing the internet, iTunes, file management and much more.

Participants who do not already own an Apple computer are provided one to use while in class and participants may also purchase a computer as part of the training so that they may take home the computer which they have been working with during the workshop.

"Apple is the clear front runner in terms of off the shelf accessibility" states Earle Harrison, President and Founder of Handy Tech North America, "and we are proud to be among the first adaptive technology companies to offer such an in-depth and comprehensive class on this exciting and ever evolving technology."

Who should attend?

Adaptive technology trainers, vision teachers, technicians and rehabilitation professionals. Any blind or low vision professional or student interested in learning the free Voiceover screen reader included with every Apple Macintosh computer running the Snow Leopard OSX10.6 operating system or later, with the goal of becoming  more competitive with their sighted classmates or co-workers.

Time and Location

Monday, June 14 until Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at the Handy Tech North America Training Center in Columbia Heights, Minnesota (closed)

Tuesday July 27 until Thursday July 29, 2010 at the Handy Tech North America Training Center in Columbia Heights, Minnesota (closed)

Tuesday August 17 until Thursday August 19, 2010 at the Handy Tech North America Training Center in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.

Cost

The cost for this event is $ 750.00 per participant (this price does not include travel, lodging or food expenses).

Maximum Capacity

This class has a maximum capacity of 12 participants. There are two instructors to insure quality one on one instruction.

Accommodation/Special Group Rate

Special room rates are available at the LivINN Suites, 5201 Central Avenue NE., Fridley, MN 55421 (map of hotel), Phone: 763-571-9440. The hotel is located less than a mile from the training center. Complimentary transportation from the hotel to the training center will be provided by Handy Tech North America. Participants who choose to stay at a different hotel will be responsible for their own transportation.

Questions?

As always, please don't hesitate to contact Handy Tech North America should you have any questions whatsoever. We look forward to your participation.

Phone: 651-636-5184; Email: info@handytech.us.

Registration

Register online for the Mac Academy.

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Limited Time Promotion on Mobile Geo and MobileSpeak Adventure!

Code Factory and Handy Tech North America are very happy to announce special pricing on Mobile Geo and MobileSpeak Adventure that is sure to literally give you a whole new perspective of the world around you and across the U.S.A! 

Beginning March 23 and lasting until July, 31, 2010, U.S. customers may take advantage of the following special pricing of either the Mobile Geo or MobileSpeak Adventure products:

Mobile Geo Accessible GPS Solution

Regularly $895.00
Limited time special pricing of $599.00




MobileSpeak Adventure, includes the award winning MobileSpeak screen reader, Mobile Magnifier and Mobile Geo accessible GPS Solution

Regularly $1190.00
Limited time special pricing of $735.00




This is an incredible value! Please don't hesitate to contact the HTNA offices at: 651-636-5184

You may also send product inquiries to: sales@handytech.us

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Now Taking Orders for iBill Talking Banknote Identifier

Handy Tech North America is pleased to now offer the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier, the smallest, fastest and most affordable currency identifier on the market today. Purchase yours online (see below) or call: 651-636-5184 to place your order over the phone.

iBill Talking Banknote Identifier - Product Brief

Affordable. Accurate. Compact.

Features:

Cost: The cost of the iBill is $99 with $10 charge for shipping and handling.

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Now Taking Orders for PenFriend

Handy Tech North America is pleased to now offer the Pen Friend Audio Labeler manufactured by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (NRIB).

Easily record and re-record information using this versatile, pocket-sized, easy-to-use product and the self-adhesive labels. You can instantly play back the recordings anywhere simply using the PenFriend - no computer required.

Use to label: food items, including freezer items, film and music collections, household objects or even to organize letters and other paperwork as well as record shopping lists or leave audio messages.

It can also be used as a portable notetaker, record your message and keep track of it by placing the allocated label in a small notebook or in your diary.

Use in school to label classroom equipment and resources and pupils can organize their coursework.





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iRead: "simply reading"

Handy Tech North America is pleased to offer iRead, a new, robust, cost effective and easy to use reading solution developed by Handy Tech GmbH of Horb Germany.

iRead is software that converts a Windows-PC with a scanner and screen reader into an open reading system.

Gain access to print material with minimal effort. There is only one key press between the start of the program and the reading of the first page of printed text. iRead automatically detects the connected scanner and searches for the best settings for the individual model. Check the orientation of a document with a single keystroke.

iRead captures the structure of a document. Not only does iRead detect headings, but also creates a table of contents based on these headings. Simply select a heading from the created table of contents and then easily jump to the selected position in the document.

Use the search function of iRead to jump to a specific word within the scanned document. Set a bookmark and easily pick up where you left off.

iRead lets you import images from different formats such as PDF and several image types which are quickly and accurately rendered into accessible text. Perspective distortions and misalignments are automatically corrected by iRead.

iRead is designed and optimized to be used in combination with screen reader programs. If you are not using one of the leading screen readers like Window-Eyes, Zoomtext with speech or JAWS, you have the option of using iRead along with NVDA, a free and open source screen reader. Enjoy the ability to use any Handy Tech Braille display along with iRead and any of the popular screen readers including NVDA.

"As North America master distributors of Handy Tech products, we are very pleased to add a high quality OCR package to our offerings" says Handy Tech North America President and Founder Earle Harrison, "At first I questioned the introduction of a version 1 OCR software program in an industry where other products have had time to develop over 15-20 years; however, after experiencing the speed and accuracy of iRead firsthand, I knew we had a contender".

Handy Tech GmbH Managing Director Sigi Kipke states "Earle and his team have done an extraordinary job representing Handy Tech products over the past 4 years and I have every confidence in their ability to make iRead a success as they continue to serve our Canadian and U.S customers".

The cost of iRead is $750.00 USD.

You may download a 30 day trial version of iRead from:

http://www.handytech.us/iRead_1.0.2.0a_Setup.exe

Licensing iRead is simply a matter of obtaining an activation code.

For more information, please call Handy Tech North America at: 651-636-5184

or e-mail: sales@handytech.us

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Audio Dart Master Talking Dart Board

The cost of the Audio Talking Dart master is $499 plus shipping and the sophistication of this product and the hours of entertainment you will enjoy with family and friends make it well worth the price.

From the Manufacturer:

Fully accessible talking dart board

This is the first dart board built for people with visual impairments since Audio English Mark Darts twenty years ago. It can be used in homes or by dart leagues.

Who uses a talking dart board?

  • Blind and visually impaired people who wish to play an active game.
  • People who like to play darts, but don't know the rules or scoring.
  • Schools for the blind and visually impaired.
  • Dart Leagues who may have some members with visual disabilities.
  • People who would like a game that is more fun than a circle of cork on the wall.

Features

  • Speaks every action and everything displayed in a human voice.
  • Help key explains every option and game.
  • Contains a spoken instruction manual and rules for every game.
  • Full displays for hearing impaired users.
  • Games and options to make playing fun for beginners and experts.
  • Easy 4-key menu interface for all options.
  • Back off (un-throw) dart feature corrects mistakes.
  • Optional spoken name for each player. (Keeps 20 name for future use.)
  • League options.
  • Ten level volume.
  • Calls 'inside' and 'outside' hits.
  • 25 or 50 point double bull's eye.
  • Optional 'clock position' called for each dart.
  • External speaker jack for loud speakers or communication aids.
  • Virtually self-explaining.
  • PVC pipe dart stand.

Games and Game Options

  • 301/501/701/901 (double in, double out, league)
  • Count up (double in)
  • Cricket (Quick / Classic cricket / Cut-throat, double in)
  • Around The Clock
  • Five Dart Golf (9 hole / 18 hole)
  • Baseball
  • Training Mode

Pricing

  • Audio Dart Master (model 1) - $499.00.
  • Dart Board Stand - $40.00.
    Allows the dart board to be used without putting screws in the wall. Can also be used free standing. Includes a solid toe strip on a roll-out mat. Disassembles for easy storage or transportation.
  • Audio Customization - $200.00.
    Put a message of your choice on the dartboard when the power is turned on. Also, include spoken names for up to eight people. (The standard board supports 20 names of your choice.)




You may also order this item over the phone by calling: 651-636-5184.

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Handy Tech Mobile Pack (M-PAC) Mobile Geo Bundle

Handy Tech North America is pleased to offer the new Handy Tech Mobile Pack (M-PAC) Mobile Geo Bundle. In keeping with our slogan "It's all about adapting!" we've once again come-up with a winning bundle package that will send you on your way in style and for much less than the cost of expensive closed proprietary note taking systems.

The new M-PAC is based on the HTC S743 Windows Mobile Smartphone platform, but whether or not you choose to activate the phone is entirely up to you. The award winning Mobile Speak Smartphone screen reader and Mobile Geo GPS navigation software transform this powerful little device into a standalone organizer and GPS solution and comes to you with all software installed and ready to use.

The HTC S743 has a QWERTY Keyboard that slides out, but it also has a standard telephone touch keypad which may be used when the sliding keyboard is closed.

Experience GPS navigation with the highly intuitive Mobile Geo user interface and the most comprehensive maps available as well as the convenience of synchronizing calendar appointments, contacts, multimedia files and so much more. The included Voice Command speech recognition application makes placing calls, checking appointments, launching and controlling applications easier than ever before.

The regular cost of the Handy Tech Mobile PAC is $1695.00. However purchase before December 21st and receive $100.00 off of the retail cost.

This outstanding value includes the following:

  • HTC S743 Smartphone with 528 MHz QUALCOMM processor, integrated GPS receiver running Microsoft Windows Mobile Smartphone 6.1.
  • Mobile Speak Smartphone with choice of Fonix, Acapella or Loquendo text to speech engines.
  • Mobile Geo GPS navigation software featuring the world class Sendero GPS Engine.
  • 16 GB SD Micro memory card with all U.S. maps.

The M-PAC bundle comes to you with all software installed, licensed, configured, tested and ready to use.

You may hear an audio demonstration of the M-PAC bundle at:

http://www.handytech.us/demos/GeoDemo.mp3

If you have any questions about the M-PAC or any of the other adaptive technology solutions that Handy Tech North America has to offer, please don't hesitate to call:

651-636-5184 or send e-mail to: sales@handytech.us.

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

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Handy Tech North America Opens Illinois Branch Office

Effective August 1, 2009, Handy Tech North America is pleased to announce the opening of our Illinois Office. We are delighted to welcome David Wright as Regional Sales Manager representing Handy Tech North America and GW Micro. David Wright has worked as our Technical Support Specialist since 2007. Many of you may already know him as the patient helpful voice on the other end of the line ready to answer your technology related questions.

Chicago has been home to him for the last ten years; however, along with his duties in Illinois, he will also be traveling the Eastern United states to work with HTNA distributors, organizations and consumers to lend a hand.

Handy Tech North America is pleased to be the authorized GW Micro dealers for the state of Illinois. Not only will Dave represent the high quality Handy Tech Braille devices and accessible mobile solutions for which we are well known, he will also be our man in Chicago for GW Micro sales and solutions.

"I am thrilled that Dave accepted the position as Regional Sales Manager" says Handy Tech North America owner and President Earle Harrison, "his passion for the technology is obvious, but the sense of satisfaction he derives from empowering the people who use it is clearly a much more important part of the equation for him."

"Anything is possible with imagination and commitment! Working with Handy Tech and adaptive technology supports my passion for helping people reach their full potential while continuing to expand our ideas for what full potential can mean. I look forward to working with individuals and organizations to eliminate the obstacles to full participation, and to finding the most positive solutions to challenging problems," says Dave Wright.

Dave has already hit the ground running with his new job and is scheduled to present at several events, conferences, conventions and trade shows, not the least of which being the first ever conference of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) to be held in Schaumburg, Illinois from October twenty-eighth until October thirty-first 2009.

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BookSense

Handy Tech is pleased to now offer BookSense.

BookSense

The new portable digital audio book player, BookSense, allows people to access information for education, information, and entertainment. Students can access school textbooks, people in the workplace can stay current with journals or business magazines, and anyone can enjoy newspapers, favorite novels, a bestseller, and even their favorite music.

With a comfortable feel when held in your hand, the BookSense is very easy to use. Weighing only four ounces, it is portable and powerful and easily fits into a shirt pocket, backpack, or purse, so you can take it anywhere.

Two models are offered : BookSense and BookSense XT. Both models play audio files, DAISY content, and read documents. Secured-Digital (SD) memory card slot, and built-in digital recorder are all standard features on both the BookSense and BookSense XT. The media player supports a variety of formats, such as MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, WAX, M4A, and WMA. Use the media player to listen to your music collection, including music downloaded from Apple iTunes.

View a picture of the BookSense.

BookSense XT

In addition to all of the standard features, the BookSense XT boasts 4 GB of built-in memory, an FM radio, and Bluetooth capability. Use the BookSense XT to listen to your favorite radio station, or use the Bluetooth to use your stereo Bluetooth headset. Imagine listening to your favorite book without the hassle of wires from headphones.

With the BookSense, you can access digital talking books from providers such as the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), BookShare, and Audible. Access to books from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) is coming soon!

BookSense makes it simple by utilizing the USB port to connect to your PC to transfer downloaded books and music directly to the built-in memory on the BookSense XT or to an SD memory card in either model.

The book reader on the BookSense supports several file formats, including txt, rtf, doc, docx, html, xml, brl, and brf. Use this feature to read your Microsoft Word documents, including Word 2003 and Word 2007.

The BookSense is the ideal tool for classroom teachers, students, business professionals, and anyone who enjoys reading and listening to music.

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Eye-Pal Solo

Handy Tech is pleased to now offer Eye-Pal Solo.

Eye-Pal Solo will read for you on it's own – no other equipment or additional lights are needed, no buttons to push, no manuals to read. Eye-Pal Solo comes ready to use right out of the box. It is a self-contained motion activated reading device that instantly reads from any book or printed material. Just plug it in, place down a book or newspaper and it reads to you! If it is not the page you wanted to read, remove it. Reading will stop immediately - in a fraction of a second. If the phone or doorbell rings, wave your hand near the reading material and it will pause, pass your hand again and it resumes. Can reading be easier than this?

Want to read text on a monitor along with the Eye-Pal Solo? Simply connect the monitor and magnified text will be automatically displayed for you, the spoken words are highlighted.

Need more than just reading? The custom keypad allows saving and restoring pages, reading by word or by sentence, changing voices, customizing how text looks on the monitor, and a lot more.

View a picture of the Eye-Pal Solo

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Plug and Braille with Handy Tech Easy Braille!

On December 11, 2008, Serotek announced via the Serotek blog their endorsement of the Accessibility Anywhere Based Braille Display petition to Braille display manufacturers created and written by George McDermith. This petition urges Braille display manufacturers to do-away with proprietary drivers and instead use standard, mainstream technologies that will drive these devices regardless of the screen reader being used.

As an avid Braille reader myself, I am proud to be a signer of this petition. We at Handy Tech North America support Mr. McDermith's efforts with respect to this matter and in order to demonstrate our commitment to the cause, we are pleased to announce the Handy Tech Plug and Braille initiative with the introduction of Easy Braille with HID support.

HID stands for Human Interface Device and is the open standard for plug and play devices such as keyboards and mice. The HID protocol requires no separate software installations in order for these devices to work. Now Braille readers can simply plug-in their Handy Tech Easy Braille with HID support and gain immediate Braille access regardless of their chosen screen reader. 

Although Easy Braille with HID support has been several months in the making prior to Mr. McDermith's petition, his timing is perfect as it affords Handy Tech the opportunity to demonstrate that we are once again on the leading edge when it comes to giving customers the tools they need when they need them.

For over a year now, Handy Tech customers have enjoyed the ability to walk up to one of millions of Apple computers and gain immediate grade two Braille access simply by plugging in their Handy Tech Braille display. Handy Tech is pleased to now offer the same freedom of access on the Microsoft Windows side or on any other platform that supports the HID protocol.

Combine this new Plug and Braille development with the high quality and ergonomic design for which Handy Tech products are known worldwide, and enjoy a flexible and reliable Braille solution for many years to come in the Handy Tech Easy Braille.

"I don't believe that people should be penalized because of the screen reader they use," says Sigi Kipke, Managing Director of Handy Tech GmbH in Horb, Germany, the manufacturers of Handy Tech Braille products. Kipke further stresses the importance of access to portable electronic Braille by stating that Braille products should not be viewed as some obscure technology used by just a few blind people, rather it should be viewed as a progressive and innovative technology that gives Braille readers the same advantages and opportunities as print readers.

Although Easy Braille with HID support is slated for release in May of 2009, Handy Tech representatives from both European and North American offices will be demonstrating this exciting new development at this year's California State University Northridge Center on Disabilities 24th Annual Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, otherwise known as CSUN.

Please join us in the exhibit hall at booth 302 of the Marriott LAX hotel where we will be enthusiastically demonstrating the following products:

  • Easy Braille with new HID support.
  • The new Handy Tech Braille driver for Nuance Talks which allows for the input of grade two Braille among other things.
  • The powerful netbook computer and Braille display options available from Handy Tech North America which does away with the out-dated notion that technology for blind people must be based on a closed and proprietary platform.
  • Last but not least, the latest developments around the exciting Active Tactile Control (ATC) technologies that actually senses the user's fingers on the Braille display and responds accordingly based on reading behaviors. This ground breaking technology is useful for Braille readers of all skill levels.
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Portable SenseView Light

GW Micro is proud to introduce the latest advancement in portable CCTV technology: the Portable SenseView Light. The PSV Light is one of the smallest portable CCTVs available on the market, allowing you to easily carry it with you wherever you go.

The PSV Light uses a new technology never before used in portable CCTVs.While the screen of the PSV Light is a 3.4 inch flat screen, it does not use an LCD screen. Instead, it uses the new Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology for the screen. This means that the screen is brighter with true black, and unsurpassed color. It also means that it has an unlimited viewing angle, so you can easily see what is on the screen from any direction. This is one of the biggest advancements in portable CCTV technology history.

The PSV Light is extremely easy to use. The camera is located in the center, and it incorporates near-distance technology, which means you can hold the unit over top of what you are looking at, instead of having to put it directly on the surface. This makes using the SenseView Light as easy as using a magnifying glass.

Magnify images from 1.5x up to 10.5x with just the press of a button. Choose from several different color modes, including full color, black and white, enhanced black and white, white on black, and enhanced white on black. These color options make the SenseView Light perfect for customers with retinal degenerative diseases, such as macular degeneration.

For customers with eyes that are very light sensitive, you can adjust the brightness of the screen, as well as the brightness of the LED lights located on the bottom of the unit.

Do you have trouble seeing price tags in the grocery store? Use the snapshot feature on the SenseView Light to take a snapshot of a hard-to-see price tag on the shelf, and then bring it close to your eyes to for simple and easy viewing.

For answers to many of your commonly asked questions or for more information, check out the SenseView Light on the Web: GW Micro - SenseView Light or email: sales@gwmicro.com.

The Portable SenseView Light retails for $595. You can purchase one from your local GW Micro dealer or from GW Micro directly. To locate a local dealer, go to: GW Micro - Find a Dealer. You can also call GW Micro directly to order at (260) 489-3671.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our Orders Department is ready to take your orders on a first-come, first-served basis, so please get your orders in as soon as possible.

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Samsung NC10 Netbook

Handy Tech North America is pleased to have added the Samsung NC10 to our offerings of netbook computers. Although the NC10 has virtually the same specifications as many other netbook computers on the market, the 7 plus hours of continuous use battery life due to Samsungs own battery management software places this little power house in a class all its own.

Window-Eyes users will be thrilled to know that the right hand mouse navigation commands do work when holding down the FN key which is not the case with some other netbook and as you would expect, the Serotek System Access screen reader works great on the NC10 as well.

Handy Tech North America offers the Samsung NC 10 in metallic blue or white with the following specifications: 10.2 inch footprint, 1.6 GHZ Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, 160 GB hard drive, running windows XP home, 3 USB ports, Ethernet port built-in webcam a microphone, 3 in one card reader, headphone and microphone jack Wifi and Bluetooth.

One of our most popular bundle packages is a netbook with System Access screen reader Atom License and Neospeech for $699.00. We install the Jarte word processor which has basic formatting and spell checking features as well as the Serotek RIM host in case you would like us to remote into your computer for training or support purposes.

As always, don't hesitate to contact Handy Tech North America should you have any question regarding these promotions or any other adaptive technology solution.  Phone: 651-636-5184, e-mail: sales@handytech.us.

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