Portable technology for people who are blind or visually impaired David Bradburn President, BAUM (USA) Inc. dbradburn@baumusa.com 855-620-7985, x404

ABOUT BAUM Parent company, BAUM Retec AG founded in 1980 Manufactures assistive technology for the blind or visually impaired BAUM (USA) located near Boston, MA. We are exclusive US reseller for Zoomax Technology

Session Objectives Address benefits of braille as a productivity tool in a variety of settings Gain a basic understanding of the landscape of electronic braille devices Gain a basic understanding of landscape of video magnifiers Identify considerations in matching a video magnifier to a specific individual or setting Understand the settings and circumstances where VarioUltra and VisioDesk would be appropriate solutions

Considerations in Choosing Assistive tech Functional needs of individual Tasks that need to be completed Environment – Education, Employment, other General skill level/comfort with technology

Technology Considerations for Individuals with Low Vision What information does individual need to access? Computer? Print? Whiteboard/PowerPoint Presentations/distance Variability of print size? Portability? Ease of use? How much reading/how fast to be working at optimal potential? Print and speech together?

Technology options for Individuals with Low Vision Large print access to computers, tablets, iOS/Android devices Add-on software or built-in accessibility options CCTV/Video Magnifiers for access to non-electronic info Hand-held Standard Video Magnifiers Video Magnifiers with OCR/speech Portable Video Magnifiers

Portable scenarios In education? In Employment? Tests Labs Study groups Presentations In Employment? Multiple workstations Meetings Home/work Space limitations

Baum Portable Solutions VisioBook (sold exclusively through APH) VisioDesk VisioDesk

Benefits of VisioBook and VisioDesk Ease of use – no extensive training or constant use required Move to wherever needed Access to classmates, instructors, peers, various settings Space limitations: move when not in use Great to check-out as needed: library, public access setting, alternative media

VisioBook and VisioDesk Similarities Built from high-quality, durable materials Fold flat for transport and storage Front-mounted screen for close viewing Adjustable height and tilt for sitting or standing Battery powered or plugged in 3-position camera with distance viewing and mirror modes Adjustments for autofocus on/off, brightness, a variety of color combinations

VisioBook and VisioDesk – Differentiators Available exclusively through APH 12.5” screen Weighs 8 lbs. 5 hour battery life $3,000 VisioDesk Available directly through Baum USA and authorized resellers 15.6” screen Weighs 10 lbs. 6 hour battery life Full HD camera/monitor Includes carrying case $3,995

Why Braille? Braille = Literacy Print vs. electronic braille Knowledge of spelling, formatting, punctuation Precision of organizing and editing Science, Math, Computer programming Giving presentations 90% of employed blind professionals read braille Combination of braille and speech, not an either/or question

Considerations for Electronic Braille Technology Skill in reading/writing braille Tasks to be done Portability Connectivity options Knowledge of/need to connect to other devices Combination of braille and speech Alternative media solution – flexible, lightweight, searchable

Options for Electronic Braille Technology Braille display only – requires connection to external device Stand-alone device – all-in-one including wifi, internet, word processing, built-in apps Hybrid – provides access to external devices and has some internal capabilities Braille input/output Matching the approach to the individual’s needs

VarioUltra Available in 20 cell and 40 cell models A smart braille display that doubles as a braille notetaker Compact, durable, lightweight attractive design Refreshable braille cells that feel crisp, and almost paper like Whisper quiet, ergonomic braille keyboard Supports simultaneous connection with up to 5 devices: 4 Bluetooth, 1 USB Pairs beautifully with iOS, Android, PC, Mac devices Includes high quality carry case and strap VarioUltra 20: $2,395 VarioUltra 40: $3,995

VarioUltra in Action 20-cell vs. 40 cell Switch between iPhone and iPad Use standard VoiceOver (or other screen reader) commands Switch to notetaker to jot notes Read books or share files from standard thumb drive

Key Take-Aways Match the technology tool to the need No one solution is right for everyone or every task Portable solutions from BAUM USA focus on ergonomics, high quality materials, unique features The right tools provide access to classroom or workplace materials whenever/wherever needed Visit our website for videos, specs, manuals – www.baumusa.com

ZOOMAX TECHNOLOGY Chinese manufacturer of high-quality, affordable video magnifiers for people with visual impairments Desktop solutions: Panda Panda HD Aurora HD Hand-held portable solutions: M5 HD Plus Snow 7 HD Plus

Snow 7 hd plus First 7″ handheld video magnifier with integrated OCR and text-to-speech Internal storage for up to 1,000 saved images. Magnify text and images up-close or from a distance Simple-to-use controls manage magnification levels and color/image mode. Available with optional EaseArm for hands-free operation

Demonstration of snow 7 hd plus