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Bianca Bartz
Microsoft Targets Blind - Word Docs Translated to Audio With Daisy
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Microsoft doesn’t plan on leaving anyone in the dark. The company teamed with Daisy digital talking books to develop some new technologies for the blind to make it possibly for even the visually impaired to take advantage of computers. The new program will translate Word documents into digital audio.
They’re collaborate to create a free plug-in that translates Word documents based on Open XML into Daisy XML. The downloadable plug-in is expected to be available in early 2008.
Microsoft is only one of many companies recognizing the market potential of the blind demographic. Here are a few more blind innovations we’ve seen on Trend Hunter:
Braille Tattoos - Body Modifications For the Blind
A German student has invented braille tattoos. Until now, those without sight haven’t been able to appreciate the skilled artwork behind body inking, but Klara Jirkova wants to change that. The University of the Arts Berlin student created the raised tattoos resembling braille bumps. Now you can m… [More]
Tech Replaces Seeing Eye Dogs - Mygo Cane
A German student has invented an innovative technology that could prove revolutionary for the blind. The MyGo Cane has the potential to replace seeing eye dogs as guides for the visually impaired. Sebastian Ritzler came up with the white cane which acts as an interactive guiding system while studyi… [More]
Top 12 Hip Trends for the Blind + Avatars For The Blind
The blind demographic has been missing out on simulated life in the virtual world, but Irish IBM students hope to change that. “The students have designed an audio equivalent of the virtual world using 3D sound to create a sense of space,” the BBC reported. One of the Irish researchers explained i… [More]
“In our information age, access to information is a fundamental human right,” said George Kerscher, secretary general of the DAISY Consortium. “This is why leading organizations of and for the blind throughout the world are committed to the advancement of the DAISY Standard. The ability to create DAISY content from millions of Open XML-based documents using this translator for Microsoft Office Word will offer substantial and immediate benefits to publishers, governments, corporations, educators and, most important, to everyone who loves to read.”
“We are keenly tracking these developments for the benefit of our members and students around the world,” said Charlene Gaynor, CEO of the Association of Educational Publishers. “Not only will the Open XML to DAISY XML translator support an outstanding critical need for individuals with print disabilities, but it will also help us fulfill our commitment to improve the learning experience for those students served neither by text-only nor audio-only books today.”
(microsoft)
Via: microsoft
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