Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind

Hello again everyone.  This has been a very busy week here at the magazine and I’ve got a lot to fill you all in on.  So, onto the good stuff.

Earlier this week we sat down for a product demonstration over the web for software called Browse Aloud.  Created by a company called Text Help, Browse Aloud is a great tool for people who have a mild visual disability but can still see a computer screen with the aid of magnifiers.  More information on the BrowseAloud software is in a following article.  We are also going to change the color scheme of the website to make it easier on the eyes than the current black and orange color combination is.

For our readers who are entirely blind, I have been looking into free screen reading software that you would be able to utilize as an alternative to the more expensive programs.  The problem that I’ve routinely run into is that these types of programs are governed by the “you get what you pay for” principle, and while the most popular programs are expensive, they’re costly for a reason.  However, that said, we have found a promising company that develops a screen reader that seems both reliable and very user friendly.  I am testing it with the help of a technology consultant and a company that specializes in accessible software for the blind.  If we find that it will suit the needs of our readers, then I will absolutely come back with good news.  While I desperately want to offer more cost effective software to all of you, I want to be sure that it will be valuable and not just some tool that does some things well, but comes up short most of the time.  So please bear with us as we explore these options.

I’ve also signed us up to be a part of Inclusive Planet, an international web source for accessible information for the blind.  The site is filled with a massive amount of topics, most of which I haven’t had the time to explore yet.  All of the content that is on our site is available there under our the Matilda Ziegler Publishing Company for the Blind channel.  I’m hoping that by becoming a member of this large and far reaching utility for the blind, we can bring in more members from across the globe.  You can visit Inclusive Planet by going to www.inclusiveplanet.com.  To go to our channel, visit http://www.inclusiveplanet.com/en/group/452702.

Many of you have also been asking about when we would sign up for Newsline.  I spoke with representatives for Newsline this week and we should have everything squared away within the next two weeks.  I will give you all an update once it is up and running. 

Well, I think that just about covers everything.  This has been an exciting week for us and I’m looking forward to bringing more value to this magazine and making all of your lives better at the same time as we push into the future.

Take care, and as always, thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

Ross Hammond, Editor