This is a no-graphics site designed for visually impaired
users who use assistive technology such as screen
reading or magnification software or require high
contrast.
eBlind!
Assistive technology training and consulting for the
visually impaired and the agencies and organizations who
serve them
Michigan Lions District 11-A2
We thank Lions
for their continued generous support!
eBlind!
1200 North Telegraph
Courthouse West Wing Extension
Pontiac, Michigan 48341
1888-eblind1 voice or
1888-325-4631
jwhitacr@msn.com
mwhitacre99@yahoo.com
Contact us for fee schedule
About eBlind!
eBlind!, a Michigan non-profit corporation with 501(c)3
status, was founded on May 5, 1999 as a way of
commemorating the District 11-A2 Pontiac Lions Club’s
75th Anniversary. The Oakland County Library Board,
which oversees the operations of the Oakland County
Library for Visually and Physically Impaired, has been a
primary sponsor of eBlind!, providing its first computer
work station, Internet access and furniture. By also
continuing to provide eBlind! lab space in the west wing
of the Oakland County Courthouse building, next door to
the Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired, the
Library Board has greatly enhanced the services offered
to the patrons of the library and worked to revolutionize
the lives of visually and physically impaired individuals.
eBlind! has provided assistive technology training to
many students in southeastern Michigan, as well as
consulting and training services to area organizations.
eBlind! has also written business plans for individuals
who have received funding for their new businesses
through the Michigan Commission for the Blind, as well as
providing student tutoring and GED completion, and
college entrance and tutoring assistance.
Services
eBlind! staff have extensive assistive technology training
experience, as well as rehabilitation services
backgrounds.
Whether assessment and trainings are to determine and
improve an individual’s job readiness, or to allow an
individual to increase computer skills for their own
recreation, eBlind! staff are professional and
compassionate and able to find innovative, creative and
personalized technology training solutions for individuals
with visual impairments or the agencies and
organizations who serve them.
Computer Skills Assessment:
Services range from basic typing tests to determine
typing speed, to in-depth assessment of software
application knowledge and skills.
Computer Training:
Services include development and delivery of basic or
customized hardware and software application training to
improve job-readiness or to assist in the transition of an
employee to the use of assistive technologies in the
workplace.
Technology and Training Consulting:
Services include organizational needs assessment related
to assistive technologies as well as instructional
development and delivery.
eBlind!
Individual Services
Working with referring agencies, eBlind! provides a
multitude of services, including :
Computer skills assessments, including basic navigation
of systems and keyboard skills, as well as use of popular
applications such as Microsoft Office products, email and
Internet proficiency.
Assistive technology needs assessments.
Hardware and software recommendations.
Purchase, delivery, setup and configuration of computer
system s .
Development of targeted trainings to meet individual and
agency needs.
Individualized technology trainings conducted in the
eBlind! facilities, referring agency facilities, on a work
site, or in an individual’s home.
Education/tutorial assistance whether for the completion
of high school diploma (or GED), or college admissions
and coursework.
No-cost lab time in eBlind! facility to provide short-term
technology assistance.
Organizational Services
Working with governmental and community
organizations, eBlind! has assisted in the development of
multiple assistive technology projects including :
State employment agency skills trainings to allow
employees to assist individuals with disabilities to access
job seeking tools including Internet searches.
Local libraries to develop assistive technology
workstations allowing visually or physically impaired
library patrons access to all materials.
Local seniors centers to develop technology trainings
allowing computer users to access technology built into
their systems, including changes in screen resolution and
contrast, use of magnification and narration features
available in Microsoft operating systems.
Employers and service providers to provide technology
consulting services including Braille transcription of
materials for blind employees or clients.
Work-site assessments of assistive technology needs.
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
What is assistive technology?
An Assistive Technology Device is "any item, piece of
equipment or product system, whether acquired
commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that
is used to increase, maintain or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities."; (From The
Technology-Related Assistance Act for Individuals with
Disabilities Act of 1988, Sec. 3. l) .
Do I need to be blind to benefit from assistive
technologies?
No. There are basic features in the Windows
environment to enhance contrast and readability of the
screen, add sound notification, change keyboard options,
adjust mouse properties and use voice recognition
technology. There are many products on the market to
enhance computer use as well—whether you are low- or
no-vision, have physical limitations, or have hearing loss.
Do I need to already know how to use a computer
to benefit from assistive technologies?
No. Individuals can learn to use technology at any time.
Am I too old to learn?
You are never too old to learn!
Do I need special computer equipment if I have
visual impairments or am blind?
Not necessarily. There are features available in Microsoft
Products that can allow you to use your system. Check in
My ProgramsàAccessoriesàAccessibility Wizard to make
changes to the way your system displays information, to
use magnification or narrator capabilities.
How can I make my computer more user-friendly?
Refer to the preceding question. In addition:
Monitors have settings controls that will allow you to
adjust brightness and contrast.
Use the zoom feature in applications to increase font
size.
Adjust screen colors to enhance display properties. Go
to Control PanelàDisplayàAppearance to adjust
colors/contrast. Click on Advanced tab to adjust
Window colors—oftentimes a stark white background is
fatiguing to the eye and a softer color is better.
Consider a flat screen or flat panel monitor which can
increase clarity.
Consider a larger monitor, within limits. If your field of
vision is limited, too large a screen can be more
confusing.
Check the ergonomics of your worksite. Are you sitting
correctly in your chair--with the right support and at
the right height? Is the lighting correct?
Are there games I can play on my computer if I’m
blind?
See Accessible Games Home Page, BSC Games Computer
games for the blind and visually impaired, as well as
Computer Games for Students with Visual Impairments.
What if I don’t know how to type?
There are typing tutors available—see American Printing
House for Talking Typer.
Can I print Braille documents?
Braille documents must be “embossed” rather than
printed. In order to emboss (that is, create the actual
raised dots), a special device known as a Braille
embosser is required. There are several products
available to translate text to Braille, including Duxbury
Braille Translator, available from Duxbury Systems.
What is a screen reader?
Software that will speak aloud contents of the computer
screen—primarily only if the screen contains text vs
images. Products include Freedom Scientific’s JAWS and
GW Micro’s Window-Eyes, among others.
What is a screen magnifier?
Software that will enlarge the screen—depending on
product—many times. Screen magnifiers often allow
those finding it difficult to read a screen the ability to
discern characters again. Products include: AI Squared’s
BigShot and ZoomText, and Freedom Scientific’s Magic,
among others. Products come with and without speech
capabilities. There are options in Internet Explorer to
increase font size: in menu options ViewàText Size. In
Microsoft Office products, increase the Zoom or font size.
What is a scan and read application?
Software or a device that will optically image a document
and translate to text using OCR (Optical Character
Recognition) which the device or software will then read
aloud. Products include Freedom Scientific’s OpenBook
and ScanSoft’s OmniPage, as well as Kurzweil products.
Where are there libraries in southeastern Michigan
with assistive technologies?
Rochester Hills Public Library, Waterford Public Library,
Pontiac Public Library, as well as the Oakland County's
Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired. If your
library has assistive technology and is not listed, please
contact us to add it to our list.
How can I bring assistive technology to my local
library?
Talk to your local library about your need for assistive
technology and ask them to contact eBlind! for more
information. Contact your local Lions Club for
information as well.
How can employers benefit from learning about
assistive technologies?
In addition to complying with
federal mandates relating to making reasonable
accommodations for employees with disabilities, an
employer can enhance diversity in an organization and
build social awareness and acceptance of those with
different abilities in their hiring practices. Employers can
refer to several information sources—most broadly, the
Americans with Disabilities Act. See also the Job
Accommodation Network, check the Individuals with
Disabilities for specific types of disabilities including those
related to vision. See the Five Steps to Choosing
Assistive Technology (AT) as an Accommodation Fact
Sheet provided by the Job Accommodation Network. Use
their Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
to find specific accommodation methods/tools.
How can educators benefit from learning about
assistive technologies?
Students may benefit, even require, additional help in
understanding materials presenting or in completing
assignments; educators may be mandated to provide
such assistance as stipulated in The 1997 reauthorization
of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted
Education (ERIC EC)/The Council for Exceptional Children
released a publication entitled “Including Assistive
Technology in the Standard Curriculum.”
How can parents benefit from learning about
assistive technologies?
As parents, we are often the most influential—at times
maybe the most effective—educator of our children.
Parents should be their child’s most vocal advocate and
have information available to present to professionals to
help their child gain a deserved education. In the home
environment, students benefit from many of the same
assistive technologies—screen readers, screen
magnifiers, and scan and read devices. Parents can also
assist educators in locating textbooks in alternative
formats such as Braille, large print and audio, through
agencies such as Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.
How can I learn to read Braille?
Hadley School for the Blind offers many
classes—including Braille, free of charge, to those with
visual impairments or to family members or service
providers. Also see Braille Through Remote Learning.
Are there resources on the Internet for those with
visual impairments or those who are blind?
There are a multitude of resources available on the
Internet. See links below—note, many websites listed
have their own resource listings as well.
How are Lions involved with eBlind!?
eBlind!, a Michigan non-profit corporation with 501(c)3
status, was founded on May 5, 1999 as a way of
commemorating the District 11-A2 Pontiac Lions Club’s
75th Anniversary. Lions in District 11-A2 have continued
to generously support eBlind!
How do I find out about Lions in my area?
Lions International
Michigan Lions
District 11-A2 Lions
Where is the eBlind! lab located?
The eBlind! lab is housed in the West Wing Extension of
the Oakland County, Michigan, Courthouse located at
1200 North Telegraph in Pontiac, Michigan.
How can I find out more about eBlind! services?
To contact our offices by phone: 1888-eblind1.
To contact our offices by email: jwhitacr@msn.com
To contact our offices by mail:
eBlind!
1200 North Telegraph
c/o LVPI
Pontiac, Michigan 48341
Assistive Technology
Sources of Products, Information and Support:
AI Squared: Assistive technology supplier of various
products including ZoomText and BigShot.
American Council of the Blind: Advocacy and resource
agency, has a radio reader service.
American Foundation for the Blind: The American
Foundation for the Blind promotes wide-ranging, systemic
change by addressing the most critical issues facing the
growing blind and visually impaired
population—employment, independent living, literacy,
and technology. In addition to its New York City
headquarters, the American Foundation for the Blind
maintains four National Centers in cities across the United
States, and a Governmental Relations office in
Washington, DC.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Assistive Technology Institute Resource List:
Extensive resource list for visually impaired computer
users.
Blind Readers: Internet sources for access to
information in alternative formats including Braille,
recorded cassettes, large print and web audio.
Blind World: Easy to use resource listings including
news stories.
Detroit Radio Information Service: The Detroit Radio
Information Service-a radio-reading service for people
with disabilities-is a self-supporting special audience
service of WDET-FM at Wayne State University. DRIS
embraces and enhances WDET's public radio mission to
expand knowledge, educate, inform and culturally
enlighten.
Empowerment Zone: Vast list of resources designed to
help individuals and communities “achieve
self-actualization and full citizenship.” Interesting
reading.
For the People: Online /voice/audio chats with
extensive resource listings. Many Blind user resources.
Freedom Scientific: Assistive technology supplier of
various products including JAWS, OpenBook and Magic.
Hadley School for the Blind: Alternative formats
available for many subjects—offers GED/Diploma
completion program as well as topics related to families
and professional service providers.
JAWS for Windows Lite: JAWS users discussing
specific program helps, other Helpful Hints, JfWLite Voice
Chat, Favorites (links to other sites), Training and
Tutorials for JFW Users, Anti-Virus and Hoax Information
and JFWLite Members Home pages
Leader Dogs for the Blind: World-renown training
facility matching man and animal to enable those with
visual and hearing impairments to regain mobility.
Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired: The
Oakland County Library for the Visually and Physically
Impaired was established in 1974 to provide access to
free library service for Oakland County, Michigan,
residents who are unable to read standard printed
material because of a visual impairment or physical
limitation.
Library of Michigan: State of Michigan library services
for the blind & physically impaired.
Michigan Client Assistance Program: The Client
Assistance Program (CAP) provides information and
advocacy, without charge, to people with disabilities who
are receiving, or want to receive, services under the
Rehabilitation Act. CAP is operated by Michigan Protection
& Advocacy Services, which receives money from the
Michigan Department of Career Development to provide
these services. CAP will assist you with services provided
by the Michigan Department of Career Development
and/or Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Consumer
Choice Programs, Michigan Commission for the Blind,
Centers for Independent Living, and Supported
Employment and Transition Programs.
Michigan Commission for the Blind: Michigan’s State
Agency providing services for the blind and visually
impaired.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services: A person with a
disability may be eligible for MRS services if the disability
causes problems in preparing for, finding, or keeping a
job. The individual must also require MRS services in
order to work. Persons who are legally blind are served
by the Michigan Commission for the Blind.
Microsoft Accessibility: Describes options within the
Windows environment with instructions to modify
computer settings to increase accessibility.
National Association for the Visually
Handicapped: Advocacy and resource agency.
National Braille Press: Non-profit Braille printer and
publisher offering both children and adults the
opportunity to access desired materials.
National Federation of the Blind: Advocacy and
resource agency.
Readings for the Blind and Dyslexic: The nation’s
educational library for those with print disabilities.
Talking Information Center--Turning Print to
Sound: Online programs to broadcast readings of
printed materials.
The Blind and Visually Impaired Web Ring: A listing
of links to sites that are by, for or about people who are
blind or visually impaired.
The Blind Net: Easy to use resource listing.
Upshaw Institute for the Blind: Providing information
and education for local residents.
Vision Connection: A friendly, accessible, interactive
global Internet portal for people who are partially sighted
or blind, the professionals who work with them, the
families and friends who support them -- and anyone
looking for the latest information on vision impairment,
its prevention and vision rehabilitation.
eBlind!
Assistive technology training and consulting for the
visually impaired and the agencies and organizations who
serve them
John Whitacre
Director of Services and Instructor
Michael Whitacre
Co-Director of Services and Instructor
Ted Lennox
Instructor
1200 North Telegraph
Courthouse West Wing Extension
Pontiac, Michigan 48341
1888-eblind1 voice or
1888-325-4631
jwhitacr@msn.com
mwhitacre99@yahoo.com
Contact us for fee schedule
Question or comments, to suggest a link or report a
nonworking link: jwhitacr@msn.com
This is a no-graphics site designed for visually impaired
users who use assistive technology such as screen
reading or magnification software or require high
contrast.
Updated 3/25/06