This is part of the registration information for the conference to be held
in Pittsburgh during august.  Send e-mail to [log in to unmask] to request a
complete packet in electronic or other format.

--- conference information ---

2001: A Technology Odyssey

Sponsored by 

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) & Association for
Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
(AER)

August 3-5, 2001

Westin Hotel (formerly known as the DoubleTree Hotel),
Pittsburgh, PA

An exciting opportunity for participants to attend computer
workshops, product demonstrations, and paper presentations.

Featured speakers: 
Richard Chandler, Chairman and President, Freedom Scientific and
John Williams, Assistive Technology Columnist, Business Week
Online.

Contents:
Conference Overview
Schedule of Events
Computer Workshops
Roster of Trainers
Product Demonstrations
City Highlights
Hotel Information
Contact Information 


Mark Uslan, Barbara McCarthy, Conference Co-chairs

Make your plans, and register today!

Conference Overview
This is your opportunity to attend the groundbreaking conference
2001: A Technology Odyssey sponsored by the American Foundation
for the Blind (AFB) and the Association for Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) to be
held August 3-5, 2001at the Westin Hotel (formerly known as the
DoubleTree Hotel) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Anyone involved in the blindness or low vision services field
will greatly benefit by attending this unique conference: users
who want to brush up on skills, technology trainers,
rehabilitation professionals and instructors of rehabilitation
programs who need to upgrade their teaching techniques,
administrators, counselors, policymakers, as well as those who
may not want hands-on experience, but wish to learn more about
the technology that now plays a critical role in services for
people who are blind or visually impaired. 

Attendees can find out about the newest versions of assistive
technology hardware and software; learn to use the most
cutting-edge programs and devices or audit those classes; and
become better informed about such issues as standards of
assistive technology training instructor qualifications and
certification, access policies and regulations, and future access
technology. Continuing education credits will be offered. 

Participate in any combination of the following 3 types of
sessions:

Computer Workshops: State-of-the-art, hands-on training at one of
45 computer workstations. Led by a roster of expert trainers,
these mini courses are offered at the beginner, intermediate, and
advanced level. Register early to ensure your choice of courses. 

Product Demonstrations: Demonstrations of the latest and greatest
products offered by the leading assistive technology vendors. Sign up early to
take advantage of these sessions.  

Paper Presentations: Responses to the call for papers has yielded
a wide variety of interesting and high-quality papers.
Presentation abstracts will be listed in the final program. You
will be able to attend as many of these sessions as you like.

Featured speakers are Richard Chandler, Chairman and President,
Freedom Scientific, and John Williams, Assistive Technology
Columnist, Business Week Online.

Freedom Scientific's Blind/Low Vision Group is the result of its
merger with Blazie Engineering, HenterJoyce, and Arkenstone. From
his perspective as chairman of a company that produces a wide
variety of adaptive technology products for people with visual
impairments, Richard Chandler will speak about "The Future of
Access Technology: An Industry in Transition." 

John Williams writes a weekly column for Business Week Online on
the disability field and the adaptive technology industry,
bringing these issues to a broad audience. Business Week Online
is published by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. He will discuss
ways to market assistive technology products for the blind and
visually impaired user to the private sector. 

Preliminary Schedule of Events
(All meetings are held at the Westin Hotel formerly known as the
DoubleTree Hotel)

Thursday, August 2 
5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Registration/Information Desk Open

Friday, August 3 
7:00 am-5:30 pm
Registration/Information Desk Open

7:00 am-7:45 am
Coffee Break sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric Power Products,
Inc. and Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation 

8:00 am-9:00 am
Welcome: Carl R. Augusto, President and CEO, American Foundation
for the Blind (AFB), New York, NY 

Denise Rozell, Executive Director, Association for Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Alexandria, VA

Statement of Purpose: Mark Uslan, Conference Co-Chair, Manager,
Technical Evaluation Services, AFB, New York, NY

Barbara McCarthy, Conference Co-Chair, Director, Library and
Resource Center, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Richmond,
VA

Featured Speaker: Richard Chandler, Chairman and President,
Freedom Scientific, Carlsbad, CA

9:15 am-12:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions (Computer Workshops; Product Demonstrations;
Paper Presentations)

1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Lunch sponsored by IBM

2:15 pm-5:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions (Computer Workshops; Product Demonstrations;
Paper Presentations)

7:00 pm-8:30 pm
2001: A Technology Odyssey Reception sponsored by Freedom
Scientific, Blind/Low Vision Group 

Saturday, August 4
8:00 am-5:30 pm
Information Desk Open

8:00 am- 8:45 am
Continental Breakfast

9:15 am-12:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions (Computer Workshops; Product Demonstrations;
Paper Presentations)

1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Lunch sponsored by Ai Squared
Featured Speaker John Williams, Assistive Technology Columnist,
Business Week Online, Sterling, VA
AER Division 5 (Information and Technology) presents the Harvey
Lauer Award

2:15 pm-5:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions (Computer Workshops; Product Demonstrations;
Paper Presentations)

8:30 pm-10:00 pm
A Taste of Pennsylvania Hospitality sponsored by various
Pennsylvania-based agencies and organizations that serve the
blind

Sunday, August 5 
8:00 am-1:45 pm
Information Desk Open

9:00 am-10:00 am
Breakfast

10:15 am-1:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions (Computer Workshops; Product Demonstrations;
Paper Presentations)

Computer Workshops 
Workshop sessions will take place in three rooms equipped with 15
computer workstations per room. Workshops will be between 11/2 to
3 hours long and will be staffed by a minimum of 3 trainers.

(Prerequisite Skill Levels)

Each workshop requires a minimum skill level that you need to
possess in order to attend as a hands-on participant. You may
want to attend a workshop as an auditor if you do not meet the
minimum requirements for taking the workshop, but would like to
learn more about the subject. Auditors will receive all materials
and participate in discussions, but they will not receive any
hands-on training. Please refer to the descriptions below to
determine your current skill level.

Beginning AT User: You require the use of Assistive Technology
(AT), such as JFW; Window-Eyes; ZoomText; or LPWindows, to
operate a computer productively. You can use the keyboard and
locate keys without assistance, turn the computer on and off and
switch programs without assistance. You can easily perform such
tasks as opening, saving, printing and deleting a file. You can
use the basic features of your AT program of choice such as
adjusting speech and using the basic navigation keys.

Intermediate AT User:  All of the above, plus you can use a
computer with AT, easily performing such tasks as changing the
settings in a dialog box, cutting and pasting, changing format,
changing justification and using spell checker in Word. You use
one or more Microsoft Windows95/98/NT applications regularly.

Advanced AT User: All of the above, but in addition you can
easily perform such tasks as adjusting the configuration of your
AT program for different programs and installing software. You
have strong knowledge of the Windows operating system and are
proficient with the use of at least one form of assistive
technology. The advanced user might be the person who is familiar
with his/her own AT and general computer operation, but would
like to improve his/her ability to teach.

Beginning non-AT User: You do not require the use of assistive
technology to operate a computer productively. You can turn the
computer on and off and open programs without assistance. You
easily perform such tasks as opening, saving, printing and
deleting a file. You use one or more Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT
applications. You are not familiar with AT products.

Intermediate non-AT User:  All of the above, plus you can easily
perform such tasks as changing settings in a dialog box, cutting
and pasting, and using spell checker in Word. You have had some
hands-on exposure to one or more assistive technology programs,
but you are not a regular user.
Computer Workshops 

(Session #: CW1) Using e-mail: Eudora 5.X, Hotmail & Outlook 2000 
Description: Learn how to use e-mail with screen readers and
screen magnification. This workshop will focus on the use of
Eudora and Outlook 2000, two of the most popular e-mail programs
in use today. Web-based e mail using Hotmail will also be
discussed. Subjects include: how to configure these programs for
ease of use with assistive technology, sending and receiving
e-mail, saving, sorting and creating new accounts.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT user; Intermediate non-AT user
Class size: 15 hands-on participants, 15 auditors

(Session #: CW2) Introduction to Teaching Windows with Assistive
Technology 
Description: This hands-on workshop reviews the most effective
methods of navigating popular computer programs such as Windows
and Word using both speech and Braille. This is a broad overview
that is intended for beginning assistive technology instructors,
rehab teachers and others who want to know more about methods
used to teach personal computer technology to people who are
blind or visually impaired. Subjects include: use of shortcut
keys, screen readers, screen magnification, Braille displays,
Braille translation and embossing, program features, suggested
curriculum and common difficulties.
Prerequisites:  Beginning AT user and non-AT user    
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW3) Teaching Windows with Assistive Technology -
Advanced
Description: This hands-on workshop reviews methods used in
teaching Windows and Word using assistive technology. Focus is on
helping students effectively use Braille displays, Braille
translation software and OCR technology. Use of contact manager
and database software will be discussed. Focus is upon workplace
and productivity issues and how to help students use existing
assistive technology devices to perform their jobs more
effectively. This course is intended for assistive technology
instructors, rehab teachers and others who are currently teaching
assistive technology in the field, but want to bring their skills
up to a higher level.
Prerequisites: Advanced AT-user; Intermediate non-AT user
Class size: 30 hands-on participants 

(Session #: CW4) Cruising the Internet for Fun and Profit
Description: Want to know more about the Internet? This workshop
will review the most popular software used to access the Internet
and how it works with assistive technology. Topics include:
searching, browsing, built-in web browser features that enhance
accessibility, what makes a web site accessible and how to
navigate difficult web sites.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT user; Beginning non-AT user
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW5) Teaching the Internet
Description: This hands-on workshop will explain the basics of
the Internet when used with screen readers and screen
magnification programs. This workshop is intended to help rehab
and vision teachers improve their understanding of how to teach
the Internet and use it to help students access information.
Topics include: search engines, browsing, differences in the way
screen readers read web pages, finding accessible web sites,
shortcut keys, information sources for secondary and
post-secondary students and model curriculum.
Prerequisites:  Beginning AT and non-AT user
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW6) Using Microsoft Excel with Assistive Technology
Description: Microsoft Excel creates spreadsheets that are used
in business to chart activities, manipulate financial information
and display information in an easy-to-understand format. This
hands-on workshop will provide the assistive technology user with
a basic understanding of how to use Excel and its many features.
Topics include: layout, formatting, designing accessible
spreadsheets, using formulas and tips to make reading
spreadsheets with a screen reader easier.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT user
Class size: 15 hands-on participants, 15 auditors

(Session #: CW7) Using Microsoft PowerPoint with Assistive
Technology
Description: PowerPoint is the current standard used in business
to create visual presentations. This workshop will provide
hands-on instruction in creating PowerPoint presentations using
JFW 3.7 and screen magnification. Topics include: creating
presentations; adding graphics and sound files; and methods of
printing and displaying your work.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT User. If you need to utilize a
screen reader, you must be familiar with JFW 3.5 or higher.
Intermediate non-AT user.
Class size: 15 hands-on participants, 15 auditors

(Session #: CW8) Financial Management on Your Personal Computer
Description: This session is for assistive technology users who
want to know more about managing their finances on their personal
computer. This session will cover use of Quicken 2000 with JFW
3.7 and screen magnification software, online banking and
investments, and online bill payment.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT users and non-AT users. Familiar
with Internet Explorer.
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW9) Advanced Microsoft Word 
Description: This workshop is for advanced users of assistive
technology and instructors who want to learn how to fully utilize
the advanced features of Microsoft Word. 

Topics covered include: advanced editing; fonts; styles; headers
and footers; footnotes and end-notes; table of contents; index;
inserting pictures and objects; mail merge and proofreading
techniques when utilizing screen readers.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT user and non-AT user    
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW10) Homepage Reader
Description: Come and learn about navigating the worldwide web
with IBM's LATEST version (3.0) of the HomePage Reader
self-voicing browser. HPR is now a stand-alone product. It now
handles JavaScript and includes Homepage Mailer, an e-mail
client. Topics include: keyboard commands, email, forms, reading
modes, low vision features, RealAudio, WAV, TXT, PDF, and more.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT user, Beginning non-AT user
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW11) Accessible Web Design
Description: Hands-on basics of accessible web design. Simple
changes to problem web sites to improve accessibility of
graphics, frames, and forms. Reading of problem web sites and
discussion of nature of more complex problems and nature of
solutions. Participants will use assistive technology to view
well-designed and poorly-designed sites in order to understand
why specific practices are desirable.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT and non-AT user. Familiar with
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Class size: 30 hands-on participants

(Session #: CW12) Databases: Teaching and Using Databases with
Assistive Technology
Description: This workshop is for those who wish to include
database skills in an office-skills program or general assistive
technology program. Participants will use Microsoft Access 2000
and JAWS for Windows 3.7 (or higher) to discuss approaches to
using and teaching basic and advanced concepts. Topics include:
creating and navigating a simple database, 
searching, querying, and an introduction to creating data-entry
forms.
Prerequisites: Advanced AT User and Intermediate non-AT user
Class size: 15 hands-on participants, 15 auditors

(Session #: CW13) You Can Teach Multiply Impaired Persons
Computer Skills
In this session, you will get hands-on experience with a variety
of tools that have proven to be effective with multiply impaired
computer users, including cause-and-effect software and switch
access. You will also learn how to teach pre-augmentative
communication device skills using Clicker 4 and Writing with
Words. The use of Intellitools and other instructional software
will be discussed and demonstrated. A CD of Intellitools
activities  will be distributed to participants.
Prerequisites: Intermediate AT User and Non-AT User
Class size: 15 hands-on participants, 15 auditors

Roster of Trainers
Joseph Adamo, Director of Training, De Witt & Associates, Inc., 
Midland Park, New Jersey

Jim Allen, Statewide Technical Support Specialist, Texas School
for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin, TX

Robert Baker, Training Associate,De Witt & Associates, Inc., 
Midland Park, New Jersey

Delevar Basha, Training Associate, De Witt & Associates, Inc., 
Midland Park, New Jersey

Brian Charlson, Vice President, Computer Training, Carroll Center
for the Blind, Newton, MA

Steve Clark, Vice President, AccessAbility, San Francisco, CA

Crista Earl, National Technology Associate, AFB, New York, NY

Richard J. Fox, Director, Sales and Marketing De Witt &
Associates, Inc., Midland Park, New Jersey

Mark Lindholm, Training Associate, De Witt & Associates, Inc., 
Midland Park, New Jersey

Brenda Loughrey, Managing Partner, Athena Computer Technology,
Bridgeville, PA

Karyl Loux, Senior Training Associate, De Witt & Associates,
Inc., Midland Park, New Jersey

Sharon Nichols, Outreach Technology Consultant, Texas School for
the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin, TX

Product Demonstrations
From Ai Squared:
(Session #: PD1) VisualScan - Low-Vision Reading Software
This presentation will introduce VisualScan, a new software
program that makes viewing and reading printed material easy and
enjoyable. Used with a scanner, VisualScan allows you to magnify
and read books, magazines, handwritten letters, even pictures and
graphics. 
               
Designed for the visually-impaired, VisualScan offers variable
magnification, fast navigation, automatic text review, simple
form-filling and magnified printing. Its sleek user interface
features intuitive controls and an assortment of one-button
operations that make VisualScan a snap to learn. Audience members
will learn about the features in VisualScan through a live
demonstration. Presented by Scott Moore, Product Manager.

(Session #: PD2) BigShot Magnifier - Eyestrain Relief for
Everyone
This presentation will introduce BigShot, the first screen
magnifier designed specifically to relieve eyestrain. Using
variable magnification technology, BigShot provides 20 levels of
magnification up to 200%. Unique zooming modes allow you to
magnify the entire screen or just the active window. BigShot
automatically follows program activity, ensuring that important
information is always in view. Although BigShot was designed as a
mass-market product, this seminar will focus on its usage as an
accessibility product, for individuals with mild visual
impairments. The capabilities of BigShot will be compared to more
full featured magnifiers, such as ZoomText. Presented by Scott
Moore, Product Manager.

(Session #: PD3) Tips and Tricks for Using ZoomText Xtra
This session is intended for counselors, trainers, teachers and
end-users that have a basic knowledge of ZoomText Xtra and some
experience using the product. A variety of "How To" questions
will  be answered for using ZoomText's features with various
applications. Questions will be answered with demonstrations of
easy-to-use tips, tricks, and work-arounds. Topics to be covered
include: using secondary zoom windows; using Screen Targets and
Speaking Targets; using multiple configurations; using the Speak
Clipboard feature; reading web pages and e-mail; reading Adobe
Acrobat documents; reading tables and multi column documents;
working with spreadsheets; and configuring applications for
easier reading. Presented by Scott Moore, Product Manager.

From Artic Technologies:
(Session #: PD4) Adaptive Technology for 2001
Artic Technologies Inc, a leading manufacturer of Adaptive
Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired, will demonstrate
its current product line-up in short form with training on one or
more of its newest products. Included will be Spirit, Transtype
and Braille Pad Note-
takers/synthesizers, WinVision Screen Reader, i-Talk Turnkey
Talking Computer, scanning devices, and screen magnifiers. 
Products scheduled for release in Spring 2001 will be highlighted
with promos and training.

From ALVA Access Group:
(Session #: PD5) Exploring Windows in Speech and Braille
Join the ALVA Access Group for an instructional session on
outSPOKEN World1 for Windows 2000, ME and 98 in speech and
braille. This hands-on, exploration of computer access will
reveal that learning, using and teaching screen access is
achievable in a fraction of the time normally required of other
access products. State-of-the-art ALVA Satellite braille displays
will be available for a truly ultrasensory experience.

From Dancing Dots:
(Session #: PD6) Dancing Dots
The blind music student faces numerous challenges. Three of the
most notable are: to become literate in music braille, to obtain
music materials in a timely way, and to express original musical
ideas in conventional staff notation for sighted players. In this
presentation, you will see a number of educational resources and
music technologies from Dancing Dots that offer practical
solutions to meet these challenges. See www.dancingdots.com for
details on Dancing Dots and our products such as GOODFEEL and
CakeTalking. 

From Duxbury Systems:
(Session #: PD7) Duxbury Systems
Duxbury Systems has been making braille output easy since 1975,
and its software is now available in over 30 languages. DBT 10.3
includes translation to many math codes including Nemeth, British
math, and French math. It also supports Word 2000 and many other
file formats; contracted, uncontracted and in-between braille.
You can bring, put braille clip art into your braille document,
and even see your braille in ink! Duxbury is the world standard
in braille software, for those who know braille and those who do
not.

From Enabling Technologies:
(Session #: PD8) Enabling Technologies
Enabling Technologies is proud to be the world's leading and the
only U.S. manufacturer of a complete line of Braille embossers.
Our famous "Romeo" and "Juliet"models are in wide use in school
systems, government offices, and numerous other organizations
throughout the world.  Many of our embossers are available with
an integrated speech synthesizer, which is compatible with most
of the screen readers on the market. We will demonstrate both the
Romeo and the Juliet at this session. Call us toll free at
800-777-3687 for more information.

From Eschenbach:
(Session #: PD9) Vision Aids for Computer Use and Other
Activities
Come see the latest in high-quality vision aids from Eschenbach,
the leading manufacturer of low vision devices. Our extensive
list of innovative products includes magnifiers (hand-held,
stand, and spectacle), prism eyewear, telescopes (both monocular
and binocular), video magnifiers, filters, and a variety of
non-optical aids. Eschenbach also offers a Portable Diagnostic
Kit that includes an assortment of vision aids in a soft-sided
carrying case that is ideal for those providing itinerant low
vision services.

From Enhanced Vision Systems:
(Session #: PD10) Creating the Future of Low Vision through
Technology
As the leading manufacturer of product solutions for Macular
Degeneration and other low 
vision impairments, Enhanced Vision Systems symbolizes the latest
in advancements and development in the low vision market. With
these innovations, thousands of visually impaired people are
again enjoying a more productive lifestyle.  Join EVS for a
dynamic hands-on seminar showcasing their ever-popular portable
solutionsMax, MaxPort, Flipper, FlipperPort, and Jordy. EVS will
illustrate Real-Life working examples of many practical uses and
applications to demonstrate the flexibility of its entire product
line. Attend the EVS session to see and experience the future of
low vision.

From Freedom Scientific, Blind/Low Vision Group: 
(Session #: PD11) MAGic 8.0
MAGic 8.0, screen magnification software with speech, delivers
many new and enhanced features with its newest release, most
notably a new module that offers low vision speech support. In
addition to enlarging the computer screen from 2 to 16 times with
smoothing, MAGic also reads your programs and documents clearly.
MAGic is easy to use with its talking large print installation,
new color-coded user interface and hot keys that avoid conflicts
with Windows and popular software applications. Presented by Jeff
Ermold, Regional Sales Manager. 

(Session #: PD12) JAWS for Windows 3.7
JAWS for Windows, the worlds most popular screen reader, provides
blind and visually impaired computer users access using the most
popular applications. A new simple installation and a helpful
tutor mode allow a first time user to start learning
independently. JAWS support of refreshable Braille displays,
Whistler, the newly released operating system from Microsoft, and
new applications are some of the topics that will be covered.
Presented by Jeff Ermold, Regional Sales Manager.

(Session #: PD13) OPENBook 5.0
OPENBook 5.0 is software developed for people who are blind or
with low vision offering access to read, edit and manage printed
documents by scanning it and converting it to dig-
ital information. Email access, page layout description and
navigation for column and heading detection, along with support
for the Logitech WingMan Force Feedback Mouse which provides
tactile feedback of a page, are just a few of the features of
this robust new release.  The ability to choose between three
scanning engines and recognize over 30 OCR languages will be part
of the demonstration. Presented by Jeff Ermold, Regional Sales
Manger. 

(Session #: PD14) Connect Outloud
Connect Outloud web access software is a tool designed for
beginners to experienced blind or low vision computer users. This
software provides speech and Braille access to Internet 
Explorer 5.5 (included), Outlook Express, our FS Editor basic
word processor with spell check, and many of the Program
Applications within your Start Menu. There are no complicated
configurations to learn or to navigate. A helpful tutor mode
guides a new user to the world of the Internet. Presented by Jeff
Ermold, Regional Sales Manger.

(Session #: PD15) Exciting Features of the Latest Freedom
Scientific Portable Devices 
This presentation highlights key features of Freedom Scientifics
portable hardware devices for the blind. Products to be
highlighted include the Type Lite and Braille Lite M-20. Emphasis
will be given to the innovative new features offered by these
products such as built-in email, electronic book reading,
computer screen access and file synchronization. The presentation
will show how such enhancements lead to greater productivity for
product users. Presented by Frank Irzyk, Product Manager.

(Session #: PD16) SAL 
SAL, The Speech Assisted Learning device, provides exciting
opportunities to teach Braille. This computer-based learning aid
will revolutionize the way people can learn Braille. Lessons
developed by Dr. Sally Mangold form the basis of this unique
system. Come get your hands on SAL and discover the future of
Braille Instruction. Presented by Frank Irzyk, Product Manger.

From HumanWare:
(Session #: PD17) A Continuum Of Braille and Audible Products To
Promote An Integrated Approach To Accessing Mainstream
Technologies 
This session will highlight a multi-sensory approach to the
integration of Braille and audible access products and will
showcase state-of-the-art hardware and software solutions for
persons who are blind. The importance of learning Braille with secondary
audible feedback in a two-dimensional arena will be depicted in
HumanWare's Mountbatten Pro.  

Once the groundwork for Braille literacy has been laid with this
product, it is then possible to progress to a notetaking
environment which provides an intuitive, blind-friendly interface
while at the same time introduces and makes accessible to the
student mainstream technology.  

Lastly, a tactual means of accessing a graphical user interface
with a refreshable Braille terminal will be demonstrated. By
taking this approach, an individual can expand his/her
technological focus from learning, to utilizing, to relying on
Braille to perform a variety of tasks relative to his/her
educational, vocational, and personal pursuits. Presented by
Larry Lewis, Blindness Product Manager.  

(Session #: PD18) Determining The Role Of A Notetaker In A
Students Educational Experience
This session will illustrate how the BrailleNote family of
products offers to the blind student an intuitive, powerful
interface to serve both as a portable means of personal
productivity while offering a bridge to mainstream access.
Concrete examples will be demonstrated which will illustrate the
ease by which the student can receive, access, and complete
classroom assignments as well as produce (print, emboss, e-mail)
them to his/her sighted instructor.  Also, the ease by which an
individual can access the printed word via the BrailleNote will
also be accentuated. Presented by Larry Lewis, Blindness Product
Manager.

From Jbliss Imaging Systems:
(Session #: PD19) Tour of VIP Software
VIP programs enable people with low vision to get positive
results from computers quickly with a minimum of training. The
most popular functions, developed from the ground-up for low
vision users, include scanning, reading with any one of five
visual presentations plus speech, writing, e-mailing, browsing
the Internet, etc. Applications range from teaching, reading and
literacy to young students to performing everyday reading,
writing, and information handling tasks for employees and
seniors. Cost is comparable with other electronic aids that can
only magnify. A hands-on tour of the programs will be presented.

From Kurzweil Educational Systems:
(Session #: PD20) Kurzweil Educational Systems
Kurzweil 1000 is a PC-based scanning and reading solution for
people who are blind or visually impaired.Kurzweil 1000 is packed
with useful tools that help users to read and work independently. 
Key features include dual-OCR engines for industry-leading levels
of speed and accuracy, page layout reporting that describes the
scanned page, the ability to download scanned text to portable
devices, accurate table recognition, a talking dictionary, search
and replace, and support for multiple scanners and file formats.

From Magnisight:
(Session #: PD21) Magnisight Offers Tips on How to Use and
Evaluate CCTV's
Brian Smith, President and Owner of MagniSight, Inc. is, himself,
visually impaired.  Through his own personal experiences as a
user and manufacturer of CCTV's, he will be offering tips on
using and evaluating CCTV's. Helpful tips in reading, writing,
and evaluating for purchase and comfort needs are just some of
the topics that will be covered. Also, see what's new at
MagniSight!

From Repro-Tronics:
(Session #: PD22) Repro-Tronics
ReproTronics will demonstrate a combination of hardware and
software to produce tactile graphics‹both as print documents and
as embossed documents. The products to be shown will be: Tactile
Image Enhancer and Tactile Image Enhancer Junior; FlexiPaper and
ThermoPens I & II; Tactile Graphics Designer Software and Tactile
Graphics; and Designer Software combined with Duxbury and
Scientific Notebook (for converting math equations into Nemeth
Code and creating a plot of the equation that can be either
printed and raised or sent to the Braille Embosser). Presented by
Dave Skrivanek, President.

From Sighted Electronics:
(Session #: PD23) Sighted Electronics
Sighted Electronics will address scanning Braille documents and
converting the Braille back to text, called optical braille
recognition or OBR. When OBR is used in conjunction with an Index
Braille embosser, the process turns the embosser into a Braille
copy machine. OBR can scan Braille books embossed on
thermoformcopy or paper, and allow the files to be saved
electronically.

From Telesensory:
(Session #: PD24) Telesensory
Telesensory is a 30-year old company that has consistently been a
successful leader in pro-
viding technology solutions for people with visual problems.
Telesensorys Aladdin family of products are all easy to
understand and use. The CCTV line has the brightest and sharpest 
pictures in the world. This session will be given by Athena
Computer Technology, LLC, a Pittsburgh-based evaluation, training
and adapted products center. Athena has trained individuals and
groups in eight states and all Windows environments. Athena will
demonstrate and talk about hot products with unique features and
how the technology will help visually impaired people in their
daily lives, including for hobbies, school, and work issues.

From TECSO:
(Session #: PD25) Welcome to TECSO and to the World of
Interactive Tutorials
Dynamic and expert in the field of communication technologies for
persons with disabilities, TECSO has developed the first truly
interactive tutorial kits for Windows 95, Windows 98, Word 2000,
and the Internet designed by and for the blind and visually
impaired. Each kit provides the user with a mental image of the
Windows and Internet environments and most popular Windows
applications. These tutorials are also extremely valuable for
instructors in training labs, for rehabilitation centers, and
businesses. Research and experience demonstrate that the New
Learning Media, such as TECSO's training tools, offer great
advantages from the financial and quality standpoint! 

From Puslse Data
(Session #: PD26) SmartView (squared) Xtra with ZoomText Lite
Pulse Datas newest video magnifier.  The SmartView 2 provides the
end user with capabilities not found in any other CCTV product. 
This includes auto focus with two preset modes, keypad accessory
for split screen options, an on-line calculator, clock and date,
18 multicolor select options.  The SmartView 2 has the
availability to interface as a true plug and play to all PCs and
Macintosh computers, and includes the exclusive ZoomText Lite
software screen enlarger.  It also provides cosmetic appeal with
feather touch controls for simplicity and ease of use.

From VisuAide
(Session #: PD27) VisuAide
VisuAide is specialized in the design, manufacture and marketing
of innovative products adapted to the specific needs of persons
with visual impairments. The company has acquired world-wide
recognition in the field of digital audio, with Victor Reader,
its Digital Talking Book players line. VisuAide is the only
company to offer such a complete line of DTB players fully
accessible to all print-disabled persons. Come see Victor Reader
demonstrated at this session.

City Highlights
Pittsburgh is recognized for its wealth of historical and
cultural institutions, architectural landmarks, sports, shops,
restaurants, and nightlife. The city has more than 90 distinct
neighborhoods influenced by various ethnic communities. It is
surrounded by the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio
Rivers, and lies on hills with skyscrapers highlighting its
downtown area.

Among many of Pittsburgh's cultural treasures are the Andy Warhol
Museum, known for its
extensive collection of the pop artist's works; the Carnegie
Museum of Art, known for its col-
lection of nineteenth and twentieth century art; and the Carnegie
Museum of Natural History, known for its famous collection of
dinosaurs. 

Visitors can take a trip to the Clayton, Henry Clay Frick's
Victorian estate, and the Phipps Conservatory, a Victorian
botanical garden glasshouse.

The Duquense and Monongahela Inclines are two nineteenth century
restored funiculars where visitors can ride along the Mount
Washington hillside. Boat trips are also offered along
Pittsburgh's three rivers. 

Shops, restaurants, and nightclubs align the inside of Station
Square, former railroad buildings, where one can dine at the
Grand Concourse Restaurant which was once a former passenger
railroad waiting room. 

Visitors may also want to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play
baseball at Three Rivers Stadium. 

Hotel Information Westin Hotel 
(formerly known as the DoubleTree Hotel)  
2001: A Technology Odyssey will be held at the Westin Hotel
(formerly known as the DoubleTree Hotel). The rates for this
hotel are: Single $106.00 and Double $106.00. Rates are subject
to the Pittsburgh, PA room tax of 14%. Rates apply to AFB/AER
participants and can be used from August 2 through August 4. To
make a reservation, please call the Westin Hotel at 800-367 8478
and identify yourself as attending the AFB/AER conference. It is
to your advantage to book early, so dont delay. Cut-off date for
these very special rates is July 9, 2001!

The Westin Hotel is located at 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
15222 3873. It is close to the Pittsburgh International Airport,
and can be reached by taxi, shuttle service, and the Port
Authority bus. The cost of a taxi from the Pittsburgh
International Airport is approximately $35.00. Shuttle service is
about $25.00. The cost of the Port Authority bus from the
Pittsburgh International Airport is $2.00. 

Contact Information
For questions about the conference, please contact Mark Uslan,
Conference Co-Chair at 212-502-7638 or [log in to unmask] or Barbara
McCarthy, Conference Co-Chair, at 804-371-3661 or
[log in to unmask] For hotel information, please contact
Gabriella Smith-Coventry, Events Coordinator, AFB at 212-502-7654
or [log in to unmask]


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