Hey there!  I'm Alix Shadonnay at the business desk and on this very pleasant summer Saturday, I'd like to bring your attention to a very interesting type of business opportunity.

The experts are coining it the services on wheels opportunity and it's being compared to a tidal wave trend that could potentially grow into a tsunami.  Please take a minute to listen in.

As more and more persons join the ranks of seniors, and with a rapidly aging population, more and more consumers are demanding to have services on wheels.  Believe it or not, by the year 2010, over 60% of our population is expected to be classified as seniors and this is going to mean that our landscape as we know it to be in the business world, is going to take on very interesting and exciting dimensions.

Any business today that is not preparing for the new type of consumer is going to find themselves in a losing position because the new type of consumer is going to be demanding new types of services.  As a matter of fact, this has been happening for at least the past decade and the services on wheels type of demand is only a part of it all.  Here's the picture:

More and more persons are looking for ways to entice, encourage, and push businesses into bringing services to them in their homes.  There was a time when the shopping malls were filled with shoppers, and at the present time the online shopping trend on the Internet is the trend of the day.  However, the services on wheels trend is gathering steam and is rapidly gaining strength into a tidal wave.  The experts are saying that they expect this tidal wave to turn into tsunami proportions within the next few years.

More and more persons are finding it difficult to go out and buy products for themselves and this is because they are unable to do it for the following reasons:

Physical disabilities, disability due to various disabling diseases, inability to handle large parcels and packages because of old age.  Consequently, they are seeking businesses that will bring their parcels and packages to them.  They are also seeking companies that will provide them with large caravans filled with products that they could choose from.

In addition, they are seeking ways to have service oriented companies provide them with services at home.  Services that at the present time they need to go out and find.  Example, hairdressing services, basic dental services, health and beauty services, basic physician services, etc.

Are you getting the picture as yet?  Are you willing and ready to explore this type of new world opportunities?  Don't take too much time to think about it.

 

Now for our Amazon picks of the week.

 

Best home businesses for people 50 +

by Paul Edwards

If you're about to retire, if you are already retired, or if you are simply a person of over 50 and you're seeking new business opportunities, then please read this book.  It's filled with very good ideas and you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

Small business for dummies second edition

By Eric Tyson

Are you struggling to start your own business?  Don't know where to start?  Then you need to buy this book.  The author has lots to tell.

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

Before you go out and invest in your next business opportunity, before you sit down to spend hundreds of hours in researching business opportunities, you should read this book.  If you want to ensure that you make a good and sound decision, then you owe it to yourself to buy this book and read it.

 

Now for some free advice.

 

Are you looking for experienced multi lingual translators and writers?
Experienced professionals who can help you to write and translate, proof read and edit, and research plus more?
Are you looking for professionals who can help you to write and speak flawless English?
Having problems getting that right someone to help you proof read, edit, and research the appropriate information?
Then you need to contact the staff at www.translationpeople.com.
You can even download free useful information updated weekly and at absolutely no cost you can also keep abreast of the latest trends and headlines updated daily.

 

At the business desk, I'm Alix Shadonnay wishing you a pleasant weekend.

Hi everyone!  I'm Heather DeMarco at the business desk and this evening I'd like to clue you into a very lucrative business opportunity just sweeping across the United States these days.

This lucrative opportunity centers around the cleaning business and before you tell me no!  You don't want to spend the rest of your days either cleaning someone else's house or laundering their clothes, you need to listen for a few moments.  First, the cleaning business is definitely not limited to just laundering clothes or cleaning house.  It embodies lots of various meanings and alternatives.  Yes, a cleaning business could easily include laundering or cleaning house, but there are other variations to this very fast growing business and the opportunities for both personal and financial satisfaction are literally racing along like a freight train out of control.

Let's look at some of the variations.

Laundering, yes.  This variation of the cleaning business would entail you cleaning, laundering, and ironing clothes.

Cleaning house, yet another variation of the cleaning business.  In this type of business you would clean someone's house from top to bottom; floors, windows, cabinets, shelves, literally everything within someone's house.

Cleaning carpets and upholstery, still another variation.  Here you offer your services to clean individual carpets, wall to wall carpets, and drapery.

The window cleaning business, you clean exterior windows.

Heating and aircondition cleaning, you clean heaters and airconditioners.

Yard cleaning, you clean yards for your customers all year round.

Now, you're probably thinking to yourself that this is so boring, so mundane, and why am I taking up your time listing things that you already know about?  Good for you but there is a secret to listing all of these things.  I'm listing them because I want to describe to you what type of cleaning business trend is presently taking our country by storm.  It's being touted as the complete cleaning business service and it's literally going guns these days. 

More and more small businesses are opening their doors to offer the complete cleaning business service.  They're offering most if not all of the types of services that I've listed above.  Let's review:  Laundering, house cleaning, window cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning that includes drapery, heating and airconditioning, and yard cleaning.  Some businesses are even adding other types of services to this already very expansive suite of services and let me tell you!  It's working for them.

I can tell you that we have several clients who are making mega bucks from the total cleaning business service business.  How's six figure annual incomes for you?  We also know of several small businesses that are even making seven figures annual incomes!

What are you waiting for?  Why are you waiting around if you're seriously looking for ways to make real money in real markets?  Don't believe me?  Then check out our top business strategies page and go to the start cleaning business link.  Hurry now!  You don't want your competition to get there before you!  Do you? 

 

Now for some free and important info.

 

Are you tired of looking over your shoulder because you're so scared of being scammed out of your hard earned savings, your house, and your other assets?
Are you looking for ways to avoid those scams with their broken promises and get rich quick schemes?  Are you worried that one day soon someone is going to try and scam you out of your worldly possessions?  Do you know what you should be doing in order to combat those seedy scammers, identity thieves, and shady investors?
Now you can take advantage of some very potent info and daily updates plus more in order to help you stay healthy and sleep well at night.  All of this info is free for the taking and it will save you thousands of research hours, protect your savings and worldly possessions, and help you to make decisions that are safe, logical, and sound.  The experts at www.untappedwealth.com are offering you all of this at absolutely no cost because their philosophy is that if they help you then you will help others and we will become a safer and better country.  Check them out!  You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain!

 

At the business desk, i'm Heather DeMarco wishing you a very enjoyable weekend. 

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff N Marquis at the business desk and today I'd like to share an article with you that I plucked off the internet. 

I think that it would be in everyone's best interest to read carefully.  You would be surprised to learn how you too can use this article to become more revenue generating.

 

 

 UsabilityNews.com (UK)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
 
Fifty Online Accessibility and Usability Tools
 
By Joanna Bawa
 
Usability and accessibility go hand-in-hand with conversion rates, customer satisfaction, targeted traffic and so on. Here are 50 online tools to improve website usability and accessibility to help achieve just that.
 
The primary goal of usability is making sure that the intended users are able to interact properly with the website while having a positive and convenient experience. By developing this list avangate has provided a starting point to help you keep customers satisfied.
 
Associated Link: 50 Online Accessibility and Usability Tools
 
http://www.avangate.com/articles/usability-tools_83.htm
 
http://www.usabilitynews.com/news/article3985.asp

If you're like to know you can do this then you should also read the following lines.

 

They call themselves a "One Stop Writing Shop" and well they should.  There are not too many companies around at present that are able to do this and do it so well.  The experts call them unique!  They offer complete services that can help you do research, write, translate and transcribe your info into multi languages.  For absolutely free they can help you to keep abreast of important trends and news items if you're either too busy to search for them or you don't know where to find them.  They can help you to increase your revenues, reduce your costs, and expand your customer bases.  They can offer you a free online monthly magazine filled with info designed to help you keep abreast of market trends and consumer habits and articles that will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding opportunities that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe.
To learn more visit them at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jeff N Marquis wishing you a pleasant evening.

Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and it's Wednesday and time for our news round-up. 

As promised, each week we'll be publishing articles of interest to our special needs readers as requested and we thank everyone for their very positive feedback.

So, enjoy!

 

Table of contents

 

June 27 2007

 

1  The e-learning Lingo podcast #4: Alt Text
2  Vasco offers smart card Based e-Security to the Blind and Visually Impaired With Digipass 840 Comfort Voice
3  Radio shack announces Point of Sale, Web Site Initiative for Customers with Visual Impairments
4  Microsoft speech hit by serious flaws
5  Baggage pin may stop lost luggage
6  New Canadian French TTS voices from Loquendo
7  Dolphin news

 

PR.com (Press Release)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
 
The e-Learning Lingo Podcast #4: Alt Text
 
SyberWorks, Inc., a leader in custom e-Learning Solutions and the Learning Management System industry, today announces the next episode of the e-Learning Lingo Podcast Series about the term, Alt Text.
 
Waltham, MA, June 06, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Dave Boggs, CEO of SyberWorks, states, "This week's episode of the e-Learning Lingo Podcast talks about a piece of HTML code that is instrumental in developing accessible e-Learning because it allows you to designate a text description that can be read through a screen reader."
 
The e-Learning Lingo Podcast: Episode #4 "Alt Text" http://www.syberworks.com/audio/lingopodcast4.mp3
 
is located in the SyberWorks Online Media Center at
http://www.syberworks.com/lingo_podcast.htm
 
in the About Us section of the SyberWorks web site. The transcript is located at
http://www.syberworks.com/ lingo4_transcript.htm.
 
About SyberWorks
 
SyberWorks, Inc. (http://www.syberworks.com) is a leader in the custom e-Learning Solutions and Learning Management System industries for Fortune 1000 corporations, higher education, and other organizations. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company serves the multi-billion-dollar e-Learning market. Since 1995, SyberWorks has developed and delivered unique and economical solutions to create, manage, measure, and improve e-Learning programs at companies and organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other countries.
 
Contact Information
SyberWorks, Inc.
Mary Kay Lofurno
781-891-1999
mklofurno@syberworks.com
www.syberworks.com
411 Waverley Oaks Road
Building 3, Suite 319
Waltham, MA 02458
 
http://www.pr.com/press-release/41299

 

PR Newswire, via EarthTimes.org
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
 
VASCO Offers Smart Card Based e-Security to the Blind and Visually Impaired With Digipass 840 Comfort Voice
By Press Release
 
Posted : Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:02:01 GMT
Author : VASCO Data Security International, Inc. 
Category : PressRelease 
 
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., and ZURICH, Switzerland, June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (http://www.vasco.com/), the leading software security company specializing in authentication products, today announced that it has strengthened its Digipass product line with Digipass 840 Comfort Voice (CV). This "speaking" Digipass card reader is especially designed for blind and visually impaired Internet users. The product is immediately available.
 
VASCO's mission is to be the Full Option, All-Terrain Authentication company. This means that strong authentication has to be available for everyone. The launch of Digipass 840 Comfort Voice fits perfectly with this logic, as did the launch of Digipass 300 Comfort Voice in 2006. A person with reduced eyesight will now be able to have the same high level of Digipass security as other e-bank account holders or e-commerce users. All Digipass client authentication products are supported by one and unique core authentication engine, VACMAN Controller. This means that companies can choose which type of client authentication device they offer to their different user/customer segments.
 
Digipass 840 Comfort Voice Features: -- speech based user interface; -- speech based feedback of entered data and selected functions; -- e-signature and one-time password functionality, converted into voice; -- use of built-in speaker or headset; -- large display and keypad, with oversized tactile keys; -- supports Digipass standard, EMV-CAP, VISA dynamic password authentication 1.1, German Sm@rt TAN, Belgian eID Card
 
"Accessibility is one of the most important success factors for any e-commerce application," said Jan Valcke, VASCO's President and COO. "Unfortunately, few technology vendors have an eye for the needs of visually impaired consumers. As a consequence, this user segment doesn't reach the e-commerce vendors' offering. By offering speech enabled Digipass client authentication products, VASCO makes e-banking and e-commerce accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Worldwide, over 20 leading banks already offer speech enabled Digipasses to a part of their customer base."
 
About VASCO: VASCO is the number one supplier of strong authentication and e-signature solutions and services. VASCO has established itself as the world's leading software company specialized in Internet Security, with a customer base of over 4,800 companies in more than 100 countries, including

 

close to 750 international financial institutions. VASCO's prime markets are the financial sector, enterprise security, e-commerce and e-government.
 
Forward Looking Statements

 

Statements made in this news release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements. Any statement containing words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar words, is forward-looking, and these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Consequently, actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements.
 
Reference is made to the Company's public filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding the Company and its operations.
 
For more information contact:

 

Jochem Binst, +32 2 609 97 40, jbinst@vasco.com VASCO Data Security International, Inc.
 
CONTACT: Jochem Binst of VASCO Data Security International, Inc.,
+32-2-609-97-40, jbinst@vasco.com
 
Web site: http://www.vasco.com/ 
 
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,120606.shtml

 

PR Newswire, via EarthTimes.org
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
RadioShack Announces Point of Sale, Web Site Initiative for Customers with Visual Impairments
 
Posted : Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:06:01 GMT
Author : RadioShack Corporation, American Council of the Blind,
 
WASHINGTON, June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move praised by state and national blindness organizations, RadioShack today announced it has undertaken a nationwide initiative to improve services for RadioShack's customers with visual impairments. As part of the program, RadioShack will install new point of sale equipment with tactile keypads to protect the privacy and security of visually impaired shoppers and will make improvements to its Web site that will benefit visually impaired shoppers and other customers with disabilities.
 
Today's announcement is the result of collaboration between RadioShack and major blindness organizations including the American Foundation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind, and California Council of the Blind.
 
Point of Sale Improvements
 
It is anticipated that by the end of September of this year, every RadioShack store will have the new device, which is designed to protect the financial privacy of blind and visually impaired shoppers. The devices, manufactured by Ingenico (http://www.ingenico.com/), have tactile keys arranged like a standard telephone keypad and plug easily into existing point of sale payment terminals. The new units will allow RadioShack shoppers who have difficulty reading information on a touch screen to privately and independently enter their PIN, telephone number, and other confidential information.
 
Blind community representatives praised RadioShack's plan to upgrade its point of sale devices. "Point of sale devices must have tactile keys so blind people do not have to share their PIN with strangers," explained Melanie Brunson, executive director of the American Council of the Blind. "Today's announcement, and the collaboration that led to it, demonstrates RadioShack's understanding of this fact and its strong commitment to blind and visually impaired customers."
 
Web Site Access
 
Today's initiative includes RadioShack's commitment to design http://www.radioshack.com/ in accordance with guidelines issued by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c) (http://www.w3.org/wai). The guidelines, which do not affect the content or look and feel of a Web site, ensure that Web sites are accessible to persons with a wide range of disabilities. The guidelines are of particular benefit to blind computer users who use screen reader or magnification technology on their computers and who rely on a keyboard instead of a mouse.
 
"Web site accessibility is of critical importance to both the blind community and to people with disabilities generally," said Paul Schroeder, vice president, programs and policy group of the American Foundation for the Blind. "We applaud RadioShack's leadership role in committing to address the accessibility of its Web site, thereby improving the browsing and shopping experience for a broad range of on-line shoppers."
 
"The program announced today is one way we can help customers who are blind or visually impaired enjoy a better shopping experience in their neighborhood RadioShack stores as well as on http://www.radioshack.com/ and complements our on-going efforts to improve the shopping experience of all our customers with disabilities," said Frank Espinoza, vice president-store operations of RadioShack Corporation. "RadioShack would like to thank the American Council of the Blind, the California Council of the Blind, and the American Foundation for the Blind, for their cooperation and expertise in making RadioShack a better place to shop for our customers with disabilities."
 
About RadioShack Corporation
 
RadioShack Corporation is one of the nation's most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers. The company has a presence through more than 6,000 company-operated stores and dealer outlets in the United States, over 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico and nearly 800 wireless phone kiosks. RadioShack's dedicated force of knowledgeable and helpful sales associates has been consistently recognized by several independent groups as providing the best customer service in the consumer electronics and wireless industries. Operating from convenient and comfortable neighborhood and mall locations, RadioShack stores deliver personalized product and service solutions within a few short minutes of where most Americans either live or work. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, or to purchase items online, visit http://www.radioshack.com/.
 
About American Council of the Blind (ACB) and California Council of the Blind (CCB)
 
American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired Americans throughout the country, with members organized through seventy state and special interest affiliates. California Council of the Blind is the California affiliate of the ACB, and is a statewide membership organization, with 40 local chapters and statewide special interest associations. ACB and CCB are dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments. Their members and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for people who are blind and visually impaired. More information about ACB and CCB can be found by visiting http://www.acb.org/ and http://www.ccbnet.org/.
 
About American Foundation for the Blind
 
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at http://www.afb.org/. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/DATH047LOGO" mime-type="application/octet-stream"/ Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/DATH047LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com RadioShack Corporation, American Council of the Blind, American
 
CONTACT: Lainey Feingold of AFB, ACB, CCB, +1-510-548-5062,
lfeingold@earthlink.net, Abby Manishor of AFB, +1-212-502-7615,
amanishor@afb.net, Wendy Dominguez of RadioShack Corporation, +1-817-415-3300,
Media.Relations@RadioShack.com, or Linda Dardarian, +1-510-763-9800,
ldardarian@gdblegal.com, for RadioShack Corporation, American Council of the
Blind and American Foundation for the Blind
 
Web site: http://www.radioshack.com/
http://www.ingenico.com/
http://www.acb.org/
http://www.ccbnet.org/
http://www.afb.org/
 
 
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,121574.shtml

 

 
 Techworld.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
Microsoft Speech hit by serious flaws
 
By Matthew Broersma, Techworld
 
Microsoft's speech-control engines have been hit by major security flaws, according to researchers.
 
Microsoft Speech is the company's software for voice recognition and text-to-voice, a technology the company is modernising with the acquisition of Tellme Networks a month ago. Besides allowing visually impaired users to interact with Windows, the technology is designed to run automated telephone response systems.
The ActiveX controls used by Microsoft Speech version 4.0a to interact with Internet Explorer, xlisten.dll and xvoice.dll, could be exploited by a specially crafted ActiveX object triggering memory corruption, according to researchers. This corruption could allow attackers to take full control of a victim's system, according to Fortinet, which discovered the xvoice.dll bug.
The controls are used by Internet Explorer 7 and older versions.
According to some industry observers, such vulnerabilities - affecting client-side software rather than servers - are becoming the primary target of attackers.
"We're in the midst of a revolution as attackers shift their focus from gaping server side vulnerabilities, which are becoming increasingly rare, to stealthy client side holes that make phishers salivate," said SPI Dynamics security evangelist Michael Sutton in a blog post. "This month's patches illustrated that we need to focus our efforts on better securing client side applications as there is a plethora of holes ripe for exploitation."
The bug was one of the many critical flaws patched with Microsoft's monthly security update on Tuesday. The update included a large number of critical flaws, including the first Vista-only patches, and security experts haven't come to a consensus on which should be patched first.

 

http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?newsID=9139&pagtype=all

 

 

 

Saffron Walden Reporter (UK)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
Baggage PIN may stop lost luggage
 
By WEB EDITORIAL
 
webdesk@herts24.co.uk
   
Extract: "We have developed tags with Braille that are available for those travellers who may need them."

 

LOSING your luggage at the airport could be a thing of the past thanks to one innovative man from Dunmow.
 
Dave Pearce, from Woodlands Park Drive, has worked with colleagues at Bytec Solutions Ltd for six months to develop an owner identification service that he hopes will be taken up by airlines throughout the world.
 
"We've called it Baggage PIN and it's a simple concept," he explained. "First of all, you have to subscribe to the system online by going to
 
www.baggagepin.com
 
paying anything from £6 for one month's membership up to £12 for a full year. Once that is done, you are allocated an authenticated unique digital code and sent a corresponding code tag and security strap in the post which can be securely attached to each of your suitcases. We have developed tags with Braille that are available for those travellers who may need them."
 
The data keyed in by members can be accessed by authorised airline system users, which currently can only be accessed by Baggage PIN, giving the airlines the information they have previously lacked to take the necessary steps to return lost baggage to the legal owner or forward on to the required destination. This information also includes the preferred method of being contacted, so, even if several months have gone past since the bags went missing, they can be reunited with their owners.
 
Mr Pearce said: "We are currently in talks with some of the major UK airline companies to fully adopt Baggage PIN as the method of finding the legal owners of mislaid baggage. Baggage PIN even offers an inbuilt SMS system allowing baggage handling agents to contact the owners of mislaid baggage quickly and free of charge."

 

It is thought the new service is also likely to prove to be popular with insurance companies who deal with a growing number of claims each year resulting in escalating premiums.
 
If it proves a success, Mr Pearce hopes it could also be applied to operators of other forms of travel, such as rail, coach and ferry.
 
According to data from the Associate of European Airlines (AEA), across the 24 largest airlines more than 5.6 million bags went missing in 2006, an average of 15.7 bags per 1,000 travellers.
 
Bytec Solutions Ltd is a group of computer technologists who are particularly experienced in creating and analysing secure data systems, in conjunction with baggage handlers at various airports.
 http://www.saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk/content/saffron/news/story.aspx?brand=SAFOnline&category=NewsSaffron&tBrand=cambs24&tCategory=NewsSAF&itemid=WEED13%20Jun%202007%2014%3A25%3A03%3A437

 

TMCnet.com (Technology Marketing Corp)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
 
New Canadian French TTS Voices from Loquendo
 
By Stefania Viscusi
 
By Stefania Viscusi, TMCnet Assistant Editor
 
Speech recognition and text-to-speech (TTS) technology provider, Loquendo, has announced the latest voices in their family of TTS voices, Oliver and Charlotte.
 
Their latest addition is a bid to better serve their customers in the North American market and rounds out their number of offerings to 20 languages and 50 voices.
 
The new voices are Canadian French and offer the same expressive, emotional speech capabilities as other voices from Loqunedo.
 
Loquendo's TTS technology includes "expressive cues" that give an added level of emotion and expressiveness to the various voices. With the appropriate punctuation, a voice can, for example, be made to sound more lively and life-like.
 
Loquendo's TTS voices are available in both male and female voices and in number of additional languages including: U.S. and U.K. English, French, Castilian Spanish and Catalan, Mexican, Argentinean, Chilean, Brazilian, Italian, German, Dutch, Greek, Swedish, Mandarin Chinese and Polish.
 
Loquendo made headlines recently when their Spanish TTS Voice was utilized by Mexico's Credito Real in their newly powered telephony application to help them increase collection rates while also improving their overall customer experience.
 
Carlos, Loquendo's Spanish speaking TTS voice, also featuring expressive cues, provided the whole Latin-American Spanish sector with a voice to help guide them through the collections process more easily.
 
Related Articles:
Loquendo American Spanish TTS Voice Increases Collections Rates
Loquendo Text to Speech Breathes Voice into As An Angel Virtual Assistants
Loquendo TTS Enhances Multimedia Navigators from Magneti Marelli
Loquendo TTS Helps Bring 'Ask Anna' to Life for IKEA Website
Loquendo: Enhancing TTS with Mixed Language Support
The Features and Functionalities of TTS Director: A Q&A Session with Loquendo's Ornella Ambrois
Achieving Perfect TTS Intelligibility
 
-----

 

Stefania Viscusi is an established writer and avid reader.
 

 

http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/speech-recognition/articles/7598-new-canadian-french-tts-voices-from-loquendo.htm

 

 Dolphin Computer Access (UK)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
 
Dolphin Computer Access Newsletter, June 2007 Edition.
 
By Sarah Jones
 
It's been a while since we've been in touch; it goes without saying that the Dolphin team have not been idle during this time and so we have lots of news to update you with which will explain why we've been so busy!
 
EasyConverter released.
 
Creating accessible text just got easier with our latest addition to the altformat family - EasyConverter. With a wide range of input and output file formats; EasyConverter enables you to offer your readers the choice of format that suits them best. Need to turn printed papers into Braille, PDFs in to MP3 audio? - no problem. With the new disability equality laws in place this tool is invaluable for Employers, Schools and public sector organisations alike.

 

LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=189#main

 

LINK: Visit the EasyConverter product page
http://www.yourdolphin.com/productdetail.asp?id=25#main
 
Registered for your free Vista Upgrade?
 
Users of Dolphin Hal, Lunar, LunarPlus or SuperNova version 7 will qualify for a free of charge upgrade to the new release of version 8 which will include support for Windows Vista. Please note: You need to register for this so don't delay, get your name on the list!
 
LINK: Read the full story and terms of this offer
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=192#main
 
Listen again to Smart Hal on ACB Radio.
 
Dolphin's Mobile Product Manager, Dave Williams, made a live appearance on ACB Radio's Main Menu, talking about Smartphones, Windows Mobile 6 and of course Smart Hal. Here's your chance to listen again.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=168#main
 
RNIB's Access-IT review Smart Hal - Part Two.
 
RNIB's Access-IT magazine released their own independent review of Dolphin's new screen reader for Smartphones, Smart Hal. In this two part series, trainer and sessional tutor for Modern Eyes, Sue Allard, takes her first steps with a Smartphone and quickly gets to grips with the basics.

 

LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=186#main
 
LINK: If you missed the first part, here is Part One
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=170#main

 

Dolphin Tip of the Week.
 
If you have visited our website in recent weeks you will notice that the homepage now contains a link to a tip of the week. Updated every Monday, this tip is designed to teach users of our software tools some new tricks to help get the most out of your software.

 

Tips in recent weeks include:
 
 
§ Using Forms on the Internet (applies to: Dolphin Access Software version 7).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=60#main
 
§ Using Lists to get information from Excel Spreadsheets (applies to: Dolphin Access Software version 6.5 and later).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=61#main
 
§ Making use of Application Notes (applies to: Dolphin Access Software Version 5 and later).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=62#main
 
§ Using Microsoft Word with EasyConverter (applies to: Dolphin EasyConverter version 1.0).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=80#main
 
§ Making use of Magnification modes (version 5 and later).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=84#main

 

§ Useful Resources and Keyboard Shortcuts (all versions).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=86#main
 
§ Using Lists to get information from Word documents (version 6.5 and above).
http://www.yourdolphin.com/online_tutorials.asp?id=87#main
 
Have you updated your Maps recently?
 
New map files for SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus customers are now available, and they're free!
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=182#main
 
Sightsavers take the Dolphin Pen to Africa.
 
Visually impaired Africans are set to have their lives transformed by the arrival on the continent of the latest generation of accessibility software for computers.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=176#main
 
Get more from your Smartphone - Try a Free Smart Hal Tutorial.
 
A Windows Mobile Smartphone loaded with Smart Hal is a palm-sized powerhouse that can educate, inform, and entertain you at the touch of a button. Over the next few weeks we aim to show you what you can do with Smart Hal, aside from making and receiving telephone calls that is. In the first tutorial, we check out "Orb" which enables Smart Hal (or Pocket Hal) users to remotely access and play their music collection at home directly from their Smartphone or Pocket PC.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=188#main
 
Lunar wins RNIB Battle of the Magnifiers - Hands down.
 
At this year's CSUN conference in California, two accessibility experts from the RNIB in the UK took on the daunting challenge of comparing seven screen magnification software products, live and in front of a large and experienced CSUN audience.  The seven included the three market leaders including Dolphin's Lunar version 7.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=169#main
 
EasyProducer reviewed on Emptech.
 
This month Emptech has released a glowing review of Dolphin's DAISY and MP3 creation tool, EasyProducer. The review is in the shape of an audio Podcast which you can listen to online.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=193#main
 
LINK: Visit the EasyProducer product page
http://www.yourdolphin.com/productdetail.asp?id=10#main
 
Dolphin U.S. on the Move.
 
Goodbye San Mateo, we've moved to New Jersey! Please update your records.
 
LINK: Read the full story
http://www.yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=171#main
 
At the business desk, I'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a pleasant day.

Hello there!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and today I'd like to talk a bit about some very real opportunities in some real niche markets. 

Too many of us make the fatal mistake of turning our attention to those large markets that are congested with too many competitors practically falling over each other.  We seem to think that the bigger the market the better the chance for success.  We also feel that the more consumers that there are, the bigger the opportunity for grabbing the brass ring.  This is in many ways a myth because there is now growing proof that the chances for success can just as easily be found in those niche markets.  The popular slogan these days is riches in niches and there are practically thousands of them just waiting for you to discover them.  I want to give you a few of the more popular examples making the rounds these days and I'll also tell you what you could expect to make as an entrepreneur.

1  The fitness instructor's niche:

Your present primary consumers are:  Those suffering from obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stress.  The age group of your consumers is not limited to any specific age group. Your potential consumers could be:  Busy professionals looking to stay in shape and in need of personal trainers, gyms and health clubs, spas and resorts.  Your potential income as an entrepreneur could start at around $45,000 but could quickly climb to over $75,000 and upwards after two to three years of being in the business.  You can either work on-site, or even in the homes of your customers.

2  The special needs travel agent niche:

Your present primary consumers would include seniors, aging baby boomers, families with young kids, families with elderly parents, persons with various physical disabilities, and persons afflicted by disabling diseases.  For the most part, the age group of your consumers could be widespread.  Your potential consumers could be busy professionals.  Your starting salary as a travel agent in this niche market could be yours for the taking depending on how hard you wish to work.  There are special needs travel agents who are making as little as $25,000 annually and then there are those who are making very healthy six figure incomes. 

3  The translator's niche:

Your present primary consumers include international companies of all sizes, governmental departments dealing in international trade, large international organizations, pharmaceutical companies, United Nations agencies, and other related businesses.  There is no age group relevant for this niche.  Your potential consumers could include doctors clinics and offices, lawyers offices, hospitals, universities, news agencies.  A translator can practically create their own income or can name their price and this is mainly due to the growing expansion of international trade.

There are several more rich niches out there just waiting for you to take advantage.  The niche approach is growing rapidly and I would ask you to give it some serious consideration.

 

Now for some very important info.

 

Are you looking for skilled and experienced translators/writers/researchers to help you craft your articles, blogs, business letters, emails, faxes, newsletters, and proposals in multi languages? 
Are you seeking skilled and experienced language coaches to help you learn the English language more quickly and efficiently?
Then you need to visit the folks at www.translationpeople.com.  Here you'll find a team that guarantees quick turn around, professional work, and total confidentiality.  Prices are extremely affordable and services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Check out the free useful information page while you're there and for absolutely free you can also tap into the latest trends and headlines.
 

At the business desk, I'm Matt Chadwick asking you to take care not to get too dehydrated in the heat.

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and on this very warm and sticky summer evening, I'd like to zoom in on a growing and booming small business opportunity presently taking America by storm.  This opportunity has been around for a while but we've noticed that in the past three years, it has suddenly started to flourish and now many persons are starting to take it very seriously.

This business opportunity is drawing both individuals and businesses to its doors but we're finding that this type of opportunity seems to be more suitable to small businesses and entrepreneurs.  I'm referring to the "Start Import Business" opportunity that is being driven by demands from some very interesting types of consumers.  This demand is real, consumers are real, supply is still very much lagging behind demand, the competition is still very much sparse, and the forecast for this market's longevity is extremely healthy.  In short, if you're interested in the import business then this market is for you.  If you have a flare for dealing with different cultures and international markets, then this opportunity is definitely what you need to examine more closely.

Who's driving this demand you say?  First, the rapidly increasing Spanish-American population.  This group is the fastest growing in the United States today and they're looking for ways to help them maintain ties both with their culture and with their original homeland.  Despite the fact that they have made America their new home, they are still very much willing to keep the ties with their first home and by this I mean that they're willing to keep their ties to South, Central,  and Latin America.  In order to do so they're seeking the help of small companies that can supply them with products from their original homelands.  Products such as specialty foods and delicacies common to South, Central  and Latin America.  CDs and videos originating from their homelands.  Books, clothing, and anything that would help to keep their memories of their first homelands alive.

In a similar way, the growing population of immigrants from the East, Asia, and the Middle East are also seeking companies to help them maintain ties to their origins of birth.  Believe it or not, when many immigrants first make our country their home, they feel the need to maintain ties to their native lands in order to feel secure.  They use it as a security blanket to help them cope in a big new country.

Let us not also forget those hundreds of thousands of business professionals who flock to our shores each year in search of doing trade with us.  They too are demanding to have more of their own products on our shelves while they make America their temporary home away from home.

The "Start Import Business" opportunity could be yours if you're willing and ready to work with the demands and needs of our immigrant population.  If you like dealing with foreign trade, then this type of business is for you.  If you can speak a second language then why not put it to use in the "Start Import Business" arena.  If you want to nurture a dream of being your very own international mover and shaker, then the "Start Import Business" is definitely an avenue for you to explore.

If you're looking for more info then check out our top business strategies page and go to the start import business link.

 

Now for some very important info.

 

Looking for ideas and opportunities to crack the over 50s market?  The baby boomer market?  The seniors market?  Other niche markets?
Are you seeking opportunities in markets that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe?
Are you having difficulty keeping abreast of important trends and news items because you're either too busy or don't know where to look?
Then you need to visit www.sterlingcreations.ca and there you'll find a suite of services that can help you to get where you want to go.
From writing to research, and translation to transcription.  There is even a free monthly online magazine that is crammed with very vital and valuable information.  You can even keep abreast of breaking trends and headlines for absolutely free.
Check it out at your convenience.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jayna Sheffield bidding you a pleasant summer's evening.

Hi everyone!  I'm Heather DeMarco at the business desk and I'm going to close out this week by putting out a call for companies to increase the scope and depth of their delivery services.

Whether you know it or not, more and more consumers are practically clamoring for an increase of delivery services.  Who in particular?  Seniors, aging baby boomers, special needs consumers, moms with young kids, professionals on the go, and even lage and medium sized companies.  Yes, this picture is getting very desperate because for the demand for delivery services is far outstripping the supply for delivery services.

Here's the picture:

Supermarkets are being asked to provide more door to door deliveries.

Appliance stores are being asked to deliver purchased appliances to the homes of purchasers.

Electronics stores are being asked to do the same.

Furniture stores are also being pushed to deliver heavy purchases to the doors of those purchasing them.

More and more restaurants are being asked to deliver meals to those ordering either online or by phone.

Liquor stores are also being encouraged to do the same.

The list goes on and on.

The way many experts are seeing it, there could be hundreds of thousands of opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of this very real and rapidly increasing demand.  In so many cases, those listed above may not have the time or want to hire the staff to provide delivery services and many of them are willing to outsource these services.

If you have a car, van, or even small truck, and you're looking for ways to earn a few bucks safely then why not entertain this type of opportunity.  You could very easily build a very lucrative little business out of this rather interesting and ever growing little niche.  Hurry now before your competition gets wind of it.  The time may be just right for you to create your own type of delivery service and even name your price.

 

Now for our Amazon picks of the week.

 

The kid's guide to service projects

By Barbara A Lewis

A wonderful book for both parents and kids.  It's summer and I'm sure that most parents are just at the end of the road when it comes to finding interesting things for their kids to get involved in.  This book has lots of great ideas that kids can actually use to get started into some very exciting projects.

 

Getting clients keeping clients

By Dan Richards

If you're having problems getting and keeping your clients then please buy this book.  It's worth every penny that you spend on it plus much more.  This author details lots of interesting facts and he's easy to understand.

 

Untapped Wealth Discovered

By Jeff N Marquis and Kerry J Harrison

These authors have written a very factual and insightful book.  One that belongs on the book shelf of any library, bookstore, and even on the desk of any small business owner or entrepreneur.

 

For some more free info read on.

 

Are you tired of looking over your shoulder because you're so scared of being scammed out of your hard earned savings, your house, and your other assets?
Are you looking for ways to avoid those scams with their broken promises and get rich quick schemes?  Are you worried that one day soon someone is going to try and scam you out of your worldly possessions?  Do you know what you should be doing in order to combat those seedy scammers, identity thieves, and shady investors?
Now you can take advantage of some very potent info and daily updates plus more in order to help you stay healthy and sleep well at night.  All of this info is free for the taking and it will save you thousands of research hours, protect your savings and worldly possessions, and help you to make decisions that are safe, logical, and sound.  The experts at www.untappedwealth.com are offering you all of this at absolutely no cost because their philosophy is that if they help you then you will help others and we will become a safer and better country.  Check them out!  You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain!

 

At the business desk, I'm Heather DeMarco hoping for continued good weather for the rest of the weekend.

Good day everyone!  I'm Jeff Marquis at the business desk and on this very pleasant summer afternoon, I'd like to identify some companies that are not really paying attention to the type of customer service that they're presently offering to their customers.

Too many companies are guilty of poor customer service and they still don't seem to get it!  In a world where consumers can still have the choice of taking or leaving the type of service that they receive, over 95% of customers are deliberately choosing to take their business to those companies that go out of their way to show that they care.  Believe it or not, customers always remember the bad service that they receive and don't under estimate this for one minute.  So many times we've seen where bad customer service has hurt good companies because a few customers were not treated appropriately and they went around spreading their experiences by word of mouth.  It does not matter whether or not the customer is right:  In the 1980s IBM used to tell its employees and in fact they used to drum it into their employees' heads that the customer was always right but sad to say in today's world IBM often seems to forget what they preached in the 80s. 

Based on hundreds of emails that we continue to receive each week, we're going to identify a few companies that are very guilty of bad customer service and we sincerely hope that they take the time to listen in for if they don't, it will soon start to affect their bottom lines.

First, Double Day.  A very reputable book club but within the last few years this company has been employing lots of bullying tactics to force their customers to buy their books.  They don't tell or fully explain how the ordering process works and when customers return books because they don't want them even if these books have not been opened, Double Day has the audacity to charge the customer a processing fee and even if it is clear that the customer is in the right, Double Day has been sending nasty notes threatening to take the customer to court or send a collection agency after them.  We have received hundreds of notes over the past year  from very irate customers telling us that they will never order books again from Double Day because Double Day is threatening to take them to court over books that they never ordered and guess what the sums of money involve?  A measly sum ranging anywhere from about $30 to $60. 

Shame on you Double Day!  Quit playing the big bad bully and start paying attention to what your customers are saying.

Second, Nerds On Site.  We continue to receive a constant string of complaints about this company.  In this case, the technical services being offered is less than satisfactory because Nerds On Site continues to send out technicians who are inexperienced, ill equipped to deal with simple technical problems, and above all, Nerds on Site does not seem to really care.  What we're hearing here is that nerds On Site is very eager to please but their technicians don't seem to be able to come up to mark and when they make a goof Nerds On Site leaves their customer hanging choosing instead to duck out of their responsibility to reimburse the customer for damages and time lost.

Third, Telehop Communications.  According to a mounting pile of complaints on our desk, a company that is nothing but a scoundrel when it comes to providing adequate customer support.  Telehop Communication's advertising is false because they don't fully explain the terms and conditions of their contracts, they provide poor long distance service to their customers, and their customer support team simply sucks because they don't speak English very well and they don't seem to understand what or how to do it when customers phone with technical problems.

To these three companies, if you care then you will take action.  Don't wait till it's way too late.

 

Now for some free but very important info.

 

They call themselves a "One Stop Writing Shop" and well they should.  There are not too many companies around at present that are able to do this and do it so well.  The experts call them unique!  They offer complete services that can help you do research, write, translate and transcribe your info into multi languages.  For absolutely free they can help you to keep abreast of important trends and news items if you're either too busy to search for them or you don't know where to find them.  They can help you to increase your revenues, reduce your costs, and expand your customer bases.  They can offer you a free online monthly magazine filled with info designed to help you keep abreast of market trends and consumer habits and articles that will point you in the right direction when it comes to finding opportunities that are explosive, lucrative, but above all safe.
To learn more visit them at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jeff N Marquis wishing you a hot summer's weekend.

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jayna Sheffield at the business desk and today I'd like to brighten up your weekend by sharing an article with you on a hot new product. 

With the summer season now on the way, and with so many of you now involved with your barbecues, this product should fit perfectly into your arsenal of barbecue tools.  Enjoy!

 

The Fred's Head Companion
Friday, June 15, 2007
 
Talking Meat Thermometers
 
By Michael McCarty
 
Friday, June 15, 2007
 
Grill Alert: Talking Remote Meat Thermometer

 

Grilling is a great way to entertain. Constantly standing next to the grill, however, is not. Now you can have the freedom to mingle with this remote meat thermometer. A voice prompt alerts you when your meat is "Almost Ready" and "Ready." It's one of the hottest accessible gifts you can give!
 
A remote meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling. Insert the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat, select the type of meat and how you would like it cooked and let this wireless remote cooking thermometer do the rest. You can relax knowing that you will not overcook your food!
 
Features:
 
Works from up to 300 feet away.
Belt clip for added freedom.
Display backlight for convenient night grilling.
Water resistant for easy cleanup.
Wireless remote cooking thermometer operates at 433Mhz.
Uses two AA batteries and two AAA batteries (not included).
 
Click this link to purchase the Grill AlertTalking Remote Meat Thermometer from Brookstone.
 
http://www.brookstone.com/store/thumbnail.asp?wid=3&cid=33&sid=465&search_t
 
The Grill Right Wireless Talking BBQ/Oven Thermometer
 
Hate not knowing when meat is properly cooked? Maybe you like meat cooked a certain way? This wireless thermometer will verbally tell you when your meat has reached its perfect temperature. You can program it for 8 entrees (beef, lamb, veal, hamburger, pork, turkey, chicken, and fish), choose the "doneness" you want, and just start grilling.
 
Features LCD screen, remote wireless probe, speaks in 5 languages, has range from 32°F to 572°F, four alert options (almost ready, ready, overcooked, out-of-range), audio alarm, and the main unit can receive probe signal from up to 330 feet away.
 
Click this link to purchase the Grill Right Wireless Talking BBQ/Oven Thermometer from Oregon Scientific.
 
http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=9&scid=99&pid=763
 
Posted by Michael McCarty at 12:56 PM
 
 
http://fredsheadcompanion.blogspot.com/2006/10/grill-alerttalking-remote-meat.html

Now for some free and important info.

 

Are you looking for skilled and experienced translators/writers/researchers to help you craft your articles, blogs, business letters, emails, faxes, newsletters, and proposals in multi languages? 
Are you seeking skilled and experienced language coaches to help you learn the English language more quickly and efficiently?
Then you need to visit the folks at www.translationpeople.com.  Here you'll find a team that guarantees quick turn around, professional work, and total confidentiality.  Prices are extremely affordable and services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Check out the free useful information page while you're there and for absolutely free you can also tap into the latest trends and headlines.

 

At the business desk, I'm Jayna Sheffield wishing you a joyous first weekend of the summer.

 

Good morning!  I'm Kerry J Harrison at the business desk and today it's time for our news roundup.  This is our new feature and in answer to hundreds of requests from our readers, each Wednesday we'll be publishing a selection of articles that will help our special needs emailers and technology buffs to keep up.  These articles will also give exposure to many companies that are dedicated and committed to improving the lives of many and our blog will also help to bring consumers and companies together in an informal way.

Give us our feedback as we'd love to hear from you.

 

At the business desk, I'm Kerry J Harrison wishing you a great day.

 

Table of contents

 

1  Coalition of organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
2  house sub-committee Vote Could End Books for the Blind
3  Non-profit seeks secure revenue base in electronic junk
4  Stay active with low vision
5  A blind user would choose google as His Search Engine
6  Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted

 

Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
Applauds FCC's New Disability Accessibility Requirements
PR Newswire
Friday, June 01, 2007
 
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) Applauds FCC's New Disability Accessibility Requirements
By Press Release
 
    WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order, "Disability
Access Requirements Extended To VoIP Services" at its monthly open meeting.
The FCC Order levels the playing field so that interconnected Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers must meet similar requirements
for providing access to people with disabilities that wireline and wireless
providers currently meet.
    "We applaud this significant step forward in making sure persons
disabilities will not be left behind or left out of the next generation of
phone services using Internet technologies," says Jenifer Simpson, of the
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a cofounder and
spokesperson for the Coalition.
    The Order does three things for persons with disabilities. It extends
the accessibility and usability requirements of Section 255 of the
Communications Act to VoIP service providers. It requires VoIP providers to
contribute into the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)
Fund. It also requires VoIP service providers to meet the same TRS
obligations that traditional phone companies must meet, such as connecting
relay service users via 711, the nation's free access number to reach a
relay service center.
    "Companies using new phone technologies should make their products and
services accessible and usable for people with vision loss. Why should I
have to ask someone to place a phone call for me just because some company
forgot to design phone services with my needs in mind?" asks Mark Richert
of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), another co-founder of the
disability coalition supporting the FCC action. "And, if we can't get our
telephone bills in Braille, how do they expect us to pay them?"
    "New contributors into the relay services fund are important because
the number of traditional phone customers is continuing to decline,"
explains Karen Peltz Strauss of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD,
Inc.), also a founder of the new disability coalition. "Relay services are
absolutely essential for people with hearing and speech disabilities."
    "The 1996 Telecommunications Act required phone companies and
manufacturers to make services and products disability accessibility and
usable," adds Jenifer Simpson. "Here we are, eleven years later and some
companies still forget to design at the front end for the needs of people
with all kinds of disabilities, leaving them behind as the rest of the
population gets to use all kinds of new and exciting communication
technologies. Everyone's getting pretty fed up with not being able to use
these innovative gadgets and services. This FCC action is a good step
forward, but it's time for the whole communications industry to take a
giant step forward. We want to see accessibility in all products and
services in the marketplace."
    COAT is a new coalition of disability organizations, launched in March
2007, to advocate for legislative and regulatory safeguards that will
ensure full access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed
broadband, wireless and other Internet protocol (IP) technologies. The
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, or COAT, consists of
over 67 national, regional, and community-based organizations dedicated to
making sure that as our nation migrates from legacy public switched-based
telecommunications to more versatile and innovative IP-based and other
communication technologies, people with disabilities will benefit like
everyone else. More information about the disability coalition is available
at website http://www.coataccess.org.
 
SOURCE COAT
Related links:
http://www.aapd-dc.org
http://www.coataccess.org

 

House Subcommittee Vote Could End Books for the Blind.

 

PressRelease 
Author : National Federation of the Blind 
Earthtimes.org - USA
Thu, 07 Jun 2007.
 
On Wednesday, June 6, the House of Representatives Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee voted to substantially underfund the Books for the Blind program of the Library of Congress.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Since 1931, Congress has consistently supported on a bipartisan basis a national program of audio and Braille books for the blind, operated by the Library of Congress. The blind of America are shocked and disappointed that a House subcommittee has callously disregarded our literacy needs since literacy leads to independence. By appropriating only $7.5 million of the $19.1 million needed for transition from antiquated analog cassette tape technology to digital technology, the subcommittee has effectively voted to shut down the only public library available to blind Americans. The audio books produced by the Library of Congress will be useless unless the digital playback technology is provided for readers. The Talking Book program is at a crossroads because the analog tape used for the past thirty-six years has become obsolete and must be replaced for the program to continue. Virtually, all government programs, except Books for the Blind, have converted to state-of-the-art digital communication technology at a cost of billions of dollars to the taxpayers. Leaving the Books for the Blind program behind is unconscionable. Since it is early in the appropriations process, however, Congress still has time to correct this grievous error. We therefore urgently appeal to the full House Appropriations Committee, the members of the House of Representatives, and the United States Senate to provide the full $19.1 million requested by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress to begin production of digital talking books and players."
 
The Talking Book program serves over 750,000 blind Americans, including blind children and an ever-increasing number of older Americans who are losing vision. The incidence of blindness is expected to increase as the baby boom generation reaches retirement age. Therefore, the need for this essential program will only increase.

 

CONTACT: John G. Pare Jr., Director of Public Relations of the National
Federation of the Blind, +1-410-659-9314, extension 2371, Cell:
+1-410-913-3912, jpare@nfb.org

 

Web site: http://www.nfb.org/
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,118989.shtml

 

Las Vegas Business Press, NV, USA
Friday, June 08, 2007

 

Non-profit seeks secure revenue base in electronic junk
By BEN STEPHENS

 

With age comes wisdom, perhaps. Betting on green two years ago proved to be a lucrative move for the 52-year-old Blind Center of Nevada, the nonprofit organization's officials say.
 
Aspiring to expand its downtown facility and the social and professional services it offers to Southern Nevada's visually impaired, the agency needed more than donations and grants could offer. It filled the gap by establishing an electronics-recycling program.
 
The premise was to decrease the its dependence on donor charitability. This year, the recycling operation is expected to generate around $1 million in revenue, about five times what it projects to receive in public and private gifts. On the road to self-sufficiency, a dozen jobs -- nearly all filled by local visually impaired citizens -- were created.
 
The young enterprise, which until recently was cramped inside the small, original headquarters on Bruce Street, moved to a nearby commercial food storage facility last month, where it rents about 20,000 square feet of space. Vice President of Operations Bob Waldorf estimates tens of thousands of pounds of donated electronics are being shipped from the location to refiners and to Internet buyers each month.

 

Staff members sort through donated goods, separating the reusable from the recyclable. That which still has a working life or can be repaired is re-sold on Internet sites like Ebay, Waldorf said. The rest is sold per pound to refiners.
 
According to Blind Center figures, the enterprise diverted more than 500,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills last year and projects to triple that in 2007. Looking forward, the center aspires to collect 20 million pounds annually and says such volume would mean a total of 100 jobs.
 
These aren't just any jobs, though. "They're meaningful jobs," Waldorf says.
 
There is a need for the minor packaging and assembly positions to which many of the visually impaired have been relegated for years, but the positions that have resulted from the recycling program offer a career path. The lower-skilled positions typically earn minimum wage and aren't steady, Waldorf explained. In contrast, Internet sales gigs net anywhere from $8 to $12 an hour and offer full-time work. Waldorf intends to double the number of these jobs by year's end.
 
Service sector jobs for the visually impaired also were made necessary by foreign labor competition, Waldorf said.

 

"Like anything else, we're getting pinched by Mexico, China and other places," he said. "These are jobs we're not going to export."
 
Cynthia Watson, a fellow of the Alexandria, Va.-based National Industries for the Blind, came to the Blind Center on a temporary basis to document how to establish such an operation, aiming to simplify its implementation in the other 80 blind centers throughout the country.
 
She said these jobs offer unprecedented choice to the visually impaired as well as a conduit to self-sufficiency. "Not everyone who's visually impaired wants to work in the manufacturing setting," she said.
 
Higher wages, Watson adds, make it more attractive for visually impaired persons receiving Social Security to trade in their aid checks for paychecks, because the positions are more lucrative.
 
"They can become taxpayers instead of tax users, and become independent again," Blind Center President and CEO Veronica Wilson said. Technological advances such as screen magnification and voice recognition software afforded this career path to the visually impaired, she notes. "The easiest way to adapt a job for the visually impaired is the computer."
 
There are an estimated 76,000 visually impaired persons statewide, and of those, 10,000 are legally blind, according to the center's figures.
 
The statistics also show the unemployment rate among the blind is 72 percent. In Nevada, 80 percent of the blind population lives below the poverty level, compared with the national average of 65 percent, the figures indicate.
 
Currently, the Blind Center has about 500 members receiving its free services. While membership has increased tenfold in the last half decade, Waldorf insists the center needs to expand its reach. He's confident there's enough electronic waste to accommodate the growth, considering the estimated 1,300 personal computers going out of service every day in Las Vegas.

 

According to a figure he cited in a presentation to the State Legislature last month, Nevada produces 23 million pounds of electronic waste per year.
 
 Among the center's stiffest competition in vying for that volume is ARC International Corporation, a national electronics recycling company that established a presence in North Las Vegas in February. Company officials say its facility can handle about 4 million pounds of this waste per year. ARC has been in negotiations with the Blind Center, although officials there declined to elaborate.
 
"They would buy some of what we collect," Waldorf said of the negotiations. Despite efforts to ramp up future recycling capacity, "I don't think we're coming close to (recycling) 10 percent (of the waste) here, even with ARC," Waldorf said.
 
"There's way more than enough room for many players. It's just a matter of jockeying for a position," he said.
 
But could private ventures be as successful in attracting taxpayer dollars to keep electronics products, which contain toxic materials, from contaminating landfills?
 
The Blind Center had a bill in the Legislature (AB 471) this session, which sought to fund additional equipment to enhance its recycling program. The bill lapsed during the session.

 

The equipment would have allowed the Blind Center to break down its own donated goods into raw materials - plastic, glass and metal. Becoming more self-contained would generate higher revenues, rather than outsourcing goods to companies like ARC, Waldorf explained.
 
The other leg-up the nonprofit Blind Center may have on private enterprises in attracting waste volume is the tax write-offs the public reaps for what it donates. ARC, which also takes in items on a donation basis, only offers less waste ending up in landfills.
 
However, the less experienced Blind Center must ensure it can match the capacity of private enterprises' capacity if it hopes to make the most of this advantage.
 
bstephens@lvbusinesspress.com | 871-6780 x316
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2007/06/08/news/iq_14776885.txt

 

Stay Active with Low Vision.

 

Newswise (press release) - USA
Monday, June 11, 2007.

 

Vision loss doesn't have to mean a loss of independence. An array of
assistive devices, certified specialists and the right attitude can help you
function with declining eyesight.
 
If you're among the estimated one of every 20 Americans with low vision, you
might feel as if you're confined to your home, dependent on loved ones and
unable to pursue your favorite hobbies.

 

But, it doesn't have to be that way, according to Cleveland Clinic's Men's
Health Advisor.

 

Although low vision-sight that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact
lenses or surgery-can have a significant effect on your life, help is
available. Vision and rehabilitation specialists can help you make the most
of your remaining vision, and an array of programs and optical devices can
allow you to maintain some independence and keep doing many of the things
you've always enjoyed.
 
"With a good attitude and the right person to help you learn to problem
solve and to find some of the basic solutions that you need, there certainly
is no reason why you can't continue to do the vast majority of things you
used to do," said Patrick Baker, MHS, OTR/L, CLVT, CDRS, a Cleveland Clinic
occupational therapist and low-vision rehabilitation specialist. "You don't
have to depend on everybody."

 

What is Low Vision?

 

Low vision most commonly results from eye disorders such as age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and cataracts, as well as diabetes
(diabetic retinopathy). Eye or brain injuries also may cause low vision, as
can retinitis pigmentosa, a rare inherited disorder that affects peripheral
and night vision.

 

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends regular eye exams every
two years for adults ages 41 to 60, annually for those 61 and older and more
frequently for people with diabetes or other eye-disease risk factors.
Usually, eye disorders are detected during these exams; however, once they
lose some vision, many people may be unsure where to turn next.

 

"Any time you're starting to lose functionality due to vision loss, it's
time to seek a low-vision exam from a certified low-vision specialist," said
Ann Laurenzi, O.D., a Cleveland Clinic optometrist.

 

Evaluating Low Vision

 

Unlike a standard eye exam, a low-vision exam concentrates more on how to
function with your condition, and your specialist will show you how to make
the most of your remaining eyesight. For example, a person with central
vision loss from AMD must adapt and be trained on how to function better
with his peripheral vision, Dr. Laurenzi said.

 

The process often requires a team of specialists, who will train you on the
types of vision aids and strategies you'll need. "In a lot of cases, it's
not just going out and getting equipment. It's finding out what you do, what
you want to do, what's hard to do and what's the best tool that's going to
help you resolve those issues," Baker said. He noted that occupational
therapists specializing in low vision can help patients not only use vision
aids, but also develop strategies to maintain a good quality of life.

 

Functioning with Low Vision

 

Vision aids are the key tools to help low-vision patients function. They may
include magnifying devices, ranging from simple magnifiers and telescopic
glasses, to complex closed-circuit TVs and battery-powered, head-mounted
video magnifiers.

 

If you're a reader, many books are available on audiotape, and many
newspapers are available online in large-print formats. Also, reading
machines can voice typewritten text placed on their scanning surfaces.

 

Many insurance plans do not cover vision aids, so you may have to pay for
them out of pocket.

 

Aside from vision aids, experimenting with lighting and contrast schemes can
help you function with low vision around the home. For example, use a dark
tablecloth with light-colored plates.

 

What You Can Do
Seek eye doctors and occupational therapists specializing in low vision.
Visit the American Optometric Association's Web site-www.aoa.org-to find a
specialist near you.
Work with your family members to develop an organizational plan for your
household, and follow it closely.
Work with your therapist to find the ideal lighting setup that maximizes
your vision, and experiment with contrast schemes, such as having dark
furniture on a light-colored rug.
 
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/530752/

 

Softpedia.com
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
 
A Blind User Would Choose Google as His Search Engine

 

By Bogdan Popa
 
Interesting test revealed that Google managed to beat Baidu
by Bogdan Popa, Security and Search Engines Editor
 
The Chinese company Intelliconsulting recently conducted a market research that revealed that Google finally managed to beat the Chinese rival Baidu after the users preferred the Mountain View company as their default search engine. The tests included 2,740 Chinese internet users who didn't know which search technology they use, having to choose the best one for a total of 8 categories such as news, Internet and technology, finance/business, entertainment, shopping/dining, travel/transportation, science/culture/education and government services/public information. According to the Search Engine Journal, Google was the winner with 48.2 percent while Baidu recorded only 39.8 percent.
 
"35.7% of the participants indicated that they didn't appreciate that Baidu's natural search results were mixed with advertising. The respondents also didn't like the fact that results don't include Chinese content from websites outside of China and that they don't seem objective. The instability of Google's website, thanks mostly to the great Chinese firewall, was seen as negative as well as having no page-caching. The fact that Google doesn't offer a search functionality for free mp3's and other downloadable entertainment was also not appreciated," the same source explained.
 
 The battle between Google and Baidu is extremely important for the Mountain View company as it strives to expand its products into the rich Chinese market. However, the local Google alias Baidu managed to attract the majority of users with its Google-like solutions. At this time, the search giant is probably thinking at new ways to conquer China after it opened a lot of new offices and designed new flavors of the products for the Chinese users. This is quite the most important win recorded by Google in the battle with Baidu so we should expect for new moves soon. Meanwhile, Baidu seems to like "the best defense is the attack" motto and prepares to start the European expansion.
 
http://news.softpedia.com/news/A-Blind-User-Would-Choose-Google-as-His-Search-Engine-57084.shtml#reviewForm

 

24Dash.com (UK)
Monday, June 11, 2007
 
Sussex: Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted
By Pam Caulfield
 
The first talking bus stops are being piloted
 
The first talking bus stops for the blind in Brighton and Hove are being trialled.
 
The five innovative bus stops will tell people which stop they are at and when the next bus is due.
 
Key fobs activate when its owner approaches a bus stop. The fob has two buttons allowing its user to prompt the bus stop to announce its locatio n and a second button to tell them when the next bus is due.
 
Blind Alison Evans, from Peacehaven, who will test the scheme, said: "I think the talking bus stops will definitely be helpful.
 
"At the moment I have to ask people which stop I'm at and when the next bus is coming.
 
"People are normally very good, but you're reliant on someone being there."
 
Once the trial has been completed, the systems will be fitted to a further 15 bus stops in Brighton and Hove.
 
Brighton and Hove City Council has worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to develop the scheme.
 
http://www.24dash.com/news/2/21673/index.htm

 

Hello there!  I'm Matt Chadwick at the business desk and today I'd like to spread the news about a growing demand for the development of small businesses in small towns across America. 

Too often we focus our attention on the development of small businesses in the big cities and larger towns; but what about the hundreds of thousands of small towns spread right across our country?  Too many persons often forget about the little guys and the smaller towns but this is quickly changing.  There is a growing trend towards the development of small businesses in the small towns.  In fact, many business experts are openly saying that if anyone is looking to start up a small business, the small town may be a better place to start.  How so?

A small town is smaller of course and it is much easier to listen to and understand the needs and demands of its inhabitants.  It is also much easier to get to know your consumers, and to also know your competition.  It is also easier to get things done, and to find ways to reach your consumer. 

In a small town, it is so much easier to advertise for example through the local newspapers, door to door advertising with brochures, through the use of flyers in the corner grocery stores, and of course by word of mouth.  It is also much easier to start a small business in a small town because you get to start off on a very small scale and then grow from there. 

A small town business is ideal for anyone who is looking to start small and start slowly.  However, if you're looking for fast results, to start off big, and to do everything in a big way, then you would be better advised to stay away from the small town business idea. 

The small business in a small town trend is only going to grow for at least the next 25 years for the following reasons.

More and more persons are choosing to settle in small towns across America.

With a rapidly aging population, small town consumers are going to need more and more services.

Many new immigrants to America are tending towards settling in small towns.

The American government is actively pushing for the development of small town businesses.

If you need more of an impetus then please check out our top business strategies page and go to the small town business idea link. 

 

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