HP iPAQ PC Accessible for the Blind

Published: Jun 20, 2007

The Canadian company VisuAide www.humanware.com recently presented the Maestro, the first fully accessible Pocket PC for the blind and visually impaired. The Maestro is a HP iPaq Pocket PC which is made fully accessible by VisuAide by using a speech synthesizer and a tactile keyboard that is on the iPaq.

All components of the Pocket PC are controlled by tactile keyboard and not by using a stylus (pen). Functions of the new Maestro include making text and speech notes, agenda functions and managing a contact list. The Maestro uses wireless techniques which make it possible to add external keyboards (Braille or standard).
 
The VisuAide Maestro can be extended by the Trekker, a GPS navigation system for the blind and visually impaired. It is also possible to install Daisy Software (Victor Reader) on the Maestro and is an extended addition to the existing solutions for this group of users.
 
Future extensions of the VisuAide Maestro are:

  • Internet browser
  • Email software
  • Mobile phone
  • Bluetooth head phone
     

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