@Freedom Scientific Newsletter
New TOPAZ XL High Definition Video Magnifier Line
This month, we unveiled another breakthrough in assistive technology with a line of high definition desktop video magnifiers called TOPAZ® XL HD.
"Our TOPAZ XL has become an indispensable tool for many people, allowing them to once again read bills, bank statements, and other personal documents independently, and store them on their PC for later retrieval," says Brad Davis, Freedom Scientific’s Vice President of Hardware.
| “Now our new HD models offer improved reading efficiency, because the clear high contrast image, even at magnification levels below 2x, can fit more text on the screen than ever before. For many users, this means they can display an entire standard page of text across a widescreen monitor and read comfortably without moving their document back and forth under the camera." | 
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Other video magnifiers can share their monitor with a PC to save desk space, but the TOPAZ XL HD goes beyond that. With Freedom Scientific’s optional GEM™ software, low vision users can bring the magnified image to their PC, control the TOPAZ XL HD from the keyboard, and work in multiple split screen views so that they see their magnified document and their application at the same time. Users can quickly capture multiple images, review them with a single keystroke, and select which ones to save.
The new TOPAZ XL HD line offers 20-inch, 22-inch, and 24-inch widescreen models, as well as 17-inch standard monitor and camera only models. These new video magnifiers are available now. Check our High Definition TOPAZ XL page for details.
JAWS 13 December Update Available
Freedom Scientific is committed to ensuring that you get the latest advances in screen reading technology. As a user of our JAWS® screen reading software, you receive frequent updates with feature enhancements. Our December update has now been released.
This update includes enhancements to Research It and improved support for:
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Excel
- Internet Explorer
- Firefox
- Microsoft Outlook, including better responsiveness
- Microsoft Word
By default, JAWS will notify you that the update is available, and prompt you to download it. If you’d like the full install, or to read further on the changes in this version, visit the What's New in JAWS 13 page on our Web site.
Save $250 on all ONYX Deskset XL Models
Freedom Scientific’s popular ONYX® Deskset XL portable magnification cameras have made a difference in a wide variety of settings.
At school, they go where the student goes. It’s easy to take the ONYX Deskset XL from class to class; between home and school; or anywhere crisp, clear magnification is needed.
In libraries, they are unleashing the power of the printed page to readers with low vision.
In many vocational settings, they facilitate getting the job done with less stress and more efficiency.
The flexible camera and multiple views manage a wide range of tasks effortlessly, from viewing a whiteboard to magnifying the document in front of you.
Now, until March 31, 2012, Freedom Scientific has reduced the price of all ONYX Deskset XL models by $250. There’s never been a better time to obtain the highest performing distance camera available today.
Promotional Pricing:
- ONYX Deskset XL 17-inch $2,345
- ONYX Deskset XL 19-inch $2,545
- ONYX Deskset XL 22-inch $2,745
All models come complete with rolling carrying case.
To learn more, visit the ONYX Deskset XL product page or phone Freedom Scientific at 1-800-444-4443.
Join Freedom Scientific at ATIA Orlando
The Assistive Technology Industry Association will once again hold its January conference at:
Caribe Royale All Suite Hotel and Convention Center
8101 World Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
This year, the conference begins on Wednesday, January 25 and concludes on Saturday, January 28.
Exhibit Information
In the exhibit hall, pay us a visit at booths 800 and 801. If you’re in the area and want to have hands-on time with the latest innovations from Freedom Scientific, take advantage of a free exhibit hall pass.
Exhibit hours are:
- Wednesday, January 25 – 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Thursday, January 26 – 10:15 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Friday, January 27 – 10:15 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, January 28 – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Topics and Times of Freedom Scientific Sessions
- Thursday, January 26 – 9:20 AM – 10:20 AM
Accessible Online Training Available for JAWS and MAGic Users
Presenters: Dan Clark, Ryan Jones
Location: Bonaire 3-4 - Thursday, January 26 – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Instant Spoken, Braille, and Large Print Access to Printed Text
Presenter: Dusty Voorhees
Location: Antigua 3 - Friday, January 27 - 12:05 PM – 12:25 PM
Portable Devices: Expanding Material Access from School, Home and Beyond
Presenter: Mike Wood
Location: Product Demo Center - Friday, January 27 - 2:35 PM – 3:35 PM
Software and Video Magnification Solutions for Low Vision Students
Presenter: Brad Davis
Location: Antigua 4
From the Training Department
JAWS Certification Exam Updated for JAWS 13
Do you manage a government agency or business that engages in assistive technology training? Are your trainers JAWS Certified? You need to know about the JAWS Certification program. The JAWS Certification exam has been updated for JAWS 13. Make sure your staff has access to all the latest knowledge and are equipped to offer the best training to your clients and customers.
For more information about this program, visit the JAWS Certification Program page.
New Free and Paid Webinars; Hands-On Workshops Posted for 2012
New Webinars and workshops have been posted online by the Freedom Scientific Training Department for the first part of 2012. New items include:
Free Webinars
- Using JAWS with Firefox® - January 11
- Internet and Computer Security with JAWS - January 25
- JAWS and iTunes® - February 8
- Webinar Training Room Orientation - February 15
- Using the PLEXTALK to Read NLS, Bookshare, and Learning Ally Books - February 22
- Surf's Up! Surfing the Internet with JAWS and MAGic, Lessons One through Six - March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, & 11
- Internet Explorer 9 with JAWS - April 25
Visit the Free Webinars page for more information or to register for the Webinars listed above.
Paid Webinars
- Outlook 2010 - January 10, 12, & 19 - $29
- Excel 2010 - February 7, 9, & 16 - $29
- PowerPoint 2010 - March 6, 8, & 15 - $29
- Web Page Testing with JAWS - March 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, & 29 - $29
- JAWS for Teachers and AT Trainers - April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, May 1, 3, 8, & 10 - $49
Visit the Paid Webinars page for more information or to register for the Webinars listed above.
Hands-on Workshops
- Basics of Scripting with JAWS and MAGic - April 16 through 20
- Script Development with JAWS and MAGic - April 23 through 27
Visit the Training Workshops page for more information or to register for the hands-on workshops listed above.
Tips from the Training Department
Did you know that you can maximize a program window in Windows 7 with just one simple keystroke? A window that is maximized covers the entire screen and often allows for better reading results from JAWS or MAGic®. Simply press WINDOWS KEY+UP ARROW in Windows 7 to maximize the current window. If you are using an earlier version of Windows such as Vista or XP, press ALT+SPACEBAR followed by X to maximize the window. Note that these keystrokes are Microsoft shortcut commands and will work even if JAWS or MAGic are not running. Try it out the next time you have a document or program open to experience the best reading by JAWS or MAGic.
For working with two windows side-by-side you can tile them so that they each take one half of the screen. The Windows 7 keystrokes for tiling windows are WINDOWS Key+LEFT or RIGHT ARROW.
Teacher Has High Praise for WYNN
Sugar Salem High School in Idaho recently received a grant that enabled them to use WYNN™ literacy software for their students with reading challenges. Jim Winn implemented the software. Jim uses WYNN, his sons use WYNN, and WYNN is now used at Sugar Salem High School, where Jim teaches. After all this experience with WYNN, Jim has some very nice things to say:
“I am excited to share what I have experienced with WYNN as a part of my educational experience. Here is a list of how WYNN has impacted individuals and our educational culture.
- When I had to pass my doctoral comprehensive exam, I used WYNN along with voice recognition. It was a 16-hour test where I needed to answer essay questions. I depended on WYNN to read back what I voiced in. With this tool I had no fragmented sentences or missing words. When I could hear and see the words I easily passed the exam. In no way could I have passed my exam without the use of these tools.
- My two sons use WYNN to read through textbooks and novels. It gives them confidence and reduces stress as they try to get their homework done.
- At school we use WYNN in our reading class and in our English classes. It has given parents and students hope and confidence that there is an alternate route to reading.
This doesn't express how important I think WYNN is. It is a struggle to express all that I feel and think about how WYNN can impact the current educational culture and how it can help students.”
FSCast Features iOS5 and Focus 40 Blue, Timothy Risby, Bill McCann
The November edition of FSCast demonstrates some of the new Braille features available to Apple’s iOS5 users who have Freedom Scientific’s Focus 40 Blue Braille display.
We then hear from Timothy Risby. Suddenly blinded, he picked himself up, learned about JAWS, and started his own business.
The December edition features an interview with Bill McCann, founder of Dancing Dots. He tells the story of how he and his company changed the way blind people make and read music.
You won’t want to miss an episode, and you won’t if you subscribe to FSCast. The subscription is free, and delivers notification right to your computer when new FSCasts are released. If you did miss a previous FSCast, catch up by visiting the FSCast archives to download FSCast episodes in MP3.
Remember, with JAWS now providing excellent support for iTunes, you can subscribe to FSCast through the iTunes Store.
Holiday Greetings
All of us at Freedom Scientific wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season, and look forward to serving you with more innovations in 2012.
Freedom Scientific's Mission
To develop, manufacture, and market technology-based products that provide equal access to information and computing for those with vision impairments or learning disabilities.
