Best in Tech Conference 2011

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Speakers and Resources

Dr. Brett Nagatani, Director of technology at The Center for the Partially Sighted, discussed the new voice activation feature of the CDESK  software. Dr. Nagatani can be reached by email at: BNagatani1980@gmail.com or by phone at: 310-988-1970 ext.109.
 

Mike Goldberg spoke about Magic screen magnification and the new Magic keyboard  from Freedom Scientific. He can be contacted at: FullSpec1@aol.com.


Mike Arrigo, well known for his many informative podcasts heard on: www.blindcooltech.com discussed current and future accessibility features of the Android operating system. He also gave recommendations for the best types of Android phones to get with several of the major carriers. He can be contacted via email at: n0oxy@charter.net.


 Julian Vargas, portable assistive technology specialist and vice president of the NFBC San Fernando Valley Chapter, talked about how he uses the iPhone 4S along with several innovative apps to function and travel with greater ease and independence.

He can be reached by email at: prtblaccess@gmail.com or by phone at: 818-794-9554.
 

Brian Albriton, Reader Services Coordinator and BARD Administrator at the Braille Institute Library, talked about the Braille Pen. This is a small and very portable Braille keyboard with Braille display that pairs to an IOS device for easier input of data. For more information about the Braille Pen listen to this informative podcast or contact Larry Lewis, President and Founder of Flying Blind, LLC by email: Larry.Lewis@Flying-Blind.com or phone: 216-381-8107.


Robert Stigile, president of the NFBC San Fernando Valley Chapter and first vice president of the state board of the NFBC, spoke about the options and features available on several of today’s Notetakers including his favorite, the BrailleNote Apex.

He can be reached by email at: rstigile@sbcglobal.net or by phone at: 818-419-5331.

 

Keith Christian, teacher for the visually impaired, talked about the BookPort Plus from APH (American Printing House). He explained how this multi-functioned digital book player and recording device can be used as an effective teaching tool.

He can be reached by email at: KeithChristian@Roadrunner.com.

 

Dr. Tina McDonald,a low vision rehabilitation Specialist at the Center for the Partially Sighted and an adjunct Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry talked about e-book readers, specifically the very popular Kindle Fire and the iPad 2.

She can be reached by email at: tmacdonald@low-vision.org

 

Dr. Francisca Escobar, a Low vision Specialist at Encino Optometric, talked about the Ruby portable video magnifier from Freedom Scientific She can be reached by email: fescobar@encinooptometric.com or by phone:  818-986-8860.

 

Dr. Bill Takeshita, Chief of optometry, Center for the Partially Sighted, talked about the latest generation of video magnifiers that can also scan and read text aloud.

He can be reached by email at: bill@drbillfoundation.org Or, by phone at: 310-988-1970

 

Leslie Burkhardt, A Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist at the Braille Institute, talked about  how to become a wise consumer by sharing invaluable tips on improving your ability to select effective assistive technology.

She can be reached by email at: lburkhardt@brailleinstitute.org or by phone at: 323-663-1111, ext. 1315.

 

Terri Howell talked about Special Phones and Services available to California residents free of charge through the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) For more information please visit: www.californiaphones.com  or call: 800-806-1191.

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