ZoomNews August 2010 Volume 10 Issue 4
 

Buy One Get One Free Keyboards!

Image of the word sale on fireUntil we run out of them, we're offering you this
great deal: buy one classic ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard for $50 (plus shipping), get ONE FREE!

Just think - you can have one at home and one at work. Or maybe you have more than one computer at home that you'd like a keyboard for. Of course, if you're feeling generous, you can even give one out as a gift.

You can read about the differences between the classic keyboards and the "second generation" keyboards and you can also check out pictures of both versions.

Give us a call today to 800-859-0270 to get yours while they're still available!

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Survey Results

Cartoon image of a phoneThe June issue of ZoomNews polled our readers about the best cell phone out there for someone who is vision impaired, with a related question about phones that are great for texting. First off, congratulations to Christian Hugentobler whose name was chosen in the raffle from all the participants - he won a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate!

The top 5 phones nominated were:

  1. iPhone
  2. Jitterbug
  3. LG enV3
  4. Blackberry
  5. Nokia N82

I was really surprised at how much the iPhone really blew every other phone out of the water. Check out the entire table of results in either a PDF or an Excel spreadsheet. For the most complete information, you can read the document (in Word or PDF) that includes everyone's complete answers behind their choice of phone. I must warn you, it's very long, but it provides so much more information than the mere table can do.

Read on for this month's contest and another chance to win!

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New Contest

Image of MoneyWe're switching gears a little bit this issue and asking you to fill out a short survey that tells us a little more about you, how you got to know ZoomText, and things you are interested in. It shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes to complete. Here's the link to click on: www.surveymonkey.com/s/THVHV3Z.

We're really looking forward to looking through all the responses. Fill out the survey by August 31st to be entered into this month's raffle for a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate!

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Tech Support Profile: Gus Fleischmann

Picture of Gus FleischmannIf you've called our technical support department recently, you might have gotten Gus on the other end of the phone. He's one of our newest members of the team and what better way for you to get to know him a little better than to read about him in ZoomNews!

Gus grew up in the Boston area and received his economics degree from UMass Amherst. While his degree wasn't computer specific, he has found himself in a variety of computer related jobs over the years - as a systems analyst and programmer for John Hancock, then at a bunch of software startup companies in the Boston/Cambridge area, and now he's here in Vermont talking you through your ZoomText questions!

Having worked for many large companies, Gus is finding Ai Squared to be a perfect fit for him.

"I wasn't familiar with ZoomText prior to working here," said Gus. "It's a really cool product and I enjoy working for a company that has such an appreciative and understanding customer base. Patience on both ends really does go a long way - most problems we can resolve quickly, especially with our remote access capabilities."

Gus and his wife Sandy, a registered nurse, and his son Patrick, a college student, all live in a historic house in southern Vermont.

"We love it here in Vermont," said Gus. "We vacationed here many times but now we can call this area home."

Plus, there's no Boston traffic to contend with here in the Vermont mountains - you just can't beat that! When he's not busy answering your calls or responding to your emails, you might find Gus outside hiking, skiing, bicycling, or his latest interest - playing croquet! You can also see Gus "in action" in a bunch of the ZoomText tips and tricks videos on our blog.

Next time you get him on the phone, be sure to say hi - even though you'll have to excuse the fact that he's a lifelong Red Sox fan.

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Blog Highlights

Image of people standing around a globe

Ever want to watch some short ZoomText videos that will explain a feature or just show you a new tip or trick that you might not know about? Ever want to know what Ai Squared is thinking about? Ever want to read our reviews on products other than ZoomText? You're in luck - you can find all of that information right on our blog!

Everything is easily laid out in categories across the top of the page or you can just peruse what's on the homepage to read our latest posts. We'd love to hear what you think so feel free to leave comments! It's another fun way to connect with us and your peers who are vision impaired.

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Upcoming Webinar

Picture of people standing around a globeWe invite you to join our upcoming webinar entitled "ZoomText 9.1 and Adobe Reader". This free webinar will take place on August 10th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST and is geared toward ZoomText 9.1 users.

This webinar will concentrate on using ZoomText with Adobe Reader and PDF files. We will cover recommended settings and troubleshooting steps to help ZoomText Read PDF files.

It will be given by Product Support Specialist Gus Fleischmann along with Product Support manager Gary Walker. While it's free to participate, it is limited to 15 seats so send an email to training@aisquared.com today with "Adobe Reader" in the subject field along with your name and email address.

Check out our training page for a complete list of all upcoming educational opportunities.

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Fishing Blind

Image of the Blind Fishing logoPeriodically, we get email updates from Lawrence Euteneier, who is the Captain of Blind Fishing Boat .Com. The "Blind Fishing Boat" is a not-for-profit initiative to open up the sport of fishing to those living with vision loss. We thought it was definitely worth sharing with you!

From his website you learn that "as a fisher from the time he could walk, Lawrence has owned and operated a number of boats, ranging from 10-foot skiffs to an 18-foot powerboat. Lawrence also goes fishing at every opportunity, recreationally and commercially, in both fresh and salt water. He has fished for Salmon and Trout in Ontario's rivers, for shrimp on trawlers in the North Sea, Sword Fish in the South Pacific, King Fish in the Gulf of Mexico, and for Cod from wood Dories on Canada's East coast. Lawrence developed the Blind Fishing Boat to fish small in-land bodies of water for sport fish such as Bass, Pike, Walleye and Musky. In addition to fishing, Lawrence's present hobbies include paddling competitively on a Dragon boat team made up of individuals with little or no sight."

You can keep up with all his latest news and check out some fishing tips at his website, www.blindfishingboat.com.

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Cool Websites

Image of a smiley face with sunglasses onZoomText user Kathy Kalaluhi sent in a bunch of websites that she thought other ZoomText users would find interesting and helpful. We like the idea so much that this may become a regular "column" in ZoomNews! Below were her suggestions and if you'd like to submit any websites for the next issue, please email them to Becca at rproskin@aisquared.com!

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In the News

Image of stack of newspapersBlind rowing team set to compete in Oklahoma regatta - Oklahoma's first blind rowing team competed in a regatta on the Oklahoma River.

Seniors dance to better mobility and quality of life - A study was conducted to see if dancing the tango actually improves mobility, balance and overall wellness in senior patients suffering from limited or declining eyesight. In a related story, read about a group of young people in Florida who are dancing despite their vision impairments.

Retina created from stem cells - Scientists have succeeded in creating a retina from human embryonic stem cells.

Third Eye Insight: Martial Arts for the visually impaired - Read the story about Sensei Devin Fernandez, whose visual impairment inspired him to found Third Eye Insight.

North Carolina aquarium offers new exhibit for visually impaired - The exhibit - Fantastic! Weird and Wonderful Adaptations for Survival in the Sea - offers life-size fish and marine life models built for hands-on exploration.

Innovative shopping gadget for elderly designed - Talking gizmo for supermarket carts could help millions of elderly along with people who are vision impaired.

Through Virginia's Eyes - Painting with Macular Degeneration - Virginia Doyle, a renowned artist who also has macular degeneration, has graciously lent her work to Benetech/Bookshare for display on conference room and hall walls. In related news, two blind women took top prizes in a statewide art competition in California.

Students with vision impairments retrace Oregon and California National Historic Trails - A combination of modern technology and hands-on interpretation is helping a group of students from the Kansas State School for the Blind on an expedition of discovery.

Accessible curling for players who are blind and/or in a wheelchair - Read about how those with vision impairments or mobility restrictions can still participate in curling.

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Tradeshow Schedule

Image of tradeshowWe've been having a blazing hot summer in Vermont this year and our tradeshow schedule is just following suit! If you're planning on attending any of these shows, be sure to stop by and see what's new with us.

Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) Low Vision Technology Fair
September 16th, 2010
Albany, NY

Envision Conference
September 22nd - September 25th, 2010
San Antonio, TX

New England Library Association (NELA) Conference
October 17th - October 19th, 2010
Boxborough, MA
Booth #207

Vision Midwest Conference
October 22nd - October 24th, 2010
Madison, WI

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Chicago Conference
October 27th - October 30th, 2010
Schaumburg, IL
Booth #309

National Ergonomics Conference & Exposition (NECE)
December 1st - December 3rd, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
Booth #241

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