Multiple Platform Braille Access

Keeping pace with constant change...it's one of the biggest challenges facing today's computer users. Because versatility is the key to gaining the competitive edge in the work force, TeleSensory strives to offer our customers integrated braille access to a wide variety of applications.  In fact, TeleSensory is the only company to provide visually impaired people with so many options for accessing the world's most popular computing platforms!

ScreenPower for Windows 95
ScreenPower for Windows 95 (SPWin95) puts the strength and flexibility of Microsoft Windows in an easy-to-use screen reading package. Taking advantage of longer display lengths of the PowerBraille 65 and 80, ScreenPower allows users to display information from different parts of the Windows environment on the braille display. The split display feature allows users to read multiple areas of an application at the same time. Users can even access the Internet through SPWin95.

SPWin95 identifies elements by function, presenting them in a logical and consistent order. Icons, scroll bars, buttons and dialog boxes are all immediately understandable and accessible. Plus, SPWin95 features integrated braille and speech access--allowing users to decide which information is spoken and which is shown on the braille display. 

Two Access Modes
SPWin95 also allows users to choose between access modes. Overview Mode provides an accurate overview of the visual layout of the screen, and the ability to read by character, word, line or the entire window. Explore Mode allows complete access to all Windows' levels. It also eliminates the need for memorizing and guessing. Any screen object or function can be readily located, identified and selected. 

More Windows Options
TeleSensory's PowerBraille family of products also work with other popular Windows applications Windows 3.1 and Windows NT.

Windows  3.1
ScreenPower for Windows was the first popular access product designed specifically for braille access. Windows' Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides so much more information than earlier DOS text-based programs did, however it's a more challenging environment for visually impaired computer users. Braille output makes it easy and efficient to navigate even the most complex Windows screens.

Windows NT
TeleSensory has worked closely with third party vendors to make the PowerBraille the display of choice in the Windows NT operating system. Contact TeleSensory for more information about available access to Windows NT.

Braille Explorer for OS/2
While speech access for OS/2 has been available for quite some time through IBM's popular Screenreader/2, braille access has been more elusive. Now, with the introduction of Braille Explorer for OS/2, that's all changed! Using the Screenreader Profile Access Language, Braille Explorer is a custom set of profiles that support braille output to PowerBraille braille displays. Braille Explorer for OS/2 provides integrated braille and speech output for the best of both worlds. Additionally, with the PowerBraille's touch sensor strip, braille users can easily place the mouse pointer on a desired word, character or icon in any window and click on it--increasing user efficiency!

Hypertext and Web Links
Part of the power of a graphical user interface lies in the concept of "hypertext links," highlighted words or phrases that, when clicked, lead the user to related information about the phrase. Hypertext links are what allow "web surfing" and exploring other online information. Braille Explorer for OS/2 identifies these links wherever they appear using the 7th and 8th dot of the braille display, easily distinguishing the link from normal text. Once a desired link is found, all it takes is a quick "point  and click" with the touch sensor strip and Braille Explorer follows the link to where you want to go!

DOS Access
With the flexible and easy-to-use ScreenPower software products, blind or visually impaired users have access to most DOS text-based products. With features like automatic announcement of screen changes, automatic soft cursor and highlight bar tracking, forms processing options, flexible hot key mapping and macro's ScreenPower for DOS makes working with applications easy and powerful.

Access to UNIX
In the past, UNIX users had to use a DOS-based computer connected to a UNIX system to gain access. But now there are new options. Third party developers have made UNIX directly accessible through TeleSensory's PowerBraille refreshable braille displays. 

Developers at Oregon State University have created a direct UNIX interface based on the program "Screen" which was first developed at the University of Erlangen in Germany. Screen allows a terminal to view several different processes, typically interactive UNIX shells. Modification to Screen allows the user to directly view each session on a braille display. Screen runs under different architectures including Sparc, HP300 and HP800, with various UNIX operating systems to offer broad-based UNIX access.

Another UNIX option is BRLLTY. This software allows access to the console of a UNIX system running Linux (kernel version 1.1.92 on or later) on a PC or DEC-Alpha. Features include full implementation of standard screen review function, display of capital letters and character attributes, online help and multiple braille tables.

How To Get UNIX Access Programs
The modified SCREEN program is supported by developers at Oregon State University and is available as shareware on the World Wide Web. BRLLTY is also available on the Web. Visit TeleSensory's web page for direct links to these sites on the Web at http://www.telesensory.com.

Product Warranty
All of TeleSensory's products come with a one-year hardware warranty and a 90-day software warranty against defects in manufacturing and workmanship.

Customer Support
TeleSensory's extensive customer support, from local sales representatives and dealers to full factory service, is all available with a toll-free call. Our experienced support professionals provide technical assistance and training and are accessible to users by fax and e-mail, as well as by telephone. Likewise, our Web Page provides up-to-the-minute information on TeleSensory products, and our friendly staff is always glad to provide product information and locations where TeleSensory products are sold.

About TeleSensory
TeleSensory has been providing information access products for visually impaired people for more than 25 years. Through system integration, our products provide solutions to a wide variety of needs. Designed, developed and manufactured  in the USA, TeleSensory products are available around the world from factory authorized and trained

To obtain more information about TeleSensory braille displays, access software, embossers, synthetic speech or optical character recognition systems, call toll free (within the USA) 1-800-286-8484. Or browse our website at http://www.telesensory.com.

Specifications subject to change without notice, patents pending.
Braille Explorer for OS/2 is a joint project between TeleSensory and Bay Area Digital.
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

TeleSensory
465 N. Bernardo Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043-5237
Tel: (415) 960-0920/(800) 286-8484
Fax: (415) 960-0464

