Hi Folks,

         I'm new to your listserv. I wanted to first introduce myself and
then tell you about a very exciting project that will interest you if you
are visually impaired or work with people who are visually impaired.  I'm a
low vision person myself who prepares teachers of visually impaired
children at the University of Arizona.  About 2 years ago I met a man named
Steve Landau who owns Touch Graphics Company.    Touch Graphics  has begun
work on a sophisticated Authoring Tool that will allow teachers of blind
and visually impaired students to create their own talking tactile pictures
for the talking tactile tablet, a new computer peripheral device.  The
Talking Tactile Tablet, better known as the TTT, is an innovative device
that plugs into the USB port of a computer.  With the Authoring Tool
software package simple to complex graphics with audio capabilities can be
created in just a matter of minutes.
         Under a 2 year grant from the National Institute for Disability
and Rehabilitation Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services of the United States Department of Education Touch Graphics
Company will be giving away 75 TTTs and the Authoring Tool software
package.  A contest is being held April 1 to July 31, 2004.  To learn more
about the TTT and to enter the contest visit the web site:
http://www.ttt-at.com/  We have a demo. of the TTT and Authoring Tool that
will show you the power of this new and exciting tool.
         As a person with a visual impairment myself and as someone who
prepares teachers, I think the TTT is really going to enhance access to
tactile graphics for children and adults with visual impairments.  I'd be
happy to share more information with any of you.  Please feel free to
contact me at [log in to unmask]

Penny



L. Penny Rosenblum
University of Arizona
520-621-1223 (office)
520-621-3821 (fax)
Visit my web page at http://www.ed.arizona.edu/rosenblum