"Activist: Obit: Harriet McBryde Johnson

The Wall St. Journal has a great article on the passing of Harriet McBryde Johnson who is listed as a "disability rights activist". I confess I was not aware of Mrs. McBryde before reading this obituary, but love her positions.

I particularly like the piece of the article about her work with "Jerry's Orphans"

"Ms. Johnson was part of a disability rights movement that had changed dramatically since the first Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethons in the 1960s, with their offensive references to "cripples" and their maudlin descriptions of "killer diseases." She worked with people like Mike Ervin, a former Muscular Dystrophy Association poster child who founded a group, "Jerry's Orphans," to protest the telethons; Ms. Johnson herself demonstrated every Labor Day on the streets of her hometown of Charleston, S.C. "

This is perhaps one of the most insideous issues in disability, is the telethon. It creates sympathy, perpetuates the "supercrip" idea, and instills fear. "No Pity: People with Disabilities forging a New Civil Rights Movement" by Joseph Shapiro has a great discussion of this issue.

Optimus Maximus Keyboard

Tekzilla has an interesting video on a new keyboard, that has previously only been in theory. The basic premise is that the keys are small computer screens 48 pixles x 48 pixles and allows the user to program each key with a specific image and / or function.
Primarily designed for graphic designers and other tech heavy occupations. This would allow the user to reduce the number of key strokes dramatically, by allowing the user to program the keyboard based on the program they're using. The demo of the keyboard runs from 14:21- 24:16minutes

The top end model, Optimus Maximus is $1800, though other models are available, even down to a 3 button version, called the Mini three, which will set you back $183.

No not specifically Assistive Tech, and quite cost prohibitive, I can see how this technology could in the future allow a user to have a keyboard or other programmable surface customized based on their environment, be that work, shopping, socializing or at home. It's currenty a very cool gadget for the truely devoted (and more wealthy tech lover).

Web Anywhere! Web based screen reader

The University of Washington News has a great article on a new web based software that will allow users who are blind or visually impaired to surf the web with the assistance of screen reader. The greatest benefit is that they can now use any internet connected computer, from the library or a friends house without having to worry whether they have the right software or downloading other programs.
The software basically frames the top of the page, and the web page the user is reading is below. The developers have plans to continue to develop the software to allow users to customize the voice, speed and pitch.

The service and demonstrations can be found at http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/.

Disability, self image and sexuality

A recent London Times article talks about the rise in popularity of doll portraying individuals with disabilities. They give the example of a doll manufacturer who produces dolls which resemble individuals with Down's syndrome, and how there has been a positive reception to them by individuals with disabilities. They also note:

"They are not the only “disability dolls” available on the market. Far from it. You can buy dolls with prosthetic limbs, walking frames, hearing aids, “blind” dolls complete with guide dogs. When Mattel launched Becky - Barbie's friend in a wheelchair - it sold out within two weeks. In the past few years, the toy industry has been waking up to the fact that it makes good financial sense to cater for overlooked consumer groups."

Okay, so these dolls aren't designed to fit the unrealistic Barbie expectations of beauty. How about a disabled model? This is just what a british show "Missing Model" is attempting to do (and no the contestants are not all amputees). Catwalk Queen has an interesting article about the show and how it's "shining a light on disability in the fashion industry"
The Guardian had an opinion piece about the same issue, and is similarly conflicted to myself.

And of all places, Fox news actually has a decent article which is actually shining a light on the reality of individuals with disabilties being sexual.

Is showing an individual with a disability as a doll, sexual being, model appropriate? Of course! I guess I object to the model show because its saying that these women are beautiful as models, but couldn't compare to a non-disabled model. Sometimes I feel like I should be thankful that there's an awareness of disability and that it can be sexy and worthy of a show. Good on them for recognizing that, but separate, no.

Behold the Fulgurator

The Fulgurator is an innocuous device that allows you to insert an image or text into any photograph by pointing it at the object being photographed. Though not visible to the naked eye, the text or image shows up on the picture.
Wired Article about the Fulgurator
Official Fulgurator site (via Google translator)

The video below shows the Fulgurator in action at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin.

Okay, so it' not disability related, but its still very cool.

"Existing Drug Reverses a Form of Mental Retardation in Mice"

Scientific American has an article about a drug that has apparently caused the reversal of a form of mental retardation "linked" to autism. The drug, rapamycin, is used in surgery to reduce the rejection of transplanted organs and was found to have other benefits.

Sir Hawking? Not likely!

Will Stephen Hawking be kinighted? He reportedly turned down the honor, "because of his apparent distaste for titles and his anger at the way in which the British government has handled scientific funding over the years." according to IT News. According to another article by IT News, the relvelation was made in correspondence released by Hawking.