[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] Luke Skywalker, sculpture, streaming media, cell phones, dance, theater, exhibition, photography, garden, artist

[Lisa Yayla]

http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/NEWS01/705270341/1002
excerpt
There was plenty of foot traffic at Art in the Park for wood sculptor 
Michael Costello, of Willis. Costello not only sold two sculptures by 
mid-afternoon (his works on display, a mix of Asian, African and Native 
American art, fetch anywhere from $600 to $3,000), he also nabbed Best 
in Show, pocketing a cool $1,000. However, Costello's biggest thrill of 
the day, he said, occurred when a young blind girl ran her fingers 
across a sculpture "and the light bulb went on. It was indescribable."

excerpt

DARPA to Build Star Wars Binoculars
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/04/soldierportable.html
http://neuroengineering.blogspot.com/2007/05/newron-vol-i-issue-x-4-20-07.html
The wild folks at DARPA <http://www.darpa.mil/> have a plan to build 
some super-duper Star Wars binoculars that true to the original movie, 
would allow soldiers to see miles off into the distance, day or night, 
warning them of potential threats almost immediately. They've even 
dubbed the technology "Luke's Binoculars 
<http://blog.wired.com/defense/files/ct2ws_13mar07_qanda_v2_1.pdf>," 
though the official name is the more staid "Cognitive Technology Threat 
Warning System 
<http://www.darpa.mil/sto/solicitations/SN07-20/index.html>."

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=software&articleId=9014186&taxonomyId=18&intsrc=kc_feat
Q&A: IBM seeks to make streaming media accessible to visually impaired
Todd R. Weiss
March 26, 2007 (Computerworld) IBM researcher Chieko Asakawa has been 
blind since she was 14 years old. Since joining IBM in Japan in 1985, 
she has worked on myriad projects to improve accessibility for the 
visually impaired. Asakawa, now a senior accessibility researcher at 
IBM's Tokyo Research Laboratory, has been working on nonvisual computer 
interfaces in an effort to improve Web accessibility and usability for 
the visually impaired and others with special needs. She helped develop 
the IBM Home Page Reader in 1997 and a digital Braille system and three 
key applications, including a Braille Editing System to allow users to 
easily input and edit Braille using an ordinary keyboard and monitor. In 
2004, she and her team also previewed a disability simulator that helps 
Web designers ensure that their pages are accessible and usable by 
visually impaired users. And over the last year, she and a team of four 
researchers have been working to make it possible for blind and visually 
impaired users to access multimedia content online, using a keyboard to 
control media player software. She discussed her work last week via 
e-mail from Tokyo.

Excerpts from that interview follow:

IBM researcher Chieko AsakawaAs a visually impaired researcher and 
active Internet user, was this project motivated by your personal 
situation -- knowing that all kinds of Web content was out there that 
you and other visually impaired people couldn't access? Increasingly, I 
have been facing difficulties where I simply could not access Web 
content easily. I recently conducted a survey and found that most of the 
tested Web sites with multimedia content were not accessible. Based on 
this result and my personal experience, I fear that if we don't take any 
action, it will broaden the digital gap between the sighted and the 
blind. Today, accessibility for static HTML has been well established in 
various aspects, including technical, guidelines and regulations. And 
indeed, static Web contents have helped us narrow the gap. I felt that 
there should be ways to help narrow the gap concerning multimedia 
content's accessibility.
The tool set provides the user with keyboard-controlled ways to run some 
media player applications, such as starting the video, stopping it, 
rewinding it, etc.? Without the tool set, these functions can't be 
controlled with a keyboard? The tool is compatible with Windows Media 
Player and Flash. Users only need to know a unified shortcut key 
operation to run video and animation. Previously, these functions could 
not be controlled by using a keyboard since the images that are up on 
the Web sites are only controllable by pointing and clicking a mouse, 
especially for embedded players in Web pages. Only very rarely, there 
might be a case where there are play/stop and volume up/down buttons 
that can be operated with a keyboard. However, it is hardly possible to 
find out the existence of such buttons while video is playing due to 
conflicts with screen reading software.

Once you identified the problem, how did you come up with your ideas for 
accessing streaming media, video and other visual content online? First, 
I thought if we can provide a function to separately control volume, at 
least, we will be able to hear multimedia sound and screen reader sound. 
Technically, it was not easy to provide such a function. However, given 
the inability to access multimedia content pages, we did not give up; we 
thought we could find the way. Second, it's really frustrating to wait 
until inaccessible pages become accessible [by page designers who know 
to prepare content for visually impaired users]. If we can make 
inaccessible pages accessible by providing external metadata, we can 
significantly shorten the time to access such pages. We developed a tool 
[that] analyzes and adapts external metadata dynamically, and it can 
generate accessible pages on the fly on the client side.

Can you describe the tool set that you developed? What computer language 
is it written in? How does it work? How does it interact with other 
programs such as media players? The tool is mostly written in Java, and 
works as a standalone application for users. When a user starts the 
application, it gives the same experience as when you open Internet 
Explorer and surf any Web pages. Once a user opens a Web page, the 
browser automatically analyzes multimedia objects inside the page, then 
the browser [establishes] a connection to each multimedia object. 
Currently, it has adaptors for [Adobe] Flash and Windows Media Player. A 
part of the adaptors are written in C++.

Usually, multimedia content is only designed for mouse operation, so it 
is impossible or too hard to operate by using a keyboard. The tool has a 
function to provide an alternative text-based interface to the content 
based on manually created XML metadata. Someone needs to create the 
metadata manually, but once created, usability of the site is 
drastically improved. It also provides functions to add audio 
descriptions to movies based on XML metadata. Audio descriptions are 
usually created by content creators as an additional sound track of a 
movie. While descriptions should be authored manually in advance, our 
tool provides a cost effective way for anyone who wants to create [and 
add] the audio description [later] to help blind users. Without making 
any changes to the content itself, the attached XML metadata information 
can synchronize with the video.

Lastly, the tool has a function [that] controls speech rate. Visually 
impaired users are well accustomed to high-speed voice, since we are 
using screen readers [that read text aloud for the user] every day. As 
for videos, it is better to provide speed control functions, but it was 
technically difficult. So, we developed some technology to control 
speech rate of any types of players, including Flash, Media Player and 
any types of media content can be sped up by using the tool.

What is the project's status today? Is it ready for download by 
interested users? When will it be possible for others to try it? We plan 
to open source this tool in the near future, and once that is done, we 
hope to discuss in detail how to make it available for downloading by 
interested users. Technically speaking, basic functions of the tool are 
almost ready to be tried out by users, but first, we would like to 
conduct some usability tests to make sure to what extent the tool should 
provide information to users.

Using the program, a visually impaired user can also use screen-reader 
software that will describe what is occurring on the screen in a video? 
How does that work? This tool can work with screen reading software. 
Screen reader software is an eye for visually impaired users. Without 
having the tool, users face a hard time not being able to listen to 
screen reader software since the streaming video [soundtracks] disturb 
it. The tool lets users use shortcut key operations to control the level 
of both sounds from screen reader software and from the video 
soundtrack. Also, users can use shortcut operations to adjust volume of 
both sounds.

How has the tool kit changed your use of the Internet so far? Can you 
describe how it has enhanced or changed your experience with these forms 
of media? It has changed it a lot. Before having this tool, I avoided 
pages with multimedia content since I knew I will hardly get information 
from such Web sites. This tool has given me opportunities to access Web 
sites, and it made me realize that I was missing a lot of good 
information [that] has been made available on the Net. By not bothering 
with multimedia rich contents, I simply was not aware of that fact, and 
the tool made me realize it. I now know good educational animation 
content made available as part of the Japanese e-government initiative, 
I can understand a lot more about Disney, which I sincerely adore, and I 
can now review online TV news while I am on business trips to update 
myself in real time of what's going on around the globe.

It's wonderful to be able to access video and animation on the Net to 
broaden my horizon. But, to make that truly happen, we are hoping that 
volunteers, content creators, developers and content providers show 
their interest in creating metadata [that] can be attached to the tool 
to help make users' experience of visiting the multimedia content sites 
more comfortable and seamless.

What other research and additional features can you envision being 
brought into the tool kit in the future? Are there still capabilities 
you'd like to see added for users? I do think we need to provide easier 
methods to author metadata to help increase the metadata, which will 
provide smooth and comfortable user experience as users visit Web sites. 
Also, we want to provide ways to help developers to learn and check 
their content's accessibility easily and effectively. We are trying to 
make other media players controllable, such as QuickTime and RealPlayer. 
It will widen coverage of the tool.

Are you using this application regularly now in your Web browsing? I am 
using this tool to access multimedia content, such as YouTube and news 
TV sites in my leisure hours. But currently, I am usually using it to 
test the tool. While testing, I am finding every day how multimedia 
content pages are designed to be visually attractive, but are not being 
developed with any consideration of accessibility. It will still take 
some time [for visually impaired users] to completely enjoy some 
multimedia sites. However, we want to try our best to make it happen.


excerpt 
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=mobile_devices&articleId=291724&taxonomyId=75&intsrc=kc_feat
Cell Phones Now Helping to Guide the Blind
In Stockholm, wireless technology helps blind people navigate independently.

May 14, 2007 (Computerworld) -- Although Sweden’s reputation for 
extremely generous social welfare services is somewhat exaggerated, the 
country is at the forefront of using IT and telecommunications to help 
the elderly and disabled remain as autonomous as possible. This allows 
those in need to maintain their dignity and reduces expenditures for 
publicly financed social workers and personal assistants.

One of the most challenging projects has been an effort to develop a 
system for guiding the sight-impaired and blind with voice advisories 
from their mobile phones. The navigation system is the first high-tech, 
software-related project to be undertaken as part of the city of 
Stockholm’s Project of Easy Access for the visually impaired, which has 
hitherto been a program of rebuilding sidewalk curbs, building 
wheelchair ramps and making other adjustments to Stockholm’s physical 
infrastructure.

Swedish firm Mobile Sorcery AB is developing the software for the 
prototype system, which uses a Nokia 6300 Symbian phone with earphones 
and a separate GPS unit linked to the phone through Bluetooth SIG 
technology. The application linking a geographic information system 
(GIS) to the guidance system is provided by Astando AB, another Swedish 
company.


http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107377.html
/Local Time 11 AM-1 PM/ by Noah Haidle, directed by Mark Brokaw. "/Local 
Time/ takes its cue from the TV show '24,' albeit onstage without Kiefer 
Sutherland or terrorists. The entire project consists of 12 two-hour 
real-time plays that take place over 24 hours in the life of a town. 
Minor characters in one play become major ones in another. /Local Time/ 
opens with two stories performed on opposite sides of the stage that do 
not appear to have much to do with one another. On one side a painter is 
going blind in real time as she paints her last painting; on the other, 
two fetuses, waiting to emerge from the womb, debate the consequences of 
being born."


excerpt http://www.uncg.edu/ure/news/stories/2007/April/seniors041607.htm
The program includes:
• “Truly a richer brew” by Camerin Allgood McKinnon incorporates dance 
into all five senses. Her interest in multi-sensory dance was inspired 
by her 18-year-old blind brother and his reflections on dance concerts. 
The dance creates the full atmosphere of a coffee shop, while reflecting 
on the coffee shop experience through movement.

article video also of exhibition
http://cbs4denver.com/entertainment/local_story_145210105.html
Blind Artists Show Off 'Must Feel' Art

Shaun Boyd
Reporting

(CBS4) LOUISVILLE, Colo. Blind artists will share their ideas and their 
work with the world at a show this weekend in Louisville.
The show will be an eclectic mix of original works from paintings to 
copper panels and illuminated sculptures to stained glass.
The art is as individual as it is unconventional and you don't have to 
see to appreciate it.
The judge of the show, Jim Stevens, is blind and half the artists have 
disabilities.
"If you have the need, you find a way," Stevens said.
Stevens lost all but two percent of his vision in the Vietnam War and 
now he is world renowned for his scrimshaw. He judges the creations by 
what he feels.
"That's one of the unique things about this show," Stevens said. "It 
tries to get people to think about art and see art in a way that 
broadens their horizon."
Diane Bergstrom, who has a traumatic brain injury, has pieces on display.
"I have to look at my calendar everyday to know what year it is, what 
month it is and what I'm supposed to be doing," Bergstrom said.
Her injury made her lose memory, but not her eye for beauty. She'll said 
she's a better artist now.
"Art is such a process and it requires patience," Bergstrom said. "I'm 
much more patient."
The show opens Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Louisville Center for 
the Arts and runs through June 3.


excerpt
http://www.actuphoto.com/photographie_5077

Albert also has created the photography for hundreds of successful 
advertising campaigns for major corporations, such as the Gap, Levi’s, 
Revlon and Chanel, and he has directed more than 600 TV commercials. All 
the while, Albert has spent much of his time working on personal 
projects, creating stunning images from his travels, from Marrakech to 
Las Vegas to the Orkneys. Much of this work, along with his well-known 
portraits and fashion photographs, has been featured in museum and 
gallery shows around the world. The photo industry bible, Photo District 
News, named Albert one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Albert studied graphic design at 
the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, and film 
and television at the Royal College of Art in London. Though blind in 
one eye since birth, Albert studied photography as part of his 
curriculum. In 1970, he moved to the United States with his wife, 
Elizabeth, who got a job as an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles, 
where Albert began shooting photos, mostly as a hobby.

excerpt
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/east/s_508980.html
Some of the most remarkable lace is that made by member Louise Chuha of 
Braddock -- not so much because of the patterns as for the fact she is 
blind. By having someone poke holes in the pattern dots, Chuha is able 
to feel the pattern as if it were Braille.

"To see her work is incredible," said Troyan.

excerpt 
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070523/NEWS01/705230332/1002
Papke Garden embraces visitors with feel appeal
STAUNTON — Eight of the vocalists at the library's garden dedication 
could not see the rosemary and lavender, but they could smell and touch 
the aromatic herbs. The singers were from the choir of the Virginia 
School for the Deaf and the Blind. The event marked the opening of the 
Brenda Papke Memorial Sensory Garden — the first blind/handicapped 
accessible garden in Virginia.

Hundreds of residents, businesses and friends donated time and money to 
make the garden more than a dream. They worked long hours, toiled over 
dirt and raised money for the memorial that every member of the 
community can enjoy.
"This is a delight of the sense of sight, touch and feel," said Staunton 
Mayor Lacey King to a crowd of more than 200.

article

Isthmus Daily Page, WI, USA
Thursday, May 24, 2007

Madison Arts Commission Signature Grant supports 'Bold Visions'

Janis Nussbaum Senungetuk announced as 2007 recipient

The Madison Arts Commission has announced Janis Nussbaum Senungetuk as this year's recipient of its annual Signature Grant in support of new work. Known for her predisposition toward intense color, Senungetuk produces photographic prints, altered digital photographs and mixed-media drawings. 

The $2,673 grant is awarded in support of "Bold Visions," an exhibit of 10 new floral and garden images captured with natural light and high contrast. Scheduled for exhibition in December at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the prints are to be rendered in a manner that is optically accessible to a visually impaired audience. Senungetuk is herself visually impaired. 

In the commission's press release announcing the award, 

LINK:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=405