Polaris Firmware Upgrades Available

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

HIMS, Inc. has just announced the May 2019 firmware release for the Polaris. This update contains new features that simply cannot be found in any other notetakers.

Google Drive Integration

The Polaris was already the most user-friendly notetaker on the market, and it just got better. The Google Drive integration in this firmware release creates a new folder in the File Manager that syncs to your Google Drive account. After signing in, you can copy and paste files into the folder and it will sync to Google Drive automatically. Now all of your files can be up to date on any device.

Google Search

Skip the clutter when searching the internet with the all-new Google Search integration on the Polaris. Our interface is easy to use and saves you time. Simply type your search and get results in an easy to navigate list. When you find the result you want, just hit Enter to be taken to that website. It’s just that easy!

Upgrade Today!

You can find resources for updating your Polaris Firmware on the HIMS website by clicking here.

Celebrate National Assistive Technology Day!

cctv magnifier for low vision

Celebrate with ATR the FIRST National Assistive Technology Awareness Day!

Just a few weeks ago, the US Congress designated March 27th as National Assistive Technology Day. Assistive technology helps people of differing abilities communicate, learn, work and play. It helps people become more productive and independent, and is really a game changer for many.

There are many different kinds of assistive technology (AT).

Educational AT

Using the Polaris and Polaris Mini

AT for Home Independence

Low Vision and Blindness Solutions


At ATR, we are dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities achieve their goals and pursue independence.

Established in 1995, Adaptive Technology Resources (ATR) was founded with the mission to serve individuals with unique physical & mental barriers by providing the necessary tools for success. ATR has been providing solutions to schools, agencies, businesses, and individuals for over 20 years. We take pride in serving our community by developing individualized, complete solution packages that are cost effective and designed to allow our clients to quickly and efficiently achieve their specific goals!

ATR provides comprehensive evaluations, recommendations, and outcome based solutions to support vocational, IEP, and personal goals.

Assessments are conducted by our licensed occupational therapists and all training is provided by ATR’s certified trainers.

NEW QBraille XL from HIMS, Inc.

QBraille XL User

In case you haven’t heard, the QBraille XL is one of the hottest braille products available right now and people are taking notice.  A Unique Blend of a Perkins Keyboard and QWERTY Function Keys! QBraille XL represents an entirely new type of 40-cell Braille display. The QBraille XL replaces the need for special keystrokes with the intuitively placed function keys found on all QWERTY keyboards. With the QBraille XL, closing an application means simply pressing the dedicated and familiar Alt+F4 buttons.

Don’t take our word for it… Read the NFB Review: The Best of Both Worlds: The QBraille XL Almost Perfectly Blends a Braille Display and a USB Keyboard

Don’t have a QBraille XL yet?  If you think the QBraille XL might be the braille display you are hoping for but want to learn more, email us at Info@AdaptiveTR.com or call 1-800-770-8474 ext. 106 for a free demonstration.

QBraille XL User

Quality Quest: 

HIMS has just announce the latest firmware release for the QBraille. Several quirks were quelled, including Mac Quick Nav Commands. Quickly check out the details. I’m sure you won’t have any qualms. Updates:1. Improved support for Mac computers, including: connectivity, Caps Lock commands, keyboard layout, and arrow key combinations.2. Pressing Escape will now function the same as pressing Escape on a keyboard in Windows. Pressing Mode + Escape will toggle between computer braille and your chosen grade.3. Added One-Handed mode.4. Improved usability of several Windows key combinations. To update your firmware, please follow these instructions:1. Extract the zip file and copy the folder and files to the root of an SD card.2. Place the SD card in the QBraille and connect to USB power.3. Long press the Power button to perform a complete shutdown.4. Long press the power button again to boot the unit.5. The unit will automatically upgrade and reboot once more. 
Here are your download links: https://www.hims-inc.com/brailleproducts_06/

Free Webinar for Polaris and Polaris Mini

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

Free Video Webinar 10/29/18 for Polaris and Polaris Mini

Polaris and Mini

ATR is offering a free educational webinar to describe the uses of the BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini from HIMS for students and teachers and those looking for assistance with personal tasks.  Our specific focus will be the new updates recently released in the HIMS Fall Firmware Upgrade that include additional tools for students.

 

POLARIS MATH: Polaris Math makes creating and adding advanced graphs into the Polaris Word Processor quick, easy, and effective. Graphs can be embossed, saved as braille files, and much more.

 

NOTEPAD: Our new Notepad is our latest text editor that works with text, Braille, EPUB and PDF files with a highly stable and responsive experience. Our updated Word Processor creates DOCX files and can edit both DOCX and DOC, and can view PowerPoint presentations.

 

Betsy Binney will be conducting this webinar on behalf of ATR.

 

The 60 minute Zoom Demonstration will be available on the following date and time:

 

Monday October 29th 12:00 P.M.

 

Registration is required by Thursday October 25th.  To sign up for the webinar, please click here.  You will be sent a response email with instructions on how to participate in the Zoom video conference.

 

For more information Contact Us at info@adaptivetr.com or 800-770-8474 Ext. 106.   Or, refer someone to ATR today online using the Referral Form.

 

 

More About Polaris & Polaris Mini:

For individuals with a visual impairment, BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini from HIMS offer a new standard in blind-friendly applications with the latest in cutting edge technology including:

  • Robust productivity tools, whether you’re in the classroom, at your desk, or on the road
  • Organization and schedule management tools
  • Information and communication in the office, at home, or on-the-go; including special features for Deaf-Blind populations
  • Built in GPS

Advanced features specifically designed for students and teachers include:

  • Sophisticated Calculation and Composition offers fraction calculation, Nemath and UEB Braille code entry into a fully functional scientific calculator.  Teachers and students can share assignments and homework without their teacher needing to learn strange abbreviations and code words
  • Use the Sense Dictionary to ensure stylistic and accurate composition.  Includes Dictionary, Thesaurus, and optional English/Spanish, English/French, and English/Italian bilingual dictionaries
  • Play and navigate DAISY and NIMAS compatible digital talking books
  • Listen to and record FM radio
  • Search for and play videos on YouTube, or stream audio content
  • Certified to use all Google services, including the play store. Thus, users can choose from among the thousands of accessible Android apps and access them via Polaris’s intuitive screen reader.

 

About Betsy Binney:

Betsy received both her MBA and PhD from Marquette University in business, finance and economics.  In 2011, Betsy began providing assistive technology training to ATR clients in both Windows and Mac environments. For over nine years, Betsy had been the Director of Technology for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired in Madison, Wisconsin.

 

Over the years, Betsy has helped blind & visually impaired individuals use computers to enhance their lives and gain employment. Betsy developed distance learning courses for blind users; created & presented classes on Web site accessibility to corporate clients; and designed the Council’s online Sharper Vision Store.  She also served as Chair for the Assistive Technology Review Committee for Microsoft Corporation from 1995 to 2007. In addition, she has worked with blind and visually impaired individuals on basic daily living skills such as home organization, identification of home appliances, personal care, and recreational activities.  She initiated and led more than nine low vision support groups in Wisconsin.

 

 

Macular Degeneration Symposium

Speaker and Crowd

Speaker and Crowd

Are you or someone you love experiencing macular degeneration? The Macular Degeneration Symposium will be held on Wednesday, October 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way in Madison. Attend for an informative program to learn about the latest treatments, tools and discoveries for macular degeneration from University of Wisconsin ophthalmologists and researchers, and experts from the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. People diagnosed with macular degeneration, family, friends and others who work with people who have macular degeneration are encouraged to attend. The event is free and registration is strongly encouraged. The event is hosted by the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, UW Health and UW-Madison Department of Ophthamology and Visual Sciences. Register today at http://bit.ly/SavingSightSymp or call 1-800-783-5213.

Video Webinar for Polaris and New Polaris Mini

Using the Polaris and Polaris Mini

ATR is offering a free educational webinar to describe the uses of the BrailleSense Polaris and NEW Polaris Mini from HIMS for students and teachers and those looking for assistance with personal tasks.  Earle Harrison, Regional Sales Manager for HIMS will be conducting this webinar.

The 60 minute Zoom Demonstration will be available on the following dates and times:

Monday August 20th 2:00 P.M.

Monday August 27th 8:30 A.M. 

Registration is required by Wednesday August 15th.  To sign up for one of the webinars, please click here.  You will be sent a response email with instructions on how to participate in the Zoom video conference.

For individuals with a visual impairment, BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini from HIMS offer a new standard in blind-friendly applications with the latest in cutting edge technology including:

  • Robust productivity tools, whether you’re in the classroom, at your desk, or on the road
  • Organization and schedule management tools
  • Information and communication in the office, at home, or on-the-go; including special features for Deaf-Blind populations
  • Built in GPS

Using the Polaris and Polaris Mini

Advanced features specifically designed for students and teachers include:

  • Sophisticated Calculation and Composition offers fraction calculation, Nemath and UEB Braille code entry into a fully functional scientific calculator.  Teachers and students can share assignments  and homework without their teacher needing to learn strange abbreviations and code words
  • Use the Sense Dictionary to ensure stylistic and accurate composition.  Includes Dictionary, Thesaurus, and optional English/Spanish, English/French, and English/Italian bilingual dictionaries
  • Play and navigate DAISY and NIMAS compatible digital talking books
  • Listen to and record FM radio
  • Search for and play videos on YouTube, or stream audio content
  • Certified to use all Google services, including the play store. Thus, users can choose from among the thousands of accessible Android apps and access them via Polaris’s intuitive screen reader.

As an added feature, Earle will also provide information on the Taptilo 2.0 – Now with WiFi connection and upgraded software!  Taptilo is an all-in-one braille education solution that includes a combination of a hardware device with the latest braille cell technology and an innovative application and software with improved user interface. With its interactive software and personalization features, as well as a growing library of available content for wireless download, Taptilo makes braille education efficient, effective, and of course, fun!

Registration is required by Wednesday August 15th.  To sign up for one of the webinars, please click here.

For more information Contact Us at info@adaptivetr.com or 800-770-8474 Ext. 106.   Or, refer someone to ATR today online using the Referral Form.

 

About Earle Harrison:  With almost 30 years of experience in the assistive technology industry, Earle Harrison’s best known accomplishments date back to the early days of the JAWS screen reader, when in 1997 he became known as the “Voice of JAWS” because his was the voice the user would hear upon closing the CD ROM drawer while installing JAWS; the first screen reader capable of being installed independently without sighted intervention.

Since then Harrison has held other positions with Freedom Scientific such as tutorial developer, distance learning project manager and regional sales manager.

From 2002-2005 Harrison worked for the state of Minnesota as an assistive technology specialist and recently joined HIMS, Inc as a Regional Manager after 13 years of running his own assistive technology company called Triumph Technology.

Free Webinar on BrailleSense Polaris and NEW Polaris Mini

BrailleSense Polaris

ATR is offering a free webinar to describe the uses of the BrailleSense Polaris and NEW Polaris Mini from HIMS.  This presentation, conducted by Earle Harrison, Regional Sales Manager for HIMS, is geared towards applications for individuals in the workforce and those looking for assistance with personal tasks.

The 45 to 60-minute Video Webinar will be available on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, July 31st 3:00 P.M.

Thursday, August 2nd 9:00 A.M. 

Registration is required by Wednesday July 25th.  To sign up for one of the webinars, please click here.  Prior to the event, you will be sent a response email with instructions on how to participate in the Zoom video conference.

BrailleSense Polaris

For individuals with a visual impairment, BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini from HIMS offer a new standard in blind-friendly applications with the latest in cutting edge technology including:

  • Robust productivity tools, whether you’re in the board room, at your desk, or on the road
  • Organization and schedule management tools
  • Information and communication in the office, at home, or on-the-go; including special features for Deaf-Blind populations
  • Built in GPS

Using an Android OS, BrailleSense Polaris and Mini offer an autonomous and intuitive platform for everyone, regardless of whether you have a visual impairment! BrailleSense Polaris & Mini support Google Apps, making it easy to utilize Google services like Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides as millions of others do every day.

Powerful performance & processing includes a Samsung 2.1GHz octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable storage with the SD card reader and USB host port, and super-fast data transfer and charging with the combination Micro USB and USB 3.0 data port.

Registration is required by Wednesday, July 25th.  To sign up for one of the webinars, please click here

For more information Contact Us at info@adaptivetr.com or 800-770-8474 Ext. 106.   Or, refer someone to ATR today online using the Referral Form.

ATR logo

ATR Open House

ATR logo

In celebration of 23 years in business and its new location, Adaptive Technology Resources, Inc. (ATR) will be hosting an Open House for the public:

Wednesday, August 1st

10am – 3pm

W175 N11163 Stonewood Drive, Suite 232

Germantown, WI 53022

Adaptive Technology Resources, Inc. is a small company that began in 1995.  ATR provides assistive technologies, evaluation and training services to individuals with varying abilities.  These services are provided by Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Software Training Staff, and Low Vision & Blindness Service Professionals.  In keeping with its individuals with disabilities such as blindness and dyslexia.

Join us on August 1st to learn more about solutions such as:

The GrandCare system: a caregiving tool that enables designated family members and caregivers to remotely interact with, care for, and monitor activities and health status of a loved one – it is the ultimate connection when you can’t be there.  Wireless activity and telehealth devices can be added as needed.

Low Vision and Blindness Solutions: from Magnification Devices to Reading Machines to Wearable OCR glasses to Braille Notetakers and more!  ATR has a variety of solutions that can give individuals with no or low vision their independence.  Portable, desktop and wearable solutions to fit the individual needs.

Educational Solutions: from reading and writing tools to note taking solutions for students.

Environmental Control Solutions: control your home by voice, using tools from simple to complex!

RSVP Appreciated!

Contact ATR:

800-770-8474     AdaptiveTR.com     info@adaptiveTR.com

Follow ATR on Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

 

BrailleSense Polaris & the New Polaris MINI

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

Setting the New Standard for Braille Notetakers — Effortless Accessibility + Mainstream Apps & Features

BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini side-by-side

BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris MINI combine the very best of two worlds with industry-leading accessibility and software that schools, businesses and home users have come to know and love. These powerhouse devices for the blind feature HIMS’ popular, paper-like Braille, a built-in OCR camera, and an upgradeable Android Operating System that supports mainstream apps like Polaris Office, Google Drive/Docs/Classroom and countless numbers of other blind-friendly apps from the Google Play Store, as well as our own proprietary apps.

Equal Access for Education, Employment & Enjoyment

polaris mini with user and his family

For the first time in history, people who are blind have easy access to the same tools-of-the-trade as their sighted counterparts without the need to get the IT department involved at all! Surf the web with Google Chrome. Use Polaris Office with Word, or Google Docs/Sheets/Slides to compose and edit memos, reports and homework assignments. Collaborate with colleagues by sharing documents on your Google Drive or syncing your calendar to your employer’s Google Calendar. And when you get home, enjoy a much-deserved break, reading a book from BookShare, BARD, Audible.com and other popular media distribution services.

Not Just Another Notetaker… It’s a HIMS Notetaker!

polaris mini

BrailleSense fans will appreciate that we’ve kept some things the same as they always were. You’ll still enjoy our ergonomic Perkins-style keyboard, traditional computer interface, Quick Browser, Excel Viewer, PowerPoint Viewer, Nemeth & UEB Math, Math Graphs, GPS navigation and Terminal Mode for using the Braille Sense Polaris and Polaris MINI as a Braille keyboard and display with your other devices — we’ve just tucked it all neatly into a new device with even more features. The 32-cell BrailleSense Polaris also has a built-in LCD and screen-casting, Voice Trigger (“Hey Polaris”), wireless charging, touch-enabled cursor buttons and user-definable, touch-enabled multi-function buttons.

Flexible Connectivity & Multimedia Support

Connect BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris MINI to your computer, iOS device, Android device, tablet or phone for easier access. You can even use it as an infrared universal remote, and binge-watch your favorite show using Chromecast to your TV.

Packed with Features, Light on Frustration!

  • User-friendly, upgradeable Android operating system
  • Access to 1000’s of apps on the Google Play Store
  • Built-in 13-megapixel camera for OCR scan, read and save
  • Optimized apps for Google Drive, Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Slides & APH Nearby Explorer
  • Student Essentials like Math Graphs, Nemeth & UEB Math
  • Connectivity with iOS, Android, Mac & Windows devices
  • Easy portability – BrailleSense Polaris MINI weighs in at LESS THAN 15 ounces!

ATR logo

Adaptive Technology Resources, ATR, of Southeastern Wisconsin provides adaptive products and services for clients with special needs, and also conducts professional evaluations by ATP* certified Occupational Therapists.  ATR specializes in educational solutions, including Kurzweil 3000, firefly, Audio Notetaker, and Dragon Naturally Speaking and offers individual and group professional development for a variety of software and hardware solutions.  ATR has been providing low vision rehabilitation services and devices to individuals with low vision since 1995.

ATR’s Low Vision Solutions

WHO WE ARE

ATR (Adaptive Technology Resources, Inc.) is a Wisconsin based company that has been providing adaptive solutions to individuals with disabilities since 1995. We specialize in hardware, software, training, and evaluation services for Blindness, Low Vision, Learning Disabilities, Mobility Impairments and Environmental Control.

 

Products & Services

Video magnification is a solution that can give individuals with low vision their independence once again when reading the printed word, recipes, prescription bottles and more. ATR has a variety of video magnification solutions to fit the individual’s needs including tabletop CCTVs, distance and self-viewing cameras, portable video magnifiers, iPad applications and handheld magnifiers.

Reading machines read text out loud for individuals with low vision. A variety of reading devices exist, from portable to desktop solutions and computer-based to standalone solutions. ATR has options to fit each users unique low vision needs.

Wearables provides the latest technology in text-to-speech and magnification eyeware. These products are considered breakthrough technology for the Visually Impaired as they bring independence in the form of wearable eyewear devices.

The benefit of working with ATR

ATR has provided consistent, dependable service for over 20 years offering quality products and services from a family owned and operated business. Friendly staff provide service, loyalty and satisfaction to all customers.

Onsite demonstrations of all low vision solutions are provided free of charge throughout Wisconsin.

Hear what others are saying about ATR……

“It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation based on my experience working with the ATR staff on a professional level, and seeing first hand the outcomes that my client’s are experiencing. The services that are provided in the convenience of the client’s home have been wonderful, with the focus of always finding the right device with the client’s specific goals and needs in mind. Excellent resource that I am happy to have!” Lindsey Angst, MS, OTR Prevea Health

“I had a very positive experience working with ATR. First off I wanted to work with a local company that could give my father hands on attention. Gabe DeLeon was very helpful and accommodating. He had a calm and pleasant approach and was skilled in working with elderly persons. ATR was willing to go above and beyond. I highly recommend this company to anyone professional or consumer looking for vision related products and services!” – Susan Winkelman, Colgate, WI

 

Gabe DeLeon – ATR’s Low Vision Service Provider

 

Gabe has been working with individuals with Low Vision throughout WI for over 10 years. His experience has extended to clients with a variety of low vision needs and ages. His patient, thorough, relaxed and caring training style have impressed many of his clients.

You can contact Gabe at 800-770-8474 EXT. 108 or via Email: Gabe@adaptivetr.com