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.

Who We Are and What We Do

ATR logo

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.

Assisting Schools

ATR assists schools in finding effective solutions for students by way of assistive technology consultation, student evaluation, AT product sales, and AT implementation. ATR partners with Colleges, Universities, and K-12 Districts to help ensure that the investment in AT is not only a proper fit, but also a success!

Whether there are needs for an individual student, teacher, group of students, or for an entire campus; ATR is equipped to serve your specific areas of need.

In the Workplace

ATR works directly with businesses, job coaches, DVR counselors, and other involved parties to serve job seekers, existing employees, and employers! ATR is able to provide onsite job analyses with detailed evaluation reports. Our evaluations are adjusted to suit anyone’s unique needs related to workspace accessibility, ergonomic positioning, energy conservation, work simplification, chronic pain, visual access, etc. Our goals in the workplace are to remove employee barriers, increase efficiency, and improve overall workplace access. ATR is ready to work with you to achieve your goals in the workplace on an individual or corporate level.

In Your Home

Your home is a place of relaxation and should be an environment without barrier. ATR specializes in making homes accessible in every aspect. We are able to evaluate homes (single or multi-unit) and provide real solutions at affordable prices. Our solutions are created while taking your physical and financial needs into account. We are able to offer a range of solutions from simple (adapted utensils for home use) to complex (voice activation of lights, television, telephone, doors, computer systems, etc.) ATR works together with trusted, qualified contractors to assure we can provide a safe and complete solution to suit your unique needs!

Reach out to us at our main office to discuss how ATR can serve you!

tel: +1 (800) 770-8474 fax: +1 (262) 375-6777

email: info@adaptiveTR.com

www.adaptivetr.com

 

The Next Generation VizZle! Visual Learning Special Education Software

If You Haven’t Seen the New VizZle, You Haven’t Seen VizZle!

The Next Generation of VizZle is an incredible upgrade from the Monarch Center for Autism that will have an immediate impact on your Special Education Program.  You haven’t seen anything like this before.

VizZle makes it easy to create and share visual supports.  VizZle works for anyone who absorbs and processes information fast, visually.  Click the link below to learn more about this effective software.

Introduction to VizZle

 

About The NEW VizZle Upgrade:

  • Interface now includes NEW Lesson Recommendations, a NEW Student Assignment Tool and so much more.
  • Now has a teacher-driven student profile, giving every student a personal, engaging and successful experience.
  • Was built using the latest HTML5 technologies. This means you can use VizZle (teacher and student interfaces) on laptops, Chromebooks, Interactive Whiteboards, iPads or Android tablets, giving teachers ultimate flexibility.

 

To learn more about VizZle, contact your midwest reseller, Adaptive Technology Resources, (ATR) at 800-770-8474.

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, VizZle and Dragon Naturally Speaking and offers individual and group professional development for a variety of software and hardware solutions.

2017 WCASS Spring Conference

The Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS) is the professional association for those employed in Wisconsin school districts and other educational institutions who serve as Special Education or Pupil Services Administrators.

The WCASS Spring Conference provides and opportunity to discover what’s new in school mental health issues and solutions, legal updates from various attorneys, special education updates and innovations, and much more.

ATR’s own Ed Kowieski will be at the conference exhibiting on the web based special education software, VizZle.

The WCASS Spring Conference details are included below:
Dates:  Wednesday May 3rd, to Friday May 5th, 2017
Times:  8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Location:  Crown Plaza Hotel in Madison (4402 E Washington Ave, Madison WI, 53704)

For more information, or to register for this event, click here.

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, VizZle and Dragon Naturally Speaking and offers individual and group professional development for a variety of software and hardware solutions.

Attention All Vision Professionals in Wisconsin!

The Wisconsin Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired along with Vision Professionals of Wisconsin will be hosting the 2nd Annual Collaborative Vision Conference in Stevens Point, WI on April 24th and 25th.

ATR’s own Gabe DeLeon will be there exhibiting our line of Low Vision and Blindness Products, including the OrCam and NuEyes wearable products.

To learn more or buy tickets for this event, click here.

To learn more about the devices or services we can provide to patients with low vision or blindness, contact Gabe DeLeon at 800-770-8474 ext. 108 or email Gabe@adaptivetr.com with questions.

ATR is a Southeastern Wisconsin based company that has been providing low vision rehabilitation services and devices to individuals with low vision since 1995.

REUNION: Getting Back Together!

The National Federation of the Blind Wisconsin will be holding it’s 42nd Annual Convention this weekend (April 7-9th) at the Holiday Inn Pewaukee Milwaukee West.  ATR’s own Rick Ziller and Gabe DeLeon will be there exhibiting our line of Low Vision and Blindness Products including the OrCam and NuEyes wearable products.  ATR will also have side by side tables with HIMS at the convention, and they will have the new Polaris!

For more information and to register for this event click here.

To learn more on the devices or services we can provide to patients with low vision or blindness, contact Gabe DeLeon at 800-770-8474 ext. 108 or email Gabe@adaptivetr.com with questions.

ATR is a Southeastern Wisconsin based company that has been providing low vision rehabilitation services and devices to individuals with low vision since 1995.

NEW FALL WEBINARS ADDED!

Adaptive Technology Resources is excited to announce our Webinar Series on innovative learning tools. Get a product overview, touch up on your skills or learn more about a specific topic. Find a webinar and time that fits your schedule! All webinars are COMPLIMENTARY!

To schedule a personal webinar outside of these dates/times, please Contact Us!

An Introduction to Vizzle
VizZle is an online resource for special education teachers and their students that incorporates the three guiding UDL principles, each based on neurological research identifying how different networks of the brain affect how individuals perceive information, communicate what they know, and how they are motivated.  Whether your staff has self-contained special education classrooms or uses inclusion methods, VizZle can provide pre-made lessons that reach your students, provide data to guide your IEP decisions, and allow staff to provide instruction that is tailored to your students’ needs and abilities.

Wednesday, October 26th:  12:00pm – 12:45pm CST Register Now!
Thursday, November 10th:  12:00pm – 12:45pm CST Register Now!
Tuesday, November 15th:    12:00pm – 12:45pm  CST Register Now!

 

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 now offering NuEyes Low Vision Smart Glasses

NuEyes: Low Vision Smart Glasses

ATR is now the proud distributor and trainer of NuEyes in Wisconsin and Minnesota. NuEyes, a combination of custom software and smart glasses, is designed to restore sight to people with serious vision loss. A camera on the front of the blacked-out glasses acts as eyes. Captured images are projected on the lenses. NuEyes has developed wearable technology that provides CCTV and text to speech capabilities in an easy-to-use headset that is about the size of a pair of sunglasses.

About NuEyes

NuEyes, a veteran owned business based in Newport Beach, CA, is passionate about utilizing cutting edge technology to improve the quality of life for those individuals who are dealing with vision loss and increasing awareness regarding how technologies can be leveraged to improve the lives of those with bilities.  See NuEyes in action.

 

To learn more on the devices or services we can provide to patients with low vision or blindness, contact Gabe DeLeon at 800-770-8474 ext. 108 or email Gabe@adaptivetr.com with questions.

ATR is a Southeastern Wisconsin based company that has been providing low vision rehabilitation services and devices to individuals with low vision since 1995.

Upcoming HIMS Webinar: All-in-One Tools for Students with Low Vision and Blindness

Photo of Student Using E-Bot
Photo of Student Using E-Bot

Check out the upcoming HIMS Webinar: All-in-One Tools for Students with Low Vision and Blindness

September 13th, 2016

In The Upcoming Webinar:

* Learn about products that serve multiple functions and which can save time and money for both the student and their school.

* Learn about ultra-portable, portable and transportable video magnifiers that can magnify both near and far… and which have powerful OCR built right-in… without the need for any attached computer, peripheral or internet connection.

* Find out how the “cool kids” with blindness gain instant access to printed text and generate on-the-spot Braille for the same, using devices that can fit in the palm of their hands. Join us to hear about these hot topics and more!

Click here https://hims-inc.com/webinar-registration/ to register!

 

To learn more on the devices or services we can provide to patients with low vision or blindness, contact Gabe DeLeon at 800-770-8474 ext. 108 or email Gabe@adaptivetr.com with questions.

ATR is a Southeastern Wisconsin based company that has been providing low vision rehabilitation services and devices to individuals with low vision since 1995.

New and Improved Version of Sonocent Recorder App!

Dear Sonocent Users,

Over the past few months, Sonocent has been working on a new and improved version of their free Sonocent Recorder app.

The updated app has now been released and you’ll notice smart new features informed by feedback from our customers. They include:

  • Advanced audio-technology that will significantly improve the quality of your recordings on playback
  • The ability to create your own color keys – handy if you are compiling material for a big project and want to group audio by topic

They put this article together to answer your questions

How can you get these new features?

  • Existing user? You will receive a notification from your mobile device.
  • Not using the app currently? Search for ‘Sonocent Recorder’ on the Play Store or App Store and download for free.

They are also in the final stages of developing a feature-rich updated version of Sonocent Audio Notetaker for Mac.
More news on that in the coming weeks.

 

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, VizZle and Dragon Naturally Speaking and offers individual and group professional development for a variety of software and hardware solutions.  Our solutions can be found at www.adaptivetr.com