"Beta Campaign - Dragon NaturallySpeaking ‘Access to Work’ Edition"

Hello everyone!

Spring has finally arrived. What better way to celebrate the start of the warmer weather than some exciting news?

Our development specialists are in the process of creating the new version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Access to Work edition. Told you the news was exciting!

Our current version of our Dragon NaturallySpeaking Access to Work edition includes voice commands for:

• Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Internet Explorer
• Read and Write Gold, Zoomtext, SparkSpace and Mind Manager
• Omnipage, PDF Convertor, PDF Reader and PaperPort Professional

It also includes our own ‘Say-It Your Way’  Technology allowing you to rename over 20 commonly used  built-in voice commands.

We want to ensure that future editions meet your specific needs and exceeds your expectations.

Therefore, we would like you to get in touch with us and tell us what software applications YOU would like Dragon NaturallySpeaking Access to Work edition to work with and other areas of your life you wish were ‘voice operated’.

What specific software applications do you want to control by voice?

What features of the current Dragon NaturallySpeaking
‘Access to Work’ edition would you like us to improve on or enhance?

The next version will be developed to include the suggestions made by the top 5 responses received before 1st September 2014 (suggestions will be judged by our development team) – the top 5 responses will also receive a free beta copy of the new ‘Access to Work’ version to test out before it goes on general release.

E-mail us:    info@freedomofspeech.co.uk
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/freedomofspeechltd
Twitter:       @UKFreedomSpeech (use the hash tag #dragonwishlist)
Phone us:    01903 263007

---

"What can your Dragon do? Taming the Dragon – Part 2"

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional 12 software is great! It lets you dictate text and navigate documents on your PC…just by talking…without touching the keyboard or mouse! But did you know Dragon can automate a host of other really helpful tasks? If you only use Dragon to create e-mails or dictate letters, read on…you may find that Dragon is much more powerful than you ever realised.

Using a digital recorder
The next time you are away from your PC but need to record your thoughts, meeting notes or create letters, grab your digital recorder (the Olympus DM-650 is a great entry level recorder) and dictate away! Dragon NaturallySpeaking (Premium and above) allows you to download audio recordings (created on a compatible digital recorder) and, using the Transcribe button on Dragon’s Extras toolbar, turn this audio file into text on the screen and insert it into any application!

Operate your spreadsheets by voice
Many people find using a spreadsheet application, like MS Excel, daunting. Dragon NaturallySpeaking includes lots of voice commands to make inputting and calculating figures easy and intuitive. Enter text or numbers by simply dictating them and then say “Press Enter” to move down a line. At the bottom of a column of figures, say “Sum Column” to insert the formula to add up all the figures in that column. To move to a specific cell say “Go To Cell B3” (where B3 is the reference of the cell you want to go to). To select a range of cells, say “Select Cell A4 to Cell B9” (where A4 and B9 are the top left and bottom right cells that define that selection). Finally, “Insert a Chart” starts the Chart Wizard (based on the currently selected cells) – if you are happy with a standard bar chart, say “Click OK” and it appears in your spreadsheet!

Access Dragon help topics really easily
You’ve forgotten a Dragon command or want to be reminded how to carry out a process in Dragon. Using the command “Search Dragon Help for <phrase>" i.e. “Search Dragon Help for Dictation" opens the Dragon HELP file on that topic.

Hopefully this has given you a flavour of the more powerful voice commands available to you in this really productive application…watch this space for future instalments.

---

"Olympus Dictation Delivery Service (ODDS) - Dictation on your Smartphone!"

View fullsize

Olympus is proud to announce the release of the first ever Olympus Dictation Smartphone Application together with the innovative cloud-based Olympus Dictation Delivery Service (ODDS). The Olympus Dictation App (available for iOS and Android devices) enables users to dictate in the established DSS format, even when their dictation device is not to hand. You can now dictate whenever and wherever you are and still enjoy all the benefits of their Olympus Digital Dictation workflow solutions.

Finally smartphone dictation goes professional including highly secure data transfer and central administration of phones and users. Converting speech to text becomes child’s play from all over the world.

ODDS – The professional cloud solution

The Olympus Dictation Delivery Service (ODDS)  manages the transfer of dictations recorded with the Olympus Dictation app for iPhone and Android. In the event unexpected dictation is needed and you do not have your professional voice recorder with you, you can easily record and push the dictation into the organisation's system workflow to get it transcribed before you’re back in the office.

View fullsize

Data security comes first

A company’s data is often its greatest asset. Once Olympus Dictation for iPhone or for Android is connected with ODDS, an organisation can benefit from a vast range of security features. Dictations can be recorded in DSS Pro format with 256-bit AES encryption.

This means that dictation files are protected even before they are sent via HTTPS or ftps – and cannot be listened to by unauthorised persons at any point in the delivery chain.

Seamless integration into existing dictation workflows

The audio format DSS Pro, an established industry standard for professional speech processing solutions, enables seamless integration and subsequent processing to get speech transcribed from all over the world.

Meta information such as author ID and work types are also stored in the dictation file itself. It's also possible to route dictations to a company's ftp server so that the typists can access the dictations wherever they are.

Olympus Dictation Portal

Olympus Dictation Portal (ODP) is a highly secured and flexible web-based configuration tool that allows administrators to centrally manage the Olympus Dictation app and corresponding ODDS licenses.

Configuration issues such as the destination address of dictations and encryption settings are controlled by the administrator, meaning that authors (the end users) are free to concentrate on dictation using their app. This keeps everything as simple as possible and avoids user errors.

Professional usability meets smartphones' wireless capabilities

When it comes to dictation, professionals often don’t want to go without the comfort and usability of a specialised tool like a professional voice recorder. At the same time, these users are frequently on the go, in situations where they have to make on-the-spot dictations and send them for transcription immediately.

That's why the Olympus DS-7000 and DS-3500 recorders support the Toshiba FlashAir™ card. With this unrivalled team and the Olympus Dictation app installed on a smartphone, dictations can be downloaded wirelessly and then sent via the mobile phone's network to the desired recipient.

Dictate the unexpected

Dictate, annotate and send. Olympus dictation for iPhone / Android is a beautifully simple recording app for making dictations on the go.
Easy editing – insert, overwrite – and sending to get the voice file transcribed.
For companies, this means increased efficiency, decreased costs and getting more done in less time.

A picture is worth a thousand words

There are many situations in professional life where the spoken word only really gains value together with a visual stimulus to accompany it. And many descriptive work processes where images are indispensable. Now experts, consultants and assessors can attach a picture to any dictation they make – no matter whether it was recorded using an Olympus DS-7000/DS-3500 recorder or the Olympus Dictation app – before sending both together to the typist.

Further information and pricing can be found here.

---

"What to expect from your first Assistive Technology training session"

Firstly we would like to thank you for choosing Freedom of Speech ltd for your Assistive Technology training.

Assistive Technology training is for specialist computer software or hardware used to reduce the impact that your disability has on your work or home life. We have over 40 year’s collective experience in the Assistive Technology industry and are experts in this field.

On the day of your first training session, you will have a short consultation with your trainer to find out what needs to be done to tailor the Assistive Technology personally to your needs. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to tell your trainer about you, your disability, and also ask any questions.

The trainer will ensure the software has been set up correctly and any alterations to the software set up will then be made if required. The Assistive Technology training during the first session will cover an introduction to your software/hardware.

At the end of the first session, you will be given training material associated to the topic covered. We encourage you to use your software straight away and use the training material we have given to you to refer to.

Your technical support commences on your first training session with us, so if your technology encounters a problem please consult our technical specialist.

Our technical support team can be reached on 01903 264008. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm excluding public and bank holidays.

We wish you every success with your Assistive Technology and hope that you have a great experience with Freedom of Speech.

---

"AT for Children"

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE FOR CHILDREN

Over 200 thousand children in the United Kingdom have a learning disability such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia.

As a result, children can struggle to keep up with written assignments and homework. This can be very demotivating and can cause a feeling of segregation due to an inability to keep up with their peers.

Education is crucial and gives the opportunity of success in a chosen career as an adult. Freedom of Speech Ltd is working with educational establishments to increase awareness of learning disabilities such as Dyslexia and to show how Assistive Technology helps.

Assistive Technology has become increasingly popular in schools and colleges in recent years and the results have been phenomenal.   The software has reduced a child’s anxiety about their school work & has allowed them to reach grades which pupils, parents and teachers couldn’t have anticipated.

Assistive Technology software has been used in classrooms, at home and even in exams to help children with a learning disability reach their full potential. Breaking the barrier of the disability using Assistive Technology allows a child to flourish and achieve.

Freedom of Speech has worked with many schools across the UK to bespoke software to individual pupil’s requirements or to roll out a software application to a whole school for everyone’s use. We have also spoken with parents directly to help their child with exams and coursework.
Special discounted rates are available for educational establishments.

POPULAR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

DRAGON NATURALLYSPEAKING SOFTWARE.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 Premium ignites new levels of productivity by letting you interact with your PC by voice at work, home or school. Dictate or modify documents, spreadsheets and presentations, send email, search the Web and more. Even capture notes on the go using a digital recorder and Dragon will transcribe the audio files back at your PC.

Dragon adapts to your voice and the words you use to deliver better recognition results over time.

TEXTHELP READ & WRITE GOLD SOFTWARE.
Read&Write is an easy-to-use flexible toolbar containing support features to make reading, writing and research easier for you. The software has been designed to address some of the issues that people with dyslexia face daily, namely reading difficulties, writing difficulties, problems with spelling and general literacy support.

Functions include Text-to-speech, Word prediction, speaking spell checker (with definitions), document scanning and screenshot reader (to have any on-screen text, even in a web browser) read back.

INSPIRATION SOFTWARE.
For visual mapping, outlining, writing and making presentations, use Inspiration 9, the ultimate thinking and learning tool. Brainstorm ideas, structure your thoughts and visually communicate concepts to strengthen understanding with the Diagram and Map Views. To take notes, organise information, and structure writing for plans, papers and reports, use the integrated Outline View to focus on main and supporting ideas and to clarify thinking in written form.

ZOOMTEXT SOFTWARE.
ZoomText Magnifier enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, making all of your applications easy to see and use.

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader combines the revolutionary new features of ZoomText Magnifier with a powerful set of reading tools, giving you the total computer access solution. See and hear what you’re doing in all of your applications right through your computer’s speakers.

For further product and training information, please contact our head office on 01903 263007. We will be happy to provide you with further information and pricing.

Our children of today are our future for tomorrow. Let’s do what we can to put everything in place to allow a child to succeed.

---

"ASPIRE - Supporting people with Spinal Injury"

HISTORY

Every 8 hours someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury which affects around 40,000 people in the UK. Aspire is a charity which was established to provide adequate facilities for the disabled.
In 1991, HRH the Princess of Wales opened Aspire’s state of the art rehabilitation facility which was built next door to the spinal unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. The vision was to promote integration between non-disabled and disabled users.
The facility was designed by Andrew Walker, a lecturer at the Architectural Association in London and cost £2 million. Andrew had himself incurred a spinal injury and was a wheel chair user.
The new facility was so successful that in 1998 a further £5 million was raised for an extension to double its size. The new extension included a swimming pool, dance studio, café and training suite.

WHAT ASPIRE DO

Aspire offer a wide range of services for people that have just been discharged from hospital, to people who have been living with their spinal cord injury for years. Every person living with a spinal cord injury is different but they all have the same goal in mind – to get back to the life they had before their accident.  Aspire do what they can to make that possible.
Many of the facilities available are used by both disabled and the non-disabled. Encouraging all to feel integrated and as one together. Fitness suites offer equipment for everyone and a swimming pool with ramped access for wheelchair users.
Aspire housing is a programme which provides fully accessible properties around the UK. These homes are designed for the newly injured to live in for a temporary period of time whilst they are either waiting for their own home to be adapted to their needs or looking for a new property.
A spinal cord injury changes someone’s life. One of the main worries for those who are newly injured is where are they going to live when they come out of hospital. Their old home won’t be suitable for their needs. Work tops have to be lower, entries to rooms need to be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and stairs to go to bed are not an option. These are just some of the things that are no longer suitable after injury.
Aspire understand that this is an incredibly stressful time for someone. Their accessible homes are dotted all over the UK and are fully kitted out with everything from cutlery to sofas so tenants can move in immediately. All homes are at least 2 bedrooms so can accommodate a family. Aspire housing makes it possible for someone to be back with their friends and family to get on with their lives away from the hospital.
Assistive Technology software was introduced in spinal injury centres across the UK in 2006. Using a computer is an everyday experience for most and with software such as the Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition, this made the use of computers possible for people again. Thus allowing them to return to work or even just to communicate privately with friends and family.
One of the most important things for people living with a spinal cord injury is independence and understanding. Aspire employs over 50 permanent members of stuff covering all areas of the charities services to make a difference to someone every day.
Independent Living Advisors all have spinal injuries themselves so can relate to all the emotions a newly injured person is experiencing. They are on hand to share their experiences or just for a chat. It is always helpful to speak to someone who truly understands and can offer advice on many topics, whether it be getting around using public transport or how to prepare for the next summer holiday.

FUNDRAISING FOR ASPIRE

Aspire relies on the generosity of the public as it currently receives no statutory funding. They use the money funded to purchase much needed equipment, Independent living advisors and the Assistive Technology software in the centres.
Did you know that a lightweight wheelchair costs in excess of £4000? Disability is expensive. There is a lot of equipment required and adjustments to be made for people to live comfortably.
Aspire hold many fundraising events throughout the year. Every penny counts and helps Aspire to continue to provide the fantastic services and facilities currently available.
For more information, please visit Aspires website: -  www.aspire.org.uk

Aspire is a charity full of passion and is driven to providing people with spinal cord injuries the best equipment and facilities currently available.
They offer support and funding for all stages of living with a spinal cord injury, making the change of lifestyle easier to cope with. Whether it is physical construction changes within a home or speaking to an Independent Living Advisor for support, every facility available through Aspire is simply life changing for many people.
Freedom of Speech fully support Aspire and will help to develop their Assistive Technology department further. Together we aim to make tomorrow a better day for those with a spinal cord disability.

---

"Speech recognition software…science fact or science fiction?"

Many predictions portrayed in popular science fiction of the last 50 years have become a reality. We developed rockets to land people on the moon in the 1960’s; invented mobile phones to text & talk to people miles away in the 1970’s which become commercially available in the 1980’s; created site-to-site tele-transportation devices in the late 1990’s to allow us to travel from one side of the planet to another in less than one minute.

OK…that last statement was fiction, but one of the other great advancements in technology was the invention of speech recognition software allowing us to control computers & mobile devices by voice. FACT. This technology allows us to type letters and control applications in a way that is more natural than using a clunky keyboard and mouse…so which of the following statements about ‘Dragon NaturallySpeaking’ (the industry standard speech recognition software) is FACT and which is FICTION…answers at the end of the blog!

1. Dragon knows in advance what you are going to say.

2. Dragon learns from your mistakes and when you get things right.

3. Dragon can automatically insert commands and full stops into letters without being told.

4. If you record a meeting with lots of people in it, Dragon can translate every persons' speech and colour code the transcription.

5. ‘Dragon NaturallySpeaking v12’ works in conjunction with ‘Thoughtfully Speaking v1’, the world’s first thought-to-text software to make writing e-mails & letters even faster.

6. Dragon can control almost all Windows based applications.

Answers:
1. Although this sounds like a fictional statement, in part, this statement is a fact. Dragon NaturallySpeaking has been programmed to know in general what human voices sound like, how to model the characteristics of a given voice, the basic sounds that make up the English language and the range of ways that different voices make those sounds. It has also been given a basic English vocabulary and some overall statistics about which words are likely to follow which other words. (For example, the word legal is more likely to be followed by citation than by size station)… so when you dictate a sentence, the first few words of that utterance allows Dragon to already start to predict the words/phrases that may follow and therefore Dragon may know in advance what you’re going to say!

2. NaturallySpeaking learns about your voice by listening to you. During the training process, you read out loud some text selections that NaturallySpeaking has stored in its memory. Because it already knows the text that you’re reading, NaturallySpeaking uses this time to model your voice and learn how you pronounce words. NaturallySpeaking goes on learning about your voice every time you use it. When you correct a word or phrase that NaturallySpeaking has guessed wrong, NaturallySpeaking adjusts its settings to make the mistake less likely in the future. Dragon also learns (when you don’t make a correction), that the pattern & context of the words/phrases dictated in a document or e-mail and uses this context in future recognitions…so this statement is a fact.

3. Whilst this statement is actually a fact (Dragon has a Natural Punctuation feature which inserts commands and full stops automatically), we generally turn this feature off allowing the user to insert these punctuation marks themselves when & where specifically required.

4. Unfortunately, the current power of speech recognition technology cannot perform transcription from multiple simultaneous sources i.e. lots of people in a meeting talking at the same time. Dragon is trained to listen to one specific voice (yours!) and so the level of recognition accuracy would be very low if Dragon attempted to use the same voice file/model for different people...so this is fiction. However, Dragon users ARE able to make audio recordings into a digital recorder, whilst in a meeting, which can then be downloaded onto their PC.  Dragon can then turn this audio into a text document automatically. It’s like having your very own PA!

5. Whilst there have be great advancements in technology that can monitor brain activity and turn the electrical impulses into basic actions, we are not at the stage that a computer can translate your thoughts into text on the screen (also, there is no such software as ‘Thoughtfully Speaking’…but if there is in the future, you read it here first!) so this statement is unfortunately fiction.

6. Fact. Out of the box, Dragon is able to dictate text into main stream applications such MS Word, WordPerfect, Outlook, Excel, Internet Explorer etc. and control these applications using voice commands built into the software. For applications that don’t already have voice commands, the Professional, Legal and Medical versions of Dragon allow you to create new voice commands to access the menu, buttons, text fields and other components that make up your application. In this way you can customise Dragon to operate your specific software by voice. Furthermore, Dragon has a feature called the ‘Dictation Box’ which can be used to insert text into non-standard applications such as some web-based systems and Citrix based applications.

Freedom of Speech Ltd provide Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, training and on-going technical support. Whether you’re a solicitor looking to reduce the time to takes to type an e-mail or dictate a letter, a medical professional looking to create patient notes or simply a computer user that doesn’t want to use a keyboard and mouse to operate their PC, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the solution for you. FACT.

---