http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_hwvjjqur0zao0cysrieaoa55_ecb407e5-2a94-4d78-80b8-9b8b92a482cd_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:29:12 GMT 15 By Victoria Perini
                While enrolled in graduate school, Cary Supalo began to notice a lack of accessible technology for the blind and visually impaired.  At the encouragement of his supervisor Tom Mallouk at Penn State, he began to research and develop ways for the disabled to be more active in their science classes with funding from the National Science Foundation.       “We’re just making simple devices so they [visually impaired students] can fully participate,” said Supalo.     His project is called Independent Laboratory Access for the Blind and has made great progress under Supalo’s effort and the guidance of Mallouk.  The help of Penn State, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the University of Wisconsin, Truman State University, Purdue University and Hopewell Valley Central High School have also made many contributions to the progress of ILAB.  Twelve high schools have also provided the needed subjects in order to test the effectiveness of the devices.     One device he has created is SALS, which stands for submersible audible light sensor.   This device, when submerged into a substance, provides the light levels of said substance and can therefore follow chemical changes as they occur.  SALS then vocalizes the results to users.     So far, his research and devices have proven to be great successes but are still works in progress, having been in development for nearly six years.  Despite the length of the project, Supalo continues to work at creating quality equipment to provide students of low vision the opportunity to actively participate in their classrooms.       At the moment, ILAB’s devices are not yet being distributed to the public.  Plans for mass distribution are unknown. ]]> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:47:56 GMT