The Association for Macular Diseases, Inc. has partnered with Ophthalmic Edge to provide this empowering resource for patients living with visual impairments and progressive vision loss.
We’re here to help you keep up with helpful tips and encouraging advice. Learn about Making Adjustments that will keep you doing the things you need and love to do. Get the inside scoop on today’s game-changing Accessibility & Technology for vision. Pay attention to your Health & Well-being, and stay tuned for upcoming Voices of Experience.
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It’s always good to step outside ourselves and understand what others are experiencing. While we focus on overcoming the adversity of vision loss, our colleagues, friends, and neighbors are busy meeting their own challenges.
Recently, Microsoft CEO, Satay Nadella, shared the very personal experience that inspires his commitment to making accessibility and inclusive design a priority. He notes that this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month’s theme was dubbed, “Inclusion Drives Innovation,” a concept Microsoft totally supports.
The flip side is equally true…innovation drives inclusion. Either way, we’ll take more of it, please!The scope of work and it’s sense of inclusion is conveyed in the Microsoft Accessibility Blog’s subtext, “Making technology easier to see, hear, and use!”
Here is an excerpt from Satay’s blog post:
“Becoming a father of a son with special needs was the turning point in my life that has shaped who I am today. It has helped me better understand the journey of people with disabilities. It has shaped my personal passion for and philosophy of connecting new ideas to empathy for others. And it is why I am deeply committed to pushing the bounds on what love and compassion combined with human ingenuity and passion to have impact can accomplish with my colleagues at Microsoft.
“It is fitting that the theme of this year’s U.S. National Disability Employment Awareness Month — recognized every October — is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” We could not agree more. At Microsoft, we are making accessibility a top priority in our product development efforts, from core features in Windows 10 like Narrator to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through innovations like Hearing AI created by Azure engineer Swetha Machanavajhala. In addition, we know that having an employee base that is representative of all backgrounds and abilities is one of our greatest strengths. This is why we continue to be passionate about hiring people with disabilities through initiatives like the Autism Hiring Program and Supported Employment Program, which help us advance our mission to empower every person on the planet — including more than 1 billion people who have disabilities. I am an optimist who firmly believes that at its most powerful, technology can contribute to incredible human capability and insight. I also believe it can help people find immense joy and a deeper connection to the world around them by enabling them to realize their professional and personal potentials. Some of my favorite examples of technology in action are where people have come together from across Microsoft, united by a shared passion to hack and build solutions that have the potential to benefit millions.
“Recently, one of my colleagues, Angela Mills, shared her personal story with me. Angela is visually impaired — having lost her central vision when she was a child, today she has only her peripheral vision. Over the years, she has used various technologies to assist her daily activities, but she calls the early release of the new Seeing AI app “life-changing.” Before, when she went into a cafeteria for lunch, she would have to find a cafeteria worker and ask for help in picking out a salad. Now, she can go to the salad area and use the app on her phone to read the labels of the salads before choosing one by herself. She can walk confidently into a conference room, knowing for sure she’s in the right place with the right people; and when she’s cooking at home, she doesn’t have to rely on her husband to read out the labels on the spice jars. It’s incredible to see how this idea that was sparked and developed at our annual hackathon by Saqib Shaikh, Anirudh Koul, and team, is now a free application that enables Angela and many others to feel more included and connected to the world around them, and we can’t wait to bring it to more folks around the world in weeks and months to come.” S
To read the full article on Microsoft’s inclusive design projects for people with Autism, ALS, Learning Issues and Visual Impairments, and to access audio described videos on these subjects…Click Here.
Apps are empowering people with visual impairments in ways we could once only dream of. They read text on the go, identify people, products, places, turn cameras into magnifiers, summon live help, and light the way.
Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments
Here is the second installment of Siri commands that are useful, whether you have a visual impairment or not.
Set “Hey Siri” to respond to your voice without touching the device, or call on Siri with a short press on the home button.
Siri can help us, amuse us, and amaze us. Here are some of the things Siri will do. You just have to know how to ask. When used with VoiceOver, Siri always speaks back.
Settings…”Turn on Do Not Disturb.” And more.
Translate…”How do you say Good Morning in Spanish?”
A small accommodation can be all it takes to keep us doing the things we love to do. Vision loss may take away the joy of seeing a Broadway show.Then again, a seat up close to the stage might just bring that joy right back!
You should know that preferred seating, for people who are visually impaired, is required in public and commercial venues. Seats for visual access are often in the first few rows. They are sold on a first come basis, with one (or more) additional ticket purchases allowed for a companion or guest.
It is certainly worth exploring and experiencing.For more information, try searching online using the venue, or event name along with “accessible seating” or “disability services.” It may be best to begin with a phone call to the box office or the designated ticket seller. Check to see if they have a direct phone line for Accessibility.
Sometimes Access Services online looks like it is related only to wheelchairs. Do not be confused or deterred. Wherever wheelchairs are accommodated, vision loss is accommodated as well.
Each venue reserves seats for this purpose. It is possible to get access seats very close to the date of the performance, so always give it a try. For very popular shows and events, this may not be the case, you may have to buy way in advance. Still, getting the right seats is worth the wait.
A special VIP ticket on a gray background.
Here are some of the services available in New York City. You’ll find similar options in your own town.
Siri, Apple’s “intelligent personal assistant”, can be an empowering tool to help you maximize functionality in your iPhone and/or iPad. Please join us in learning easy tips to benefit from this life-changing technology!
Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments
It is wonderful to note, that Google appears to be dipping a toe into the expanding pool of Accessibility Support Services. They’re not getting their head wet just yet —- but they’re right on the edge.
A pioneer on many fronts and ubiquitous in all things Web, Google has surprisingly not been, known for Accessibility. The Internet is, after all, Google’s playground, it’s just not a friendly place for people with vision loss to navigate.
We’ve been wishing and hoping Google would join the beautiful trend in Accessibility Support by phone, already well underway by Apple, Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, and Comcast. To get our list of Accessibility Support Phone Lines click here.
Google recently announced they have a new and dedicated Accessibility Support Team. Apparently, they’ve been “testing internally for some time.” They are still in the Email Only and English Only phase. They’ll get back to you within 72 hours, which sounds like a very long time to wait if your stuck in the middle of a Google program that is not acting all that accessible. They also state they plan to “quickly” move to additional support channels including Phone.
We applaud this effort and look forward to more dedicated accessibility support resources from Google soon. We know there are millions who will benefit majorly — because the leaders in Accessibility Support have already changed our lives. And there’s still plenty of room for Google.
We encourage all accessibility users to send a note to Google in support of their expanded initiative. The email address is below. It is probably best to just click on the email link because this is a very tricky email address to type in.
Remember the days when books were printed on paper and text size could not be adjusted? Amazon’s Kindle forever changed the way we read. It also made it possible for many people with low vision to continue reading with their chosen font size and better light built into the page.
The Kindle also has something of a checkered past when it comes to Accessibility. In the early generations, Amazon implemented Text To Speech for visually impaired or blind users. And then they restricted it pending publishers approval. the concern was about authors potentially losing revenue from audiobooks, if eBooks could be converted to “free” audiobooks. It was clear they were missing the point.
A few years back they put screen readers in Fire Tablets and eliminated them from Kindle eReaders. But that was then,and now, it appears, they have seen the light. Hallelujah!
Today’s Kindle eReaders and Kindle Paperwhite can be purchased with a VoiceView Audio Adapter. This is a screen reader that plugs into the USB port. The sound is delivered through Bluetooth earphones or speakers. The screen reader provides spoken feedback for navigating the device menus, settings, library, etc. And, of course, it reads the books to you.
An Amazon Paperwhite eReader with a VoiceView audio adapter.
The price of the adapter ($19.99) is credited back to your account, so you are not actually paying more for accessibility.Tutorials are built in to help you learn gesture-based navigation.
Amazon continues to progress and promised much more to come in accessibility. Maybe even a dedicated Accessibility Support Phone Line?
For now, if you need help call the friendly and competent general Kindle’s Support Line at 866.321.8851.
Whether you will continue working with progressive vision loss is mostly up to you. Get prepared to avoid the pitfalls by knowing what potentially lies ahead and how to overcome. Dealing with the impending issues can be a challenge, but the difficulties will be much greater if you are not prepared.
Don’t wait until the words are no longer legible on the computer screen. Holding a magnifier against the monitor to enlarge the text is a pretty sure sign you’re in trouble. Text size is adjusted in accessibility settings, not on the outside of the screen.
Making adjustments takes a little time and is often uncomfortable at the start. Rest assured, it is quite possible to continue working without interruption by staying just one step ahead. Learning to utilize magnification, and other accessibility features, built into the computer, is more dependent on repetition than ability.
Remember you have value. Your employer chose you for the job and invested in your development. You are there for your talent and experience. They want you to succeed. You were not hired for your visual acuity, and you will not be fired for it either — if you make the necessary adjustments to keep working productively.
Honesty is the best policy. Trying to hide vision loss rarely works out well. Telling your boss about your visual impairment will actually protect you. An open dialogue is more likely to create a supportive environment.
A man working on a computer with a large screen.
Make incremental changes, one thing at a time. Here are some minor adjustments that can make a major difference…
Large Screen Monitor – A bigger screen will give you an immediate boost and it will nicely accommodate increasing use of magnification. Don’t be shy…go for the 27 to 30 inch screens. Bigger is definitely better!
Keyboard – Typing can become an issue if you need to see the keys. Now would be a great time to brush up on typing skills. Switch to a large print keyboard or add ZoomCaps large print, high contrast stickers to the keys of your current keyboard. Use locator dots to help identify certain keys by touch.
Keyboard Shortcuts – Make it possible to do things like Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo and Redo without touching the mouse. Choose the shortcuts you will use every day at work and practice (one at a time) until they become ingrained. Here are the lists of Windows shortcuts and Mac shortcuts.
Make A Friend In IT – This is an important relationship to cultivate as you will be needing help over the long term with Accessibility Settings that may be restricted.
Accessibility Settings – Your friend in IT might not be totally versed in accessibility, but they’ll be very happy to gain this knowledge. Be confident in knowing there are many ways to make the computer easier to see by utilizing built-in magnification, large text, large cursor, improving contrast and more.
Resources
Both Microsoft and Apple have dedicated live support phone lines for accessibility, free of charge. This is, without a doubt, the best way to get the information you need to make your computer easier to use.
Call Microsoft DisabilityAnswer Desk at 800.936.5900
Paying bills can be an unpleasant experience on many levels. Adding vision loss to this process can make it a dreaded task…each and every month.
We get used to managing finances in a certain way and it’s not so easy to change those habits. A willingness to make some adjustments in dealing with bills can lift a significant and recurring stress.
Monthly bills can be requested in accessible formats like large print, but more and more businesses are requesting that customers Go Paperless. If you can transition to managing your accounts online, it’s better for you…and for the environment.
Here are six good options:
Online bill paying: can be set up with your bank. Accounts are programmed to be paid on a regular schedule or can be paid as you wish. The bank’s Customer Service can be helpful in getting set up and ask your bank what kind of Accessibility services they offer.
Automatic bill paying: is available with most utilities, phones, credit cards, insurance, and cable. Set up online or call your provider’s customer service to set up over the phone. This process automatically deducts the amount of your bill from your designated bank account on a given day each month.
Pay by credit card: is an option offered by many monthly billers. This can be a preferable option as it will allow you to consolidate your payments to one card and collect points or rewards.
Pay by phone: is also offered by utilities and credit cards. The account can be set up as a direct debit from your account and each month you will call to authorize a specific payment amount.
Smartphone and tablet apps: offer a very convenient and easy way to make payments for a variety of charges including credit cards, phone, utilities, and more.
Magnifier: continuing to read paper bills and writing checks, with low vision, may be best accomplished with the use of a desktop video magnifier which enables you to write as well as read with magnification. (More about this in “Magnifiers Are A Must”)
Don’t be overwhelmed at the thought of making all these changes at once. Deal with one bill at a time and feel free to implement a combination of the available options.
For most people of a ‘certain age’, magnifiers are an important accessory. For those of us with a visual impairment, or progressing vision loss, magnifiers are an absolute necessity. Whether simple or sophisticated, a magnifier that works for you is worth its weight in gold.
Over-the-counter reading and magnifying glasses are a booming business and that means lots of choices. At lower powers (1X, 2X, 3X) they can be purchased in multiples and strategically placed in all the spots you will need one — in a pocket or handbag, desk drawer, kitchen counter, nightstand, etc.
OTC Magnifiers
Two optical magnifiers in different shapes.
Magnifiers come in many shapes and sizes. There are domes,there are loops, and there are magnifiers that sit on stands. There are wearable and chic magnifiers created by famous designers. There are even magnifiers in mirrors and in smartphones.
Illuminated Optical Magnifiers
Three illuminating optical magnifiers in different sizes.
Higher powers of magnification (4x plus) are likely to come in the form of illuminated optical magnifiers. The diopter (size and shape of a lens), the light, and the power all must be considered in making a good selection. Different combinations of light and power will yield different results depending on the task at hand. The prices range from $50 to $150.An appointment with a low vision specialist is well advised, it is an opportunity to try a variety and see what works best.
Portable Video Magnifiers
Two handheld video magnifiers by Optelec.
Video magnifiers take us from the optical to the digital. They utilize a camera that projects on a screen.Unlike the fixed powers of the optical magnifiers, these offer multiple zoom levels in every device. They are the biggest, most powerful, and they are by far the most expensive. Also referred to as electronic magnifiers or CCTV’s — video magnifiers are available in hand-held and portable versions in a range from $200 to $1,500. The larger desktop models, with computer size display screens, run between $2,000 and $4,000.
Smartphone Magnifier
A magnifying glass over an iPhone screen.
The smaller pocket versions have recently met a tough competitor: the smartphone magnifier. As the quality of mobile cameras improves, so does their digital magnification. The iPhone Magnifier is now a built-in, multi-featured app and there are numerous magnifier apps for Android phones as well. So before you start spending — give your smartphone a serious try. Put it to the ultimate test…take it shopping
Desktop Magnifier
A desktop magnifier enlarging the text and image of a magazine.
A video magnifier is a great investment if it helps to maintain or restore elements of daily function. Most desktop magnifiers are configured to accommodate not only reading, but also writing. Tasks that have become seemingly impossible, are once again doable. Completing forms, writing checks, seeing photos, reading package instructions, reviewing bills, sewing, crafts, seeing medication labels and more. Some models are also available with text to speech and will read text aloud. It is important to try these devices before you buy. Go to a low vision center or request a home demo. It is helpful to get an idea of the size, as a desktop magnifier can require the same amount of space as a desktop computer.
Remember there are no instant replacements for lost vision. New ways of seeing and doing things will take some adjusting. Even the smaller handheld magnifiers take some getting used to. Note the return policy for these items. If you use them every day within that period and don’t find they are beneficial — consider returning for a refund or a different item.
To explore sizes, and prices search for “video magnifiers” on Google, Amazon, and eBay. Or, take a look at these assertive technology brands: Optelec, Enhanced Vision, Humanware.
Please note that this article was not paid for, affiliated with, or endorsed by any third-party companies. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s.
