Category: Accessibility & Technology

Getting through an airport is quite a challenge, especially when vision loss makes it difficult or impossible to read the signs or see the arrows that indicate you are moving in the right direction.  There are apps that can read signs and describe places, but with a white mobility cane in one hand, and a carry-on in the other, there are no hands left to manage the smartphone.  Navigation apps may, or may not, be reliable. So what is a visually impaired traveler to do? 

Planning for a solo trip from New York to Chicago, to visit Hadley, I needed to figure out how to get from point to point, with the greatest of ease. My travel skills were rusty, and my eyesight could not be depended on.  Mulling over the options made it clear, I was lacking confidence in my abilities.  Thanks to a, perfectly timed, conversation with Hadley’s Doug Walker, the plan started to form. He understood my concerns and generously shared his experience, and his approach to airport navigation.  I followed Doug’s method, pretty much exactly, as it made total sense and included requesting special accessibility assistance for help moving through the airport. Arranging to utilized this special service, not only solved my airport navigation fears, it also exposed a pre-conceived notion that was standing in my way.  The fact is I’d been avoiding assistance at the airport, for quite a while, because I found it to be completely focused on a wheelchair, and that was not the help I was in need of.  But, when I opened my mind to try this again, I discovered an expanded awareness and understanding, at the airport, for the needs of visually impaired people. 

Direct Phone Lines for Assistance

Upon booking air and hotel reservations, with American Express Travel Services,  I asked to select seats and request airport assistance on both outbound and inbound flights. They said I would have to call the airline or request special assistance online. I logged into the American Airlines mobile app and was able to select seats, but not able to request assistance.  Further attempts to communicate, by phone, with American Airlines proved futile, so I began to search online for an accessibility support phone line.  And that is when I found the direct phone number for special assistance at American Airlines, Delta and United. Call a dedicated specialist to organize all the help you need navigating the airport, security screening, baggage claim, connecting flights and ground transportation. 

American Airlines Special Assistance 

800-237-7976

Delta Air Lines Accessibility Services

404-209-3434

United Airlines Accessibility Desk 

800-228-2744

These numbers have been added to our essential and coveted list of Accessibility Support Phone Lines You Should Know, which includes Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and more. 

Cookies are not always the sweet treats we delight in consuming, they also create challenges. Web cookies are the small pieces of personal data, stored on your browser. Many websites use cookies to remember user settings, which can affect how content is displayed. If those settings aren’t accessible or adjustable, it can hinder the experience for visually impaired users. 

Some sites may require acceptance of cookies before allowing access. This can create barriers if the prompts aren’t designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult for users to navigate or understand their options.  Cookie consent notifications often appear as pesky pop-ups, which can be challenging to interact with using screen readers. These alerts can cover important content, making it hard to access information.

Here are some effective strategies to enhance your browsing experience when dealing with cookies:

• Many browsers allow you to manage cookie settings directly. Familiarize yourself with these options to control how cookies are stored and used. Call Accessibility Support Phone Lines for expert support from Apple, Google and Microsoft.

• Enable features like Reader View to eliminate pop-ups, and use Magnification and High-Contrast Modes to help you read cookie consent messages and navigate settings more easily.

• Choose websites that are known for their accessibility. Check if they provide clear cookie consent options that work well with screen readers.

• If you encounter issues with cookie consent forms, reach out to the website’s support team. Provide feedback about what could be improved for better accessibility.

• Bookmark websites that offer a good user experience with cookies and accessibility in mind, making future navigation smoother.

There is no evidence the light emitting from digital displays is causing damage to our eyes. No proof, the small amount of blue light coming off electronic screens is connected to the development of macular degeneration, corneal disease or cataracts. And no evidence that blue light filtering glasses offer any benefit other than a false sense of protection against harm.  

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO.org) states clearly, “It is true that overexposure to blue light and UV light rays from the sun can raise the risk of eye disease, but the small amount of blue light coming from computer screens has never been shown to harm your eyes.” The Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical School have published corroborating perspectives

What You Should Know About Blue Light & Vision Loss

The blue light that impairs eye health is coming from the sun, not from the screen. In the shade, sunlight is 20x more powerful than the light from a computer screen, and in direct sunlight, at least 100x more powerful.  Limit your exposure to damaging sunlight, whether the sun is bright, direct, overcast or shady, with sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. A hat with a brim is also highly recommended.

Concerns about the summer sun are a thing of the past. Ultraviolet rays are dangerous year round and they are not confined to the bright sunny days — they sneak through the clouds and the haze too. Protecting your eyes is a full-time job, 365 days a year.  Do not be negligent, follow these tips to protect your precious sight. 

One thing light from screens may effect is circadian rhythms. To prevent interference with your sleep cycle, setting screens to night mode significantly reduces the light causing issue. Putting screens to sleep 2 hours before you hit the pillow will also help promote a restful night’s sleep. 

In addition to UV exposure,  primary risks to healthy vision  include: smoking, poor diet, lack of physical exercise, cardiovascular disease, and being overweight. 

Contrast sensitivity declines with age, and is accelerated by eye diseases and disorders. It becomes noticeable when we place a white object on a white surface and it disappears. The same occurs with dark objects on dark surfaces, and many variations in between. In other words it’s about how well an object can be seen against it’s background in conditions that simulate low light, fog or glare. Low contrast complicates reading text and viewing images. The highest contrast scheme for legibility is simply black and white. 

When things seem to disappear before your eyes, it’s time to implement strategies to compensate for reduced contrast vision. Here are some of the best ways to adjust.

Enhance lighting.

• Use maximum wattage in kitchens, bathrooms, halls and stairways
• Add task lighting for detailed work and reading

Minimize contrast issues preparing, serving and enjoying food.

• Use light color plates on dark placemats with contrasting napkins
• Pour dark liquids into light colored cups and vice versa
• Prep foods on contrasting cutting boards

Review 10 Kitchen Tips for Low Vision Cooks

Accessibility and style co-exist at home.

• Go bold with color and contrast in furniture and accessories
• Accentuate your space with attention to lighting to enhance safety, comfort and style
• Consult Nate’s Low Vision Makeover

Make digital screens easier to see. 

• Personalize contrast, display and text setting to improve screen legibility
• Contact Accessibility Support Phone Lines at Apple, Microsoft and Google for specialized assistance in maximizing visual and speech options
• Video magnifiers not only enlarge text and images, they offer options to adjust contrast for a clearer view

Use bolder black ink markers for better writing clarity.

For example try the BoldWriter Pens from our Low Vision Gifts List

When the item you’re looking for mysteriously disappears, try this total tech solution.

• Be My AI in the Be My Eyes app can help find an item lost in a room, take a photo with the app and ask if your missing item (smartphone, AirPod case, wallet, etc.) is in the photo. If it’s there, it will tell you where to find it
• If you need more than AI, there’s an option to connect with a sighted volunteer

Smartphones are the 21st century’s greatest accessibility device for people with vision loss. Both Apple iOS and the Google Android operating systems have built in an impressive range of settings that accommodate the spectrum of visual needs. But that’s not all, thanks to third party app developers there are even more options. 

The best accessibility apps are the ones you are likely to use every day, because they provide visual information audibly. Here are a few favorites we rank at the top of this category.

This is just a starting point, of course! There are tons of other great apps out there, so be sure to explore and find what works best for you.

Simple tasks of everyday living become arduous for people with visual impairments. The challenges include: reading mail, filling in paper forms, signing documents, writing checks, reading instructions on product packaging, as well as seeing images and photographs.

These are some of the difficulties that can be compensated by a video magnifier, also known as CCTV’s or electronic magnifiers. At the right time and in the right context, these high powered magnifying devices can help people, with vision loss, maintain independence. 

What is a CCTV Magnifier?

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are more commonly known as security surveillance system, which can make this reference rather confusing. In more current terminology. Think of it as a system designed to magnify everyday objects. It uses a high-definition camera to capture an image, which is then projected onto a built-in screen in a magnified form. With adjustable magnification levels, users can enlarge text, photos, or objects, making them easier to see.

Benefits of CCTV Magnifiers

• Increased independence: Reading mail, medication labels, bills, and even enjoying hobbies like reading or crafting become possible again.
• Improved visual detail: Tiny details that may have been invisible before are now magnified and clearer.
• Reduced eye strain: No more squinting or straining to see small print.
• Versatility: CCTV magnifiers come in various configurations to suit different needs.

Different Types of CCTV Magnifiers

• Desktop CCTV Magnifiers: These bulky yet powerful models are ideal for home or office use. They often have larger screens (up to 24 inches) and adjustable arms for positioning the camera. Some even come with features like text-to-speech conversion, allowing users to hear the magnified text read aloud.

• Handheld CCTV Magnifiers: These compact and portable magnifiers are perfect for on-the-go use. They are lightweight and can be easily carried in a bag or briefcase. Screen sizes typically range from 3 to 5 inches, and magnification power is lower than desktop models.

Choosing the Right CCTV Magnifier

With an array of features available, selecting the right CCTV magnifier depends on individual needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Magnification Power: Indicates how much the image can be enlarged, ranging from 2x to 13x for handheld devices and up to 50x for desktop models. 
• Screen Size: A larger screen is easier on the eyes, especially for extended use.
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting can improve contrast and visibility, particularly helpful for people with macular degeneration.
• Ease of Use: Choose a magnifier with user-friendly controls and clear instructions, especially if you’re new to this technology.
• Weight and Portability: Consider weight and portability if you plan on using the magnifier outside the home.

Additional Considerations

• Try before you buy.  Be sure you have a 30-day return policy with full refund. Use the magnifier every day and be sure it works for your needs. 
• Warranty: A longer warranty ensures peace of mind in case of malfunctions.
• Cost: CCTV magnifiers can range in price from $500. to $4,000. depending on features. Explore options through vision rehabilitation centers and vendor payment programs.

Where to Find a CCTV Magnifier

• Vision Rehabilitation Centers: These centers often offer consultations to assess your needs and recommend suitable CCTV magnifiers.
• Online Retailers: A variety of online retailers sell CCTV magnifiers, allowing for comparison shopping.
• Medical Supply Stores: Some medical supply stores may carry CCTV magnifiers as assistive devices.

Living Better with a CCTV Video Magnifiers

CCTV magnifiers can empower people with visual impairments to see text documents and images better with an ability to increase in size and contrast on a video screen in high definition. By choosing the right features and exploring available resources, you can find a CCTV magnifier that best suits your needs and helps you live a more independent and productive life.

Consult with a vision specialist to determine the most appropriate assistive technology for your specific needs.

Resources to explore:

HadleyHelps.org

Optelec

HumanWare

Enhanced Vision

For quite some time now, people with vision loss have gained increasing audible access to digital displays and touch screens on electronic devices.  Such advances in accessibility have not yet materialized in most major and household appliances. Meanwhile, we figure out what we need from the appliance and how to get the job done. Depending on the appliance and personal preference, the solution may be simple or complex.  The best approach often comes down to focusing on frequently used functions. Cooking, on a stove top or in the oven, generally requires familiarity with a few temperature settings. Similar strategies are implemented for the use of washer, dryer and dishwasher,  Food gets cooked, laundry and dishes get washed, often on the same settings, day after day.   

In lieu of innovation, GE Appliances is offering a DIY kit as a workaround. The Access Kit was created in partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). In a press release, dated Feb. 27, 2024, the appliance maker described the kit as the “most comprehensive set of tactile stickers for appliances.”  With over 400 stickers, representing the 80 most commonly used settings, the kit is designed to “make thousands of GE Appliances more accessible for everyone,” and it can be used on non-GE appliances, as well. The clear adhesive stickers are placed over the appliance label, allowing the label to show through. They include both tactile symbols and braille. The announcement noted, “While braille is the standard, fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the United States are braille readers.”

“Our number one goal with this offering is to make appliances more accessible for everyone,” said Chris Bissig, director of experience brand language at GE Appliances. “Our research showed that a lot of blind and low-vision consumers are devising their own complex systems just to navigate the settings on their appliances, making simple household tasks incredibly difficult. This kit ensures everyone can feel confident using their GE Appliances. We are so grateful to our partners at American Printing House for the Blind, a true authority in this space, for helping us bring this product to life and make everyday living easier for those who are blind or low vision.”

The GE Access Kit can be purchased for $19.99 at https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/spec/WX01X48726.

The Ai-powered smart camera app is a must-have accessory for people with vision loss because it endeavors to provide the visual information inaccessible to impaired eyes. The first of its kind, Seeing AI, is a collection of text and image recognition channels developed by Microsoft for an Apple iPhone. Next Google created Lookout to provide a similar suite of features for Android users. 

The Envision app also reads text, scans documents, scans product barcodes, identifies objects, colors and faces. The app is free for everyone, as is Seeing AI and Lookout. The Envision app is available on the App Store and on Google Play.

The Glasses

An intriguing factor that distinguishes this app, from the others, is it can be used on a smartphone or with Envision Glasses. Schedule a free personalized demo to help decipher the many options available in glasses, including renting for $150 per month, as opposed to owning for upwards to $3,500. The choices are yours.

People with vision loss are closely watching the category of smart glasses. The Envision Glasses do not improve your eyesight, but they do translate the information your eyes are unable to process, into spoken words, using an integrated camera and speakers. What this says is, while there is no vision correction, information is the next best thing.

Translate Text

Instant Text mode reads any text the camera is pointed at, great for signs, labels, price tags, mail, and product packaging.

Scan Text is the mode for longer, denser text. It includes a magnifier that reads text and can be used to zoom into a section or paragraph on a page. In this feature, the camera takes a photo of a single or multiple page. The image appears on the screen in a text format that can be read, saved, copied to a clipboard, shared, or translated to another language. 

Describes Scene, Identifies Color, Scans Barcode

Capture a photo of the scene in front of you and Envision will describe it and allow you to save the description text with the photo, to your library.

Envision detects and identifies colors in two modes. There are 30 colors described in Standard mode and 950 color names in the Descriptive mode.

Scan product barcodes for the name of the item and tap more information for product details.

Find People and Objects Around You

Teach Envision to recognize people by taking 5 photos of a face and adding a name to it. Find an object you are looking for by selecting it from a list, for example: backpack, cat, wallet, keys, mobile phone. Create a list of favorites and suggest items to add.

Find an Ally

The Envision app and glasses can connect you to family or friends for visual guidance.

Learn more at: https://www.letsenvision.com and on Hadley Presents podcast – Listen to Text with Envision App or Glasses

Post first published Jul 25, 2022 and updated Nov 6, 2023

After five months of beta testing with 200 Be My Eyes app users, the virtual volunteer has been reintroduced as a visual assistant with a new name, “Be My AI.” The beta is now rolling out to more iOS testers. Beta testing for Android will begin soon.

The program designed for visually impaired and blind users is powered by Open AI’s, now infamous, Chat GPT-4. Michele Paris, Marketing & Communications Manager wrote in a blog post, “We’re committed to moving thoughtfully and listening intently, while prioritizing safety above all else.”

Be My AI provides image recognition, you take a picture and it describes the picture in detail. The process is quite simple. Tap the Be My AI tab on the bottom of the BME app, and the camera opens, point it in the direction, or at an object, you wish to learn about and tap “Take Picture.” I point straight at a small section of my desk and in just a few seconds it delivers and reads this thorough description.

“The picture shows a desk with various items on it. In the foreground there is a white keyboard with square keys. The keys are labeled with letters, numbers and symbols. The keyboard has a sleek design and appears to be for a Mac computer, as it has ‘command’ keys.

“Behind the keyboard, there is a white case for wireless earbuds, probably Apple Air Pod, with a charging cable attached to it. Next to the case, there is a black pen with white text on it, lying on top of a blue notepad. The notepad has some writing and a phone number on it, and it’s labeled “Montauk Manor.”

I was impressed and thrilled with the incredible detail because my own eyes no longer work that way. The Welcome to Be My AI message reminds us not to expect 100% accuracy and to remember we can always call a live volunteer if we have questions. Don’t use the app for crossing streets, medical use, or sensitive information. It can analyze faces but not identify people.

More on OE about Be My Eyes here.