OE Patients

Category: Accessibility & Technology

Get the inside scoop on today’s game-changing accessibility and technology for vision.

  • App Happy

    App Happy

    Apps are empowering people with visual impairments in ways we could only once dream. There are apps that can read text on the go, identify people and products, turn cameras into magnifiers, summon live help, and light the way.

    Here are some apps you should know about. All are available for iPhone on the App Store and may be available for Android or Windows as well. Apps are free unless specified.

     

    Seeing AI

    Seeing AI app.

    Seeing AI app.

    Reads Short Text, Documents, Products, People & Scenes

    A magnanimous gesture from Microsoft exclusively to iPhone users. This is actually five apps in one, and it’s free!

    The Short Text channel is the grand prize, point the camera and it reads signs, price tags, labels, addresses, and more. No snapping photos or waiting to process, just point and it reads instantly on the go. This app reads documents and product barcodes with VoiceOver. It can identify people using facial recognition which does not seem all that practical, but it is fun. And try the Scene channel to get a description of the environment you are in. To learn more about Seeing AI, read our full article.

    So far, everyone agrees, this is an amazing app. Enjoy it, and remember, it’s a work in progress, just like the rest of us. Help Microsoft keep making it better by sending your feedback to [email protected].

    Click here to download the iPhone app.

     

    KNFB Reader $99

    KNFB Reader app.

    KNFB Reader app.

    High-Quality text to speech OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

    This app seemed totally worth the price, until a moment ago when Seeing AI became available, with its free document reader. There are some noteworthy differences. KNFB does not require a connection to the Internet to process;  Seeing AI does. KNFB has its own reader; Seeing AI depends on VoiceOver.

    You will find that KNFB Reader is faster, as recognition is performed on your device rather than uploading it to the cloud. Keeping the processing on your device provides better security. KNFB can be set to read text in columns and tables; Seeing AI cannot. KNFB batch mode copies and saves multi-page documents; Seeing AI does not.

    In recent updates, you can make calls, send emails, and open links directly from documents. You can even contact someone from a business card. To learn more about KNFB Reader, read our full article.

    For questions or to send feedback, contact: [email protected].  

    Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

     

    Be My Eyes

    Be My Eyes app.

    Be My Eyes app.

    Access Live Help

    This app boasts an impressive 1 million sighted volunteers on call to assist its 80 thousand visually impaired and blind users in more than 180 countries. Tapping on the main page to “Call First Available Volunteer” will establish a live video connection enabling the volunteer to read or describe what your camera is pointed at.

    If you need help with an appliance, an electronic device, distinguishing items, or reading instructions, these volunteers are ready and able. No need to worry about being a pest, call as often as you need. The wait for a volunteer is estimated at 30 seconds, and that’s pretty hard to beat!

    Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

     

    Brighter and Bigger

    Brighter and Bigger app.

    Brighter and Bigger app.

    Video Magnifier

    Just as the name says, this video magnifying app gets up to 20x bigger, with options for brightness, reverse, clearer and freeze. This makes the app perfect for reading fine print and bringing objects into sharper view. The “Brightness Reverse” and “Monochrome” modes are especially ideal for people living with cataracts and low vision. 

    Thanks to the vast improvements in mobile cameras, these magnifying apps are as good as the portable versions we once had to pay big bucks for. Opens with Siri command.

    Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

     

    iLights

    iLights app.

    iLights app.

    Digital Flashlight

    Adjustable light and blinking strobe can be conveniently turned on by asking Siri. Now you know where the flashlight is when you need it.

    Click here to download the iPhone app.

     

    BARD Mobile

    BARD Mobile app.

    BARD Mobile app.

    National Library Service Talking Books (888.657.7323)

    If you are registered for the National Library Services Talking Books program, consider going mobile. It takes a bit of time to set it up and requires patience as you learn to navigate this, sometimes cumbersome, app, but book lovers with visual impairments absolutely love the totally free access to audiobooks. To learn more about NLS, read our full article.

    Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

     

    Voice Memos

    Voice Memos app.

    Voice Memos app.

    Digital Recorder

    Always good to have a digital recorder on hand. We used to spend hundreds to have one in our pocket, now it’s sitting right in our phone for free. High-quality recording, 3 button interface. Trim, save, and share options.

    App comes with your iPhone.

     

    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.

     

    Originally published on November 17, 2017 and updated on August 3, 2018.

  • Microsoft’s Inclusive Workplace

    Microsoft’s Inclusive Workplace

    The 28th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) reminds us the law prohibits job discrimination and requires the provision of ‘reasonable accommodations’ for employees with disabilities, except when such accommodation would cause undue hardship.  That is, the undue hardship of the employer, not the employee.

    The need for accessible technology in the workplace often created both the accommodation and the hardship.  In fact, it was not so long ago, that the word “accessible” was mostly preceded by the word “not.”  Special third-party assistive technology was usually required to add screen magnification and speech to a desktop computer.  Because it was by nature a retrofit, the special software could be incompatible with some systems and was rarely supported by a company’s IT staff. It was not always seamless or elegant but, what really mattered was, it could keep you working, long after vision loss might have otherwise shut you down.

    That was then. Now the accessibility is built into the operating systems and the applications we use at work, decreasing the need for that awkward conversation, with an employer, to request an accommodation. The significance of this cannot be understated. It empowers employees with vision loss to make computer adjustments, as needed, and continue working without major interruptions. And in today’s workforce, it’s not even unusual to adjust your visual settings or to use speech features. It’s actually quite normal.

    ADA surely set the stage for the inclusive work environment still unfolding decades later.  The 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) also must be credited for triggering the impressive progress in elevating the equality of access for all. In this scenario, it appears, legislation and innovation converged for the greater good.

    In somewhat of an equal measure, we have Microsoft to thank for elevating the accessibility of its enterprise software. Satya Nadella took the helm of the tech giant in 2014 with a strong desire to embrace accessibility, inspired by the needs of his son, born with cerebral palsy.  Just 4 years later the company’s products and workforce clearly reflect this major priority.  Jenny Lay-Flurrie, who is deaf, was appointed Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer in 2016.  She is an enthusiastic champion for all people with disabilities and a powerful advocate for an inclusive workplace.

    Here are some of the built-in Microsoft Accessibility features for Vision, designed to make your computer easier to use.

    • Customize Colors for Increased Contrast
    • Do Things Quickly with Tell Me
    • Make Windows 10 Easier to See
    • Use Accessibility Checker
    • Use Magnifier to Enlarge Text & Images
    • Learn Keyboard Shortcuts to Move Faster
    • Customize Your Mouse Pointer
    • Use Narrator to Read Screen Text
    • Use Seeing AI for iPhone to Read Text, Identify People, Currency & Color, Read Product Barcodes, Describe Scenes

    *Please note, while these features accommodate a large majority of the population with vision loss, they are not meant to replace screen reading software for totally blind and non-visual computer users.

    Learn more about all of it on Microsoft’s Accessibility page.

     

    And, no need to figure anything out on your own, just call:

    Microsoft Disability Answer Desk – 800-936-5900

     

    Jenny and Satya at Abilities Summit 2018

     

    More on the subject from OE Patients:

     

  • “Accessible TV” Seminar Highlights

    “Accessible TV” Seminar Highlights

    Last Thursday, we had a wonderful turnout for our seminar on Accessible TV.  Hosted at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, it was the last session before our summer break, in our series on “Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments.”

    Dorrie Rush, our Accessibility Expert at OE Patients, led a discussion about audible TV guides, menus, audio-described programming, and options for navigation by voice commands available from cable providers and streaming services.

     

    Dorrie Rush speaking at "Accessibility TV" Seminar.
    Dorrie Rush speaking at “Accessibility TV” Seminar.

    Summary

    We reviewed accessibility solutions currently available in the NYC area.

    For Verizon Fios customers, voice-enabled navigation can be turned on with the remote control and Amazon’s Alexa can be connected for voice commands.  Spectrum uses Roku to provide voice output and Optimum’s solution includes Fire TV.  The cable options differ by provider, so get in touch with your cable company and find out what they have to offer.  For a quick check do a web search using “Accessibility” + the name of your cable provider.

    TV watching is no longer confined to a television screen, and setting up accessibility in your personal technology is a whole different story.  With the use of Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Google Chromecast, voice-enabled navigation and voice commands are turned on directly in settings and all can be operated with the help of their respective digital assistants and smart speakers.

    To help you get these accessibility features activated and working on your own devices, click the button below to download our Accessible TV Handout with the customer service and technical support phone lines you need to know.

    “Accessible TV” Seminar Handout

    [easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Accessibility-Center-Info-session-June_21-v1-HANDOUT-FINAL.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download Handout”]

     

    Related Content

    For a bit more history about these CVAA accommodations, go to our article “Talking Guide For Your TV“.

     

  • AAO Video: Technologies for Patients with Low Vision

    AAO Video: Technologies for Patients with Low Vision

    In a recent video from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Drs. Mary Lou Jackson and Mark Bona take a brief look at an interesting selection of low vision technology.  Here is the list of products they mention with our summary and comment.  The video is linked at the end of this post.

     

     

    Handheld Victor Reader Stream

    Victor Reader Stream: $369

    This was the go-to digital reading device for people with low vision or blindness in the pre-iPhone era.  Still recommended by low vision specialists for it’s simple and tactile interface.

     

     

    Seeing AI app reading an address on an envelope.
    Seeing AI app reading an address on an envelope.

    Seeing AI App: FREE

    This very new and very popular iPhone app from Microsoft is available on the App Store.  It reads text instantly and on the go, identifies products, colors, currency and more.  We talked about the first release and the upgrade on OE Patients posts titled:

    Seeing AI is a Gift from Microsoft

    Seeing AI Gets an Upgrade

     

     

    Portable video magnifier used on newspaper text.
    Portable video magnifier used on newspaper text.

    Portable Video Magnifier: $200 – $1,000

    We agree video magnifiers offer a powerful boost to a wide range of low vision patients.  Read what we say on OE Patients in the post titled: Magnifiers Are A Must. 

     

     

    A man using eSight glasses to read a document.
    A man using eSight glasses to read a document.

    eSight: $5,950

    A head-mounted video magnification device.  Here’s what we said about it in OE Patients post titled: eSight Up Close

     

     

    Jordy, optical viewing device.
    Jordy, optical viewing device.

    Jordy: $3,620

    A head-mounted video magnifier recently reintroduced as a lower priced competitor to eSight.  Jordy also converts to a desktop magnifier with the purchase of an optional dock.

     

     

    Aira: $89 – $329 per month

    Aira (pronounced I-ra) is a new service, for a monthly fee offers access to a sighted agent, summoned by a tap on the Aira smart glasses and connected by a live video feed.  The agent will provide on the spot detailed guidance when needed.  This is an innovative concept and we are very interested to see how people with low vision take to it.

     

     

    Click here for the AAO video.

     

  • Let iPhone’s VoiceOver Do the Reading

    Let iPhone’s VoiceOver Do the Reading

    A totally accessible touch screen was brought to us by Apple nearly a decade ago.  The iPhone 3s was delivered with a fully functioning VoiceOver screen reader, right out of the box.  It was our first experience with truly inclusive design, nothing to add on and no added cost.  This was indeed a pivotal moment, a game changer!

    For me, it was a dream come true.  Already past the point of reading any size text on a small screen, I was feeling left behind. So I seized the opportunity to learn to navigate the iPhone with a screen reader.  It seemed a pretty steep learning curve, but really not all that different for anyone learning to use a touch screen for the first time.

    After several bouts of avoidance and fear of failure, I rediscovered the key to learning anything; Practice, practice, practice.  Learning VoiceOver is a matter of repetition.  It was time to get rid of the backup flip phone (as my 9-year-old nephew advised) and stop prolonging the process.

    Today, I am fluent in VoiceOver for iOS, it is embedded in my muscle memory, the result simply of repeating the gestures each and every day.  I realized that my ability to learn this was more dependent on how many times I touched the screen each day, not any real skill.  The point being, if I did it…so can you.

    Having said all that we know that transitioning from visual to audible function also has its challenges.  If you cannot read your phone screen visually with a fair level of comfort, it may be time to give VoiceOver a try.  Consider how amazing it would be to have everything you can’t see, read to you right out of the iPhone, or more discreetly through an earbud (or Air Pod).  Once you’ve adjusted, it feels like you’re reading everything again, like you once did.  Try it.

    The easiest way to turn VO on and off, as you learn, is by asking Siri.  There is also a triple click shortcut that can be activated, or the long way through Settings, General, Accessibility, VoiceOver, On/Off.

    It all boils down to learning a very manageable set of VO gestures and practicing every day for at least 1 hour.  It will all become second nature in a few short weeks and you’ll never regret a minute of your effort as you move around the iPhone (iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch) with ease.

    Below are the resources you need to succeed.

     

    YouTube “VoiceOver” Tutorials

    iFocus Tutorials from the Hadley Institute are beautifully produced and very user-friendly.  Play these videos on a big screen, or just listen, while you practice on your iPhone.  Repeat as many times as needed.

    iFocus Beginning VoiceOver Gestures

    iFocus Advanced VoiceOver Gestures

    iFocus iPhone X VoiceOver Gestures

     

    Additional Resources

    List of VoiceOver Gestures

    David Pogue VoiceOver Video

    And Apple Accessibility Support is available 24/7 by phone to answer your questions and help you learn. To contact them, call 877-204-3930.

     

    It’s worth the work — just do it!

     

    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.

     

  • Accessibility Bridges the Visual Divide

    Accessibility Bridges the Visual Divide

    Accessibility is a term that knows no bounds, defining the ease of use of technologies, services, and environments. At one time associated mainly with disability, its prominence now is largely driven by universal design and the aging population. Smart developers know that for a product to be successful it must be easily adoptable by people of every age. No dumbing-down required.

    The new age of accessibility is a game changer for people with vision loss in particular. We are no longer relegated to the stigma, or the expense, that “special” technology has traditionally carried. Using the same popular devices everyone else is using has incredibly healing and renewing properties, and gives us back some sense of normal. It is ultimately about inclusion.

    The most disappointing thing about these amazing developments is that far too many people are unaware that accessibility exists, and they continue to needlessly struggle with daily tasks! We can all help to change that. Screen settings and speech applications can significantly benefit all patients experiencing any and every degree of vision loss. They just need to know it’s available.

    In 2008, Apple delivered the iPhone with Accessibility Settings built into every phone, at no extra cost, which expanded usability to people with low vision or no vision. The move marked a pivotal shift in mainstream accessibility and Apple became the undisputed leader in this important evolution.

    The iPhone became the most adopted device, ever, among people with vision loss. It is also the most multiple-use device ever available for vision. Today the iOS options under Accessibility Settings for Vision include VoiceOver, Zoom, Magnifier, Larger Text, Bold Text, and Increased Contrast. These settings, along with Siri’s AI (artificial intelligence) and Dictation features, are not just beneficial for people with serious visual impairments…they’re good for everyone!

    In 2010, the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) was signed into law, mandating equal access to digital, broadband, and mobile devices for people with visual impairments or blindness. This is why all smartphones and tablets now have accessibility features included. It is also why all cable providers now offer customers the option to enable talking TV guides and menus. We now have an abundance of choices. Although all are not created totally equal, we can expect Android phones and tablets are accessible. Amazon’s Kindle eReaders and Fire tablets are accessible. Google, Microsoft, and Apple all make universal access a standard.

    Accessibility apps also play a meaningful role in improving function for people with visual impairments. There are apps that are magnifiers and flashlights; apps that take notes and send reminders; apps that convert text to speech; apps that help you take a well-focused photograph; and apps that read signs and locate transportation.

    This range of useful options isn’t limited to just cell phones and tablets — Microsoft Windows PC and Apple’s Mac computers can also be depended on for magnification, speech, dictation, and voice commands. People often give up computer use once the screen becomes too difficult to read. They don’t realize that they can adjust the technology to their needs, every step of the way. This is particularly important for people at work. The great majority of low vision users can continue to work, uninterrupted, with a little help from their IT Department to set it up to suit their particular needs.

    Taking an even bigger leap forward, Apple launched a dedicated Accessibility Support phone line to assist their customers with visual, hearing, motor, and learning impairments. The Verizon Wireless Accessibility Center followed. Next came the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk. Comcast, the leader in cable accessibility, offers dedicated phone support. Recently, Google announced that they, too, are preparing to launch a special support line. Amazon does not yet offer dedicated support, but they do have staff well versed in accessibility for Kindle, Fire and Echo accessibility.

    It is a life-changing innovation, and this is just the beginning — the best is clearly yet to come. Intuitive and predictive technology, interacted with by voice, is the next big frontier. Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home are already popular and accessible for people of all ages and acuities. A powerful reminder that we are more alike than we are different.

     

    Image Credit: Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital | Northwell Health
    Image Credit: Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital | Northwell Health

     

    Image Credit: Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital | Northwell Health
    Image Credit: Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital | Northwell Health

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    To read the PDF version of this article click here

     

    Article first published in Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital | Northwell Health, Winter 2017 Newsletter

     

  • Descriptive Audio Brings Back the Detail

    Descriptive Audio Brings Back the Detail

    For more than a decade, descriptive audio tracks have been available on widely released feature films. Now the devices used to access these audio tracks are also widely available. This accommodation was once at the discretion of the theater, but now it is a requirement.

    And what a difference it can make for moviegoers with visual impairments.  Sitting up close to the screen is usually a good move, and the added narration can help ensure you don’t miss a thing.

    Beginning in January 2017, movie theaters across America now have descriptive audio devices, readily available, for all guests wishing to use them. The theater is also required to have a staff member on hand to assist customers requesting these devices, and that is a very good thing because different theaters may use different devices, and if you are not used to them it takes a time or two to acclimate.

    The policy for accessible movies accommodates people with hearing impairments as well, with separate devices that provide closed captioning. This tends to create some minor confusion because the device for people with hearing impairments looks like it’s for the eyes and the device for visual impairments looks like it’s for the ears. Just be sure you are clear that you wish to “listen to the descriptive audio track.”

    People sitting and excited, watching a movie in a movie theater.
    People sitting and excited, watching a movie in a movie theater.

    Depending on the theater, you may get a set of headphones or you may encounter a device that allows you to connect your own personal headphones or earbuds.  Thanks to the digital age in which we live, the movie tracks automatically synch with the film track. Voila!

    What happens next is truly wonderful.  A lovely voice begins to speak into the quiet spaces of the film, describing scenes or activity without ever interrupting the dialogue or talking over the music. Important details no longer slip by, the voice keeps you abreast every step of the way. You begin to “see” the picture you might have otherwise missed.

    You should also know these descriptive tracks can also be accessed in the privacy of your own home, TV, computer, tablet or smartphone.

    Sit back, relax and enjoy the movie!

     

  • Innovation Drives Inclusion

    Innovation Drives Inclusion

    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.

     

  • 10 MORE Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

    10 MORE Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

    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.

    1. Settings…”Turn on Do Not Disturb.” And more.
    2. Translate…”How do you say Good Morning in Spanish?”
    3. Sports…”Did the Giants win?”
    4. Contacts…”What is Frank’s address?”
    5. Stocks…”What is Apple’s stock price?”
    6. Location…”Where is the nearest Bank of America?”
    7. Photos…”Show my Photos from Montauk.”
    8. Maps…”Get me directions home.”
    9. Q&A…”How many ounces in a liter?.”
    10. Web Search…”Search the web for Siri commands.”

    Or, summon Siri and ask…”What can you do for me?”

     

  • Google Wants To Hear From You

    Google Wants To Hear From You

    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.

    Email: [email protected]

    We’ll keep you posted of progress and to learn more about Google’s Accessibility click here.

     

  • Kindle Gets A Voice

    Kindle Gets A Voice

    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.
    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.

     

    Article first published on September 8, 2017.  

  • 10 Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

    10 Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

    Siri is the virtual assistant from Apple, available to help you in iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac. We can set “Hey Siri” to respond to our voice without touching the device, or we can summon 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.

    1. Open an app…”Open Camera.”
    2. Reminders…”Remind me to bring home milk.”
    3. Weather…”What is the weather in Seattle?”
    4. Make a phone call…”Call Mitchell.”
    5. Text message…”Tell Evan I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”
    6. Email…”Send an email to Danielle.”
    7. Clock…”What is the time in Rome?”
    8. Set an alarm…”Wake me at 6.”
    9. Music…”Play Let It Be.”
    10. For more you can just ask Siri…”What can you do for me?”