Tag: blindness

Seeing AI Advances
Seeing AI Advances & Updates

Since it’s initial launch in 2017, the Seeing AI app from Microsoft is the gift that keeps giving to visually impaired people. We embraced the intelligent camera for it’s ability to translate text, images, objects and environments into spoken words. Even as it inspired many competitors, Seeing AI has maintained it’s prominent position. As the software continued to improve, the app’s interface did not change much…until now.

The Seeing AI interface has been consolidated into 3 main tabs labeled: Read, Describe and More. The idea was to streamline what was previously a dedicated “channel” for each feature. The result does not seem simplified, at first, and it takes some getting used to. Here’s how the reshuffled tabs lay out.

Seeing AI graphic image with app icon overlay. Image credit: Microsoft

READ Tab

The first tab combines three channels, from previous versions, for reading Short Text, Documents and Handwriting. Point the camera at any text, or handwritten words, and it will read instantly. Taking a picture of the text may improve accuracy and will allow you to ask for more information.

DESCRIBE Tab

In the second tab, take a photo of an environment and it will be described to you in detail, including recognition of objects and people. This feature offers option to have photos in your library described, and to ask for more information or explore image by touch.

MORE Tab

The third tab is home to all the remaining channels, seven in all, each standing on it’s own.
- PRODUCT – Reads barcodes and accessible QR codes. Audio guidance helps you find the code, then scans it. In the grocery store, for example, the code might identify the brand and flavor on the ice cream container, or the fat content of the milk, or if the bread is wheat or white.
- PERSON – Use the camera to scan and tell you about the people nearby. Facial descriptions include an estimate of age and expression. Set face recognition to announce the name of someone you know when they come into view.
- CURRENCY – Select the paper currency you wish to identify (choose from 17 currency options) and hold the camera over a single note to hear the value.
- WORLD — An experimental combination of artificial intelligence and augmented reality helps you navigate unfamiliar indoor spaces in 3D guided by spatial audio using headphones. Caution is advised and feedback is appreciated.
- FIND MY THINGS — Teach Seeing AI to recognize the items you often find yourself searching for, like keys, wallet, AirPods, sunglasses, etc. Follow the prompts to take videos of the item and save it to your list. Once set up, the camera can scan the environment to help you locate the selected item through audible beeps that quicken as you get closer to it.
- COLOR – Point the camera at an item and it will identify the color.
- LIGHT – For users with no light perception, this channel indicates intensity and direction of light through audible tone and pitch changes.
The Seeing AI app is available for iOS on the App Store, and for Android on Google Play.

Get quick help at the upper right corner on every channel.

Feedback helps improve the app, so do share your thoughts through the app menu or by email to [email protected].

Post originally published on Jan 19, 2018 and most recently updated Apr 16, 2025
April 16, 2025
Beware Of Fake Eclipse Glasses

A total solar eclipse will happen on April 8th. It will travel a path that stretches through parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. The planetary event is expected to attract many millions of eyes. Watching without the protection of authentic eclipse glasses or filters, puts all eyes at risk of retinal damage.

The solar eclipse occurs as the moon passes in front of the sun, obscuring the light and casting a dark shadow on parts of earth. The darkening of the sun, is the phase called Totality, lasting only a few brief moments. At this point they say it is “safe” to take the glasses off for a “moment.” Just don’t forget to put them back on. Retinal damage happens without warning. The damage is known as solar retinopathy and there is no treatment. Doctors urge caution. The effects range from minor to severe. Sometimes the eyes recover, sometimes they don’t.

The rare opportunity creates a buying frenzy for special eclipse glasses. Tens of millions of eclipse glasses have been sold. The soaring demand for these special glasses brings out the counterfeiters, so it’s difficult to trust or verify product authenticity and safety. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends referring to the list of eclipse products that conform to standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and published by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

We learn early on that it is very bad to look directly into the sun. Watching a solar eclipse is risky, even with “authentic” eclipse glasses, because you are compelled to stare at the sun. It can definitely damage your vision. Experts agree, there is no completely safe way to view a solar eclipse. Why take the chance? Protecting your sight should always be your priority.

Total Solar Eclipse phases.

You don’t have to give up seeing this amazing event entirely. It will surely be one of the day’s most photographed moments. Just wait for a few minutes until the images begin posting online, then go right ahead and stare.

This article was originally published on Aug 15, 2017 and updated Mar 26, 2024.

March 26, 2024
Take the VoiceOver Challenge
For people who are visually impaired, learning to use the iPhone’s gesture based screen reader, VoiceOver (VO), is challenging, to say the least. While working on a series of VO training tutorials, I was reminded how steep the learning curve for this iPhone accessibility feature is. It will test your metal, for sure, but don’t be deterred by the difficulty, millions have learned to use the iOS screen reader with fluency, including me. It can be maddening and the urge to resist will recur. I managed to learn, and to even teach others, so I can promise all beginners, the gain will well outweigh the pain. Stick with it, don’t give up!

The size of a smartphone screen necessitates a screen reader for a much wider audience than a larger screen computer or tablet. Although it may be initially a disquieting experience, the learning process is far less displeasing than not being able to navigate a smartphone at all. Having said that, I congratulate all users of VO on iPhone, and TalkBack on Android, for successfully flattening the curve. These are skills that continue to develop and enrich our lives ongoing. Accessibility and inclusion are empowering. And let us not forget, every smartphone comes with many more low vision and blindness aids, in built-in features and apps, which are frankly, priceless.

Although it is no piece of cake, the process of learning to navigate a touch screen with a unique set of gestures, absorbing the information with your ears, more than your eyes, will ultimately give back much more than it takes. Remember learning keeps your mind young, particularly complex activities that require practice for proficiency.

Image shows woman at work using iPhone with voiceOver.

A Word About Typing

Typing with VoiceOver on an iPhone keyboard requires practice. Many have mastered it and you will too. Practice typing by sending yourself text messages or emails. The default typing mode in VoiceOver is Standard Typing, which requires a double tap on each key, and it is the perfect practice mode. Put in the time and soon you’ll be advancing to Touch Typing, which requires only a single tap on each key. Siri and Dictation can circumvent, but not totally replace, the need for typing.

4 Stages of the Learning Curve

Understanding the stages of a learning curve can also fuel the belief that you will succeed, and this applies to all learning, particularly technology.
- Unconscious Incompetence
You don’t know what you don’t know.
- Conscious Incompetence
You know what you don’t know and begin learning.
- Conscious Competence
You’re learning but painfully aware of every step.
- Unconscious Competence
You have practiced to proficiency, the skills are now second nature.

Go forth and conquer!
October 15, 2021
Don’t Allow Vision Loss to Affect Your Cognition
It is often said that vision loss affects your eyes, not your brain. We know many capable people who continued to thrive in their personal and professional lives despite the added challenges of severe vision impairment or blindness. We want to believe our brains will hold up against the inevitable injury that occurs with a loss of sight. On the other hand, Jane Brody writes, “if the brain has to work extra hard to make sense of what our eyes see, it can take a toll on cognitive function.”

The news was reported in the Personal Health column of the NY Times, based on findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The research followed 1,200 women and men, age 60 to 94, and involved both vision and cognitive testing. Participants with ophthalmic issues including poor visual acuity, depth perception and low contrast, were also more likely to show cognitive decline over the course. The information is not exactly uplifting, but delivered in that quintessentially Jane Brody kind of way, it was bad news followed by good news. That’s right, there is something we can do about it. Like many other factors involving health and aging, this too is all about the steps we take to keep our brains fit. It very much depends on how we deal with it.

Preventing cognitive decline related to vision loss is within our grasp. Vision loss that goes unaddressed often results in a decrease in physical and social activity, which adds to the decline in brain power. Here are steps recommended to maintain mental sharpness with changing eyesight and age:
- Get annual eye exams, to identify problems early that can be corrected or addressed before they contribute to mental decline
- Uncorrectable vision loss, or low vision, can be helped by vision rehabilitation, which includes evaluation, counseling and training that helps visually impaired people compensate and adjust
- Don’t wait until a visual impairment begins to adversely impact daily function, start adjusting early
- If the doctor says nothing can be done to medically treat the vision problem, that does not mean there is nothing you can do to improve your quality of life
- Maintain a strong social connection to friends and family
- Making adjustments in our home and work environment can significantly improve daily function, productivity and confidence
Cognitive decline is an eye opener, bringing a new sense of urgency to coping with vision loss. Jane Brody’s message is one advanced by OE Patients everyday. Find more OE links below to more helpful content relating to this topic:

In the Know About Low Vision

10 Things to Know About iPhone for Vision

Your Smartphone is a Comprehensive Low Vision Device

OE Agrees with AAO

Making Excuses, Breaking Excuses

Nate’s Low Vision Makeover

6 Ways to Keep Your Mind Young
September 10, 2021
Switching To iPhone? Here’s A Guide
We are often asked for guidance on buying an iPhone for the first time. The initial move from a feature or flip phone, or from an Android phone to an iPhone requires personalized setup, and a mix of patience and practice to adjust. The reason for switching, in this case, is the advanced accessibility iPhone offers for people with visual impairments or blindness.

The real initial setup of an iPhone only has to happen once. Next time you upgrade your iPhone, the data, apps and settings will transfer from iCloud and fill the new phone with all your stuff. This way it’s totally familiar and there’s no need to start the whole process over again with each new model.

People browsing in an Apple Store.

At The Apple Store:

What You Need to Know

The Apple Store is the best place to buy the iPhone and get it set up. It is not always so easy to get your phone set up at a mobile retail store, especially when it involves accessibility. At the Apple Store, there is a process for “Personal Setup,” and they know this phone intimately.
- iPhone model: Newer models are always best for the long term. The best model for you may be dependent on screen size. Try them in the store, ask your sales specialist to show you larger text and contrast settings to determine whether they enhance your ability to read.
- iPhone storage size: The phones come in different storage sizes. For new users, the smallest, which is now 64GB, should suffice. If you are planning to access a large photo or music library, you may want to consider more space.
- VoiceOver: For those of us unable to read the screen comfortably in any text or screen size, option 2 is learning to use VoiceOver, iPhone’s full-function screen reader. This does add to the learning curve, but totally worth the work! More on this from OE: Let iPhone’s VoiceOver Do The Reading
- Apple Care Plus: Consider Apple Care Plus for extended warranty and replacement. This can be a good thing to have, just in case.
- Apple ID and iCloud: If you already have an Apple ID and iCloud account, be prepared to provide the username and password. If not, they will be created at setup. (To lessen any potential confusion, always best to make the Apple ID and iCloud accounts the same username & password.)
- Email password: Your email address and password are also required to set the Mail app, don’t forget.
At Personal Setup:

What You Need To Do
- Set larger text, bold text, display accommodations, increase contrast (as needed)
- Transfer Contacts from previous phone (if possible)
- Set A Passcode Lock and Face ID (or don’t, it’s easier without)
- Set Auto-Lock for 5 minutes so the screen doesn’t keep locking as you are learning
- Set up “Hey Siri”
- Turn on Dictation
- Set up your email
- Make a few calls right away from the Apple Store so you know how to use the phone, then go right home and practice making calls, answering calls, ending calls
- Turn on VoiceOver or Speak Screen (if needed)
- Once the VO setting is turned on, VO can be turned on/off by asking Siri
Learning:

Here Are The Keys

The key to success is repetition. So keep in mind, if you repeat an action 25 – 30 times, it gets committed to muscle memory, and then you just begin doing it automatically. This is not a matter of technical ability, it’s simply perseverance. Everyone, regardless of visual acuity, experiences the learning curve.

For VoiceOver users, the curve is a bit steeper, but (take it from one who knows) the conquest is even sweeter! You’ll need to begin practicing the VoiceOver gestures that navigate the screen. Again, it’s all about practice, the more you touch the screen the better you become. For your reference, here’s the list of VoiceOver Gestures.

Apple Accessibility Support Phone Line: (877-204-3930) is an invaluable learning tool. A dedicated line for customers with visual, hearing, motor and learning impairments, available 24/7. Not only will they answer your questions and resolve your issues, they will also provide tutorials on the use of apps. Don’t be shy, they want to hear from you. If you’re stuck…call them. If you want to learn something new…call them. There’s no limit.

Get your learning started with these topics…
- Get familiar with Phone app: Recent calls, Contacts, Voice Mail
- Use Siri to make a call by name or phone number
- Learn to save phone numbers and emails to Contacts
- Find the ways Siri can work best for you…here are 10 Things Siri Will Do If You Ask
- Learn to send text messages
- Learn to send, and reply to, email
- Learn to use the Dictate key instead of typing… Are You A Dictator?
Practice is a must – put in an hour a day getting comfortable.

Once you’re phoning, emailing and texting with confidence, you’re ready to move on and master more apps of your choosing. The apps you use every day will become ingrained and after a while, you won’t even have to think about it.

A virtual and comprehensive catalog of iPhone courses is available at HadleyHelps.org and it’s as good as one-to-one training. They offer live expert help and phone support too, all fee-free….Meet Hadley 2.0, Your Personal Tutor.

This article was originally published Nov. 8, 2018, and updated Mar. 18, 2021.

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.
March 18, 2021
Advancing AMD Awareness

Once upon a time, not so long ago, people believed that age-related macular degeneration caused total blindness. Today we know better. AMD affects people over age 50, resulting in a blurring of the sharp central vision used for reading, driving, identifying faces, and other detail oriented tasks. The peripheral vision is not affected and can be helpful in compensating. The dry form of AMD accounts for about 90% of cases, marked by slowly progressing changes. The remaining 10% have the wet form which causes more aggressive vision loss due to leaking blood vessels behind the eye. Treatment is available and effective in managing wet AMD. Patients are able to continue a productive and independent life with the active implementation of small changes and the embrace of technology.

Here is a collection of OE’s recent and most popular content on the subject, in recognition of AMD Awareness Month – February 2021.

Closeup of elderly woman’s eye

What Is AMD?

An explanation of age-related macular degeneration, thorough and well presented for review as an informative introduction or to refresh your knowledge. Read Now

Image of the logo for The Retina Counselor.

Emerging Treatments For AMD

A primer on clinical trials in the process for the next generation treatment and management of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration with an emphasis on more efficient and convenient patient care. Read Now

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

Episode 14: The Retina Counselor

Listen in as Dr. Mrinali Gupta discusses the future of AMD treatments and how patients can best utilize the Retina Counselor report. Listen Now

Fresh vegetables and fruits spread out on a gray table.

The Anti-AMD Diet

This is one of OE Patients most popular articles. Improving nutrition habits through small dietary changes has been found to prevent and slow the development of AMD. Read Now

Older woman using digital tablet outdoors

Living Better With AMD

Patients should be to be well informed that although there may be no medical treatments available yet, for their AMD, it most certainly does not mean “nothing can be done.” Read this article for five ways to take action. Read Now

Dahlov Ipcar “Sunlight in Forest Glade” (unfinished, 2015)

Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

If you think AMD is a career-ending diagnosis for a visual artist, this article will change your thinking. These artists continued to thrive, despite vision loss, and you can too! Read Now

Three generations of a family sitting on a park bench.

Hope For Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Progress with age-related macular degeneration shows a promising hope for the future. Read Here for what you need to know and what you can expect. Read Now

February 5, 2021
Meet Hadley 2.0, Your Personal Tutor
Something really good just got even better. The reimagining and rebuilding of HadleyHelps.org was well underway as the COVID pandemic kicked in. Both the update and the timing feels perfect, delivered at a moment when it was so needed. The distance learning experts, with 100 years of experience, launched a newly designed program beautifully attuned to the needs of the largest demographic for vision loss, older adults. And by the way, creating programs accessible for an aging population, actually, improve usability for everyone.

Hadley 2.0 is the newly developed approach for adult learners. Video and audio based learning opportunities are now presented in smaller bites that take minutes instead of hours. You decide, for example, which features of the iPhone you want to learn and in what order. Feel free to repeat a workshop, or even a sentence, as many times as you need to, there’s no limit. No need to worry about failing here, it’s all about success.

Image Shows senior woman smiling on hadleyhelps.org home page.

The pandemic compounded many of the challenges inherent to vision loss. It became clear that technology skills are essential, although the training has not always been so readily available, especially from the privacy of your own pace. Now you can log on to HadleyHelps.org and decide what you want to learn today. The primary categories are: Daily Living, Technology, Adjusting to Vision Loss, Braille, Recreation, and Working. A click on Technology brings up subcategories: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Apple Watch & TV, Talking Books, and Zoom. Selecting iPhone & iPad brings up the courses organized by series. The very first is iPhone & iPad Low Vision Features, segmented into five quick courses: Zoom, Text Size, Dark Mode, Speak Screen, and Magnifier. Similar to a tasting menu, Hadley’s small bites are abundant and delicious, don’t stop at one, enjoy them all. Explore the entire catalog here.

The technology offers, alone, is enough to trigger a celebration, but there are many more topics and perks available to Hadley subscriber.
- No fees or costs to the user.
- Ask the Experts for a live tutorial.
- Call in and join an interactive Discussion Group on a variety of topics including: cooking, crafting, writing, gardening, travel, Braille, and Spanish.
- Listen to Hadley Presents Podcast.
- Transcripts are available for all content.
- Have a workshop printed and mailed.
- Get alerts and email notifications.
- Provide feedback after every workshop, Hadley is paying attention.
I have been a fan, a follower, and a Hadley learner, personally and professionally since discovering the iPhone VoiceOver Tutorials by Douglas Walker while on staff at Lighthouse. We often share Hadley links on OE and featured Hadley in the OE Patients Podcast Episode 3. The Hadley Institute is a nonprofit organization living up to its mission to create personalized learning opportunities that empower those with vision loss to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities. Take advantage of Hadley’s learning opportunities and don’t forget to give back, from time to time, by supporting the great work they do with a charitable donation.
January 29, 2021
Hindsight is 2020

As we get ready to say “good riddance” to 2020, it is worth taking a moment to review how very different this year turned out from the one we were expecting. It has been a difficult year in many ways for everyone, while it imposed much greater pain on some than on others. We learned that living in a pandemic, like living with vision loss, requires a willingness to adapt, adjust and accept that life is going to be different. 2020 is a year we will remember vividly and with the clarity its number represents. So before waving so long and farewell, let’s take a look at some of the titles on OE Patients that recall why hindsight is 2020.

If you’d prefer to have the text of pages on OE read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

Image of social distance line markers.

The New, New Normal

Until recently the concept of social distancing, or self isolating, was generally discouraged, especially for people with vision loss. Now it’s a necessity for our ongoing health and well-being. Just a few weeks ago, seeing someone veer off course, to avoid getting too close, or refusing to ride an elevator with you, would have felt very strange. Now we are raising a hand to show appreciation for the consideration of the expanded need for personal space. The wave has supplanted the smile, which is no longer detectable under our masks. And with nose and mouth coverings mandated, many more people are finding their ability to recognize faces is temporarily impaired. Read More

Image of Cats Production on Broadway.

Accessing the Arts in Place

Online, it is also possible to continue enjoying culture and the arts through virtual tour and live-stream video. For people with vision loss, streaming live events can assure a seat front and center. Here are just a few of the options, although a Google search will reveal an abundance to choose from. Some opportunities are for a limited period while live gatherings are discouraged. Read More

Closeup Image of Doctor’s Eyes in a Surgical Mask

Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona

As ophthalmologists move from the urgent care-only phase, to scheduling routine eye exams again, it is important to know how patient safety is being protected. By now, all practices should be posting updated pandemic policies prominently on the homepage of their website, and including the update in the recorded messaging for patients contacting the office by phone. Being aware of the changes you will encounter during your next office visit will elevate your comfort and trust in the process. Read More

Colorful cleaning supplies on a light pink background.

Spring 2020: Get Clean and Sanitized

The first day of Spring 2020 arrived with very little fanfare. Our focus instead turned to copious cleansing, social distancing and sheltering in place. It can be difficult not to dwell on the devastating COVID-19 news of the day. Staying healthy and safe is everyone’s priority. We suggested a spring cleaning project as a needed boost to mental health and overall well-being, although these tips apply all year long. Read More

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

Dr. Allen Ho Talks Pandemic Safety & Eye Care

Listen to our insightful conversation with internationally recognized retina specialist, Allen. C. Ho, MD on the risks of deferring eye exams, the implementation of safety measures and how the lessons of the pandemic can improve options of convenience for patients longterm. Listen Here

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

WFH – Work From Home

Making work from home work for you, with Dorrie Rush, Jane Breheney and Jaydan Mitchell. Listen Here

Image shows: Hands holding envelope with “VOTE” printed on it.

Voting with Vision Loss 2020

To be sure, the United States election of 2020 was an historic day inside a record-breaking year. Because we voted in a pandemic, more accessible voting options were extended to all eligible voters. The expansion of early voting, and voting by absentee ballot, provides every voter with the opportunity to vote safely while minimizing the potential for crowding at polling venues. Read More

Image shows financial documents for estate planning.

Putting Your Affairs in Order

There is no denying, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to ask ourselves some important questions. Have I prioritized my health and well-being? Do I have enough saved for an emergency? Do I want the ventilator or not? Who gets my property should I die? Suddenly we faced the cold realization, there is no guarantee of tomorrow. As social activities deferred to a later date, the idea of creating a will began moving to the top of many a to-do list. Read More

Subscribe to our Monthly Roundup emails so you won’t miss a thing in 2021! Sign Up Now

December 11, 2020
Best of OE 2019

As the pandemic continues, we can’t help but feel nostalgic for 2019, so let’s circle back for a look at OE’s top pages last year. Here’s the list with links, for our most popular posts and podcasts. If you’d prefer to have the text of pages read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

Fresh vegetables and fruits spread out on a gray table.

The Anti-AMD Diet

The foods we consume can play a powerful role in preventing or minimizing the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Read Now

Worker with hard hat falling onto concrete floor.

Don’t Take The Fall, Prevent It

Falling becomes significantly more dangerous as we age. Alice Massa, OT, shares her expert advice aimed at elevating awareness and lowering our risk of taking the fall at all. This page was so popular, we decided to record a podcast with the same title…linked with our podcasts below. Read Now

Three seniors using different technology in a living room.

OE Agrees With AAO

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says many more people will have low vision in the coming years and the tragedy is most are unaware of how to deal with it. OE highlights the information everyone needs to know.
Read Now

Alexa app screen showing a list of featured and new books.

Alexa, Read My Book

Alexa can read Kindle and Audible books from a Fire tablet or an Echo speaker. Once it’s set up, all you have to do is ask. Read Now

View of the left side of a black car with Uber sticker.

Your Driver Has Arrived

Ride-sharing services are available with the tap of an app. Here are some tips for customers with vision loss.
Read Now

Couple dancing together in a living room.

Healthy Aging And Eyes

Healthy aging is not just about how you look, it has everything to do with how you see. Take these steps today to preserve your sight for tomorrow. Read Now

Hand taking a picture of supermarket bottles with a smartphone.

Aira Adds A Free Tier

If you’ve ever wished you could just borrow a good pair of eyes to help with a quick task, you’ll definitely want to read this post. Read Now

Hands holding a present with more gifts and ornaments on a green background.

Hottest Low Vision Gifts

Our gift guide from last season remained a top page all year and the selection holds up beautifully. Read Now

This year’s list is also not to be missed. Read Now

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

OE Patients Podcast

There is no doubt about it, the big star of 2019 was the launch of our podcast. Subscribe to OE Patients Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on OE.

Episode 1: Siri, Google & Alexa

Episode 2: Don’t Take The Fall, Prevent It

Episode 3: A Conversation With Hadley’s Douglas Walker

Subscribe to our Monthly Roundup emails so you won’t miss a thing in 2020! Sign Up Now

This post was first published December 19, 2019 and resurfaced September 3, 2020.

September 3, 2020
The Frankness of Bruni

Millions are affected by vision loss that cannot be corrected, yet it is quite rare that someone with a high profile is willing to openly share their experience. In 1998, Henry Grunwald, the former managing editor of Time magazine and editor and chief of Time, Inc., published a memoir describing the ways age-related macular disease imposed on life as he knew it. The title, “Twilight: Losing Sight, Gaining Insight,” gave us the first clue, that Henry was, despite the challenges, working things out.

Two decades later, in a somewhat similar fashion, Frank Bruni, New York Times journalist and author, is sharing his personal experience losing sight suddenly to a stroke of the eye. From his first insightful column on the subject, titled “Am I Going Blind?,” we learn that Frank, like Henry, is acquiring a new outlook. Frank Bruni speaks to us in a way that is compelling, whether you know vision loss intimately or not. He is also writing a book about the life-changing experience, which will be published in 2022.

A stroke of the eye is referred to by the acronym “NAION” for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy which refers to loss of blood flow to the optic nerve (the connection between the eye and the brain). This condition typically causes sudden vision loss in one eye, without any pain. There is a 20% chance it will happen in the other eye, which you hope and pray is not the case. There is currently no treatment to reverse the loss or restore the sight.

It has been two years since Frank woke up one Saturday morning in October and discovered his vision had changed. His good eye compensates for the eye that is impaired, but not completely. Some might think it quite reasonable for a writer facing vision loss to give up on writing entirely, but that would be in many cases a serious misunderstanding. The gifts we are given rise above vision loss, as a rule. This is the lesson Grunwald and Bruni teach. Frank explores how visually impaired and blind writers rise to the occasion in his column titled “Writing With Your Eyes Closed,” and you don’t have to be a writer to get the point.

Frank has been a voice at The New York Times for over 25 years, talking politics, food, religion and now he’s added vision to the mix. His recent podcast interview for Hadley Presents with Ricky Enger, brought us more information about his process of adjusting. Nearly two years into his experience, Frank has arrived at some powerful conclusions that we can all benefit from.

Image of Frank Bruni speaking at a podium.

Perspective

He now understands “how crucial perspective is.” By looking around you may come to realize your own challenges are a “pittance compared to what most people deal with.” He focuses on the many ways he is “lucky.”

Adjusting

He decides to prepare, just in case, by getting used to listening to audiobooks. This is not always an easy or quick adjustment. Frank rediscovers why he loves visual reading and switches his strategy back to reading print for as long as he possibly can.

Writing

The speed of his writing has slowed a bit from what was a very fast pace, and he must be diligent with the correction of typos, but he now understands writing is a gift that is actually not dependent on good eye sight. He learned touch typing in high school and that is a very important skill to have, no need to look at the keys.

Technology

He has a great appreciation for the accessibility in today’s technology and gives a shout out to Apple for the accessibility features that cover the spectrum of vision loss. He utilizes the changes to font sizes, light and brightness, remarking that 20 years ago this would not have been possible.

Physicians

Frank is surprised and dismayed by the lack of information or guidance he was offered by doctors about dealing with the inherent psychological and emotional impact of losing sight. What he did hear from the doctors was, “So sorry, this is a rough blow, nothing we can do.” He considers the omission a dereliction of duty, and is concerned for the patients who don’t have the ability or resources to figure out what to do next.

Listen to the Hadley Presents podcast:
NYT Columnist Frank Bruni on Vision Loss and Life in Perspective

*Featured image source: Seattle Arts & Lectures*

December 27, 2019
Aira Adds A Free Tier

The free tier of service described in this post ended in August 2020, for updated article on Aira services, go to Aira is Remote Visual Assistance.

Independence is a prideful thing, asking for help is not always easy. Getting help, when you need it, is also a challenge. It can be a recurring conundrum for people with vision loss. In a move, that might nicely serve this need, Aira recently announced the addition of a new free tier of service. All calls to Aira agents under 5 minutes are free. Aira is a service that connects people with low vision or blindness to specially trained agents in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. You’re not bothering them, they want you to call, it’s what they do. They offer another pair of eyes, when you need them.

The announcement came to me in a text message as I was preparing dinner a few weeks ago. It said, “Big Aira news: short calls with Aira agents are now free, every day. Great for quick 5 minute tasks around the house, try it now!” So I did. It just so happened, I was wondering if my oven temperature was set correctly, one of those tasks only a better eye than mine can determine. The agent answered immediately and greeted me by name. She asked that I move the phone camera slightly to the left, and then right, before confirming the settings were accurate. I’ve also called upon Aira for help in the supermarket to read product packaging and Use or Sell By dates. When I couldn’t find an address in an unfamiliar location, a quick call to an agent helped me get right to the door.

Screenshot of Aira app home page.

The App

Access to Aira’s free services requires an app. Create an account and sign in as a Guest. The app will tell you what Aira Access Location are in your vicinity. In Access Locations, which include Bank of America, Walgreens, AT&T, select airports (read Aira At The Airport) and transit systems, like all of Boston’s MBTA railroad, subway and bus stops, the service is paid for by the location and you enjoy guest access for free. If you already have an Aira account, you’re good to go, just make sure you have the latest version of the app.

Optional Upgrade To A Monthly Plan

For calls that require more than 5 minutes you can upgrade to a monthly plan, starting at $29 for 30 minutes, to $199 for 300 minutes. There are no contracts and plans can be increased as needed. Service can be upgraded in the app or with a free call to an agent. Paying members, called ‘Explorers,’ still get the first 5 minutes of every call free.

You may find great value in a plan that enables you to take a guided stroll through a museum, rediscover your neighborhood restaurants and shops, or get help navigating an airport that is not yet a free access location. The possibilities are endless.

Smart Glasses

The Aira service is not limited to smartphone users, it can also be accessed by Explorers using smart glasses. This is an option some smartphone users may also prefer, as it allows relatively hands free access. For more information on Aira with smart glasses speak to an agent or call 800-835-1934.

Tell Aira Where You Want Guest Access

To sponsor more free service and expand inclusivity, Aira needs to build their Guest Access Network. The most significant impact comes from businesses with many locations. If you know of a someone with interest in making Aira’s services available to their customers, send that information to: [email protected].

Website: Aira.io

Phone: 800-835-1934

September 6, 2019
Event Recap: Amazon’s Accessibility
Like everything about Amazon, its commitment to accessibility is big. Because there is so much to know, we decided to make it the subject of this Accessibility Resource session for people with vision loss. You may be familiar with font and screen settings for Kindle, or voice assistance from Alexa; but did you know about Accessibility Support for shopping, or the VoiceView screen reader in Kindle’s and Fire tablets. And there’s more.

Here is a rundown of vision accessibility options available in Amazon’s products and services.

White shopping cart icon on blue circle.

Shopping Made Easier

Amazon recommends its mobile site for improved access visually or with screen readers. Optimized for mobile devices, this site offers a much cleaner, less cluttered interface which simplifies navigation. They also added an Accessibility Support Phone for retail, a personal shopper will help you find the products you want and put them in your cart, then you just have to click to place your order. You can also ask Alexa to find products or reorder items.
- Go To Amazon Mobile Site: amazon.com/access
- Contact Accessibility Support / Personal Shopper: 888-283-1678
Fire TV

The streaming media player connects your TV to the internet and allow you to access channels and apps. Ask Alexa to turn on the TV, dim the lights, and play “Stranger Things.”
- Alexa – voice access
- VoiceView – screen reader
- Screen Magnifier – zoom in for closer look
- High Contrast Text – white on black with a border
- Audio Description – on movies & TV
More at: All New Fire TV

Amazon Fire 7 Tablet with opened box.

Fire Tablet
- Alexa – voice access video, books, apps
- Screen Magnifier – pinch to zoom
- Large Font Mode – increase font size on menus and text, emails, books
- Kindle App – adjust font (11 sizes) background color, brightness and margin
- VoiceView – screen reader with onscreen tutorial
- Explore by Touch – gestures and shortcuts
- Braille Support
- Help – accessibility user guide
- Technical support with remote access
More at: All New Tablets

Kindle eReaders
- Customize font size, style and weight
- Invert background color to black with white text
- Control screen brightness
- Select themes including line spacing and margins
- Glare-free screens
- VoiceView screenreader (external for Paperwhite)
More at: All New Kindles

Light blue and white Amazon Alexa app icon.

Ask Alexa
- What are your skills?
- What time is it?
- What is the weather?
- Turn on TV, lights, appliances.
- Read my Kindle or Audible book.
- Play a podcast.
- Play a game.
- Check spelling, grammar and definitions.
More about: What Alexa Can Do

More on Amazon at: Amazon Accessibility

Black and white telephone call icon.

Amazon Support Phone Lines

Customer service and technical support are very good and the new Accessibility Support (primarily for retail purchases) will connect to any other specialists you may need to access. All are well versed in accessibility features for specific devices.

Accessibility / Personal Shopper: 888-283-1678

Alexa: 877-375-9365

Kindle & Fire: 866-321-8851

Amazon Books Store

Amazon takes a new physical form, at their store in NYC, they will set up your device with an emphasis on accessibility and show you how to use it.

Amazon Books

7 West 34 Street (across from Empire State Building)

New York City 10001

Phone: 212-695-8704

More at: Amazon Store NYC
June 20, 2019