It is wonderful to note, that Google appears to be dipping a toe into the expanding pool of Accessibility Support Services. They’re not getting their head wet just yet —- but they’re right on the edge.
A pioneer on many fronts and ubiquitous in all things Web, Google has surprisingly not been, known for Accessibility. The Internet is, after all, Google’s playground, it’s just not a friendly place for people with vision loss to navigate.
We’ve been wishing and hoping Google would join the beautiful trend in Accessibility Support by phone, already well underway by Apple, Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, and Comcast. To get our list of Accessibility Support Phone Lines click here.
Google recently announced they have a new and dedicated Accessibility Support Team. Apparently, they’ve been “testing internally for some time.” They are still in the Email Only and English Only phase. They’ll get back to you within 72 hours, which sounds like a very long time to wait if your stuck in the middle of a Google program that is not acting all that accessible. They also state they plan to “quickly” move to additional support channels including Phone.
We applaud this effort and look forward to more dedicated accessibility support resources from Google soon. We know there are millions who will benefit majorly — because the leaders in Accessibility Support have already changed our lives. And there’s still plenty of room for Google.
We encourage all accessibility users to send a note to Google in support of their expanded initiative. The email address is below. It is probably best to just click on the email link because this is a very tricky email address to type in.
Remember the days when books were printed on paper and text size could not be adjusted? Amazon’s Kindle forever changed the way we read. It also made it possible for many people with low vision to continue reading with their chosen font size and better light built into the page.
The Kindle also has something of a checkered past when it comes to Accessibility. In the early generations, Amazon implemented Text To Speech for visually impaired or blind users. And then they restricted it pending publishers approval. the concern was about authors potentially losing revenue from audiobooks, if eBooks could be converted to “free” audiobooks. It was clear they were missing the point.
A few years back they put screen readers in Fire Tablets and eliminated them from Kindle eReaders. But that was then,and now, it appears, they have seen the light. Hallelujah!
Today’s Kindle eReaders and Kindle Paperwhite can be purchased with a VoiceView Audio Adapter. This is a screen reader that plugs into the USB port. The sound is delivered through Bluetooth earphones or speakers. The screen reader provides spoken feedback for navigating the device menus, settings, library, etc. And, of course, it reads the books to you.
An Amazon Paperwhite eReader with a VoiceView audio adapter.
The price of the adapter ($19.99) is credited back to your account, so you are not actually paying more for accessibility.Tutorials are built in to help you learn gesture-based navigation.
Amazon continues to progress and promised much more to come in accessibility. Maybe even a dedicated Accessibility Support Phone Line?
For now, if you need help call the friendly and competent general Kindle’s Support Line at 866.321.8851.
Whether you will continue working with progressive vision loss is mostly up to you. Get prepared to avoid the pitfalls by knowing what potentially lies ahead and how to overcome. Dealing with the impending issues can be a challenge, but the difficulties will be much greater if you are not prepared.
Don’t wait until the words are no longer legible on the computer screen. Holding a magnifier against the monitor to enlarge the text is a pretty sure sign you’re in trouble. Text size is adjusted in accessibility settings, not on the outside of the screen.
Making adjustments takes a little time and is often uncomfortable at the start. Rest assured, it is quite possible to continue working without interruption by staying just one step ahead. Learning to utilize magnification, and other accessibility features, built into the computer, is more dependent on repetition than ability.
Remember you have value. Your employer chose you for the job and invested in your development. You are there for your talent and experience. They want you to succeed. You were not hired for your visual acuity, and you will not be fired for it either — if you make the necessary adjustments to keep working productively.
Honesty is the best policy. Trying to hide vision loss rarely works out well. Telling your boss about your visual impairment will actually protect you. An open dialogue is more likely to create a supportive environment.
A man working on a computer with a large screen.
Make incremental changes, one thing at a time. Here are some minor adjustments that can make a major difference…
Large Screen Monitor – A bigger screen will give you an immediate boost and it will nicely accommodate increasing use of magnification. Don’t be shy…go for the 27 to 30 inch screens. Bigger is definitely better!
Keyboard – Typing can become an issue if you need to see the keys. Now would be a great time to brush up on typing skills. Switch to a large print keyboard or add ZoomCaps large print, high contrast stickers to the keys of your current keyboard. Use locator dots to help identify certain keys by touch.
Keyboard Shortcuts – Make it possible to do things like Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo and Redo without touching the mouse. Choose the shortcuts you will use every day at work and practice (one at a time) until they become ingrained. Here are the lists of Windows shortcuts and Mac shortcuts.
Make A Friend In IT – This is an important relationship to cultivate as you will be needing help over the long term with Accessibility Settings that may be restricted.
Accessibility Settings – Your friend in IT might not be totally versed in accessibility, but they’ll be very happy to gain this knowledge. Be confident in knowing there are many ways to make the computer easier to see by utilizing built-in magnification, large text, large cursor, improving contrast and more.
Resources
Both Microsoft and Apple have dedicated live support phone lines for accessibility, free of charge. This is, without a doubt, the best way to get the information you need to make your computer easier to use.
Call Microsoft DisabilityAnswer Desk at 800.936.5900
Paying bills can be an unpleasant experience on many levels. Adding vision loss to this process can make it a dreaded task…each and every month.
We get used to managing finances in a certain way and it’s not so easy to change those habits. A willingness to make some adjustments in dealing with bills can lift a significant and recurring stress.
Monthly bills can be requested in accessible formats like large print, but more and more businesses are requesting that customers Go Paperless. If you can transition to managing your accounts online, it’s better for you…and for the environment.
Here are six good options:
Online bill paying: can be set up with your bank. Accounts are programmed to be paid on a regular schedule or can be paid as you wish. The bank’s Customer Service can be helpful in getting set up and ask your bank what kind of Accessibility services they offer.
Automatic bill paying: is available with most utilities, phones, credit cards, insurance, and cable. Set up online or call your provider’s customer service to set up over the phone. This process automatically deducts the amount of your bill from your designated bank account on a given day each month.
Pay by credit card: is an option offered by many monthly billers. This can be a preferable option as it will allow you to consolidate your payments to one card and collect points or rewards.
Pay by phone: is also offered by utilities and credit cards. The account can be set up as a direct debit from your account and each month you will call to authorize a specific payment amount.
Smartphone and tablet apps: offer a very convenient and easy way to make payments for a variety of charges including credit cards, phone, utilities, and more.
Magnifier: continuing to read paper bills and writing checks, with low vision, may be best accomplished with the use of a desktop video magnifier which enables you to write as well as read with magnification. (More about this in “Magnifiers Are A Must”)
Don’t be overwhelmed at the thought of making all these changes at once. Deal with one bill at a time and feel free to implement a combination of the available options.
For most people of a ‘certain age’, magnifiers are an important accessory. For those of us with a visual impairment, or progressing vision loss, magnifiers are an absolute necessity. Whether simple or sophisticated, a magnifier that works for you is worth its weight in gold.
Over-the-counter reading and magnifying glasses are a booming business and that means lots of choices. At lower powers (1X, 2X, 3X) they can be purchased in multiples and strategically placed in all the spots you will need one — in a pocket or handbag, desk drawer, kitchen counter, nightstand, etc.
OTC Magnifiers
Two optical magnifiers in different shapes.
Magnifiers come in many shapes and sizes. There are domes,there are loops, and there are magnifiers that sit on stands. There are wearable and chic magnifiers created by famous designers. There are even magnifiers in mirrors and in smartphones.
Illuminated Optical Magnifiers
Three illuminating optical magnifiers in different sizes.
Higher powers of magnification (4x plus) are likely to come in the form of illuminated optical magnifiers. The diopter (size and shape of a lens), the light, and the power all must be considered in making a good selection. Different combinations of light and power will yield different results depending on the task at hand. The prices range from $50 to $150.An appointment with a low vision specialist is well advised, it is an opportunity to try a variety and see what works best.
Portable Video Magnifiers
Two handheld video magnifiers by Optelec.
Video magnifiers take us from the optical to the digital. They utilize a camera that projects on a screen.Unlike the fixed powers of the optical magnifiers, these offer multiple zoom levels in every device. They are the biggest, most powerful, and they are by far the most expensive. Also referred to as electronic magnifiers or CCTV’s — video magnifiers are available in hand-held and portable versions in a range from $200 to $1,500. The larger desktop models, with computer size display screens, run between $2,000 and $4,000.
Smartphone Magnifier
A magnifying glass over an iPhone screen.
The smaller pocket versions have recently met a tough competitor: the smartphone magnifier. As the quality of mobile cameras improves, so does their digital magnification. The iPhone Magnifier is now a built-in, multi-featured app and there are numerous magnifier apps for Android phones as well. So before you start spending — give your smartphone a serious try. Put it to the ultimate test…take it shopping
Desktop Magnifier
A desktop magnifier enlarging the text and image of a magazine.
A video magnifier is a great investment if it helps to maintain or restore elements of daily function. Most desktop magnifiers are configured to accommodate not only reading, but also writing. Tasks that have become seemingly impossible, are once again doable. Completing forms, writing checks, seeing photos, reading package instructions, reviewing bills, sewing, crafts, seeing medication labels and more. Some models are also available with text to speech and will read text aloud. It is important to try these devices before you buy. Go to a low vision center or request a home demo. It is helpful to get an idea of the size, as a desktop magnifier can require the same amount of space as a desktop computer.
Remember there are no instant replacements for lost vision. New ways of seeing and doing things will take some adjusting. Even the smaller handheld magnifiers take some getting used to. Note the return policy for these items. If you use them every day within that period and don’t find they are beneficial — consider returning for a refund or a different item.
To explore sizes, and prices search for “video magnifiers” on Google, Amazon, and eBay. Or, take a look at these assertive technology brands: Optelec, Enhanced Vision, Humanware.
Please note that this article was not paid for, affiliated with, or endorsed by any third-party companies. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s.
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.
Open an app…”Open Camera.”
Reminders…”Remind me to bring home milk.”
Weather…”What is the weather in Seattle?”
Make a phone call…”Call Mitchell.”
Text message…”Tell Evan I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”
Email…”Send an email to Danielle.”
Clock…”What is the time in Rome?”
Set an alarm…”Wake me at 6.”
Music…”Play Let It Be.”
For more you can just ask Siri…”What can you do for me?”
Yahoo’s David Pogue interviews Joseph Danowsky about his use of the iPhone with VoiceOver. Joe’s vision is seriously impaired by cone-rod dystrophy. He holds a law degree from Harvard and today navigates his successful career in finance with a little help from his smartphone.
Joe has risen mightily to the challenges of vision loss. With his iPhone he is able to get information, throughout his day, that would not otherwise be easily accessible to him.
Please note, as Joe points out, Voice Over is not Siri. VoiceOver is a screen reader, it is speech out. You do not speak to VoiceOver, you just listen.
Siri works well with VoiceOver, ensuring each spoken request receives a spoken response. Together they’re an amazing team!
A common question asked by people with impaired vision is, “How can I see the TV screen better?” My response, “Get closer to it.”
Making adjustments along the way can be beneficial. Bigger is usually better, and today means screens as large as 60, 70, or even 80 inches. Repositioning furniture may put you at a better angle to the screen. Blocking external light may eliminate glare bouncing off the screen.
Having tried all those things, I still find, the most satisfying TV viewing is at eye level and just a few feet from the screen. Getting up close certainly does improve the picture but it doesn’t resolve issues navigating menus or reading program guides. Now there is a solution for this issue as well.
As of late December 2016, the FCC implemented the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) rules that mandate the accessibility of user interfaces on digital apparatus and navigation devices used to view video programming.
What this means is your cable provider now offers a voice-enabled or talking on-screen TV guide. There is also a requirement to install it and provide instruction on its use.
Contact your cable company for details about getting these features for your TV. Tell them you need “visual accessibility” or “voice enable programming and menus.” An online search for Visual Accessibility at Fios, Optimum, DISH, Spectrum, and Comcast confirmed all have talking guides available now.
If you happen to be a Comcast customer — you may already have these features working for you. The Comcast Accessibility Lab was first to implement the highest standards for accessibility — long before it was required. Get the benefit of their talking program guide, and voice commands which allow you to search for programming with your voice. They also have a dedicated Comcast Accessibility Center (866.668.6703) for customer service and technical support.
It’s always a good idea to take stock of things every so often. This certainly includes how your home ranks in terms of safety and comfort.
You may or may not be noticing changes in your eyesight, caused by aging and progressive disease. Taking a good look around, periodically, can prevent an annoyance from becoming a hazard.
Take someone with you for a studious stroll around your environment. An extra pair of good eyes can be quite discerning.
Here are some things to consider as you assess your home.
Are you having any new problems navigating around your home space? Any old problems still posing threats to your safety?
Is there anything impeding your pathways? Extraneous furniture? Unsecured rugs? Clutter?
Are the rooms in your home well illuminated? Is there enough available light (day and night) for you to enter a room and get around it with ease?
Do you have good task lighting for a specific activity? Reading in your favorite chair? Writing at your desk? Gooseneck lamps allow you to move the light closer to the object, which can be very helpful to reading, writing, and handiwork.
Are you experiencing glare in any area? It may help to adjust window coverings during daylight hours.Repositioning lamps may resolve issues with glare and shadows.
Is there enough light in your halls and stairways? If you feel light is not adequate in any area of your home try changing the bulbs wattage and color.
Do you feel confident going up and down your steps? Consider highlighting the edge of each step with a contrasting trim color or texture, to improve clarity.
Address the safety issues you identify — and ensure your well being at home.
The iPad first came into the world in 2010 with a lot of anticipation and a big question. Does anyone really need this tablet? With sales of 350 million iPads to date — the answer is a clear and resounding — yes!
In terms of mobile devices, tablets are advantageous to visual accessibility, because of the larger screen. Vision settings to increase text size or zoom in and out on the screen can significantly improve the visually impaired reader’s experience. The original 9.7-inch screen, and the 7.9 inch Mini were joined this year by a larger iPad Pro 12.9 inch screen.
While the accessibility of mobile devices has come a long way in a short period, all are not created equal. Amazon, Samsung, and Microsoft have tablets on the market at a variety of prices and different degrees of accessibility.
Apple set the accessibility bar very high from the start and it appears the competition is having a hard time reaching it. Apple has long been known for its user-friendly design and their move to mobile brought that sensibility to a whole new level.
The touchscreen is a simplified computer interface. This is your finger interacting directly on a screen — no keyboard to coordinate with a mouse and a screen. You can learn to use a touch screen much more readily, no need to have any computer experience. It is far less intimidating.
The iPad accommodates every degree of vision loss — right out of the box. We can each find our own best combination of settings and features; utilizing vision, speech, and voice commands.
The screen has sharp clarity. The brightness can be adjusted up or down. The contrast can be reversed to diminish glare by making the letters white on a black background. The text size can be increased. The zoom feature can be set to magnify the entire screen to your preference; zoom in and out with a three finger double tap.
The iPad also offers a number of speech options. If from time to time you would like to have a page read to you — turn on “Speak Screen” and swipe down with two fingers. If you find visual reading is no longer pleasurable — consider switching to VoiceOver.
VoiceOver is a screen reader that converts all text to speech. It has its own set of VO gestures. It takes a bit of time and repetition to learn the VO gestures and get used to listening to the audio output. This transition is well worth the work as it can return you to complete digital access.
Dictation is a very popular alternative to typing. Whenever the keyboard is engaged, you can select the Dictate key, on the bottom left, and say what you would like to type. Your spoken words are converted to text quickly, and with practice…accurately.
Then, of course, there’s Siri — your virtual assistant. Siri can do a lot for you — just ask. Send a text message, set an alarm, get the weather, schedule an appointment or a reminder, open an app, find a restaurant, and much more. Siri can be useful and fun.It’s also true that your virtual assistant can be unresponsive and frustrating at times. Don’t be deterred…she’s getting smarter every day.
Apple’s Accessibility Support line provides an unparalleled benefit. Senior Apple Care Specialists are available 24/7 to assist their customers with vision, hearing, motor, and learning impairments. Get help setting your accessibility, learning to use an Apple feature or app, get questions answered and problems resolved.
Don’t hesitate to call Apple Accessibility Support for help. That’s what they’re there for!
Experts in vision care urge us to be diligent in taking steps to protect our eyes from the sun. By now we should all take this advice very seriously.
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.
This important advice must be taken very seriously. No one should be negligent. Get into the good habit of putting on your sunglasses every time you go out the door. Adding a brimmed hat is another good habit. Try walking in the shade whenever possible.
Protecting and preserving the sight we have is a high priority not just to the aging eye. Significant damage occurs early in life — that means everyone should protect their eyes from the sun at every age. Children are by no means exempt from this rule, in fact, their young eyes are the most vulnerable.
Here are 10 tips that can keep your eyes healthier this year.
Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful invisible ultraviolet rays. Exposure to UV radiation without protection can lead to a range of very serious problems, including cataracts and cancer. It can also accelerate the degenerative effects of progressive eye disease.
Select and WEAR sunglasses that block 99-100% UV-A and UV-B rays.
With sunglasses, you typically get what you pay for. Bargain sunglasses from a street vendor or dollar store may be of questionable quality and not worth the risk.
Avoid blue lenses — they can emit some ultraviolet rays instead of blocking.
Be aware — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UV radiation is strongest — take every precaution to protect your eyes and your skin during these hours.
Wear your sunglasses on hazy days and on cloudy days.
Close fitting wraparound styles provide maximum protection.
The sun reflecting off water, sand, snow, ice, and even pavement, is more intense and warrants extra caution. It also can create vision-impairing glare.
Ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist about UV coating for your regular eyeglasses.
