We learn so much from each other about living with vision loss, and that is why we dedicated this Accessibility Resource session to sharing our best finds. If you are the recipient of good advice you never forget where it came from or how it impacted your life, and it should always be paid forward. Our audience enthusiastically shared their best tips, and we are delighted to pass them along.
NLS Talking Books
Free and easy access to audiobooks from the National Library Service, for moving from the visual reading of print books to the equally satisfying experience of audiobooks.
On OE: Get Back The Joy Of Reading With NLS
Bookshare
A huge library of accessible ebooks, including textbooks, newspapers and magazines, which can be read on a variety of devices including smartphones and tablets. Membership for qualifying users is $50 a year, U.S. students join fee-free.
More at bookshare.org
Access Seating
At most theater and concert venues seats are available in first few rows for people with visual impairments.
On OE: VIP Seating Is There For You
White Cane
If you find it difficult to be open about your visual impairment or low vision, the white cane can do the talking. It informs people around you that you have vision loss, and it lets you know what lies ahead, helping restore your sense of confidence and independence.
On OE: Consider The Long White Cane
On Your Terms
It is natural, normal and okay to deal with vision loss on your own terms, in your own time, at your own speed.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask
Ask a person to read a sign, push an elevator button, tell you if you’re heading in the right direction. You’ll get surprisingly, and overwhelmingly, positive results.
Using iPhone’s VoiceOver
The process of switching from visual to audible access is not so easy at first, but anyone who has done it will tell you the screen reader in iPhone will open up a whole new world. Don’t let the challenges of a learning curve deter you. Stay the course, it’s totally worth the work!
On OE: Let iPhone’s VoiceOver Do The Reading
Apple Accessibility
So much is available in the accessibility settings in all Apple devices. They make a real difference for visually impaired and blind users. Explore on your iOS device Settings> General> Accessibility, or on your Mac, click on the apple in the upper left corner, go to System Preferences, then open Accessibility. And you can always call Apple Accessibility at 877-204-3930.
Don’t Be Afraid To Travel
Keep on exploring new places near and far. Use Google Maps and Blind Square for help with navigation and location information. The apps tell you how to get where you want to go, where you are and what’s around you.
More at blindsquare.com
Vision Rehab
Vision rehab prepares you to continue to do what you need to do armed with new skills. The white cane was again credited with speaking on your behalf. And the wearing of bright colors was also recommended to help you stand out.
More about this on AOA.org
Ride-Sharing Tips
We were asked to review our advice for Uber and Lyft.
Here it is: Your Driver Has Arrived
GoGo Grandparent
This is a service that arranges an Uber or Lyft by phone for a small added fee.
On OE: GoGo Grandparent Gets An Uber Without An App
KNFB Reader App
Converts text to speech by photographing a printed page and reading the text aloud.
On OE: App Rapidly Turns Text To Speech
Seeing AI
App developed by Microsoft that reads text instantly when phone is pointed at it. Reads documents, identifies currency and color, describes senes and faces.
On OE: Seeing AI Is A Gift From Microsoft
Many thanks to all who contributed their very good advice. If you have a tip to share…please let us know.