As I sit down to write an article, a book or a letter, I am really amazed by the many devices that are now available for people with low vision. I am happy to have them and to have learned to utilize and become comfortable with them.
A computer with a 26 inch monitor, ZoomText magnification and speech program and large print yellow keyboard, greet me each morning.I am legally blind, so it is set to show the date and time in very large print.
An electronic magnifier (CCTV) sits beside my computer, for increasing the size of printed text for research and writing.A recently purchased printer that scans and copies, enables the scanning of articles and images directly into the computer. I use a laser printer as well, set up just to print labels.
I have the luxury of an Amazon Echo and Alexa, which I ask to confirm spelling on any words I am unsure of, and Siri on myiPhone also answers many questions I have. Google too, is very smart and efficient at answering questions about almost anything in the world!
My iPhone enables texting by voice, using Siri or Dictation, and Siri reads text messages and emails to me. There is a Speech option in iOS Accessibility Settings that allows me to highlight text and have it read back aloud. There is also a full function screen reader called VoiceOver, that reads everything when it is engaged.
I’m in the process of learning Dragon Speech to Text, which will then enable me to speak directly to the computer and have the words converted to text, appearing on the screen. This could bring a whole new approach to my writing.
If technology issues arise there is technical support available 24/7. Apple’s Accessibility Support Line (877-204-3930) provides expert help for all Apple products. Microsoft products are supported by the Disability Answer Desk (800-936-5900) by phone, and also with the Be My Eyes app, which provides visual assistance.
You might also try, Talking Camera, Seeing AI and Magnifying Glass on your smartphone, or look through your app store for any of these accessibility apps that can make life a bit easier. One of my most precious possessions is a mini electronic magnifier that I can carry with me, but now with a magnifying app in the phone, I no longer have to carry two devices.
It feels lucky to me, having so much technology that compensates for my vision loss and allows me to continue a very productive life. And if I can benefit from all these advances…so can you!
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.
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.
