By Seema Flower and the Blind Ambition Team with special thanks to group admin, Tim Dixon, Alice Bazzard, and Madleen Bluhm
At Blind Ambition, we’re always looking for innovative ways to empower the visually impaired community, and technology plays a vital role in opening doors to independence and accessibility. Our Technology Discussion Group on WhatsApp is a vibrant community where members share expertise, tips, and useful tools. This article highlights some of the top products, apps, and resources our members have found valuable. Our sincere thanks go to our dedicated group admins, Tim Dixon, Alice Bazzard, and Madleen Bluhm, for their invaluable contributions to these ongoing conversations.
If you’re interested in joining our group, please get in touch, letting us know a little about who you are and your interest in accessible tech. These WhatsApp groups are an excellent way to share knowledge and shared experiences. The purpose of this article is to serve as a central resource for technology tips and tools that can enhance the lives of visually impaired individuals.
1. Meta Ray-Ban Glasses: An Accessible Smart Wearable
Many group members have been exploring Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which offer a hands-free way to access information through integrated audio streaming. Members report that these smart glasses have the potential to enhance independence for the visually impaired. Tim noted that Double Tap will soon release an episode on how to set these glasses up for accessibility. For more details, check out reviews on The Blind Life YouTube channel.
2. iPhone Accessibility and Financing Options
Our community often favours iPhones due to Apple’s robust accessibility features like VoiceOver, screen magnification, and assistive technology compatibility. Members discussed financing options that make iPhones more affordable, especially for the larger Pro Max models. Here are some suggestions:
- 0% Interest Financing from Apple: Apple offers a 0% interest plan through Barclays, allowing monthly instalments on iPhones. You can also explore refurbished options from providers like O2’s Refresh and Apple’s Certified Refurbished store.
- Purpl Discounts: A new site, Purpl, offers discounts specifically for disabled individuals. Members recommend checking it for accessible tech options.
3. MacBook vs. Windows for Accessibility: Choosing the Right Device
When choosing a laptop, opinions differ between MacBooks and Windows PCs. While MacBooks offer built-in accessibility features like VoiceOver, some prefer Windows for the additional software options.
- Windows Users: Many members recommend Dragon NaturallySpeaking for dictation, especially with a specialised microphone.
- Mac Users: For accessibility, members favour VoiceOver and the built-in dictation features in macOS. If considering a MacBook, trying one out first is advised to see if it meets your needs.
4. Free Accessible Tech Training
For those needing guidance on accessible tech, the charity TAVIP (The Technology Association of Visually Impaired People) offers five hours of free consultancy, which can be split over multiple sessions. This training provides one-on-one advice on finding the best devices and tools.
5. GoodMaps Explorer App: Indoor Navigation for Railway Stations
Navigating large public spaces can be a challenge, but the GoodMaps Explorer app offers indoor navigation for railway stations across the UK. Tim noted that this app includes many local and national stations, helping visually impaired users navigate more independently.
6. Creating Accessible Presentations: Tools and Techniques
Creating accessible presentations was another popular topic. Members shared strategies for accessible slide decks:
- VS Code with Markdown: Pete Torkington shared a method using VS Code with Markdown to create slides that can be converted into PowerPoint or PDF format using a tool called Marp.
- Apple’s Keynote: For Apple users, Keynote is an intuitive app for creating accessible presentations with VoiceOver.
7. Be My Eyes App with AI Features
The Be My Eyes app, now with AI assistance, enables visually impaired users to get real-time support with tasks like reading labels and navigating new spaces. It includes specialised support lines with companies trained in accessibility.
8. Pocket Dot Braille Device
The Pocket Dot is an innovative new Braille device that attaches to smartphones, enabling real-time Braille display. It’s currently in beta testing, but you can learn more or sign up for updates here.
9. Aira Explorer App: Visual Assistance in Real-Time
The Aira Explorer app connects users with trained agents who provide guidance on tasks such as navigation and object identification. It includes five minutes of free assistance daily.
10. Real-Time Train Information Apps
Tim shared useful train information apps for live updates on train platforms and more:
- Trainline: Provides real-time platform information, departure times, and assistance requests.
- RealTimeTrains: Shows real-time platform information and station facilities.
- Moovit: For those travelling internationally, this app functions similarly to Trainline and is useful across various countries.
11. Additional Resources for Accessible Tech
For accessible tech tutorials and tools, members recommend AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way and AppleVis, which are excellent resources for tutorials and device-specific tips.
12. Confidence-Boosting Resources for International Travel
Traveling can be daunting for visually impaired individuals, so apps are essential for navigating unfamiliar places. Connor Scott Gardner’s Guide to Interrailing While Blind offers practical advice for visually impaired travellers.
These suggestions have been gathered from the Blind Ambition Community WhatsApp Group, where our members regularly exchange insights on accessible technology. Our special thanks again to our group admins Tim Dixon, Alice Bazzard, and Madleen Bluhm for their dedication and support in fostering this community. We hope these tips offer valuable resources for those seeking accessible tech solutions.
For more information on any of these tools, visit the links above or contact us directly for joining information. Let’s stay connected, empowered, and always learning!
