Members
of the Login & Connect Group were given an insight into accessible
technology last week. Several helpers from a local charity - Charlotte,
Tommy and Annette - who themselves have sight loss, were on hand to demonstrate
how they can use tablets, computers and phones even if they cannot see the
screen at all.
Using a
combination of Siri (talking to the phone), VoiceOver (the phone talking to
you) and built-in features that enable you to zoom and magnify, the three
Visibility helpers shared with those in attendance how they've adjusted to life
with low vision by saying 'Aye' to iPads and getting clever about their
smartphone. Visibility staff member Craig MacLagan also demonstrated some
accessible apps to the group. These free additions can enable phones to
scan and recognise text, which can then be read back to the user, or help when
shopping by scanning barcodes and relaying what the item is aloud.
Visibility,
one of Scotland's oldest charities, offers a 'Try Before You Buy' scheme in
Dumfries & Galloway and has a number of iPads and iPhones which can be loaned
for a month to anyone with sight and/or hearing loss who wishes to learn how to
use this technology but doesn't currently have the means to practice or
learn. Staff and supporters from Visibility will be at the meetings on
8th November and 13th December to offer specific advice and tuition for anyone
living with, or interested in, sight loss and how to get the most out of
accessible technology.
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