Repost from Forbes. “Human proximity, guidance and touch are the very cornerstones of how people with severe sight loss engage safely and productively with the outside world…” Of course there are blind people who move freely with a white cane or a dog guide, but still we all need to touch…
Read more "Blind People’s Social Distancing Nightmare to Intensify as Lockdowns Ease"
Re-Post from NBC TV local Washington DC. This TV news video interviews blind people about the many challenges faced by people with vision loss as we try to buy food at grocery stores and take-out restaurants. If the video above won’t play for you, follow this link to the original post.
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“Where are my mask and gloves, the disinfectant, the paper towel?” If everything you need to stay safe outside your home is right there in a basket or bin beside the door, you won’t be flustered into leaving home without proper protection. And you won’t have to ask for help finding it. Set up the […]
Read more "Finding What You Need to Stay Safe: Containing Your Anti-COVID-19 Equipment"
This post is referred to in my new book: When You Can’t Believe Your eyes, Chapter 10, section: “where to shop.” by DeAnn Elliott with additional information from Hannah. Aira is a big name in AI apps for people with vision loss. It’s a subscription service but with some free assistance too. Their agents use […]
Read more "Distant Eyes, Subscription Model"
Blind Engineer Invents A ‘Smart Cane’ That Uses Google Maps To Help Blind People Navigate
A smart cane called “We Walk” is now available for around $500.
Read More. (This seems like a real breakthrough! I hope other companies will follow with more affordable versions.)
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My new book: When You Can’t Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery, a How To guide for people losing sight and their families has just been published, including accessible versions. This post is referred to in Chapter 10, “Modern Mobility.” Check out the Book Page A wearable is a pair of spectacles or […]
Read more "UPDATE ON Wearables: Sight and Sound Enhancement"
I was homeward bound on a trolley bus in Watertown Massachusetts, with Perkins School for the Blind down the street. On these trolleys There is a row of three seats near the door, and I had taken the furthest seat. The middle seat was empty and a small shape, probably an older lady, was sitting nearest […]
Read more "Total Disconnect! Blind-Sighted Communication in the World’s Most Blind Friendly Town"
Here are Julie’s recommendations for apps that help you get around; on your feet, using a transit system or in a car…and how to know what is around you. On Your iPhone, Using Siri to Get Directions To Where You Want to Go The Maps app built into the iPhone provides turn-by-turn directions to […]
Read more "Transportation Apps: #2 of Julie Atkins Guides to the Best Apps for Vision Loss"
Traveling by yourself after you lose a lot of sight you almost always have to ask for some assistance in new places. This solo travel is often exhilarating. Provided you are in a busy area such as a train station or airport it can be like the mosh pit at a rock concert. The crowd […]
Read more "Living on the Edge: Are You Prepared to Be Proactive?"
Here is an important update for anyone who is interested in the Orcam system. The offer lasts until June 5: ~ A pre-launch version is now available at $2,500 (This is a similar price to a mid-range hearing aid) ~ The text reading component is up and running. It can be used for reading books, magazines, newspapers, […]
Read more "Wearable Sight Enhancement with Sound, Any Progress?"