As we discussed on Facebook, there are many ways that blind people can have access to the same things their sighted counterparts do. Here are a few examples that we shared. This will be a two part series due to the large amount of information.
Audio Description
When we talk about Audio Description we mean watching a movie and having someone describe what is happening. Thanks to ACBs Audio Description Services, they have already been working with TV providers to ensure audio description on those shows and videos.
Here is a video link to Youtube that explains what Audio Description is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhD-e3gtkcs
Also here is a link to ACBs list of company’s that stream audio Description and how to watch a described movie or show while streaming. http://www.acb.org/adp/
There are now voice activated remote controls!!
The voice activated control is something new. Here is a link to the youtube video that describes how to use the Roku. Xfinity also has a voice activated remove.Amazon Fire stick is also voice activated. Below are two Youtube videos on how to use the voice activation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP90YFtTEF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAHqBacFlm4
Using the Telephone and now the smart phone
Another huge technology change is the telephone. It used to be that a blind person could dial the home phone so quickly based on memorizing the numbers. I will show you a trick with the old fashioned phone!
Have you ever noticed that the number pad has a small dot on the number 5. Not just because it is in the middle but it also orients the blind person to the rows of numbers. 1-3 are on the top row, 4-6 is the middle row, and the bottom row is 7-9. As a blind person you would memorize the numbers and that would make you dial faster.
SIDE NOTE: the same dot is on the keypads for your credit cards!!
Now we have smart phones and dialing on the touchpad is very different. However watching my mom learn how to type fast is amazing.
Now on a Smart Phone you can buy a screen protector that has dots on it to help locate the different “normal” areas where keys would be. But most blind people memorize the general location and with the help of “Voiceover” or Androids accessiblity feature they can find the number and double tap to choose tat number and surpsiginly they can get really fast with that as well.
Did you know that all ATMs have an audio option. I went to my bank and tried to use speakers to get the audio louder, but it didn’t work too well. But all you need is a regular headset. All the slots are brailled and as always the number pad has the number 5 with a dot so you know it is in the middle. blob:https://www.facebook.com/79ed7e40-5cc5-4fcb-b20c-a2a07e4e17b3
I hope this helps give you some perspective on some of the neat ways that technology has been adapted for the visually impaired. I have loved learning how these things have helped my mom live a normal life! I hope you will join us for Part 2!