Ways Technology Has Changed the Way Blind People Do Life Part 2

by | May 18, 2020 | Daily Life, Technology

Using a Screen Reader

I am going to use some Youtube videos I have found for this weeks discussions. I will go into more in depth when we do our end of the month review. So this weeks topics are screen readers and ADA accessible websites. There are two main screen readers now and a most operating systems have one installed as well. They are JAWS, NVDA (free screen reader), Microsoft has Narrator, and Apple./Macs have Voice over. Each of these work a little different.
I have trained in JAWS, but personally and not a huge fan. I learned Window Eyes (when is was around) to teach my mom how to use a regular PC. Up until 2005 my mom had never really interacted with a regular computer. I was not comfortable teaching her JAWS as it had a number of special keystrokes that I didn’t understand. Window Eyes used the regular Windows commands which was easier for me to teach. I am posting a couple videos about screen readers and what they do this week. Below is also a link about ADA accessible websites.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jao3s_CwdRU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R-6WvAihms

ADA accessible websites. Here’s a neat video put out by Perkins. I’ll discuss more details on our monthly discussion. https://youtu.be/KxhRV18m-d8

 

Conclusion about technology

How has technology changed the blind community? Technology has helped many blind people gain independence. There are more accessible features that come standard to devices and programs. These have made things inclusive.

Many blind people have learned how to use a smart phone and regular computers. These skills allow them to gain employment. I think there are many more accessible features to be added, but we are on our way to having access for all.

I love the options people have for phone apps that are way cheaper than buying the software or equipment. Like Open Book for scanning mail, or KNFB reader app or VoiceReader. There are so many great options for this simple, but sometimes huge struggle that blind people struggle with.

The only struggle I see sometimes with the use of technology is that we don’t always use braille. Many young people use a laptop of tablet which is amazing, but braille is still necessary. How do you find the correct restroom? Braille teaches spelling in a different way than just typing on a computer. Braille is such an amazing thing. Remember that not all people learn the same way. some need auditory, some visual, and some tactile. We need to approach accessibility the same way. Realizing that not everyone is going to learn or have access to technology.

A Personal Note

I will be sharing more about technology changes and the pros and cons on my Facebook Live. However, I have a current situation with technology causing more harm than good.
Here in my state of Georgia, the Secretary of State’s office has decided to use a combination of computerized and printed ballot. Meaning you vote on a touch screen. (They do have a remote and audio options. However, not the best for the visually impaired person to use.) But after you vote on the computer it will print a paper ballot on a regular size sheet of paper that you the voter must use to verify their choices and then deposit into a counting machine. It sounds great right?

Except the print on the paper ballot is maybe 8 pt font. (Large print is considered anything over 14 preferably 18-20pt.) They are supposed to be offering magnifiers at all polling places, however this does not help a lot of consumers with worsening vision. This paper ballot is now a problem for those who can no longer read print. How are they supposed to verify their print ballot when it is against the rules to have a cellphone in the polling place.
So we are currently preparing to talk to the Board of Elections about their proposed rule change and its purpose to help those who have smart phones to read their ballot. But there are still many blind people who do not currently use smartphones or who are not good at using their camera or apps to read the ballot. I am working with the SOS and they are supposed to put me on their advisory board to help teach poll workers how to use an app to read this to the blind people.
This is one HUGE way that technology almost ruins the accessibility features. The old machines were working great and the blind person placed their vote digitally like everyone else. Now we will have to figure out a better way to use this new software. Technology is great if the sighted world (programmers, app developers and others) actually knew and understood accessibility features.

So my rant is over for know. But how much are YOU involved with decisions about software that the regulars consumer uses?

 

 Here is the Facebook Live link

https://www.facebook.com/Childrenraisedaroundtheblind/videos/192939151799545/