Just got this from AFB and wanted to pass it on.
AFB American Foundation
for the Blind
<http://afb.us11.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=a26b092551&e=e736ae0037>
TM
Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss
*The February issue of /AccessWorld/
<http://afb.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=0c3dcb3306&e=e736ae0037> is
now available on our website.*
This issue features:
* Editor's Page: /AccessWorld/ Recognizes February as Low Vision
Awareness Month and Encourages Seniors to Adopt Access Technology
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=fb88d32b4f&e=e736ae0037>
* Consumer Electronics Show 2017 Highlights, by Paul Schroeder
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=b3d26b27e3&e=e736ae0037>
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the incomparable gathering of
consumer electronics developers, distributors and enthusiasts turned
50 in 2017. Perhaps it is fitting that attention seemed to focus on
how the developments in technology can serve people better,
especially as they age. The show featured self-driving vehicles,
home automation, health and fitness products, even a walking cane
infused with tech and a personal airbag. Of course, drones, virtual
reality, 3D printing, and all manner of audio were also much in
evidence.
* ATIA 2017 Exhibitors Deliver Product Updates, and a Few New Tools,
by Shelly Brisbin, Janet Ingber, and Lee Huffman
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=c201a3cb7e&e=e736ae0037>
The annual Assistive Technology Industry Association conference
(ATIA) usually provides an early look at what's to come in the new
year; however, the 2017 installment of ATIA was less about
previewing what's next, and more about updating existing tools.
* BARD Express: Talking Books and Magazines When and Where You Want
Them, by Bill Holton
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=f7c14849be&e=e736ae0037>
Recently, The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped (NLS) made its extensive catalog of talking books even
more convenient and accessible. "Our regional librarians report that
many more of their patrons would use downloadable BARD books if
there weren't so many steps involved in finding a book online,
downloading the files, and then adding them to a Talking Book
player," says NLS Consumer Relations Officer Judith Dixon. The
result is a free new Windows PC app called BARD Express.
* OrCam MyReader and OrCam MyEye: Text and Item Recognition at the
Touch of a Finger, by Bill Holton
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=be3e873064&e=e736ae0037>
OrCam MyReader and OrCam MyEye definitely work as advertised. For
the newly blind or individuals with physical or cognitive
limitations that prevent them from using a touch screen mobile
device it's an excellent answer to the question, "What is this?"
* Easier-to-Use Cell Phone Options for People with Vision Loss, by
Jamie Pauls
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=c78f0b0015&e=e736ae0037>
Is it possible for a person to still find a phone that has basic
features, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and is relatively easy to
use? In this article, we will take a look at five
providers--Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and GreatCall--to see
what offerings they provide for someone who has a vision impairment,
and does not want to leap head-first into the world of smartphone
technology.
* Using Your Phone's Low-Vision Features, by Shelly Brisbin
<http://afb.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=d6d1be977e&e=e736ae0037>
Whether vision loss is related to age, or an eye condition, everyone
wants to maximize the usefulness of the vision they have, when
working with mobile technology. As no two low-vision experiences are
identical, it's important to understand all of the accessibility
tools your phone provides, and how to create a visual environment
that enhances your productivity. In this article, I'll walk you
through accessibility features on smartphones that use Apple's iOS,
and Google's Android operating system, and show you how to choose
and activate them.
* Diabetes Management Devices and Technology for People with Vision
Impairment, by Jamie Pauls
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=8d7354655c&e=e736ae0037>
For anyone, whether blind or sighted, a diagnosis of diabetes is a
life-changing, and likely stressful experience. For someone who is
losing their vision, or is totally blind, the experience can be even
more daunting. The good news is that, with the right monitoring
tools and techniques along with patience, no matter whether you are
young or old, it is possible to manage your diabetes independently,
or with minimal assistance from others.
* Object Identification Solutions that Answer the Question, What is it
and Where did it go?, by Bill Holton
<http://afb.us11.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=634495c940&e=e736ae0037>
If you are a person, possibly a senior, adjusting to recent vision
loss, you have doubtless learned that two of the most common
questions asked by the sight-impaired are "What is it?" and "Where
did it go?" In this special /AccessWorld/ article, we will try to
point you in the right direction--if you will excuse the
wordplay--and offer up some tips to help you identify unfamiliar
items and keep track of the ones you have.
* When Hearing Causes More Vision Loss, by Deborah Kendrick
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=6493906a52&e=e736ae0037>
No matter how many degrees remain in your visual field or how many
decibels your ears can catch, the obstacles that are thrown your way
by the combination of vision and hearing loss, can, with practice
and resourcefulness, be circumvented. There is, in short, always a way.
* Stay Safe and Independent: Get Help in an Emergency with Mobile Apps
and Services, by Shelly Brisbin
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=51c8791613&e=e736ae0037>
Armed with your smartphone, and the right apps, you can take the
learning role in guarding your own safety, alert others to your
situation, and gather knowledge you need to take action. In this
article, we'll take a look at tools you can use to enhance your
personal safety, or prepare for and deal with emergency situations
all while remaining as independent as possible.
* /AccessWorld/ News
<http://afb.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=550872c4e9&e=e736ae0037>
* Letters to the Editor
<http://afb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd3c8fefc9f905f5ccf41c577&id=9fa84bb22e&e=e736ae0037>
* /AccessWorld/® is the American Foundation for the Blind's technology
magazine.
You are invited to visit the moderator's Web site at WWW.DavidGoldfield.Info
for additional resources and information about assistive technology training
services.
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