It's true that many older, newly blind people struggle with even the
simplest device. NLS took note of this and produces two digital
players. As a rehab teacher, I carry both with us as we visit folks.
If at all possible we connect them with the advanced unit because it
has some useful features that are not available with the more basic
unit. We spend the time it takes to teach the functions that are
clearly defined on the unit. Up and down raised arrows, up and down
volume, tone, speed, the on and off red button, the big green button
for pause, and the all important Snooze button for those of us who
like to settle in with a good book, only to awaken hours later,
wondering where we are. One more control on the advanced unit would
not complicate it for those who are able to remember all of the
controls. But even with many who could master the advanced unit, not
enough training is provided. Some older folks need many, many
repetitions in order to feel comfortable using it. Too often the
machine is demonstrated, the user is encouraged to turn it on and off
and slip a book into the slot, and Presto Change o, they are,
"trained". Many months later we provide them services, and discover
that they have had the TBBL Player but never used it because it was,
"Too complicated". After a couple of visits, during which we have
them go over the full range of their book player, they are up and
running.
Carl Jarvis
On 11/13/15, Frank Ventura <frank.ventura@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Miriam, I work with many elderly blind persons and I agree with Bob. Even
the addition of one extra control can be a deal breaker.
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Miriam Vieni
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 10:52 AM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: FW: After You DB82661
Bob,
First of all, most of the elderly would probably have difficulty with the
advanced player. That's the model that I have but it does have many more
controls. If they'd added the control to the standard player, it would be
just one more control on a very simple player. But I suspect that perhaps
they could do something when they're converting the books to daisy format
from the commercial production. And no, as I've just explained to Penny,
these changes of volume from loud to soft which go on constantly, every time
there's dialogue, make finding an appropriate volvume level to set the
machine at, very difficult. The book that i contacted NLS about was a
problem, because the narrator treated reading the book as if it were a
conversation, rather than a story to be told.
Miriam
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bob Hachey
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 9:56 AM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: FW: After You DB82661
Hi Miriam,
No doubt that there is a real issue here for any NLS patrons who are hard of
hearing. No doubt that there is far less quality control with the commercial
audio books. I like the idea of an extra control on the player, but, having
worked with elders new to blindness I can see whuy they might not want to
add another control to the player.
If I had read this message 15 years ago I would have laughed at the idea
that one more control might make the player too complex for some, but after
working with the elderly, I do see their point.
Here's an idea that might work though it is too bad this wasn't implemented
when they began manufacturing the digital players. AS it is now, there are
two models of the player, the basic and the advanced. The advanced has
additional controls for changing from level 1 to level 2, 3 or 4 just like
you see on the Stream. IT also has the previous and next buttons and an
information button. They could have added the control you want to this
player. That way, if a patron had trouble hearing the books with the basic
player, the advanced player could solve the problem.
AS it is now, the problem would have to be solved by means of an exernal
amplified speaker or headphones.
By the way, have you tried using a headset or earplubs, and did that make
the books easier to hear?
Bob Hachey
