Technology (when it works) is a wonderful tool, especially Assistive Technology, which provides so much access to assist people who are blind and visually impaired with every day tasks. Future in Sight offers direct Assistive Technology training to those who are clients in New Hampshire. We also offer a host of technology related group workshops open to anyone with vision loss around the country, which can be found on our activities calendar.
What about when apps or websites, or devices and so on aren’t working properly? Where do you turn for help? The big answer is “that depends”. Several factors play into which resource to turn to in a variety of circumstances. Here are some categories of beneficial technology resources.
Manuals:
It’s true; when in doubt, read the manual. Here are a few ways to accomplish that.
- Refer to the physical manual which may have come with the product and use your aids and devices to access it such as hand held magnifiers (both electronic and traditional including the magnifier on a smart phone or tablet)
- Access the physical manual also with text recognition apps such as Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Envision AI, or Look Out to view it. Many of these apps allow you to also “share” what is being viewed. Here you could save it in a notes app or in a file folder, allowing future access with greater ease.
- Online manuals are also quite easy to find by going to the product website to then access with computers, Braille displays, smart phones or tablets; where again there is the ability to access as well as save and store for future reference. There are often FAQ’s and trouble-shooting guides on manufacturer’s websites, which provide additional help.
YouTube reviews and tutorials:
YouTube holds a plethora of tech and assistive tech help and learning. Here’s just a few to check out.
- The Blind Life – Featuring Sam Seavey, our 2024 Walk For Sight Grand Marshal
- Vision-Forward
- Future In Sight Tech Topics – Our own new playlist growing with new content
Websites for tech news, reviews and trends:
There are several websites which provide useful information in the world of tech news. While aimed toward general tech, they often cover topics that affect people with vision loss such as Chat GPT, bugs and fixes, reviewing new devices, and so on. Here’s a few:
- The Verge – “the latest tech news about the world’s best and sometimes worst hardware, apps, and much more”
- TechCrunch -lots of tech news with categories like apps, AI and more
- VentureBeat – strictly tech news articles without the fluff
Podcasts
Any company or app such as Apple, Be My Eyes and etc. have informative podcasts, which can be located through searching their name in your podcast app. Here’s a couple different recommended podcasts for Assistive Technology enthusiasts:
Device specific support:
Here’s the 3 top companies with their websites and best phone numbers for those with disabilities.
- Apple – Those with disabilities can call 877-204-3930
- Google – Enter credentials to either chat or have Google call you
- Microsoft – Or call 800-936-5900 (Microsoft Disabilities Answer Desk)
Low vision and blind tech companies:
Here are two of the leading low vision and blind tech companies, who not only sell products, but serve as a resource through their online manuals, training, and more.
- Humanware – 800-722-3393
- Freedom Scientific – 727-803-8600
Other resources to consider:
- Hadley – Take a free course through Hadley’s distance learning.
- Facebook – Search for and join a specific Facebook group, such as iPhone users, NVDA screen reader users, Brailliant users, Android Talkback users and etc. There’s sure to be one that meets your needs. We even have a Future In Sight Technology Group.
- Phone Carriers – Remember your phone service providers, such as Verizon and AT&T are also there to assist you.
- Best Buy Geek Squad – With your purchased tech plan with Geek Squad at Best Buy you not only receive online help, but also in person help as well as some training.
- Training tools in apps and devices themselves – Be sure to peruse inside apps and devices themselves for help and training. For example, if you’re going to be using Talkback on your Android phone, there is a tutorial to get you started. iPhones have an area to practice Voiceover gestures, list of keyboard commands and so on. Don’t be hesitant to take advantage of these features.
- Future In Sight – Don’t forget we offer direct Assistive Technology training to clients in NH. We also offer a host of technology related group workshops to anyone with vision loss around the country.
There are many avenues to locating general tech and assistive technology help and information. It’s more of a matter of which road to take. We’ve broken down numerous categories and provided resources to consider when searching for guidance and solutions. Be patient, explore, and persistent when it comes to tech resourcefulness. Finally, remember to always check the credibility of sources and avoid sharing sensitive information with untrusted sources.
We provide training, tools and resources to individuals of all ages who are blind and visually impaired and even offer a full calendar of activities. If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today!
About the Author: Stephanie Hurd is the Assistive Technology & Activities Specialist at Future In Sight.