13th March 2024
Question 1: Why when forwarding spam texts/calls to 7726 does Smartie provider say that this service is not supported?
Recommendations: it is possible that the provider is mistaking the number for a premium rate number? Suggest registering mobile numbers with The telephone preference service https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/register which works for both landlines and mobiles. Also worth being aware of the national cyber security service and it’s recommendations https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-families#main
Contact Smartie https://smarty.co.uk/contact
Question 2. : Do people find the Passenger Assist app helpful?
Recommendations: very positive feedback from using the Passenger Assist app and booking assistance ahead of train journeys.
How to book Passenger Assist
call 0800 0223720
text 60083
South Western Railway assisted travel service: (080) 528-2100
Several companies offer a turn up and go service.
Apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard https://secure.railcard.co.uk/purchase/disabled-persons/?opref=buynow&_ga=2.233427742.1419447610.1710850925-233363521.1710850821 or HM Veterans card if eligible https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card
Question 3: Is there a VI ramblers group?
Recommendations: contact the London Blind Ramblers Association https://londonblindramblers.org.uk/
Armchair ramblers may enjoy listening to “Ramblings” with Clair Boulding https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006xrr2
Question 4: Has anyone used or heard feedback about the Ellie dating app for disabled people?
Answer: no one present has yet use the app. There are some reviews online which may be helpful however.
Question 5: What are peoples thoughts about smart glasses sold in Canada with a central camera Celeste glasses are Leased rather than owned. Is this cost effective?
Recommendations: Scott can check this amongst Canadian CIPA. Send registered post just in case there is a problem.
The company was having problems with the technology 12 months ago.
Shipping in March2024.
Payment would be in Canadian dollars which would be a bonus.
Local Lions clubs may offer individual funding for them
Question 6: What do you do if a tube or train station has no staff to offer assistance?
Recommendations: familiarise yourself with the location of the help points in your local station.
Always report a shortage of staff to TFL https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/contact-us-about-tube-and-rail-staff
Question 7: How to learn Touch typing as a visually impaired person?
Recommendations: contact local sensory impairment team and site loss organisation as they may offer courses for Epping try Support for Sight https://www.support4sight.org.uk/
Davinder Khalor, technology trainer at RNIB’s Tech For Life recommended the following programs; Doorways Online https://www.doorwayonline.org.uk/activities/text-type/
and AZABIT http://www.azabat.co.uk/typing.html 03031239999
Adding bump ons to your keyboard can also help navigate and learn more easily.
Question 8: How do I share my address and location effectively with Uber drivers and deliveries? is it possible to share exact location and will the app remember for next time?
Recommendations: this is a common problem where maps are not always accurate. advice is to message the driver with as much detail about your location as possible.
You can always contact Uber support.
Uber support phone number is +44 08081897190. You can also call the support line via your Uber app: Tap the ‘Help’ button in the menu. Tap ‘Call Support’ to be connected. If there is an error in how Uber has recorded your address, this can be reported here https://help.uber.com/driving-and-delivering/article/report-a-map-error?nodeId=78264c88-f5ac-4a0c-aef2-32c49262baf3
Question 9: What is the difference between zooming and expanding on an iPhone?
Recommendations: ensure that your accessibility settings are adjusted as necessary for your vision. Once you require magnification of more than 14 times it is probably time to move across to voice over.
Question 10: Why has turning off badges notifications affected my contacts layout?
Recommendations: to resolve this go to Settings grouping select do not group
other recommendations: Sightline is based in the north-west but covers England https://www.sightline.org.uk/
Suzie has signed Eye Matter up to the Easy Fundraising app. More information will follow in due course.
Members still experiencing a plethora of issues when trying to use taxi card.
En vision AI app has the same functionality as the glasses so well worth trying.
Navilens also getting good reviews.
Medequipt (panic alarms) can be contacted by phone on 020 8709 7050
Back2basix Research on AD for Dance