11 am, Wednesday, 9 September 2026 via Zoom
Question 1. Where is it best to buy a secondhand iPhone 15? They were sold out on Back Market.
Recommendations: Computer Exchange (cex) is worth trying. They may also provide a years guarantee.To find your local branch please visit the following link: https://uk.webuy.com/site/store/
Everywhere from John Lewis to Currys offer refurbished phones at different prices. Go somewhere reputable and ensure that warranty is included.
Question 2. Is anyone else having trouble with their Voice Over when it’s reading apps? Mine is getting jumbled and miss reading words.
Recommendations: give your phone a “”spring clean”i.e. clear it’s caches, especially if particular apps are playing up, closed tabs you’re not using on Safari and if things don’t improve, contact Apple Accesibility and get them to have a look at what might be going on.
Question 3. Has anyone else experienced issues with jaws when upgrading to a new desktop?
Answer and recommendations:For anyone running Jaws 21 or earlier, Microsoft appears to have disabled some of the drivers necessary to facilitate its compatibility with windows 11. I discovered this after buying a new computer and after investigation, realised that I would have to buy a new version of Jaws. Renting either annually or for 24 months didn’t make sense so I purchased the package which at least includes technical support. To find out more about pricing options, please visit Sight and Sound Technologies at the following link: https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/?s=Jaws&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
Microsoft Narrator is the free option but it’s substandard.
Question 4. I still make sandwiches as if I can see but when I go to cut them, they are never symmetrical. What tips do people have to make a decent sandwich?
Recommendations: go corner to corner and cut diagonally instead of straight across. Other suggestions included making one big sandwich then wrapping it in baking paper and eating the whole thing like a burger, using one slice then folding it in half or using wraps as a bread Alternative. This is especially useful if you have trouble spreading butter without ripping the bread. Useful gadgets including a bagel slicer: https://amzn.eu/d/0ehq5sXv and a bread template https://shop.rnib.org.uk/products/adjustable-bread-slicing-guide were also suggested to help make life easier when making sandwiches.
Question 5. What other suggestions do people have for making life easier in the kitchen?
Recommendations: Cut or separate everything into smaller portions before freezing; this works particularly well for pizzas, cake, fish and chicken. Fresh pasta can be easier to manipulate when making things like lasagne. If you have an accessible two drawer air fryer, you might not even need a main oven.
Other recommendations:
1. Wembley Stadium has audio description available at their concerts. Simply visit an information desk that are regularly spaced across the stadium and ask for a headset. It is always worth taking your own (3.5 Jack wired headphones) as one’s provided aren’t usually as good. The stadium also offers quiet rooms for anyone who gets overwhelmed by the noise.
2. Smile, it will instantly boost your mood.
3. Join Bookworms, it’s a brilliant, fun and inclusive session that’s held every month on Zoom.
4. Local libraries offer IT support.
5. if you haven’t already, ensure that you sign up to the Priority Services Register https://www.thepsr.co.uk/
6. For anyone who has a pair of Meta glasses, please see the following information for a list of useful commands:
Ray-Ban Meta Voice Commands (VI-Friendly Edition)
Camera & Capture
These are the most useful for hands-free operation.
“Hey Meta, take a photo.”
“Hey Meta, record a video.”
“Hey Meta, stop recording.”
“Hey Meta, what’s in front of me?” (Object description)
“Hey Meta, read this.” (Reads text aloud)
Audio, Music & Calls
Great when you can’t reach your phone
“Hey Meta, play music.”
“Hey Meta, pause.”
“Hey Meta, next song.”
“Hey Meta, volume up/down.”
“Hey Meta, call [contact name].”
“Hey Meta, answer call.”
“Hey Meta, hang up.”
* Navigation & Information
Useful when moving around independently.
“Hey Meta, how do I get to [place]?”
“Hey Meta, what’s the weather?”
“Hey Meta, what time is it?”
“Hey Meta, send a message to [contact]”
Al Assistance
These commands help with general tasks.
“Hey Meta, what’s around me?”
“Hey Meta, describe my surroundings.”
“Hey Meta, translate this.”
“Hey Meta, take a note.”
“Hey Meta, remind me to [task].”
Glasses Controls
For managing the device itself.
“Hey Meta, battery level.”
“Hey Meta, turn on/off the camera.”
“Hey Meta, turn on/off the microphone.”
“Hey Meta, connect to my phone.”
Extra Tips for VI Users
These are based on common accessibility needs:
1. Use voice for everything
The glasses are designed so you rarely need to touch them.
2. Ask for descriptions often
Commands like “What’s in front of me?” or “Describe my surroundings” are extremely helpful.
3. Use the capture button as a fallback
If voice fails, the physical button on the right temple:
Press → photo
Long press → video
4. Pair with a screen reader
Ray-Ban Meta works smoothly with:
VoiceOver (iPhone)
TalkBack (Android)
Key Safety Concerns to Warn People About
1. Navigation & Mobility Risks
Ray-Ban Meta glasses do not provide obstacle detection or mobility guidance.
People may assume they work like smart canes or mobility aids-they don’t.
Warn them about:
No detection of curbs, steps, poles, or moving vehicles
No haptic or audio alerts for hazards
Al descriptions can lag or be inaccurate
They should never replace a cane or guide dog
These glasses are an information tool, not a safety device.
2. Camera Misuse or Privacy Issues
Because the camera is small and silent, others may not realize they’re being recorded.
Warn people about:
Recording in private spaces (bathrooms, locker rooms, medical offices)
Taking photos of strangers without consent
Laws about recording vary by country
Some people may react negatively if they think they’re being filmed
Vl users should be especially aware of this since they may not always know who is in frame.
3. Audio Awareness
The speakers sit near the ears and can mask environmental sounds.
Warn them that:
Traffic noise may be harder to hear
They should avoid high volume when crossing streets
Calls or music can distract from orientation cues
Bone-conduction-style openness helps, but doesn’t eliminate risk
4. Battery & Heat
The glasses can warm up during long recordings or calls.
Warn about:
Heat near the temples
Battery draining faster during video
Glasses shutting down automatically if overheated
Not wearing them tightly under hats or scarves that trap heat
5. Connectivity Dependence
Many features rely on a phone connection.
Warn people that:
Al descriptions may fail without internet
Navigation requests may not work offline
Bluetooth dropouts can interrupt audio or calls
They should know basic physical controls for when voice fails
6. Al Limitations
Al descriptions are helpful but not perfect.
Warn them that:
Object recognition can be wrong
Text reading may misread labels or signs
Descriptions may miss important details
They should not rely on Al for safety-critical decisions
7. Physical Fit & Durability
The glasses are not rugged.
Warn about:
Dropping them can break the camera or arms
They are not waterproof (only splash-resistant)
Wearing them in heavy rain is risky
Lenses can scratch easily
8. Situational Misunderstandings
Because they look like normal Ray-Bans, people may not realize they’re smart glasses.
Warn about:
Security concerns in airports, schools, or workplaces
People assuming you’re recording even when you’re not
Some venues banning smart glasses entirely