12 February 2025 via Zoom
Question 1: my iPhone 6 can no longer be updated, what should I do?
Recommendations: Jonathan Sizemore on the website “Up Trade It” covers this issue in depth, “It’s important to clarify that no iPhone will literally stop functioning in 2025. Even older models like the iPhone 6 can still operate and perform basic tasks such as making calls, sending texts, and browsing the internet. However, Apple periodically discontinues iOS updates for older devices, meaning these models will no longer receive the latest software updates, security patches, or new features. This can have implications for performance, security, and app compatibility over time.”
To read the remainder of this article which includes iPhone models and when they could last be updated, please visit: https://uptradeit.com/blog/what-iphones-will-stop-working
If you have concerns about your phone’s battery life, it is always worth carrying a battery pack, also called a power bank. These are available at various retailers including Amazon with prices starting at about £15.
These two videos give advice about how to maximise your iPhone’s battery life and health https://youtu.be/9L7UyM7iDQw?si=EPKgaRn2kkN2JsBU
Visit your nearest Apple Store to browse sizes and explore the functionalities of new iPhones.
Larger screens can be useful if you still have residual vision, otherwise you may want a smaller device that can fit easily in a pocket.
Find your nearest Apple Store here https://www.apple.com/uk/retail/
Alternatively, your network provider will be able to advise you over the phone with regards to dimensions, storage capacity, functions and payment plans that might work best for you.
Question 2: where can I find tactile maps and other tactile products?
Recommendations: Call RNIB 03031239999 as they should be able to advise what is easily available.
RNIB also have a “National Centre for Tactile Diagrams”. To find out more please visit https://nctd.org.uk/
Question 3: how do visually impaired people enjoy modern art?
Recommendations: often VIPs feel they get more out of some artwork than sighted visitors. this is due to the multisensory approach including audio description, tactile adaptations and the benefit of having an expert leading the tour.
This carries across to theatre, Museums and other exhibitions so be sure to sign up to an in-person Eye Matter outing happening near you!
Question 4: jaws advice please; how do I improve its functionality?
Recommendations: Instructions to Add a Keystroke to an Existing Script Using the JAWS Keyboard Manager:
1. Open Keyboard Manager: Launch the Keyboard Manager from the JAWS menu by
2. pressing INSERT+F2, then select “Keyboard Manager.”
3. Navigate the Interface: Use TAB and SHIFT+TAB to move between the left and right panes. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate within each pane.
4. Find the Script: In the right-hand pane, search for the script you want to assign a keystroke to. Use the arrow keys or type the first letter of a script name to find it faster.
5. Add a Keystroke:
- Once you have located the desired script, open the Action menu and select “Add Keystroke,” or press CTRL+A.
- In the Add Keystroke dialog, the “Assign To” edit box will be active. Press the keystroke combination you want to assign to the script. JAWS will echo the keystroke as you press it.
- Press TAB to move to the “Assign Key To” checkbox. If you want the keystroke to be active only in the current keyboard layout, leave it checked. Otherwise, uncheck it to make the keystroke available in all layouts.
- Press TAB again to move to the OK button, and press SPACEBAR to confirm the addition of the keystroke.
6. pressing INSERT+F2, then select “Keyboard Manager.”
7. Navigate the Interface: Use TAB and SHIFT+TAB to move between the left and right panes. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate within each pane.
8. Find the Script: In the right-hand pane, search for the script you want to assign a keystroke to. Use the arrow keys or type the first letter of a script name to find it faster.
9. Add a Keystroke:
- Once you have located the desired script, open the Action menu and select “Add Keystroke,” or press CTRL+A.
- In the Add Keystroke dialog, the “Assign To” edit box will be active. Press the keystroke combination you want to assign to the script. JAWS will echo the keystroke as you press it.
- Press TAB to move to the “Assign Key To” checkbox. If you want the keystroke to be active only in the current keyboard layout, leave it checked. Otherwise, uncheck it to make the keystroke available in all layouts.
- Press TAB again to move to the OK button, and press SPACEBAR to confirm the addition of the keystroke.
1. Confirm Changes: The Keyboard Manager will display a confirmation dialog. Press SPACEBAR on the Yes button to confirm the keystroke assignment.
A Few Scripts That is very useful:
- IncreaseVoiceVolume: Increases the volume of JAWS independently from the system volume.
- DecreaseVoiceVolume: Decreases the volume of JAWS independently from the system volume.
- IncreaseSystemVolume: Increases the volume of the whole computer/laptop.
- DecreaseSystemVolume: Decreases the volume of the whole computer/laptop.
To Add a Keystroke to These Scripts:
- Follow the steps above until step 3.
- Find the “Default” script file by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+D or using the arrow keys.
- Tab once to get to the list view of the default scripts.
- Use the arrow keys or type the first letter to find your script quickly.
- Once you find your script, proceed with step 4 in the instructions above.
Question 5: why would a word document corrupt from English into a foreign language in the middle of a document?
Recommendations: even the most advanced program can be susceptible to bugs from time to time.
Ensure that all security settings and software are up to date, empty your junk email folder and restart your device. if problems persist contact Microsoft help.
Other recommendations:
A simple solution to losing a bottle top is to keep a spare or two washed and ready for use in your kitchen drawer! this is especially useful for milk bottle lids, corks and jar lids.
The Accessible Friends Network https://www.tafn.org.uk/about/
The Audiovault is a website that contains the audio only portion of audio described film and TV shows. It is a small Project designed to make it easier for blind people to find and access audio described content https://audiovault.net/