19th March
Question 1. Why is my WhatsApp not letting me read my new messages since the latest Apple update (18.3.3)?
Recommendations: Always report problems to Apple accessibility on 0800 048 0754 or email accessibility@apple.com.
They can view your phone via a link if needs be.
NB an update with 18.4 will be available on 1st April 2025.
Question 2. How can I play Dungeons & Dragons as a visually impaired person?
Recommendations: this article from the American Federation of the Blind is a great place to start https://www.afb.org/aw/20/9/16759
Question 3. How do I stop my Mac broadcasting VoiceOver when I’m using Teams, Zoom and similar online meetings?
Recommendations: it is always worth contacting Apple support (details above) or either turning speech off or VoiceOver completely once you have your meeting up and running? The following link has instructions about how to do this https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/voiceover/vo2682/mac
Question 4. How do other members select greeting cards easily?
Recommendations: Orchard Cards https://www.orchardcards.co.uk/ Richard or Anthea are very helpful. Their phone number is:
01948770318
If you’re on the High Street. Clinton cards staff have also been very helpful.
Question 5. RNIB EasyReader app isn’t working properly. Help!
Recommendations: The RNIB website has the following statement on its Reading Services page: “Message for existing Reading Services customers:
If you are currently having difficulties logging into your Reading Services account in Dolphin EasyReader, or streaming books through Alexa, you may need to reauthorise your account as follows: In an internet browser, please log into the website, then search for a book and download it.
Then, restart your EasyReader app or the Alexa skill, and login/relink again to RNIB Reading Services. You should then be able to resume accessing your Talking Books.
Sorry for the disruption to our service.”
Question 6. How to go about arranging a trip to American theme parks?
Recommendations: there are specialist travel agents such as Travel Eyes https://www.traveleyes-international.com/ and Seeable Holidays https://seable.co.uk/
You could also travel independently; this in-depth guide “Solo Travel Without Sight” is well worth reading https://catchthesewords.com/solo-travel-without-sight-the-ultimate-guide-to-traveling-blind/
Airports and airlines offer excellent assistance for VIPs and many theme parks have made Accessibility a key feature for their guests. For more information, regarding Disneyland and associated parks, please visit https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/guest-services/blind-lowvision/
It is worth doing your homework regarding which of the numerous US theme parks you want to visit, their proximity to an airport, and importantly their access provision.
Other recommendations:
1.Navigation is made easier by using Soundscape https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/soundscape/id6459021379 in conjunction with headphones such as bone conducting “Shockz” which allow you to hear your surroundings https://shokz.com/ NB shop around to find which headphones, earphones or bone conducting devices work best for you.
2. To watch short videos, members recommend Piccy Bot https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/piccybot/id6476859317
3. Food to go sells surplus food at a discounted price for more information please visit this link https://www.toogoodtogo.com/
4. E-Sim
An e-sim is a very cost-effective way to get mobile data when you are traveling abroad. Firstly, check if your phone has the facility to use an eSim. This is done by going into Settings, Mobile Service, then see if you have a button called “Add eSim”. This is towards the bottom of the Screen. If this button is on your phone, then your phone is compatible.
One uses an App e.g. Airalo to buy the package for the specific country and then you activate this through the Settings, Mobile Service, then click on the button call “Add eSim” and follow the instructions. The link below shows how the eSim for the Airalo App would be installed on the iPhone. This is just one example of an ESim App provider – there are lots of Apps available with different pricing and how well they work in different countries. You should do your research on what eSim you wish to buy by searching on Google etc.
5. New iPhones
Call Apple Sales on 08000480408 for the type of iPhone that might suit you. Ask to speak to someone on purchasing a new phone and the BOT will connect you to a store.
Apparently, Apple no longer sells the SE3 – they have a new iPhone 16 and one of the versions is a basic one that is equivalent to the SE range. Call above number for more information and pricing on this. Note, refurbished SE3 are available through various sellers e.g. Amazon, but it is up to you to feel confident to buy such a product.
6. RNIB Easy Reader Not logging in
1. Please visit https://readingservices.rnib.org.uk on the browser on your device.
2. Login with your email and password
3. Search for a book, and download it.
4. Close the Easy Reader app.
5. Please restart your Easy Reader app and login again to RNIB Reading Services. You should then be able to resume accessing your Talking Books
If this does not work, then go into the iPhone Settings, General, Storage, Easy Reader, and double tap on this. It will ask if you wish to offload the App. Offload the App and re-install it. If this still fails, then contact RNIB for assistance.