8 November 2023
A well-attended meeting with initial discussions focusing on some of the exhibits that members had tried whilst at “Sight Village” (Kensington Town Hall, 7 November 2023). .
1 In Vision glasses: only advantage seemed to be that they are hands free. Otherwise, initial impressions were that they’re cluncky and have a substantial price point https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/product/envision-glasses-read-edition/
2 Orcam has similar features and a high price point. https://shop.rnib.org.uk/orcam-myeye-2-wearable-assistive-technology
NB Google has not continued to develop it’s “Google Smart Glasses”.
Recommendations: apps such as “Be My Eyes” has 7 million volunteers worldwide and is completely free.
A new feature called “Be My AI” is also being developed which significantly improves photo and image description as well as functionality of the camera for visually impaired photographers. For more details visit this link https://support.bemyeyes.com/hc/en-us/articles/17493302011921-Be-My-AI-image-to-text-assistance
“Seeing AI” is “also free and offers lots of features https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai
3 The “We Walk” long cane was tried out by a couple of members. They felt that the vibration was not sufficient, that the design was top heavy and the fact that it isn’t rain proof massively limits it’s usefulness in our climate.
Members who tried this £550.00
Kane felt that it Might be useful for some people,but questions its usefulness for anyone who uses a long cane well.
4 the Fire Cane: a ROVI saw this light cane with a push button to collapse it. The German company are working with the RNIB in a bid to bring them to the UK.
The link below is in German so please use Google translate or similar. You may need cited help to do this.
5 The Ultra Cane: https://www.ultracane.com/
6 The All Terrain Cane: https://shop.rnib.org.uk/huju-cane-tip-93520
Recommendations: Speak to RNIB or a visual impairment rehabilitation specialist (VRS) about the cane that is most suited to your needs.
7 How to create both an audio and visual QR code?
A QR code stands for “quick response code “. It is a more sophisticated version of a barcode that can hold 100 times more information in a number of formats, including audio. There are a number of websites and apps that offer advice but an iPhone has an inbuilt facility to create some QR codes.
In the “Shortcuts” app, search for “generate QR code” to set up a new shortcut. Save new QR codes to your photo library.9. How can VIPs organise journeys consisting of both trains and the tube?
London underground have a “turn up and go” system as do some rail companies and the Thameslink.
You can book directly with your train operator a full list is available here: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/help-and-assistance/passenger-assist/
Tfl Passenger Assist: 0343 222 2000.
Tfl staff will hand you over to rail staff and vice versa.
To book assistance in advance, book at least two hours before your journey.
other recommendations: Sam’s “The Blind Life” is a representation of what is going on in his life and what he enjoys, all from the Visually Impaired perspective. Lots of tips to help make lives awesome!