9th October 2024 via Zoom
Question 1. What have other members heard about the “Eye Care Support Pathway”?
answer and recommendations: Several Eye Matter members were involved and also attended the launch in Birmingham. To read more about the pathway, please visit these links from the Thomas Pocklington Trust: https://www.pocklington.org.uk/news/new-eye-care-support-pathway-launched/
And RNIB https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/the-eye-care-support-pathway/
Question. 2. Would other members advise booking assistance in advance of getting a mainline train to somewhere like Rugby
Recommendations The consensus was that it was always best to book rather than leaving anything to chance. Great to remove stress and worry from any journey, especially if going outside your usual area.
Download the Passenger Assist app: https://passengerassistance.com/
You can also call or text National Rail Enquiries to arrange assistance
call 0800 0223720
text 60083
Transport for London offers an excellent “Turn Up and Go” service on all trains and tubes.
Question 3. When using “P.I. A.I.” how to prevent other apps interrupting?
Recommendations: to prevent a conflict where one app interrupts another, there are several options.
Simply asking Siri to turn on “Do Not Disturb”, will prevent interruptions from calls, messages etc. just remember to turn it off again so that people can contact you when you are available!
You can also manage your notifications by going to “Settings/Focus”. This is a great way to customise everything you are notified about, how and when.
Other recommendations:
1. KNFB Reader
Developed by the National Federation of the Blind and Sensotec NV, KNFB Reader is currently available for iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices. It is not cheap at£99.99.
For more information please visit this link: https://nfb.org/programs-services/knfb-reader
2. Bone conducting Bluetooth headphones which allow the wearer to hear what’s going on around them as well as listening to their device are well worth trying. Several members said how useful they were when navigating out and about as they made it possible to listen to directions from Google Maps, Soundscape or similar apps whilst also being able to hear the traffic, other people and more They also worked well when typing whilst listening to a meeting. An example which starts at about £80 is: “SHOKZ OpenMove Wireless Headphones”. These are widely available at retailers including Amazon, Argos etc.
3. Norfolk is a nice place to live and has lots of services available to its visually impaired community
4. Sign up to the National Theatre mailing list, it has a great Access programme, NT Live, NT at home and much more: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/your-visit/access/
5. Sign up to the “VocalEyes” mailing list; it is a great resource with lots of opportunities, tips and what’s on across the UK that is audio described: https://vocaleyes.co.uk
6. All “Uber Eats” customers can take advantage of Uber fresh Mondays where fresh fruit and vegetables are 50% off from selected retailers in your local area.
7. There is a tech selector on the Guide Dogs website is a useful resource: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/how-can-technology-help-me/tech-selector/?_gl=1*1bdh0al*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj4K5BhDYARIsAD1Ly2oTbnYVPithcZmdVCHUtBUmpsXQFXbwyq7bCFUUxOII2HQX-BVyCpMaAoMaEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAAD20XPG-tdh9D5hgGKQyBZS1jJdsa
Comments and tips to:
Eye Matter does not recommend any goods or services mentioned above. The notes above are via contributions made by our members and meeting attendees. These suggestions are guidelines only and should be taken as such. Individuals are responsible for acting on any of the above recommendations and notes and Eye Matter is not responsible for any consequences incurred due to any individual acting on any of these suggestions and recommendations. Please seek further advice as deemed necessary. Eye Matter is a registered charity. Charity number 1202241.