11th September 2024 via Zoom
Question 1. Is there an easy way to tell different coloured towels apart e.g. if towels in different parts of the house are different colours?
Recommendations: penfriend and accompanying laundry labels may be one solution otherwise low Tech options include using safety pins on the labels of one set of towels or cutting the corners off the labels so that it’s easy to differentiate between them by Touch.
This also works for other items including bedding. Alternatively, by everything in the same colour so that everything always matches.
There is also an app called colour ID which is very useful when trying to recognise colours.
It is available on both android and the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/color-id-identify-colors/id6498862987
Question 2. when typing using VoiceOver, how to change the typing style/input style?
Recommendations: To try different typing options, go to Settings/Accessibility/VoiceOver/Typing to pick the one that works for you.
Question 3. How easy is the Uber app to use with VoiceOver?
Recommendations: most competent voice over users find the Uber app extremely easy to navigate. It allows VIPs to book single trips, trips with several stops/pick ups and also says in advance how much any journey will cost.
It also has several safety features built-in so that you can share your location with a nominated person, message the driver to tell them any specific requirements ahead of them picking you up and also you can call the driver should you need to speak to them directly.
The app also tells you the name of your driver and the colour, make and registration number of your vehicle in advance.
At the end of each trip, you also have the opportunity to rate and review the driver, the car and the journey as a hole.
Question 4. When would people recommend installing a software update on their phone?
Recommendations: the consensus is to wait a few days as if there are any issues, they will be shared across the VI community very quickly. It is best to doublecheck and also it is well worth listening to Podcasts such as Double Tap: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/double-tap/id1309267346?i=1000669838718
Question 5. Are the British Wireless Fund still giving away Echo devices?
Recommendations: yes, according to their website. https://blind.org.uk/referrals/
For more information contact sarah@blind.org.uk or phone 01622754757
Question 6. How are others managing the challenges and dangers associated with so-called “floating bus stops”?
The Department for Transport says schemes should be accessible to all.
The National Federation of the Blind UK (NFB), produced a petition which was signed by more than 280 organisations. The petition was handed into Downing Street recently.
Transport for London has installed 160 bypass cycle lanes/floating bus stops across the capital but this is a nationwide issue with campaigners in towns and cities across the UK raising similar concerns.
For more information about this, please visit: https://www.visionary.org.uk/latest/still-time-to-support-the-nfbuks-petition-on-safety-and-accessibility-at-bus-stops-in-cycle-lanes/
Question 7. What apps are people using to navigate; especially if still using Soundscape?
Recommendations: voice vista https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/navigation/voicevista
Other recommendations: PI AI is a great app although not 100% yet; it gave Duff train information for a journey that had never existed! https://pi.ai/onboarding
AppleVis has found a new home with Be My Eyes! To read more about this, please visit: https://tech.eu/2024/08/29/applevis-finds-new-home-with-be-my-eyes-a-win-for-blind-and-low-vision-tech-users/
Question 8. Recommendation for help with sleeping
Recommendation: Sleep Story by Stephen fry
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.
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