Low Vision Aid

Sue’s Toolbox Update 2023

Sue wrote most of this, of course. My comments are in [ ]. When you see any text that is a different color or underlined (varies by the device you’re using), you can choose it and go to a page with more information. It’s called a link.

Hi! Lin asked me to update my “toolbox” page. It has been three years so it might not be a bad idea. [Sue & some others call me by my ‘childhood name’ Lin, but I’m also Linda ::grin::]

Lighting!

I stand by most of what I said in 2020. Good lighting is essential. I was told to get LED lights when I started this journey. I have Ott brand lights and they work well. They also last forever. [You can often find the Ott lights on sale at the JOANN store.] The bulb in the light next to the bed has been going strong for seven years. The LED lighting is cool to the touch and reduces glare. If you have vision issues, you know how much “fun” glare can be! Not! Reducing glare is a real plus in lighting.

Magnify, Magnify, Magnify!

When you have advanced, age-related macular degeneration there are a few, simple rules: magnify, magnify, magnify!

I remember walking home from elementary school to find my grandfather trying to read the newspaper with a handheld magnifying glass. Same thing with my father several decades later. However, these days, it is not your father’s magnification any longer!

My workhorse is my closed-circuit TV magnifier (CCTV; also called video magnifier). They are expensive, but for me, they are indispensable. I take notes, pay bills, sort out my taxes, everything on that machine.

My CCTV is a portable model from Low Vision International. It has a sliding tray and a camera I can flip to view presentations and people across the room. I got the model you can hook up to a computer, but I have not used that feature yet. [Where to find these devices and other low vision aids? Check my section at the end ‘Finding Help to Create YOUR Toolbox!’]

Computer

And speaking of computers, my iMac is also an essential tool in my toolbox. I learned on a Mac, so that is my platform of choice. While Macs are relatively expensive compared to other brands on the market, they also come with a magnification feature built in. [Great resource for learning about using a Mac from Perkins School for the Blind ‘Getting Started on the Mac for Users with Low Vision.’]

This is as opposed to PCs that need you to add a magnification app. My magnification app for a PC I use is ZoomText. ZoomText not only magnifies, it also gives you voice over. Voice over is a “drive-me-crazy” feature that reads what you have put the cursor on and what you are typing. Right now voice over is enough to drive me insane, but it may be very helpful in the future. Either way, ZoomText is not free but is affordable. [Her reference to ‘voice over’ is not the same as Apple’s VoiceOver feature.]

iPad

I am typing this on my iPad. I purchase the BIG iPad with a 12.9 inch screen and I love it. My iPad not only magnifies but holds a number of apps that help me with the little inconveniences of being visually impaired. When I need a professional reference book, I buy a hard copy but also request a pdf version. I am on record with several publishing houses and they are required by law to provide those to me. Disability does have some privileges. Once I download the pdf version into NaturalReader, my iPad reads to me and I follow along in the book. [Hadley has great ‘how to’ videos on using an iPad.]

I can also “read” books on my iPad. Since I am legally blind, I am qualified to use BARD. BARD is great! There are hundreds of thousands of audiobooks available for free. Love that word free. [BARD is just one resource available from the National Library Service program ‘That All May Read.’ For those who qualify, there’s also an easy-to-use audiobook player with cartridges you can get.]

I go in spurts and stops with my “reading” any more, but I watch TV on my iPad regularly. There are a number of broadcasting companies that offer free apps. While they regulate what you can access for free, they do let you access more if you have a cable company and register. I like watching Tv on my iPad because I can “magnify” the picture by shrinking the distance to the screen. Another thing you might be interested in is audio description. I watched ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ on PBS and the audio description was helpful and not intrusive.

Other Tools for Magnification

Two more things before I go: magnification and magnification. I have a handheld, electronic magnifier that is good for restaurant menus and the like and a pair of telescopic glasses. My telescopic glasses are MaxTV glasses. I have a friend now who likes to go to the movies. I wear my MaxTV glasses and the 3-D glasses at the same time. Avatar 2 was stunning. [Her MaxTV glasses are from Eschenbach, a company considered to be one of the best for such products. There are less expensive products you can find through sources such as Maxiaids or Independent Living Aids. I don’t recommend you try the least expensive, though. Read the reviews and definitely make sure that you can return them for free if they don’t work for you.]

So there you have Sue’s Toolbox, 2023 version. I will be the first to admit the price tags on those things can be a bit shocking. Just remember the three important points: magnification, magnification, magnification. The same results can be accomplished in other ways. Hope this helped!

Finding Help to Create YOUR Toolbox!

Low Vision Therapy

Linda: We recommend that since there are so many options for these and other low vision aids, some of which are expensive, it’s best to find a low vision therapist, low vision occupational therapist, or a vision rehabilitation program where specialists will listen to what you want and need to do but can’t and will help you find what works for you. There is no ‘one size fits all.’

We recommend that to find low vision therapy near you, start by going to the VisionAware site to ‘Directory of Services’ (bottom or side of the page depending on what device you’re using) where you’ll enter your zip code (US) or province (Canada). In the UK, there are 2 great groups who can help: The Macular Society and the RNIB. You want to look for non-profit organizations, universities, or government resources where they’re not profiting from the sales. You can of course ask your eye specialist for organizations/specialists near you.

Vocational Rehabilitation

In 2016 when Sue became legally blind from advanced dry AMD/geographic atrophy/GA, she contacted Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Blind and Vision Services/BBVS because she wanted to continue to work. You can read about that here: A Human Doing. They provided some of the low vision aids such as the magnifiers, telescopic glasses including MaxTV glasses, the CCTV, software ZoomText and NaturalReader, a basic iPad, and a white cane. They also provided her with some training on some of the devices. She also had what’s called Orientation & Mobility training to help her get around safely. She did pay a fee based on a sliding scale of income. Every state will be different.

You can find your state or province vocational rehabilitation resources through the link to VisionAware above. You can also ask your eye specialist about it.

More Resources

A good resource for products and technology is VisionAware which is a not-for-profit organization with the APH (American Printing House). Check out this section ‘Helpful Products and Technology for Living with Vision Loss.’

Magnifiers and telescopic glasses that she refers to are called ‘optical devices.’ Here’s a good article about them with examples ‘What Are Low Vision Optical Devices?’

New March 19th, 2023

Daydreams About Driving – Part 2

Last time I was reviewing an article entitled Seniors and Driving: A Guide. My page then was about how to know when it is time to hand in your keys. This can be a pretty traumatic thing for many people and even some of us who embraced the change – in my case out of fear of killing someone – can have longings to be back behind the wheel. I confess, sad but true, on our last cruise, I kept going back to the bumper cars so I could DRIVE.

Just because you are afraid your driving days have come to an end, though, it may not necessarily mean they actually have. One of the best ways to make sound decisions is to check the facts. A really good way of checking the facts is to go to the experts.

A good place to start would be going to your doctors [Lin/Linda here: notice it is doctors PLURAL Many of you have a team of doctors such as general practitioners, specialists and eye doctors]. A world of difference might be found in a change of medication or a change in a glasses prescription. Make sure you are as healthy and functional as modern medicine can possibly make you.

Oh, and remember, healthy is as healthy does. You have to do your part as far as diet, exercise, avoiding drugs and alcohol…. You know the drill.

After the stops at the doctors, you should probably go to the driving professionals. There is such an animal as a certified driver rehabilitation specialist. If you are too far gone to drive safely, the specialist will tell you so. If you are fine but fighting your family, the specialist can clear you. (“Na na! Told you so.”) If you are somewhere in the middle, you can get some lessons to teach you new skills and eliminate bad habits.

The specialist can also suggest special devices such as more and/or better mirrors or other adaptations. There are states that allow drivers with vision impairment to use bioptic lens systems, if your state is one of those, a driver rehabilitation specialist will be able to help you find resources to explore that option. [Lin/Linda: When you check out these bioptic glasses for driving, you’ll see that they don’t come down over your eyes. They sit above them. You learn to glance into them to better see signs and intersections.]

Although people often fear “the man” in situations like this, your state’s motor vehicles department may be just the place to find support in allowing you to continue to drive and drive safely. Pennsylvania endorses a number of options for older drivers. For example, AAA and AARP both have older driver programs. Other programs endorsed by this state are offered by ADEPT Driver and Improv. I have no idea what these programs are like or in what other states they may be offered, but Pa DMV seems to like them.

Deciding whether to continue to drive or to hang it all up is a life changer. Even though I believe I made the right decision five years ago, I still have days all I want to do is jump in the car and go. My main goal for continuing as a lab rat? You got it. It is the very selfishly motivated goal of some day being able to drive again.

No matter what your decision is, it has a greater chance of being the right one if you check all the facts and investigate all the options. Happy research and good luck!

Sue’s Toolkit – 4 Years Later – 2020

Hi! I probably forgot to wish everyone a happy 2020. A belated welcome to the year that has inspired interest in vision issues the world over! [Lin/Linda: I apologize. Sue wrote this at the end of January! I admit that I lost track of it.]

February 12, 2020 will also end my fourth year as an official, legally blind person. Time certainly does fly. [You can read about her journey starting In the Beginning.]

Lin asked me to do another page on the “toys” I use regularly. The truth is I have really pared down the number of toys I use. I will tell you what they are in a moment, but right now I want to theorize why I am using less technology. [I’ve put links to Sue’s prior pages – 2016 & 2018 – about her ‘toolkit’ at the end.]

My theory is this : I have been adapting. I have realized that more recently. I am now pretty much able to put a plug in an electrical outlet on the first try. I am also much more successful in zipping my own coat. They sound like small things but for a while, in my life, they were huge! I have now fairly mastered those skills and probably many more.

I guess what I am saying is don’t give up on learning how to deal with your vision loss. Human beings are very adaptable creatures. You will be amazed what you can do when you try.

That said: what “toys” do I actually use these days? LED lighting is the first thing I would recommend. You need good lighting to accomplish anything visual. I have Ott lights next to the bed, on my ironing board and in the office. My LED lights are the first things that get turned on in the morning.

I just got a new computer at work. I prefer Mac products but the center where I work has PCs. If you have a PC, you will pretty much need ZoomText. I just purchased a one-year license for the application. You can get a one-year, home-use license for $80. I could not work well or easily on a PC without ZoomText. [ZoomText is a screen reader & magnifier. There’s more about that on their website.]

If you are “Mac by religion” as yours truly describes herself, you don’t need to install anything else. The iMac I have came with magnification capabilities, it is in accessibility in the system menu. I simultaneously hit two keys and then one alone and the screen image expands. iMacs are costly but it is an operating system I “grew up on” and that I prefer. Either PC or iMac, though, I could not work efficiently without magnification.

Bringing me to the “workhorse” of my visually impaired world, my CCTV magnifier. It is on my CCTV that I take notes at work, pay bills, read mail, and do just about anything that requires central vision. The value of my CCTV to me is immense.

And one last thing: my iPad. I love my iPad. Last evening I was watching my TV app on one iPad. I play games on it. I write on it.

I have apps on my iPad that allow me to access my world in other ways as well. It is on my iPad that I have my BARD app. Getting free audio books through BARD is just about the best thing about being visually impaired.

My KNFB Reader does not get used much, but it is on my iPad as well, as is my NaturalReader, a text-to-speech app. Need your emails read? How about a web-based article? As long as it is a pdf file, a text-to-speech app can do the job.

So, those are the winners by attrition in my life. Those are the things that have stood the test of time. I do not expect the things you find useful to be exactly the same, but this might give you some places to start.

And again, welcome to the year of vision, 2020. Ain’t it cool to be trendy?

Written January 26th, 2020; reviewed March 10th, 2023.

Sue’s Toolkit: In the Beginning 2016

Sue’s Toolkit: 2 Years Later 2018

Not Your Eccentric Relative

Three and a half years ago, when I “lost” my second eye, I – an avid reader – had 30 pages left to read in a mystery novel. Not being able to see well enough to read that last, paltry 30 pages was frustrating and heartbreaking. Therefore, when a reader/member recently posted in another forum how she had lost the ability to read and was badly shaken, I got it. Oh, yeah; I got it.

This reader/member, although shaken, reported she was going to try eccentric viewing. Hallelujah! First of all, I would like to thank her for validating our efforts here. I am thinking she heard it here first and I am proud and honored to have passed on some valuable and helpful information. Second of all, I want to applaud her for continuing to fight.

There are ways to cope and adapt to vision loss and eccentric viewing is one of them.

Third thing I want to do here is talk again about eccentric viewing. If you are a latecomer to this blog/group or if you forget, let me start by defining eccentric viewing. In a nutshell, eccentric viewing is enlisting a part of your peripheral retina to do the jobs your macula used to do. One of these jobs is reading.

Now reading with eccentric viewing ain’t “pretty”. It involves practice and will never be as efficient as reading with your fovea. An analogy might be turning a screw with a butter knife or pounding a nail with a rock. The job gets done but it is slower and there are more failed attempts. However, some success is generally better than no success.

The first step is to find your preferred reading locus, affectionately referred to as your “sweet spot”. This is different for everyone and may require some searching and experimentation. The one I have been using is below my fovea. It works pretty well when I am able to work in close and be reclined – such as now when I am hanging out in bed typing on my iPad. It has not been working so well recently when I am, for example, trying to read the eye chart for the study. That requires me to lean my head back and I have been getting a crick in my neck. Consequently I have been searching for a spot more in the horizontal plane. Play around and find a place that you like.

How do you play around to find it? Nancy Parkin- Bashizi in The Skill of Eccentric Viewing suggests drawing a clock with a star in the middle. Focusing on the star, see which number is the clearest. That may be your sweet spot for reading

Don’t be frustrated if you keep sliding off your sweet spot. Your brain has spent a life time putting your fovea on what you want to see. It is natural for it to keep trying to do that. Keep moving your focus back. Take it from me, things you are trying to see with eccentric viewing can be darn slippery! I will get them fairly well in focus for a split second but then my eye just jumps away. I know I saw something but it did not “compute”.

This knowing what you are looking at gets better with practice as your brain learns to adapt. I saw an article about how your brain recruits parts of the visual cortex that normally handle peripheral vision tasks to take over the reading tasks. If I can find it again I can write a page about that.

Another thing to do is practice keeping your eye still and moving the paper. Many of the articles I skimmed suggested using an iPad or other brand of tablet so you can scroll the words past your eyes instead of moving your eyes across and down the page. Once you get that sweet spot on the page, you don’t want to lose it! [Lin/Linda: this technique actually has a name: ‘steady eye strategy.’ Here’s a good video demonstrating it.]

Does eccentric viewing work? Yeah. Sort of. I can read short, newspaper articles without magnification if I put my mind to it. I am slow and make more mistakes than I would like but the job gets done. I can read. And, in the end, I guess that is all that matters

Written September 28th, 2019

Next: Rocking and Rolling

Shopping

My Blindness and Visual Services caseworker stopped in to say “hi”. He remarked a common client had hit a snag in plan A and he was moving him to plan B. Plan B was to be the Carroll Center.

Quite frankly, I had never heard of it. I have only been legally blind for 3 ½ years, guys. I can’t know everything! However, in an attempt to know “everything” I looked it up.

I will give you more on the Carroll Center itself later, but where I jumped into their webpage and where I want to start here is the store. They have CCTVs for rent! Be still my wildly beating heart! The cheaper ones are $25 per month. The more expensive ones are $50.

This is a deal! CCTVs like mine run $3,500. You own it. You repair it. I have had to send it for repairs about three times in three years. Average repair price? Let us say $200. Even renting their most expensive option, the price of one CCTV would cover six years of rental. If it breaks? Send it back and get a new one.

I really like this idea for the budget minded “blind”!

The other thing that caught my interest was a new product the Carroll store is advertising. They are touting this super cool item locator for the price of $26. The system comes with one transmitter and three receivers. You fasten the receivers on to things you are always losing. Keys, my phone and the remote come to mind immediately. The receivers are color-coded and there are three, color-coded buttons on the transmitter. Hit a button and the receiver on an item sounds a tone.

Knowing myself, I think I would want to find a permanent home for my transmitter. Maybe glue it to a table. It is well within the realm of possibilities that I would misplace the transmitter!

Looking at the range of categories of things the Carroll Center has for sale, I would say they pretty much rival Maxi Aids. It is always good to have options.

Now, I will try to pull myself away from shopping and tell you a bit about the Carroll Center. According to their website, the Carroll Center is nearly 90 years old. It started as a Catholic charity but now appears to be non-denominational. Visually impaired? You’re in.

Located in Newton, Massachusetts ( 800-852-3131), the Carroll Center serves all ages and all levels of visual impairment. They advertise services for children all the way up to seniors. For seniors they offer independent living programs such as essential skills, diabetes self-management, orientation and mobility and technology. It appears many of these programs are offered on campus there in Newton. A temporary relocation may be necessary. However, if they are as good as their website suggests, it could be worth it.

Funding? No clue. I know state agencies like BBVS will fund if you have a chance of going back to work. Remember they are part of vocational rehabilitation and their mandate – and most of the budget – is to get people back to work. If you are not a good candidate for employment, funding will have to come from somewhere else.

So, need services? Live in New England? The Carroll Center might be your ticket. And now, if you will excuse me, I am going back to shopping!

Written Sept. 16th, 2019

Next: FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

Reading and Writing

We were talking the other day about my reading. It is not great. These days my visual span – how much text I can see essentially at a glance – and my discrimination both contribute to slowing my speed and reducing my comprehension.

As I have said before, I can read a few pages here and there. I just no longer do any recreational reading. Audiobooks all the way for this girl.

I found some information on reading rates at perkinselearning.org. This 2017 article about children’s reading reported research findings that large print readers are 1.5 to 2.0 slower than average readers of comparable age. There is no research available comparing acuity and reading rate but anecdotal evidence suggests, as one would expect, lower acuity leads to slower rates. The article also stated “reading” with compressed speech is slower than “excellent” readers’ speeds. In other words, I cannot read as fast as I could before even with the book doing the reading!

So, how might someone write to help a VIP with her reading speed and comprehension? Lin suggested I might want to write a page on writing for the visually impaired. It sounded like an interesting idea but all I found online for references were about teaching visually impaired children how to write. That is not exactly what we had in mind.

I must admit I don’t always write the sort of stuff I would like to read. I like short and concise when I read. When I write, I get carried away. Dependent and independent clauses. This kind of phrase and that kind of phrase. Interjections!

Oh, well…no one is perfect. I write the way I write but if you find any research suggesting a better way, let me know.

What I did find, though, was a review of writing tools, specifically keyboards. Steven John writing for wiki.ezvia.com in January, 2019 came up with six suggestions for the best keyboards for the visually impaired.

Of the six John suggests, large characters on the keys and/ or ultra bright colors appear to be the two, main, adaptive features. That color, by the way, would be fluorescent yellow.

I was pleased to see the keyboard they rated as number one was the keyboard I have for my office computer. This one is the EZSee Low Vision. I got two of them from my technology person from Blindness and Visual Services. That was three years ago and one is still functional.

Having only one be functional after three years may not sound great to you but my tech guy got them at the “Good Stuff Cheap” place for $4 apiece. Remember as VIPs we make up a small fraction of the population. Stuff we think is a godsend may be looked upon by a store manager as a stupid buy and something to send to the liquidator asap. If you can, be sure to check the merchants who sell overstocks and other assorted “trash” first. There can be gold in them there aisles!

Otherwise, my vision searing, fluorescent yellow keyboard can be purchased for $18 plus tax and shipping through Amazon. It got four out of five stars. [Lin/Linda: if you don’t want to buy a new keyboards, I got stickers that are bright yellow with bold, black letters from Maxiaids.com for $12.95 now but I think I paid less. They regularly run sales so watch for them.]

So, back to the original questions. What is happening with your reading? What type of writing is easiest for you to read? Let’s start the discussion.

Written February 10th, 2019

Next: “AND NOW FOR SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT”

Sue on Assignment: Be My Eyes

Hi! She’s back! Lin said some of you have been interested in trying Be My Eyes but were having trouble. Guess what. I had trouble too!

Downloading the app and registering were not bad at all. For me. Remember I still have a lot of usable vision and I have some experience with technology. If your vision is very limited and/or if you are technologically challenged, get help. It will only take them about five minutes.

Anyway, I registered and got the email confirmation. However, the link in the email did not work. Spinney, spinney, spin but no go. I finally just went back to the app I had downloaded on my iPad. It worked!

My call only rang for about less than a minute. It was answered by a very nice gentleman named Ron. Ron was able to tell me the expiration date on my ricotta cheese, and he said nothing about views of my kitchen which really needed to be cleaned up. Ron is a good guy.

Ron also had no problems with submitting to a quick interview. It turns out my first call was also his first. He had signed up a little over a month ago. He said calls sound a tone on a number of phones and we, the users, get whomever can answer first. Ron had had a few other possible calls but he was driving and wisely did not answer.

Ron is in the States. Be My Eyes seems to match calls to volunteers in the same regions. I did not ask where he was specifically, but his accent was not far off from my own.

Ron volunteered because of his grandmother. She had Macular Degeneration as well. He also works for an eye doctor (sorry, I forget which kind) and he has seen a lot of people with serious vision issues.

All told, it was a very positive experience from this end. I was very pleased with how things went. The only glitch, as I mentioned, was getting from the email back to the app itself.

If you are able, you might want to read the piece that is included with the app. It seems this “microvolunteering” project is the brainchild of a man in Denmark, Hans Jorgen Wilber who needed a way to limit his dependence upon friends and family. He felt like a burden, constantly asking for help (or at least “constantly” in his mind). Although they first thought it would be difficult to get sighted volunteers, that did not prove to be the case. There are almost a million volunteers! They speak more than 180 languages and can be found in more than 150 countries. In other words, the chances are pretty good, wherever you are, they will be able to find a “Ron” just for you. Cool.

So, there you go. If you cannot go from the email to the app after you register, just go back to the app. No biggie. It worked just fine from there for me.

Thanks, Ron!

Written November 29th, 2018

Go back to the list of “On Assignment” pages

Sue on Assignment: Money for Assistive Technology – page 1

It has been a little over two years since I started using technology for low vision. I wrote page after page about my “toys” and how they were making my life better. [Lin/Linda here: her last update about what she uses on a daily basis is Sue’s Toolkit – 2 Years Later.]

I remember one reader made a comment along the lines of this: I was wealthy and could afford to buy myself thousands of dollars of equipment. He wanted to know what I thought someone with few resources was supposed to do.

To begin with, I am not wealthy. I am a professional, and we are probably slightly above average for the middle class. Second point, except for replacements (a lot of technology does not bounce when it is dropped. More’s the pity!) and repairs, I have paid nothing for my equipment! That is nada, goose egg, a big, fat zero.

I have said it repeatedly: everything was purchased for me by the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services. They are a branch of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in Pennsylvania. And that can be a problem. I was young enough, loved my job and desperately wanted to go back to work. The agency was willing to pay several – probably more than several, actually – thousand dollars to keep me paying taxes and off of the disability rolls. [Check out Sue’s page Salvation: Vision Rehabilitation Revisited.]

Great for me. Not so great for those of us who are older, retired and have no capability or inclination to go back to work. Our state BBVS will pay, last I heard, about $600 for equipment and services for those people. That will buy maybe 1/6th of a CCTV. Now what?

First of all, I would suggest pursuing help from a state agency anyway. $600 is $600. Second point: I borrowed two CCTVs from our county library while mine was in the shop. The ones I borrowed were shoved in a corner and never used. A library card and a gratitude donation got me out of a fix. You may be able to make a similar deal.

Quite a while ago I ran a page on an assistive technology reseller. Some states have agency-run “swap meets.” Donate what you can no longer use and take what you need. Free. I think the best one I found was Massachusetts.

Sam of the Blind Life reported some of his clients found used technology at yard sales. He also suggested keeping an eye on eBay and in pawn shops. [Check out Sam’s video Why is Assistive Technology So Expensive?]

Other options? Enhanced Vision has a site that lists grant sources for assistive technology all across the country. Not only do they list many of the state-sponsored grants, but they also list several private organizations that will pay for part of the cost of the equipment. I will go to some of these sites and see what I find out.

…hmmmm, just had a thought. Enhanced Vision sells adaptive equipment. Yes? Yes. If you find something they sell that you really want and cannot afford, would they suggest a funding source? Just a thought. Somebody want to try?

Ok. Sue, Girl Detective, on the case. See what I can find…and whatever happened to Nancy Drew, anyway?

Written September 21, 2018

Next: Sue on Assignment: Money for Assistive Technology – page 2

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Sue on Assignment: Money for Assistive Technology – page 2

Hi! As promised I am looking at some of the funding sources suggested by Enhanced Vision.

Here is the disclaimer: we know NOTHING about any of these funding sources. Legit? Dunno. Shady? Dunno. I mention them only because they might – remember might – be helpful to people trying to find ways to fund assistive technology. Nothing is guaranteed and nothing is recommended. Caveat emptor.

Moving along then, the Digital Federal Credit Union offers what they call Access Loans. They are for up to 72 months (that is six years) and you can borrow up to $25,000. The interest rates are between 8 and 10%. There is no down payment required.

Check with your own bank and take a look at their rates. My bank advertised personal loans “as low as 9.5%.” That means the DFCU deal is most likely better than my bank. Make sure to check rates in your area before applying.

The Association of Blind Citizens sponsors the Assistive Technology Fund. Sorry everyone outside of the States but this one is residents only. The ATF (and no, that is not alcohol, firearms, and tobacco) will pay up to 50% of the retail price of assistive devices and software. The price should be between $200 and $6000.

In addition to requiring applicants are legally blind, they also have income and asset guidelines. It does not appear you have to be a member of ABC but I am not sure. Grants are awarded twice a year. These grants, like many, appear to be based on need.

The National Assistive Technological Assistance Partnership is said to have the mandate to maximize the abilities of individuals with disabilities to access and obtain assistive technology devices and services. I went to the website and saw nothing about $$$. Does not mean it is not there. After all, I AM visually impaired.

For our friends in the UK, I stumbled upon the Gardner Trust for the Blind. They are based in London and may provide grants for education, training, and household items. They also mentioned the possibility of pensions. [Lin/Linda: This webpage actually lists several sources of financial help including the Gardner Trust for the Blind, Guide Dogs, MACS, RNIB Grants, Victa, The Vision Charity, and links to a few others.]

….unfortunately I am three or four pages into my search and the ones I have listed above keep repeating. Other than these, the major players are the state organizations and the Lion’s Club. It does not appear there are many private organizations that are willing to help with the purchase of assistive technology.

That does not, however, mean the search is over. Do you have low vision equipment? Where did you get it? Has anyone tried to get low vision assistive technology as “durable medical equipment” from insurance? How about Medicare? What would make low vision technology “medically necessary”? Let’s get creative, people!

Written September 21st, 2018

Next: Have a topic for Sue to research? Post it in the comments or email it to light2sight5153@gmail.com.

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From the Top of the Pile

Greetings. Another day gone, but I am not sure where. After doing some work-work and yoga and a puppy walk and other assorted nonsense, I decided some of the piles in my home “office” – and believe me, I use the term loosely – had reached critical mass. What do I have in this mess, exactly?

Well, it appears generic drugs for wet AMD are coming our way. Or maybe they are “look alike,” drugs but that term has a bad connotation. The article says “biosimilar” so maybe we can go with that.

Whatever term you use, the Indians are coming up with some medications that pretty much do the same job as some anti-VEGF drugs being manufactured here and in Europe. The one the Medscape article highlights is called Razumab and it is a stand-in for ranibizumab.

The article goes on to explain biosimilar drugs are designed to replicate the molecular structure of existing biologics. Like generics, they cost much less…hmmmm. I don’t think I have to guess what big pharma thinks about that!

As might be anticipated, these biosimilars are not yet available in the States. The FDA has not yet approved any biosimilar for ophthalmic use but that does not mean it won’t happen. The Wiki people have a current list of 11 biosimilars already approved.

As of the date of the article, they were having a few problems with manufacturing consistency from batch to batch. In other words, not yet ready for primetime. However, stay tuned.

We did a cursory look at the Retina Specialist Pipeline Update several pages ago. Looking at all of the potential new treatment for wet AMD, I kept seeing the term “novel antibody.” I just did a search and did not get far on that term. My best guess is they are manufacturing new antibodies for specific purposes.

Anyone want to explain “novel antibody” in one and two syllable words, I would like to hear from you.

And here is an article of everyday practicality from WebRN. The title of the article is Macular Degeneration Aids for Grooming. The article suggests a lighted make-up mirror for both sexes and electric rather than blade razors. The better to not cut your own throat, my dears. Shampoo should be in pump bottles so you are not fumbling with the cap and/or spilling slippery shampoo in the shower or on the bathroom floor. You can also get body lotion in pump bottles. Same concept.

Although the WebRN article does not say so, a system to distinguish your shampoo from your lotion is also a good idea. For example, some people put one rubber band around one container and two around the other. Or, pick products with distinctive scents. Strawberry shampoo and lemon lotion, for example. Yes, there is a risk of ending up smelling like a fruit salad but that is better than “washing” your hair with body lotion!

So, my one pile is a little smaller now. There is so much good stuff out there! We’ll just keep looking at it for you. And if you have any topics you want to be covered, let us know. Otherwise, you might just keep getting what floats to the top of the pile!

Written August 19, 2018

Next: Life is Not Fair

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Filling the Pumps

At approximately 15:45 hours yesterday, the body of a dark-colored field mouse was observed at the bottom of the pool. It appeared to be death by misadventure. However, when this technician attempted to remove the body from the scene, she was jumped upon by Etta Puppygirl, of this address. Ms. Puppygirl hit this technician squarely in the back, and she pitched forward into the water. While the evidence at the scene suggested accidental drowning, should other evidence come to light, Ms. Puppygirl should be further investigated.

Jeez. Do other CSIs go through this?

Ok. Enough of the nonsense. Sometimes I just cannot help myself. 🙂

And in the real, official news…Retina Today interviewed Carl Regillo about the ranibizumab port delivery system. It appears the RPDS is placed in the sclera. It is situated in the conjunctiva, the mucus membrane that covers the front of the eye. Where in the conjunctiva? It is placed in the pars plans (literally the “flat part” of the eye.) The pars plana is located near the junction between the sclera and the iris. That is the white part and the colored part. While the reservoir is initially implanted in the operating room, sutures are not required and it can be refilled on an outpatient basis.

Results of phase 2 clinical trial should be out very soon. The name of the study is LADDER.

While the RPDS system is the popular guy on the block now, reading this article, I found out it has competition! Replenish has invented a system called the Ophthalmic MicroPump System. This device sits on top of the sclera – not sure how that would work for me – but it is programmable. That part is cool.

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals has been working on Encapsulated Cell Therapy. This device will contain genetically engineered cells that will actually produce the substances needed to keep things working well. In other words, there would be no reason to refill the device. Put really basically, the other devices are filled with eggs. This device is filled with chickens that produce all the eggs needed.

As of the writing of this article, Neurotech Pharma was having a few problems producing the perfect “chicken.” That does not, however, mean they have given up.

And speaking of weird science and Carl Regillo, Healio reported Regillo will be heading up the only American feasibility study for the Alpha AMS Sub-retinal device.

This device is not for us. It is for retinitis pigmentosa patients who are blind. The Alpha replaces the missing and nonfunctional photoreceptors and apparently interfaces directly with the visual part of the central nervous system.

I found a 2013 article in MIT Technology Review that compares the Alpha to the Argus, the original artificial retina system we discussed. It appears the Alpha requires no external hardware while the Argus uses a camera mounted on glasses. The Argus surgery is three hours while the Alpha surgery can be up to 10 hours. Vision produced by either system is not great, but remember something can be better than nothing.

So that is that. No more drown mice today so I am hypothesizing we do not have a serial killer in the house. I would like a way to know which Puppygirl chewed on the furniture, though. Perhaps I need a consultation! Anyone know a forensic dentist?

Written August 5th, 2018

Next: Coming Out

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A Pretty Good Monday

Monday, Monday… Let’s hope it will be all we hoped it would be. (The Mamas and the Papas 1966) . We are going to run errands and going to add a stop at a low vision store in a city not too far away.

I had no idea it even existed until a friend of a friend put me on to it. Network. Network. Network.

Monday afternoon

So far, except for the rain that has me California Dreamin’ (The Mamas and the Papas also 1966), this has been a decent day. We ate at a “nationally-known seafood restaurant” and then went to the low vision place.

The store is pretty small, and they admitted there is a lot more in the MaxiAids catalog. (MaxiAids is a great resource!) What was cool, though, was I got to use the IrisVision goggles for a quick demo.

The IrisVision system combines a Samsung in a virtual reality (VR) headset with a Samsung Galaxy phone to provide magnification at several different distances.

The IrisVision system has a “bubble” that you can use to zoom in on things in the larger view. I had some problems with that because the clock face looked as if it had been imprinted on a beach ball. I liked what the woman I was talking to called the “TV view” much better. The goggles can be focused so you don’t have to deal with your myopia (or whatever) when using them. There is a nice, wide field of view.

Overall, in a very short presentation, I was impressed with the quality of the image and the magnification capacities of the system. I was not thrilled with the weight of the goggles, the battery life (about three hours) or the price.

Not sure they can do anything about the weight right now. They are reported to be working on the battery life and the price. The woman I spoke with said the price for the whole system is $2500. Both she and the website indicated the IrisVision system can be purchased on credit for $100 per month. That is about two years. I heard a rumor they are not charging interest, but I do not have that substantiated. [Lin/Linda: Actually, their website says that payment plans “start at” $81 per month and they DO charge interest: “$80.86/mo. based on a purchase price of $2,500.00 at 10% APR for 36 months. Rates from 10–30% APR.” I personally believe that the prices of this type of visual aid will be coming down now that there’s more demand and more competition. There are more of these headworn devices being developed and they have more features. I personally wouldn’t buy one – yet. ]

The place I went has purchased three or four of them and have loaned them out to clients. There was some sort of grant involved.

Anyway, I gave the woman our card and asked her to see if any of the clients using the IrisVision system would like to write a page. Maybe we will get feedback from someone who has used the thing for more than five minutes….and remember, should any of you want to be a guest author, we would love to hear from you. [Lin/Linda: If you want to check out the current competition, I’ve written some pages–click here.]

And one last thing before I go, being the dog lover I am, I wanted to do a shout-out to Imus, who apparently came from a litter all named after radio personalities, deejays, and shock jocks.

Imus was the reception’s guide dog and, since he was out of harness, I got to love him up. Sweet, sweet dog….and thank you to Guide Dogs of America for making him available to his owner and by extension me.

All in all, glad I “trusted” that day. It was a pretty good Monday, Monday.

Written July 25th, 2018

Next: Gold in Them There Eyeballs

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Dual Diagnosis

I promised myself since I am only working part-time I would awaken my internal, sleeping Domestic Goddess. I would do great things! So far all She has done is roll over in her sleep.

Today I finished the cobweb seek and destroy mission. I took my fluffy thing on a stick – and please notice I use all of the professional terminologies! – and wiped down all of the walls and ceilings. The puppygirls followed closely along – sneezing.

I am working up – or in this case down – to shampooing the living room rug. That is going to take a lot of turning the mind and convincing myself to do it.

Well, stranger things HAVE happened; you know. ?

And while I think about shampooing the carpet, it is time for a page! Hopefully, there is something in the email to save me from myself.

Healio listed the five top articles about retinal disease in June. The first one was about intraocular lenses (IOLs) for those of us who have both AMD and cataracts. In Austria, they are implanting lenses that magnify in those who have had cataract surgery. The bottom of the lens sounds like it is more like a bifocal (my interpretation) while the top takes care of far vision for distance. The lenses provide 1.5 magnification at 25 to 30 centimeters ( read 10 to 12 inches) and 3x magnification at 12 cm to 15 cm. I assume that is 5 to 6 inches.

The researcher, Andreas Borkenstein, said that even though the scotomas (blind spots) are still there, the magnification makes it so they obscure less of the image.

They are finding great improvements in best-corrected distance acuity. People with acuity scores of 20/400 corrected to 20/63. Yippee!!!

Borkenstein stated he wants his colleagues to be able to give dual diagnosis patients (AMD and cataracts) hope. Just because a patient has advanced AMD doctors should not tell them cataract surgery is pointless and will do nothing! …Damn right! You tell them, Andreas! ?

In addition to the acuity improvements, contrast sensitivity and color perception also improved. Another yippee!

Now, having used MaxTV lenses, I can tell you, my depth perception can be way off when I use magnification. My low vision specialist warned me about moving and wearing them. Doesn’t work well. I tried to. (So maybe I am from Missouri?)

Anyway, my point is this: nothing was said about depth perception, driving, etc. in the article. I am thinking the neuroplasticity of the brain is such that it just eventually adapts, and you learn how to do all of those things normally. No going to put a cup on a table and missing the table by a foot! Or going to drop cans in a cart and have them rolling all over the floor like I did. Oops. Anyway, not sure if you can drive – or even walk fast – with these IOLs. Need to do more research on that. Also need to see if they have been approved in the USA, Canada, UK, etc.

But that will have to be another page. Bye!?

Written July 10th, 2018

Next: Orphan Drugs

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DIY CCTV

Morning! Happy Saturday. I guess the day between Good Friday and Easter is nothing special; right? [Lin/Linda: some people call it Holy Saturday or Easter Eve.]

I am practicing acceptance today. We had the puppygirls spayed yesterday and they really aren’t supposed to climb stairs. My husband took that to heart and tried to carry the 47 lb. Maggie Monster up the steps. On ruptured L4 and L5 lumbar discs that was. Consequently he is flat on his back in bed and I am at home all day. No ride.

Also practicing my comparison skill. Is being stuck at home but still able to motor around better than being in bed with back pain? I would say so.

Of course, I may just refrain from telling him Maggie has been following me while I do chores all morning. She has climbed up and down stairs on her own about a dozen times so far today!

I went for lunch with coworkers yesterday. We had to cross the road to get there. Did I get busted on or did I get busted on?!?! I had offers to be led by the hand and everything else you can think of!

Thought on that? I am really glad people are comfortable with my visual impairment. Being teased by friends essentially means they have accepted the situation, too. And guess what? It is okay.

And speaking of friends, Lin has been sending me ‘stuff’. The last one she sent me was Sam of The Blind Life (why do I remember that as called The Blind Spot? Delusional again!) reviewing the Modular Hose system. [He did call his YouTube channel The Blind Spot until someone told him they had that name first, now it’s The Blind Life. Not delusional about this. ::grin::]

Apparently Sam has been trying to find a way to turn his iPad into a CCTV. Sam used a Lego container and a bag of beans for his do-it-yourself CCTV. Obviously he has not seen our page on the Justand!

Anyway, Sam is impressed with the Modular Hose because of its versatility. I have to admit, the Modular Hose did get into a lot of shapes and positions that the Justand, a rigid system, cannot.

The site is ModularHose.com. The page looks as if their product is used for industry but if you go down a bit, there is a link to assistive technology.

When you use that link you will see wheelchairs with the Modular Hose system attached. It appears they offer a large variety of option for the severely physically disabled, including things like head switches.

We probably would want the tablets and devices section. The cheapest set up I saw was $48. The one Sam was using looked to be $83 although when I went to the kits section I did find something similar for the price Sam quoted, $70. Since this thing is modular, you might be able to construct something that works for you from the stuff sold in the parts and supplies and arms sections. Arms are sold in segments and you might be able to save some money by scrimping on arm length.

So, in conclusion, I have never used this thing and I make no recommendations as a result. However, Sam was impressed by it’s functionality and versatility. It looks as if you could cobble together something that would work for less cash than the Justand V2 which I found advertised for $99. It also looks like it weighs less which is important if you have to haul it around.

That is what I have. Who wants to buy a Modular Hose system and report back? We are taking volunteers!

Written March 31st, 2018 Continue reading “DIY CCTV”

Headworn Low Vision Glasses and Goggles – Part 2 – Features/Tasks

continued from Part 1

To choose any low vision aid, you should have a list of what you want the device to help you with. Not everyone can use the devices that use magnification, it depends on a your visual acuity and how much you use your peripheral vision. If you’ve checked the YouTube reviews in Part 1, you know that Sam’s vision is such that there are only a few of the devices that use magnification that help him. It is partially dependent on the size of the screen and how much the device blocks one’s peripheral vision.

Reading text

distance from you/ Types of text	Helps you read using magnification	Reads text to you called text-to-speech or OCT
text is near to you/ books, newspapers, phones, bills, medicine bottles, menus	NuEyes SeeBOOST IrisVision SightPlus Jordy CyberEyez NuEyes Pro-you can also read books, emails, social media posts on the glasses *	OrCam NuEyes Pro CyberEyez
text is at an intermediate distance/ computer, labels on shelves at home or in stores	NuEyes SeeBOOST IrisVision SightPlus Jordy CyberEyez	OrCam-has an object recognition feature for store products & a money recognition feature NuEyes Pro CyberEyez-object identification
text is at a distance/ street signs, aisle signs in stores	NuEyes IrisVision SightPlus Jordy CyberEyez	OrCam NuEyes Pro CyberEyez
	* NuEyes Pro has full computer capabilities
I have not included OxSight it isn't yet available to the public

Seeing the World Around You

Task	Device - not all devices work for all people; lots of variables like extent of vision loss & specifics of device
reading & hearing text	see table above
driving	none, not safe and not legal
seeing faces, recognizing faces	All of them COULD help with this: Jordy NuEyes CyberEyez eSight IrisVision SeeBOOST SightPlus OrCam-'learns' faces, speaks name Cyber Eyez-has an 'emotion' recognition feature
walking quickly, running, jogging, biking	SeeBOOST does not cause 'motion sickness' but not sure how they'd do with these activities Only devices that do NOT have magnification which is OrCam
write	Jordy NuEyes CyberEyez eSight IrisVision SightPlus
recognizing products in the store or in your pantry by bar code	magnifies labels: Jordy, NuEyes, SeeBOOST, IrisVision, SightPlus OrCam-you 'teach' it a product, recognizes & speaks name CyberEyez-recognizes objects using Google image search NuEyes Pro: Barcode and QR Scanner
color recognition	OrCam & CyberEyez both speak color
money recognition	Cyber Eyez & OrCam both speak answer
watching TV going to a play, the movies, a concert watching sports sightseeing	Jordy SeeBOOST NuEyes CyberEyez eSight IrisVision SightPlus
working on hobbies like sewing, knitting, woodworking, painting, drawing, reading & playing music, playing cards and other games	Jordy SeeBOOST NuEyes CyberEyez eSight IrisVision SightPlus
personal care looking at photographs cooking and household tasks personal care	Jordy SeeBOOST NuEyes eSight CyberEyez IrisVision SightPlus
work, school activities and home activities involving 'paperwork'	Jordy SeeBOOST NuEyes CyberEyez IrisVision eSight SightPlus
watching TV/movies on the glasses	Jordy-has HDMI to hook to TV NuEyes Pro-streams TV/movies
computer capabilities like email, browsing, social media on glasses	NuEyes Pro-full Android computer eSight-plug into computer via HDMI & see screen in glasses
use headset on docking stand & w monitor as CCTV	Jordy
fully-funded assistive device by US Veteran's Administration	OrCam
traveling	Jordy SeeBOOST NuEyes CyberEyez eSight IrisVision SightPlus OrCam

Next: What do they look like, how do you control them

Headworn Low Vision Glasses and Goggles – Part 1

There are many devices and apps that help those with low vision such as handheld magnifiers, apps for smartphones & tablets that magnify what the camera sees, devices & apps that convert text to speech, CCTVs (Closed Circuit TVs, not the CCTV for security), apps & devices for object identification and more. There are advantages and disadvantages to these that depend on the needs of the person.

One of the newest advances in technology is that of the handsfree – also called headworn – devices in the category of wearable technology. You’ll hear them called: smart glasses, electronic glasses, low vision headsets or goggles.

As the technology changes, so will the features & costs so check with the manufacturers or distributors for up-to-date information.

Updated: 10/2/2019 [3/21/2018, 1/1/2019]: This information is changing with new entries in the field and new technology. I’ll try to update this as soon as I have time. In the meantime, you can check with each company for the current capabilities and costs.]

General tips for evaluating

None of these are safe to use while driving and in many states and countries are illegal to use.

The longer you can try the device, the better, although many people report that they can get an idea of whether it will work or not rather quickly. The devices that magnify don’t work for everyone, it depends on the specifics of one’s vision.
Look for a money back guarantee, find out how long you have to return it (30 days, 60 days), and ask who pays for the return shipping.
Find out how much it will cost to get the device shipped to you. Some of the devices are made in another county & the shipping & insurance costs are high.
You’ll want to have a good warranty that covers materials and shipping.
Do you get free training? Some companies will send a representative to your home. What kind of support do they provide such as a toll-free phone number and/or online support.
Are their payment plans?
If you have a problem with motion sickness, the devices that have video cameras in them (the ones that magnify) are NOT intended to be used while walking and definitely NOT for driving.
Find objective reviews not just testimonials on the manufacturer’s website.
Consider getting a CCTV instead or at least compare the capabilities of the CCTV vs. the headworn device. Many people want the headworn devices because they are hands-free but CCTVs are also hands-free for many of its uses.

This table gives you the basic information about the various devices such as price and general features. I’ve also included links to the manufacturers. We think it is important to get objective reviews and we’ve found that the best ones are those on YouTube done by Sam, a vlogger (video blogger) who has Stargardt’s Disease and who works for the Bluegrass Council of the Blind. His YouTube channel is called The Blind Life. He’s not reviewed the 2 devices in the UK so I’ve provided other video reviews.

As you move your cursor down the table, each row will be highlighted.

Device/
Cost/
Website/
Review
see notes below text
to
speech? Magnify? Object Recognition/
Facial Recognition?
(means audio output)

Orcam:
MyEye 2.0: $4250
MyReader 2.0: $3500
OrCam site
Blind Life (Aug 2020) yes no Yes
user ‘teaches’ device
Also money &
color recognition

eSight 3: $5950
eSight site
(Blind Life (March 2017) no yes no

NuEyes:
Pro: $6195
E2 $5995
Costs US Market only
May be higher elsewhere
NuEyes site
Blind Life (Feb. 2018) Pro yes Pro: barcode

IrisVision: $2950
Iris Vision site
Blind Life (Oct 2017) yes yes no

SightPlus:
£2,995, or can be rented for £495 plus a monthly fee of £55
UK only
SightPlus site
Using SightPlus no yes no

Jordy:
$2500
also can be used as
CCTV
Jordy site
Blind Life (Feb. 2018) no yes no

Cyber Eyez Trifecta:
$2,899
Cyber Eyez site
Blind Life (Apr 2017) yes yes image, emotion
and color recognition

SeeBOOST:
$3499
SeeBOOST site
Blind Life (Aug 2017) no yes no

Acesight: $4995.
Acesight site
Blind Life (May 2019) No Yes No

Eyedaptic EYE2 cost? added 2020
Eyedaptic site yes

Oculenz $6,000 - preorder $4,500 - available 4th quarter 2020.
Oculenz site 2019 research - Oculenz augmented reality headset shows benefits for patients with severe AMD MAY eventually be covered by insurance

Please check prices & availability as they are subject to change

** Reviews done by video blogger Sam of The Blind Life Updated 10/2/2019

Device/ Cost/ Website/ Review ** see notes below	text to speech?	Magnify?	Object Recognition/ Facial Recognition? (means audio output)
Orcam: MyEye 2.0: $4250 MyReader 2.0: $3500 OrCam site Blind Life (Aug 2020)	yes	no	Yes user ‘teaches’ device Also money & color recognition
eSight 3: $5950 eSight site (Blind Life (March 2017)	no	yes	no
NuEyes: Pro: $6195 E2 $5995 Costs US Market only May be higher elsewhere NuEyes site Blind Life (Feb. 2018)	Pro	yes	Pro: barcode
IrisVision: $2950 Iris Vision site Blind Life (Oct 2017)	yes	yes	no
SightPlus: £2,995, or can be rented for £495 plus a monthly fee of £55 UK only SightPlus site Using SightPlus	no	yes	no
Jordy: $2500 also can be used as CCTV Jordy site Blind Life (Feb. 2018)	no	yes	no
Cyber Eyez Trifecta: $2,899 Cyber Eyez site Blind Life (Apr 2017)	yes	yes	image, emotion and color recognition
SeeBOOST: $3499 SeeBOOST site Blind Life (Aug 2017)	no	yes	no
Acesight: $4995. Acesight site Blind Life (May 2019)	No	Yes	No
Eyedaptic EYE2 cost? added 2020 Eyedaptic site		yes
Oculenz $6,000 - preorder $4,500 - available 4th quarter 2020. Oculenz site	2019 research - Oculenz augmented reality headset shows benefits for patients with severe AMD	MAY eventually be covered by insurance
** Please check prices & availability as they are subject to change
** Reviews done by video blogger Sam of The Blind Life	Updated 10/2/2019

Next: Which device for which task

Sue’s Toolkit – 2 Years Later – Part 2

Hi. Sunday and the snow is coming down! All day I have been fighting “it’s snowing! I don’t have to do my work! We will have a day off tomorrow!”

That’s me, by the way. There are no school-aged kiddos in this house. I have been fighting procrastination ever since the snow started around noon. Did manage to get some of my ‘homework’ done. One report written. I don’t want to think about how many more to go!

So, taking time to write a quick page before going on to report #2. I got one of my mymacularjournal.com ‘homework’ assignments back from Lin. Full of ‘red marks’! “Did you mention this? How about that?” Good grief!

I told her I would blame my having to do this page on her.? So there. [Lin/Linda: What can I say…we have high standards here. ::grin::]

Here we go…what has survived the test of time redux.

First of all: these are not advertisements. There are plenty and PLENTY of other products that mostly likely work as well. These are the ones I tried and they worked for me. I have no investment in any of this stuff. If you use other things and like them better, make a comment, write a page. We want to hear. Also, caveat emptor. If you buy something and “hate it!”, it’s not my fault. These are not recommendations.

Now that that is out of the way…my CCTV is from Low Vision International. The model is the Magnilink Zip 17. The 17 is for the screen size. Lin wanted me to tell you what I have and like but, remember, there are probably dozens of others. The big selling point for this one is it is portable. Maybe about 20 pounds including the case. It goes to school. It goes to the office. It goes home. Good deal. Don’t need portable? Maybe this one is not for you.

Lin also wanted me to mention the iPad with the Justand. I seldom use it but if you cannot get someone to plop down $3500 for you to get a CCTV? The iPad on the Justand is a viable alternative. [Sue wrote about the inexpensive Justand that holds the iPad above what you want to look at. You can see the image on the screen and can enlarge it as needed. Her page Good Stuff Cheap.]

Why do I seldom use it? I have a portable CCTV. Using my iPad as a magnifier means it is not available for anything else.

Like watching TV for example. Lin asked how I watch TV on my iPad. (I think she knows. It’s a test.? She wants to see if I really know!) I went to the app store and searched for some of my more favorite networks. I have CBS, NBC, PBS and FOX apps on my iPad. You have to ‘subscribe’ (read ‘buy’) if you want the good stuff. By good stuff I mean prime time and current, but sometimes they throw you a bone and you can watch your shows for my favorite word: free. Most of them require you watch the commercials, but sometimes the commercials are the best part! [You can also subscribe to services such as Hulu and Netflx and watch their programming on the TV or on your tablet. If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can also watch TV shows and movies on the TV or tablet many are free, some have a cost.]

And when I say require, I mean just that. You cannot fast forward through them. But you can go to the bathroom or get something to eat if you want.?

Oops. This is getting long. Catch up on the rest of the questions later! I gotta get something to eat. (Bet you thought I was going to say something else!?) Bye!

Written Feb. 1st, 2018

Continue reading “Sue’s Toolkit – 2 Years Later – Part 2”

Sue’s Toolkit – 2 Year Later – Part 1

Allow me to start this page with a statement of fact: I am not normal. I do housework under duress. If God wanted me to cook, he would not have invented Chinese buffets and frozen lasagna.

In short, if you are looking for tips and equipment that will make cleaning and cooking easier for someone with a visual impairment, this page is not the place.

That place IS MaxiAids. They have a fantastic collection of adapted materials. Many of their products are designed to help with domestic drudgery…ah, chores. If you are in need of those sorts of products, MaxiAids is wonderful.

Oh, and by the way, none of these are advertisement or recommendations. All of this stuff I either use or, in the case of the MaxiAid stuff, had pointed out to me as a valuable resource. What fits my needs may not fit yours.

Also, if you want to buy any of those types of products, use them and write reviews, welcome guest authors! It just ain’t going to be me doing it.

[Lin/Linda here with a very red face! After all Sue’s fuss about my ‘grading’ her page, she caught me! I’d forgotten to publish THIS page first. Whoops! There are a lot of things I could blame it on but I’ll spare you all. Sorry, Sue. You can fire me anytime. ::grin::]

What I am going to do is do a brief rundown (apparently better than a run-over) of what I have used that has stood the test of time. What technology am I still using two years later?

Let us start with what I just ordered: mini monoculars. Yes, I have had several. The problems with them are 1) they don’t survive water – especially salt water – well and 2) they are not built to be chew toys. The last one I had got chewed to bits. Puppygirls strike again. The one immediately before that fell off a paddle board in the Bahamas. Several times in fact.

When not being gnawed or submerged, the mini monoculars are great for surveying your surroundings from a distance. They are good for street signs and identifying what is running across the field towards you. Yikes!

I bought a larger monocular. I also bought a small pair of binoculars. They were both too heavy to wear around my neck all the time.

What I would recommend more than anything is an iPad. My iPad may be my prize possession. With the zoom feature I can do scads of things! It is onto my iPad that I have downloaded all sorts of free apps including apps for major television stations.

I am not a big television fan. If it doesn’t have NCIS somewhere in the title, I probably don’t watch it. However, when I do want to watch a program, I can often stream an episode of something or other for free.

The really good thing about watching TV on the iPad is your ability to move the screen as close to your nose as you need to. Remember relative distance is a way to magnify. Also with the iPad you can replay a scene if you don’t quite get what happened.

I have talked about all sorts of apps that are on my iPad. Honestly, I may use the KNFB Reader occasionally and NaturalReader occasionally but not all that often. My eyes are still strong enough I can use the iPad camera with a free magnifying app to read menus and other short stuff. [click here for a good article about the features of the iPhone and iPad that make them so good for those with low vision.]

If I want to read a book, I use BARD, also an app on my iPad. Remember you have to be declared legally blind to get BARD. If you are not legally blind you can buy e-books and zoom them. [Read more about BARD and e-books in Sue’s Page Around the World of Books.]

I am over my 500 words so I will just quickly mention two other things. The first one would be Zoom Text. If you are working on a desktop computer – or at least using a large monitor – ZoomText makes life much easier. Navigation can be a bear since half the page is off the edges, but at least you can see the half that is on the screen.

Last but not least is my CCTV. I use that nearly every day. Without it, I feel like I lost an arm. I can write checks and notes using it. I can read articles for pages. It gets used.

Once again, my CCTV was $3500. Mine was paid for because they wanted to keep me working. You may not have that opportunity. However, spare $3 or 4K? The investment, in my mind, would be worth it. [There are SO MANY CCTV products that we can’t review them at this time. Search the Internet, ask your Low Vision Specialist or other resources.]

That is it. That is barebones what I actually use after two years being a VIP. Hope the info helps.

Oops! PS I forgot my Max TV glasses! No TV but they are great for doing classroom observations, seeing my students in class and watching movies and live theater performances.

written Jan. 31st, 2018

Next: Sue’s Toolkit – 2 Years Later – Part 2

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Battle of the Apps: Part 3

Waiting for exercise class after a very busy day. You would think things would calm down but they haven’t! I got lunch at 3:45.

Back to Seeing AI while I have the chance. I tried the currency reader next. Right now all I have is U.S. and Canadian. I cashed in all of my Euros when we traveled the last time.

Seeing AI identified $1, $5, $10 and $20 from both sides of the bill with no problems. ( I don’t often have $50s or $100s. Sorry!) That is no problems as long as the bills were fairly flat. Crinkles were not read well. Sort of like a money reader in a vending machine.

The Canadian bills I have are probably twenty years old. They did not read at all. It would appear the currency reader only works with more recent issue bills. Anyone in Canada want to check it out?

Same request for pound notes and euros as well as any other currency the system is said to support. I am curious how it might do.

The barcode reader gave me the same problems as the currency reader. Just like the barcode readers at the store. Basically folds and crinkles stopped it cold. Flat, clean barcodes were read beautifully.

The other barcode reader I have is Digit Eyes. Digit Eyes does have more features than the barcode reader on Seeing AI. For example, there is an option for product information such as ingredients and nutritional value. You can also make a shopping list from what you are scanning. Digit Eyes appears to be more oriented towards the whole shopping experience.

It would be cool if it would send you to a website selling the scanned product so you could reorder but I did not see anything like that. Software designs? You can have that idea for free! Go at it!

Remember Digit Eyes also has a feature that allows you to make and read audio labels for things that do not come with a barcode. So, for example, if you made too many cookies and need to freeze some, an audio label and Digit Eyes can later help you distinguish the molasses from the peanut butter. No actual reading needed.

Next up is the Seeing AI handwriting reading option. I took a photo of some conference notes. It was my printing, which is highly legible according to most people. The notes read:

(page) 4 visual images on the brain
Mirror neurons
Memory consolidation- memory brought from various parts of the brain. Recall is reconstruction. “Process of Light” – book
Mix new neurochemicals with it to create memories, etc.

Yes, I agree my notes are not exactly English. The Seeing AI version was not exactly English either. I apparently centered it badly because only the left half was scanned. There were lots of half words. The read text was gibberish. The visual image created from my printing was not bad.

Maybe a better centering option? If I cannot center it easily with the functional vision I have, someone with a more serious disability could have more problems.

It is nice to see this technology, even in its nascent form, getting into the hands of needy consumers for exactly the right price. Free. It appears Microsoft is intent on bringing these apps, in regularly improved forms, to those in need. Kudos.

Written December 29th, 2017 Continue reading “Battle of the Apps: Part 3”

Battle of the Apps: Part 2

Alright. So we are making a little progress. I took a photo of the business card with the camera app and found something that said ‘recognize’ with Seeing AI. I turned it on. It said ‘processing’ and that is as far as it got. How to get it to the Seeing AI app? No clue.

Before, I forgot to get NaturalReader into the mix. I was not able to take a photo of anything and have it read on NaturalReader. I wasn’t. Does not mean you cannot. It just means it is not obvious about how to do it. NaturalReader does allow you to type your own short message and have it electronically read back to you. It also allows you to cut and paste a short electronic message into the works and have it read. That appears to be its short document function. [Don’t confuse this with an app called Natural Reader (space between the words) which is a text-to-speech reader for Windows 10. The one that Sue is writing about is NaturalReader and is available for Apple and Android. There is a free version which is what Sue uses but also one for $9.99 with many more features – not sure what they are.]

In addition NaturalReader allows you to download books from out-of-copyright book sites and webpages. On NaturalReader you can get page after page of text, entire books in fact, without having to take a photo. It does, of course, have to be in digital form first. NaturalReader can read all of your email and blog posts.

I have not read digital files using KNFB Reader but there does appear to be a way to download things from Dropbox. Do I know how? Not a clue. If it is not obvious and intuitive it does not happen for me. If anyone wants to figure that one out and pass on the info, I am all ears. I am not only not Becky Home Ecky, I am not Becky Techy either.

Looking at Seeing AI, I discovered there is a feature that tells you how to center a page but it did not activate when I took the photo. Maybe. About the closest I got to a correction was a voice that kept repeating “no idges visible”. I took that to mean no images but could it really be no idges? That might have been it. [Lin/Linda here: ‘idges’ is not a typo, that’s what Sue heard.]

Bottom line on the document function for me is this: for digital data, I like NaturalReader. NaturalReader is free, by the way, so having that in addition to Seeing AI should not be an issue.

For short documents I like KNFB reader because the camera is right there on the screen and there is no futzing back and forth between apps. That is if you have to use the camera for menus or whatever. For digital data, I am back to NaturalReader for even the shorter stuff. It loads easily. All you do is go to the little plus sign and click it. Find webpage and enter the name of the webpage. It will then read it to you. It also works with Dropbox and a few other things.

It generally takes me a long time to master anything like this, especially if I am trying to figure it out all on my own and especially when I cannot see so well. I may very well be missing important details and shortcuts. That means you may be as well. Pooling our resources on this may help. Anyone else using these apps? Thoughts? Pointers? Let us know. We could use some help here. We? I could use some help here!

Written December 26th, 2017 Continue reading “Battle of the Apps: Part 2”

The Puppy Zone

Lull in the action here. The puppygirls had a rip and tear session, a potty break and are now asleep. Not, really NOT, guaranteeing how long this is going to last.

Getting odds and ends done. Two, wild pups are very demanding on time. You also need the agility to get to them before you have an ‘accident’ (even though she did it on purpose!) on the carpet or an electrocuted dog.

Since I cannot see what they have, I am probably up and down more than I was 14 years ago with my last puppies. I could probably contain them better and limit what they can get, but I have a theory that dogs who are restrained more tend to run when they are not restrained. Besides, I like to have them where I am.Thus, they keep me hopping. They have found things I don’t remember seeing in years! Into everything.

My husband has more physical issues than I have and they are wearing him down. It is harder for him to respond as he should and he probably doesn’t physically intervene consistently. I housebreak by grabbing the pup and rushing her outside. No sense in just yelling.

If I could not sweep in like some sort of avenging angel and run for the door carrying a 5 pound or so pup, I would have to think twice about having one. At least one that is not penned a good part of the day.

So far, after a full week of puppy parenthood – with twins, thank you very much – I cannot say there have been too many vision-related concerns. No, I don’t always know what they have and I am frequently retrieving things from their mouths. Sometimes one or the other will disappear into my blind spot. Then I have to scan with my peripheral vision. Very often movement will give them away. The pups are chocolate labs and the house came with a burgundy-colored carpet. In low light I have already fallen over one of them. Low contrast.

Also, the poopy ‘presents’ that sometimes appear are brown on a burgundy background. That can make for a rude discovery. We are working on limiting those. Just the same, not seeing something like that because of poor contrast is a concern.

Oh well, when I was a kid and stepped in dog poop – in bare feet with it squishing between my toes – my father would tell me not to worry; it would make me grow! In our neighborhood both the dogs and the kids were free range.

Like I said, the physical limitations have been more a factor than my vision. I am able to run, stoop, snatch and grab, not to mention carry. With his back, my husband has limits in those areas. Lost a puppy? Last night I was on my hands and knees crawling around the furniture. At this size, they crawl in small spaces.

Crate? Yeah, I could, but what would I do for cross-training?

So far, those are the observations from the puppy zone. I am sure there will be more. The adventure is just beginning.

Oh, and actually talking about vision, I wanted to revisit the subject of contrast and low vision, specifically colored acetate sheets. One of my clients who happens to have a vision issue was very pleased with what a yellow overlay was able to do for her reading. Sometimes it really is the little stuff that is the most helpful. Check it out.

Written November 25th, 2017 Continue reading “The Puppy Zone”

Doing Beers with Grandma

Hey. Sort of blah today. Still getting used to the idea of no dog.

I am a spoiled brat and was sort of disappointed with my showing at the photo contest. A third and an honorable mention are not at all bad. I just have high expectations.

For some reason we are back to high Summer. It was over 90 Fahrenheit today, September 25. About the same yesterday. Along with mad dogs and Englishmen I have been out in the midday sun and I am hot! My body was gearing up for fall. Not feeling like fall now!

Then of course, since we are going to be away, my workload just more than doubled. Let’s give Sue another six kids to test. She’s going on vacation!

Oh well, better than never having a dog, six feet of snow and no interesting job. Although sometimes I feel a little too ‘blessed’.

One of the topics in the teachers’ lounge today was bizarre things your voice recognition software tells people you said. One of the milder ones was how “doing beets with Grandma” became “doing beers with Grandma.” Well, some grandmas might throw back a few. Just not my colleague’s.

I know fully sighted people produce text and other written things that make no sense. I send out plenty that is alternating perplexing and/or amusing and/or frustrating. Some of my mistakes I manage to catch. That said, though, the question in my mind became how do truly blind people proofread? After all, I may need the skill one day. [Lin/Linda: I wish I’d kept a list of all the crazy things I’ve gotten from Sue since we started this!]

Back in 2011 Ryan Cordell suggested using text-to-speech to read things back to yourself. He explains how on an Apple OS X device you can have what you wrote read back to you by just making a few changes in the settings. This can be helpful if you are composing reports or letters on your computer.

Stephanie Diamond wrote about using Dragon NaturallySpeaking to proof read. Diamond also suggested text-to-speech for proof reading. Dragon works on PCs and Macs. Since NaturallySpeaking records your voice as well as recognizing it, another option is to listen to what you really did say. Diamond added you can send documents received from elsewhere to your PC and have NaturallySpeaking read those too. [You’ll see this software as Dragon Naturally Speaking, too, with a space between Naturally & Speaking.]

And if you want a human opinion on not only the spelling and verbiage but other aspects of your writing, remember Be My Eyes (BME) is an app that connects blind people with sighted volunteers via live video chat.

According to an April, 2017 Lighthouse Media publication, Be My Eyes now has half a million volunteers! Whom you get when you call is random. You can call unlimited times.

No one is pushy or opinionated unless you ask them to be. Want to know if that shirt goes with those pants? You can ask that and get an opinion. And no one will ask you why you ignored the advice.

According to the article, BME is looking for more users. This could be a match made in Heaven.

So, there are a few ideas for proofreading. But please don’t get too perfect. I find some of the errors amusing!

written September 26th, 2017 Continue reading “Doing Beers with Grandma”

Managing Medications

Never really thought about it in quite this way, but VisionAware has a series of ‘getting started as a visually impaired person’ posts. Sort of like a starter kit for a hobby. Instead of scrapbooking or constructing terrariums, we get visual impairment. “Oh, yes, did I tell you? I’m taking up visual impairment. This book says that in just six easy lessons ($19.99 each) I can have the start of a very promising visually impaired person. And the book says I can do this at home in my spare time!”

Uh, yeah. Really did not need another hobby…especially THIS one.

That is not to say, however, that a ‘how to’ series for vision loss newbies is not a fine idea. It is such a fine idea I am going to borrow shamelessly from them in writing this, and perhaps another page.

The page I am borrowing from is entitled Products and Devices to Help You Identify Your Medications. In that article they cover all sorts of clever ideas for trying to make sure we don’t poison ourselves. I vote for that!

Some of the suggestions in their article are as simple and low tech as keeping a black tray in the bathroom so you can have contrast to see your pills. Others are more high tech. The one I am going to focus on is a high tech option: audio description.

The VisionAware article mentions several different options for audio description devices to use with your medications. There is one manufactured by AccessaMed and there is another one called Talking Rx. But the one I want to talk about is ScripTalk. Why? Can’t write about everything in 500 words.

According to a disabilities lawyer (lflegal.com), many pharmacies are now offering talking labels and label readers for medication bottles. The lawyer’s website gives kudos to a number of chains. (We will ignore the thinly veiled attempt to drum up litigation business.)

I will get back to offering some chain names in a minute but first let’s talk about how this works. Apparently your pharmacist reads the label information into a device that digitizes the information and puts it on a little label that he attaches to the bottle. When you get it home, you have a reader that will allow you to hear what the pharmacist said.

Now, ScripTalk is offered through CVS, HEB, Walmart and Humana. It is a free service to satisfy the requirements of ADA. Of those four corporations, however, the article lists only the customer service numbers for CVS and WalMart. Got a pen? The CVS number is 800-746-7287. The Walmart mail-order pharmacy number is 1-888-237-3403.

Just because you are not in the States and subject to the ADA, does not mean you cannot get medicine bottle labels that talk to you. I have it on pretty good authority (the Vancouver Sun online from 10/07/2016) Shoppers Drug Mart was sued under Canadian accessibility laws and now offers ScripTalk, and free use of a ScripTalk reader.

In the United Kingdom Boots started offering talking medicine labels in 2006. (My, but the Colonies are Johnny-come-latelies on this!) Not exactly sure what is happening on this issue in Australia. Most of what I found there was about a general relabeling of all pharmaceuticals. Anyone know?

Call your pharmacy and see what they offer in the way of audio description labels and readers for your medications. If they have nothing it might be good to remind them this is an accessibility issue. Nothing then? I heard of this disability rights attorney….?

Have a great evening. Don’t accidental poison yourself.

Written August 11th, 2017

Continue reading “Managing Medications”

Fighting the Mess

Morning. I am officially overwhelmed. I have said it before: my life is cluttered. My house is cluttered. Sometimes even my mind is cluttered. On one level I realize this is not good for someone with visual impairment. It means I lose things. Lots of things. More things that I ever used to lose.

On another level, dealing with the mess can be just plain overwhelming. I don’t feel like tackling it. Sometimes it is a lot easier to buy new or do without.

Generally, the mess wins no matter what I do.

This morning things reached critical mass – again – and I figured I had better do something about it before it blew up. Parts of my half-hearted effort were to sort laundry and get rid of articles I had printed out but never written a page on.

Laundry and vision loss articles…they may not be two great things that go great together, but one of the printed out articles I found from VisionAware was about blind people doing laundry.

Does that freak you out a bit when things come together like that? That cosmic convergence stuff? Does me.

Anyway, laundry is not that hard for me. I keep the setting the same (except for delicates) and stick a finger in the measuring cup to make sure I don’t run the cup over with detergent. Then I wipe my hand on a piece of clothing so I am not all detergent-y. If I have to change the setting, I use a light to make sure it is right. My handheld reader has a light and that works well.

What I liked were the suggestions they made for ironing. I admire you people who are organized enough to get things out of the dryer and hang them instantly. I know this avoids a lot of wrinkles. I am great for leaving the house with the dryer running or going to bed with it on. Clothes have sat in the dryer for days. Meaning? I iron every morning.

VisionAware has some really good ideas. Since we all know contrast is a good thing when you are low vision, having a solid color ironing board cover is good. They also suggest you get a heat-treated pad to set your iron on when you are moving the clothing, etc. That will allow the hot part to be down and you don’t burn yourself when you reach for it.

Those are the two things you might have to purchase. Ideas that involve things you probably would not have to purchase include using a funnel or a turkey baster to put water in the iron. Personally, I just use an old Febreze bottle and squirt things. Marking the proper setting so you don’t scorch things can be done with that raised marking stuff or even nail polish. [Lin/Linda: When Sue says ‘raised marking stuff’ she means using tactile pens.]

The last idea I liked was finding the iron by grabbing the cord first. If the contrast of the cord with everything else is poor, tie a ribbon on it! After all, safety first.

OK, back to the fight. Personally, I think I am going to lose again.

Written August 6th, 2017

Continue reading “Fighting the Mess”

BlindSquare App

When I was at the Summer Academy a couple of people mentioned they were navigating with an app called BlindSquare. They asked if I used it and I was almost sheepish to admit my vision is still good enough to navigate with plain old Google Maps. It is surprising how social norms change from place to place. I felt like being blinder would have given me more ‘street cred’, but what the hey, I got by.

BlindSquare appears to be the app VIPs (Visually Impaired Persons) in the know use to navigate. According to its advertising BlindSquare is the “world’s most popular accessible GPS-app developed for the blind and visually impaired.” It is said to describe the environment, announce points of interest and also alert you to street intersections as you travel.

The home page says BlindSquare is self-voicing and has a dedicated speech synthesizer, whatever that means. There is an audio menu that can be accessed with the buttons on the side of your phone. Seeing the screen is not required.

BlindSquare announces your progress towards your destination. It marks your spot (sounds like Beastie Baby!) and can lead you back should you want to return. The app opens with voice over. BlindSquare ‘understands’ a variety of languages. These include many of the most ‘popular’ European languages as well as some others like Finnish and Romanian. The farthest east they go looks to be Turkish. The farthest south they go looks like Arabic.

Reading the comments it seemed to me the developers of BlindSquare are awesome people. They responded in the affirmative to just about all of the suggestions and have been adding languages right along. Updates are added regularly.

Now for the bad news. BlindSquare is $40.00 in the App Store. There is a free version called Blindsq Event available in the App Store but it is seriously pared down from the for a fee version. The pay version featured three or four pages of options and Blindsq Event featured one. I would say what do you want for nothing, but my answer would be ‘the World!’ so I know better than to ask that question.

I just downloaded the free version and will play with it later. As always, I would love to have others’ opinions. Please download it and let us know what you think.

Those who have the pay BlindSquare, please chime in!

written August 2nd, 2017

Continue reading “BlindSquare App”

Lighting!

Magnify, Magnify, Magnify!

Computer

iPad

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Finding Help to Create YOUR Toolbox!

Low Vision Therapy

Vocational Rehabilitation

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Seeing the World Around You

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General tips for evaluating

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Next: Sue’s Toolkit – 2 Years Later – Part 2

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