[Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Mon Aug 3 22:14:32 UTC 2015

A loud amen to everything you said!!  If it were not for the Optacon, I would need readers at my job for the things I do independently with an Optacon.  A scanner and apps can only take a shot with their best guess at what they are trying to translate into text.  An Optacon is not a program, but a device that the blind person uses.  The person being the "interpreter."

You know this already, but this explanation is for those on the list that may not have experienced an Optacon.

Judy

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 4:01 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: S L Johnson
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Hi Judy:

I am an optacon  user and I don't ever want to be without one.  I also use Open Book but there are just some things you can't read with a scanner.  One example is medication bottles.  I can read them with my optacon but, a scanner can't read them.  I also like to check things I print to be sure they came out right and the only way to do that is with my optacon. 
Sometimes things just make more sense if you can see how they are laid out on the page.  I recently had that when reading a print cell phone manual. 
The optacon allowed me to see the screen shots of the menus.  I also have Braille labels on lots of stuff such as clothing,CDs, spices and other stuff in my pantry and the list goes on and on.  I also agree with the person who said they love to read Braille books while listening to relaxing music.  I read lots of audio books but always have plenty of Braille books on hand too.  Technology is great but, it is also good to have other alternatives too.

Sandra

-----Original Message-----
From: Judy Jones via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 5:10 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Judy Jones
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Nope, I feel the same way.  Plus, old technology such as the Optacon has virtually been thrown away by theblind public who have no idea how useful such a device can be.  And really don't seem to want to know either.

Judy

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Kelm via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 2:28 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: James Kelm
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Dear Mike,

    I agree with you, but aren't people in general just so fickled?  LOLL One of my sope box issues is how many younger folks ignore Braille, just because JAWS will read things to them.  I absolutely adore technology, and am a huge fan of JAWS and similar programs.  But there is something special about sitting in the living room with soft music playing, and actually reading an actual book.  But then maybe I am just showing my age, and I am really just an old curmudgeon!

James

-----Original Message----- 
From: Mike Freeman via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 3:10 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Mike Freeman
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

James:

I'm not Steve but I can't resist; I assure you I won't belabor the point.
You decry (not unreasonably) that some establishments don't embrace new
technologies often enough. However, I also think that many people are
abandoning tried-and-true technologies before such abandonment is warranted.
For example, I know some younger person who, believe it or not, have never
made out a check for themselves. Hence, they tend to think that using a
scribe is a sign of dependence.Ibelieve such thinking to be short-sighted.

Peace!

Mike Freeman

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Kelm
via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 1:06 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: James Kelm
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Dear Steve,

    Thank you for your thoughtful response, and it is often ironic because
although there are a lot more tools available that can make the world
slightly more accessible, there are still those who refuse to embrace some
of these simple solutions.  And so many of them are not simply for us blind
folks, but they will actually help the sighted world as well.  Oh well...
When I am elected to the position of America's first emperor, things will
change!  LOLL

    On a bit of a serious note, I noticed on your E-mail that you are in
Minneapolis?  I am actually in Duluth.  If you would like, you can E-mail me
off list and tell me a bit about yourself.  It would be nice to have
communication with another Minnesota person!  *smile*

James Kelm
E-mail: jameskelm at earthlink.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Jacobson via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 1:50 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Steve Jacobson
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

James,

It is frustrating.  There are a couple of food delivery places here in
Minneapolis who will not take checks, and this is getting more and more
common.  It sounds like you have found the best solution.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Kelm
via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 11:31 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: James Kelm
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Thank you for all of your wonderful information that you took the time to
relay.  I sincerely appreciate it!

    I think that my bank's Bill Pay service is going to be the best option
for me.  It is free, which is always nice.  LOLL  It also will allow me to
send paper check with very little effort.  It is always a bit frustrating
for me when for example my landlord, will only accept paper checks.  I have
tried to talk them into either accepting a debit card, or Paypal, but they
just don't want to do it.  Go figure...  I only have to write 2 checks each
month, and now days so much is set up to accept either credit/debit cards or

Paypal, that it is rather strange that 2 of the companies that I deal with
is so out of date.  But now I have the answer, so life is good!  *smile*  My

only issue now is finding a program, or service, that will enable me to
print actual money as easily as checks.  LOLL

James

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Jacobson via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 11:16 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Steve Jacobson
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

James,

There are a number of things to consider.  First, let me start out by saying
that I print checks using a program from the American Printing House for the
Blind called MoneyTalks.  This program is not free, but it is pretty
reasonably priced and it includes some nice features.

First, whenever you fill in a pre-printed form, you need to pay special
attention to your printer.  The printer has to be particularly good at
feeding in a page so that printing starts at the same place every time.  The
term that is sometimes used to describe that is the printer's registration.
If a printer is inconsistent, varying the top of the page by even one-sixth
of an inch, it will cause printing to be an entire line off which is
unacceptable for check writing.

Second, you have to make sure your printer will correctly feed a piece of
paper the size of a check.  I use an HP printer at work that handles the
small personal checks very nicely, but this isn't that common.  My Dell
printer at home had a feeder that can be adjusted down to just larger than a
personal check, and with practice, I can feed personal checks into that
printer as well.  Of course, you can order larger checks that would likely
be handled by more printers.

Also, you have to be careful of the ink used by your printer.  It used to be
said that checks should only be printed on laser printers because the ink on
inkjet printers was too easily erased.  I don't know if that is still the
case, but if your printer meets all of the other criteria, you'll want to
check to be sure the ink is very permanent.

Finally, you probably could design a Microsoft Word document that could
allow you to print a check or possibly something could be set up from Excel,
but this would take a bit of work.  Even if you get a program like
MoneyTalks, you will need to work with someone to calibrate MoneyTalks to
print correctly on your check with your printer.  This can take a bit of
work and will require that you be able to examine the results yourself or
with the help of a sighted reader.  You should probably be prepared to waste
a few checks as well, although you can run the same check through a few
times to make corrections in the one-time calibration.  The reason you will
have to calibrate your printer is that even though programs like MoneyTalks
already has templates for several standard checks, the feeding guides of
printers do not all work the same.  When feeding in smaller sizes, some have
one guide that one moves to the left until the correct width is set.  Other
printers, including both of my printers, tend to center the check as it
feeds into the printer.  Where your printer positions the check can affect
how the calibration is set.  Further, printers usually process checks in
landscape mode instead of portrait mode so the check can be fed in with the
end first.  This is also true of envelopes.

Okay, now that I have probably scared you completely, please know that I've
been writing checks with my computer for years and I'm glad I took the time
to get it set up.  Still, I tend to want to be sure the check printed
correctly each time.  If you don't write many checks, this may not be worth
the trouble since you probably still need to have a reader for some things.
In addition, even if a company does not take electronic payments, some banks
have a bill paying service that will actually send out a paper check for a
fee.  Your interface is electronic, but the company you are paying receives
paper.  It might be worth making certain you have check to see if there are
options like this for you.

Good luck.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Kelm
via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 10:45 AM
To: Blind Talk
Cc: James Kelm
Subject: [Blindtlk] Check Writing Software Ideas Wanted...

Dear friends,

    Does anyone know of a free program that is usable for printing, and
filling out checks?  I am mainly looking for an accessible way to
independently fill out the checks that I must send out each month for
utility bills and such.  Right now I have to have a sighted friend do my
checks, and it would be really nice to be able to do them myself!
Unfortunately a couple of the bills that I pay each month, will not accept
electronic payments, so I have to send them actual paper checks.

    I am using a computer with Windows 7, with Microsoft Office
Professional.

    Thank you for your help!

James
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