[Blindtlk] Suggestions and Recommendations Needed

[S L Johnson]

Good Evening List:

I am sending this message to both the Talk and Electtronics list so, I 
apologize for those who will get it twice.  That is why computers have 
delete keys.

I am considering getting a smart phone.  I know the Apple phones are almost 
twice the price of the android phones.  However, I do have a few questions.

What kind of phone should I consider?
Which model is the most accessible?
Do any of them have a tactile keyboard instead of a touch screen?
Will I have the same kind of helpful apps for the blind as you do with the 
iPhones?
I know the NFB Reader and Newsline are on the iPhone but, are they available 
for the android and do they work as well?
Does the NLS BARD work well on the android phones?

My second list of questions has to do with braille displays for the phone 
and computer.
I have recently had some hearing problems and I will soon have to purchase a 
Braille display.  It is getting hard to understand the speech even with my 
speakers turned all the way up.  Any recommendations and suggestions will be 
appreciated.  I somehow have to do this all on a very limited low income. 
Does anyone know if there are any provisions under vocational rehab, social 
security or Medicare  that will assist a senior citizen if their situation 
has changed as mine has with the hearing problems?

I am not as worried about orientation and mobility because my wonderful 
golden is doing great at being both my eyes and ears.  However, I do need to 
find louder devices to be my audible cue to locate my home among all the 
identical homes in this development.  I know Eva will turn into our driveway 
but, I do feel better having that audible cue just in case she is distracted 
or I have to go out with a cane.  I found out that I can no longer hear the 
wind chimes and wireless doorbell I have been using.  Are there any kind of 
tactile vibrating location devices?

Before someone recommends hearing aids, I cannot use them because I am 
allergic to all the things they have tried.  I cannot put anything into or 
behind my ears without a severe allergic reaction.  I apologize for all the 
questions but, I know we do have some deaf/blind folks out there on this and 
other NFB lists.  If anyone can think of anything else I can consider, 
please let me know.  Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.

Sandra
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