[Blindtlk] Suggestions Needed

[Hyde, David W. (ESC)]

Hi Sandra. The first thing you might try for labeling is jumbo braille. If that doesn't work, you are going to probably need to go to a symbol system. There are a number of them out there, or you can create your own. As to the smart phone, I am an iPhone user, and set mine up using what they call the touch typing system. What that means is that I can run my finger across the keyboard section, and the phone doesn't enter the letter or number until I lift my finger. When I find the app I want to use, I just double tap on it, and it opens. You don't necessarily need to feel the screen in order to make it work.
Finally, I am sorry to see an old Optacon user need to develop new skills. That machine still does things and gives information that the current crop of electronic devices does not. If I can be of any help, feel free to write me off list.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via blindtlk
Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 10:34 AM
To: Blind-Talk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>
Subject: [Blindtlk] Suggestions Needed

Good Morning:

I am writing to my fellow list members to ask for suggestions.  I am totally blind and have been using Braille for all my needs since loosing my sight in 1972.  I have multiple sclerosis.  One of my most annoying symptoms is that my fingers are getting very numb and uncoordinated.  This is making it almost impossible for me to read Braille and daily tasks are more difficult with numb clumbsy hands.  I am seeking ideas for labeling household goods, keeping track of user names and passwords,  a new way to manage my phone and address file and lots of other things that I normally do with Braille.  My other need is a way to read print.  I have been an optacon user since 1976. 
I have open book on my computer but want something more portable.  I have considered getting a smart phone so I can use KNFB Reader but what kind of feeling and dexterity will I need to use one effectively?  I noticed that in the past few days I had trouble answering my home phone because I could not feel the buttons.  Even typing on my computer is getting more challenging. 
Any advice and information will be appreciated.  You can write to me off list if you prefer and I don’t want to clutter up the list with my needs.

Sandra Johnson
SLJohnson25 at comcast.net