[Blindtlk] Suggestions Needed

[Jude DaShiell]

I got email a little earlier today that it is now possible to download 
the be my eyes app from the google play store.  I figured this might be 
helpful to some of us on this list.

On Thu, 5 Oct 2017, Hyde, David W. (ESC) via blindtlk wrote:

> Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2017 08:26:24
> From: "Hyde, David W. (ESC) via blindtlk" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> To: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>,
>     Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "Hyde, David W. (ESC)" <david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us>
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Suggestions Needed
> 
> Sandra, you don't need the newest iPhone or tablet. The sixes and sevens are still being sold, and they work just fine. If you don't need all the real estate, (the size of the tablets), the phone or iPod works fine. If you already have a phone plan, see what they can do to help you find a phone that is affordable. Now in fairness, the Android works, as I understand it. I hope some folks on the list can give you good information about it.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via blindtlk
> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 7:46 PM
> To: Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Suggestions Needed
>
> Hi,
>
> Thanks for your suggestions.  I cannot afford the Apple products O I will be looking at an android phone.  I am going to call the agency for the blind here in Indianapolis to see if they have any assistance for a senior homemaker who's medical situation has changed.  I was looking on LS&S reading about the digital recorders.  Some models may help me organize some of the stuff I now keep in Braille.  I have already begun looking into changing my Braille prescription labels to talking labels if that is needed.
> I had a terrible time reading those Braille labels the past few days.  As for the lancets pricking my already numb fingers, I am a type 2 diabetic but have stopped the testing on my fingers for now.  I have contacted Prodigy about the alternative testing sites.  I do appreciate the helpful suggestions I have received from many of you.  Thanks so much.  To me losing the ability to read Braille is as bad as a sighted person losing their glasses.  Thanks for the kind support.  Does anyone know how Dragon Naturally Speaking works with Jaws or NVDA?  I have also considered trying to start a discussion list for those of us with additional medical issues or disabilities.  I am sure that a lot of us could really benefit from sharing ideas and coping strategies.  Keep those great ideas and support coming.
> Feel free to write off list if this topic becomes too much for the guidelines of the list.  I am sure David will let us know if we need to take our discussion private.  Meanwhile it might just help someone else.  Have a good evening.
>
> Sandra
> SLJohnson25 at comcast.net
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jude DaShiell via blindtlk
> Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2017 8:18 PM
> To: S L Johnson via blindtlk
> Cc: Jude DaShiell
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Suggestions Needed
>
> Please get to some place with braille resources that supports braille use.  If you can do that, ask to examine a sample of jumbo braille and perhaps pick up equipment to write jumbo braille.  I've never felt it but understand it is larger and perhaps will keep you in the game a little longer.  Perhaps American Printing House For The Blind could come up with an orbit reader with a jumbo braille display too.  That might be useful for you too.  If anybody tries sticking a needle or lancet into any of your braille reading fingers, strangle them.  Having that happen really will degrade sensitivity in those fingers even faster.
>
> American Printing House for the blind makes two sizes of abacus and interestingly the larger size for people like me with fine motor deficits is slightly less expensive than the standard small sized abacus.
> Many smart phones have no keypads and have flat screens.  I suggest you get yourself to maybe an Apple Store and spend some hours there with an iPhone and have the vo starter program installed and running on the phone.  You get to try different activities in that program and will find out pretty shortly if a smart phone ought to be part of your future.
>
> If you do get to an apple store see if someone can show you how to use VoiceOver on a mac computer and explain your disabilities situation to them accurately.  They may have ideas for you I don't now have to help with existing and upcoming challenges you will face.
>
> On Wed, 4 Oct 2017, S L Johnson via blindtlk wrote:
>
>> Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2017 11:34:17
>> From: S L Johnson via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> Reply-To: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>,
>>     Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>> 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
>>
>
>

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