[NFBC-Info] NFBC-Info Digest, Vol 177, Issue 3
Jordan Mirander
jordanmirander at icloud.com
Sun Feb 16 23:26:45 UTC 2020
I thought that the echo show 8, and the echo show 5 would be the most expensive, because they are newer. like the eight, I think that they Just came out a year or two ago
Jordan Mirander
"The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people" -The One Minute Manager
> On Feb 9, 2020, at 4:01 AM, nfbc-info-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>
> Send NFBC-Info mailing list submissions to
> nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
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> than "Re: Contents of NFBC-Info digest..."
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>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: NFBC-Info Digest, Vol 177, Issue 2 (Jordan Mirander)
> 2. Re: Amazon echo show and tell (Jim Barbour)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2020 07:39:31 -0800
> From: Jordan Mirander <jordanmirander at icloud.com>
> To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] NFBC-Info Digest, Vol 177, Issue 2
> Message-ID: <6147294B-E667-4695-A4B5-B09992EC0F1A at icloud.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> That the Amazon echo show had so entail. I feature on other Amazon echo devices which enables the blind population to pick up a grocery item and flash in front of the camera and ask Alexa Alexa what am I holding and show and tell you. I feel it should because otherwise it?s considered a downgrade if other Amazon echo devices have that but the echo show doesn?t.
>
> V/r
>
> Jordan Mirander
>
> "The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people" -The One Minute Manager
>
>> On Feb 7, 2020, at 4:01 AM, nfbc-info-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>>
>> ?Send NFBC-Info mailing list submissions to
>> nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
>>
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>> nfbc-info-request at nfbnet.org
>>
>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>> nfbc-info-owner at nfbnet.org
>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of NFBC-Info digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. Fwd: Free Summer Camp for Teens (Cricket Bidleman)
>> 2. 20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for blind and
>> visually impaired people, from Top Tech Tidbits (nancy Lynn)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2020 15:56:55 -0800
>> From: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
>> To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
>> Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: Free Summer Camp for Teens
>> Message-ID: <519A27CF-6108-4A48-8711-5274B07CBE6C at gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> Begin forwarded message:
>>
>>> From: Matthew Gip <matthewhgip at gmail.com>
>>> Date: February 6, 2020 at 15:49:51 PST
>>> To: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Fwd: Free Summer Camp for Teens
>>>
>>> ?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>>
>>>> From: Rachelle Kniffen <RKniffen at LeaderDog.Org>
>>>> Date: February 6, 2020 at 3:15:01 PM CST
>>>> To: "matthewhgip at gmail.com" <matthewhgip at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Free Summer Camp for Teens
>>>>
>>>> ?
>>>> Cricket,
>>>>
>>>> If you could share this with your state, I would truly appreciate it.
>>>>
>>>> Summer Experience Camp ? Making Teens Unstoppable!
>>>> A Free Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind
>>>>
>>>> Application Deadline April 1, 2020!
>>>>
>>>> Summer Experience Camp is a week of fun, friendship and skill building. The program combines activities like ziplining and tandem biking with independence building exercises and things exclusively Leader Dog?GPS training and spending time with future Leader Dogs. The combination helps increase independent travel skills, interpersonal skills and leadership skills.
>>>> The free program is for boys and girls ages 16 and 17 who are legally blind. Leader Dog covers all costs including airfare to Michigan?and everyone receives a free HumanWare Victor Reader Trek GPS device. The 2020 camp dates are June 24?July 1. Applications are due by April 1, 2020.
>>>> You can view a Fox Sports clip about camp, read camper stories and download an application at LeaderDog.org.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Rachelle Kniffen
>>>>
>>>> Director of Communications & Marketing
>>>> Leader Dogs for the Blind
>>>> 1039 S. Rochester Rd. ? Rochester Hills, MI 48307-3115
>>>> Direct (248) 659-5013
>>>> Toll Free (888) 777-5332
>>>>
>>>> To learn more about our programs and services visit LeaderDog.org
>>>> We are always in need of volunteers to raise our puppies. Learn more at LeaderDog.org/puppy
>>>>
>>>> Our mission is to empower people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
>>>>
>>>> Disclaimer: This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2020 00:12:47 -0600
>> From: "nancy Lynn" <seabreeze.stl at gmail.com>
>> To: "NFBC List" <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>, "Seniors"
>> <NFBNJ-Seniors at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [NFBC-Info] 20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for
>> blind and visually impaired people, from Top Tech Tidbits
>> Message-ID: <1FC6A21AF8A249B1A30E280A8E135FE7 at nancyPC>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>>
>> We know most of this stuff, but this is great to share with your sighted friends and family, maybe even to drop hints at gift time. LOL.
>> Got the following from Top Tech Tidbits and thought some might be interested.
>>
>>
>> https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2020/01/19/20-things-the-amazon-echo-can-make-easier-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people/
>>
>> 20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for blind and visually impaired people
>>
>> I?m sure you all know by now that I have a keen interest in technology and that I love all things assistive tech. From my
>> iPhone,
>> laptop and braille display, technology plays a huge part in my
>> life.
>>
>> I?ve had an Amazon Echo for around three years now, in fact, our Alexa collection has grown, and we have quite a few around the house.
>>
>> I was very intrigued by the Amazon Echo when it was first released and started to become popular due to the fact that it was mainstream technology that
>> seemed fully accessible for someone with no useful vision like myself.
>>
>> Companies like Amazon have normalised voice activated technology in a way, making the products something that everyone would find useful, whether you have
>> sight or not. I?m a firm believer that companies like Amazon, Apple and Microsoft are leading the way in terms of making mainstream technology accessible.
>>
>> It is worth noting that every Amazon Echo is fully accessible for people with a visual impairment, including the Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Echo Spot
>> which both have screens. Amazon have thought of accessibility for these devices for people with a visual impairment as they developed a screen-reader called
>> VoiceView, and also have other features such as a screen magnifier, colour inversion and colour correction. These
>> accessibility features
>> are built into the devices. There are also features for people with a hearing impairment.
>>
>> At first, I did wonder if I would use the Amazon Echo, but I can safely tell you that I use it every single day. Would I be without Alexa now? Definitely
>> Not.
>>
>> A photo of a grey Amazon Echo Dot next to a Turquoise box
>>
>> In 2019, Amazon launched an
>> advert
>> which highlighted how technology can benefit the lives of people with sight loss and make a real difference. The advert demonstrated how people can carry
>> out their morning routine by using their Amazon Echo to check the time and the weather.
>>
>> In the advert, the woman wakes up, makes herself a coffee and then gets ready to head out. She asks Alexa the time and the weather, the advert also features
>> a guide dog and viewers then realise that she has a visual impairment.
>>
>> I think this advert is a great way of highlighting how the Amazon Echo is useful for people with a visual impairment.
>>
>> I often see blind and visually impaired people asking questions about whether they think the Amazon Echo would be useful for them or a family member with
>> a visual impairment and what they can be used for, so I thought I?d share some things that they can make a bit easier for blind and visually impaired people.
>>
>> Finding out the date and time
>>
>> It sounds like something so simple but asking Alexa the date and time is really useful, especially if you don?t have a phone or similar device to hand.
>>
>> A photo of an Amazon Echo Spot showing the time in the middle of a coloured home screen
>>
>> Setting alarms and reminders
>>
>> When I was younger, I?d have a clock on my bedside table that I used to have to press various buttons in order to set an alarm to wake me up in the morning,
>> then I moved onto setting alarms on my phone as it was much easier and a lot quicker.
>>
>> Alexa makes setting alarms very quick and simple; you can even wake up to one of your favourite tunes.
>>
>> In terms of reminders, I constantly used my phone and wrote them down in the notes or reminders apps, but with Alexa I can set reminders very quickly and
>> she will announce them for me, I also get a notification on my phone so I never miss them.
>>
>> Adding things to your shopping list or to-do list
>>
>> You can ask Alexa to add items to your shopping list or to-do list, you can then access them when you?re out shopping for example using the Alexa app.
>> It?s a great way of staying organised!
>>
>> Checking the weather
>>
>> Most people check the weather on a phone app, but I find it a lot easier to ask Alexa what the current weather is. It?s also great to do before you go
>> out. She gives great detail such as telling you whether it?s raining, cloudy or sunny, and is very accurate.
>>
>> You can set up your location on the Alexa app. If you want the weather first thing on a morning, then you can set up routines and she?ll read it out loud
>> as part of a list of actions.
>>
>> Getting the latest news
>>
>> Alexa has a range of skills for this, it means that you are able to get the news just with one simple command and stay up to date with what?s going on
>> in the world.
>>
>> Using smart plugs
>>
>> I recently got an Amazon Smart Plug and let me tell you, it?s fantastic! I?d been debating whether to purchase one or not for a while as I didn?t know
>> if I?d use it and what I?d use it for, but now that I have one, I?m planning on purchasing some more!
>>
>> I find it an essential and very useful accessibility feature.
>>
>> Smart plugs enable you to operate anything that runs on electric with Alexa. I have my plug connected to my straighteners and it?s great just being able
>> to tell Alexa to turn them on or off.
>>
>> One of the things that I really like about some Smart Plugs is that they make a clicking sound when being turned on/off which is really helpful for me
>> as someone with no useful vision. I can?t say whether all smart plugs do this but some certainly do, it is a feature that is very helpful.
>>
>> A photo of an Amazon Echo
>>
>> Controlling the heating
>>
>> Rather than using physical controls on a thermostat, it is possible to control the heating from a smartphone or Alexa with certain devices. Heating controls
>> can sometimes be a bit difficult if you can?t see so being able to control it through the Amazon Echo makes it easy and accessible.
>>
>> We recently purchased an Alexa compatible thermostat and it is brilliant, I?m able to turn the heating on and off without worrying whether I?ve done it
>> correctly.
>>
>> Controlling the lights
>>
>> Some blind and visually impaired people suffer with sensitivity to light, so being able to dim the lights or turn them on/off with smart plugs and bulbs
>> can really help with this.
>>
>> We have a couple of smart bulbs around the house and they are very useful.
>>
>> Managing calendars
>>
>> I primarily use my phone calendar to keep track of what I have going on, but I can just ask Alexa to tell me what I have on that day and she will tell
>> me. You can also add events by voice.
>>
>> It is a great way of keeping organised and staying on top of what you have going on.
>>
>> Finding recipes
>>
>> Society seems to have this idea that blind and visually impaired people can?t cook, well let me tell you, we actually can. We have our own methods and
>> adaptions when cooking independently.
>>
>> You can find new and interesting recipes just by speaking to Alexa, she will then read out the ingredients, the cooking methods etc.
>>
>> Setting timers
>>
>> You can set a timer quickly just by using your voice and Alexa will let you know when the timer is up, you can also ask her how long is left on the timer.
>>
>> Listening to the radio
>>
>> Just by using one command, you can listen to your favourite radio stations.
>>
>> A photo of an Amazon Echo Show, the screen shows that RNIB Connect Radio is currently playing with a Red background
>>
>> Listening to music
>>
>> There isn?t a day that goes by where I don?t listen to music, whether I?m streaming music or listening to the radio, I?ve always got some sort of music
>> playing.
>>
>> Listening to music on the Amazon Echo is really easy to do and it has a great sound as well. It is even better that you can link your Amazon Echo with
>> streaming services such as Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music.
>>
>> Reading
>>
>> Many years ago in my experience there didn?t used to be a great deal of books transcribed into braille or many audio books, unlike there is today.
>>
>> Things like Audible, Kindle and Apple Books have transformed reading and made audiobooks and eBooks something that is no longer just for people with a
>> visual impairment, they can be for anyone and everyone.
>>
>> You can play books from Audible or Kindle on the Amazon Echo with one command and Alexa will start reading straight away.
>>
>> One feature that I love is that I can listen to a book on my iPhone or iPad and then pick up where I left off on my Amazon Echo.
>>
>> Reading the TV guide
>>
>> I?ve never actually been able to read the TV guide unless I?ve asked a sighted person to read it to me or looked online, but now Alexa can tell me what?s
>> on TV.
>>
>> Sighted people can just look at the TV to see what?s on whereas many people with sight loss can?t, so that?s where Alexa comes in.
>>
>> The TV guide skill is great for knowing what?s on TV when, and you can even get it to remind you when a show is on.
>>
>> Searching and getting information
>>
>> Most of the time I will use my phone or computer to search online for the information I need, but asking Alexa some things such as opening times for a
>> business, finding a restaurant, finding out what?s on at the cinema and much more is really quick and simple.
>>
>> This is great if you need to find something out quickly and takes the hassle away from trying to navigate inaccessible websites.
>>
>> Purchasing items from your product history
>>
>> If you are an Amazon Prime member then you can re-order products from your order history by talking to Alexa.
>>
>> If you have an Amazon Echo Show or Echo Spot, then you can also search for products.
>>
>> Voice shopping is a very convenient and accessible way of shopping.
>>
>> Communication
>>
>> You can make calls and send messages using Alexa, you can also drop-in to other Echo devices that you have around the home. I don?t use these features
>> as much but they do come in useful from time to time.
>>
>> Connecting devices via Bluetooth
>>
>> You can connect a smartphone or other device via Bluetooth and use the Amazon Echo as a speaker. I sometimes use this when listening to books from RNIB
>> Overdrive for example.
>>
>> Playing accessible games
>>
>> As all of the games are played by voice on any Amazon Echo, they are fully accessible for blind and visually impaired people as there are no visual aspects.
>>
>> A photo of an Amazon Echo Show which has a background picture of the mountains and clouds on the screen
>>
>> You can do even more things by using skills, they are similar to phone and tablet Apps and bring your Echo to life. There are thousands of skills that
>> really enhance your experience using Alexa. There are skills in many categories ? food and drink, games, health and fitness, movies and tv, music and podcasts,
>> news, productivity, shopping, sports, travel and the weather just to name a few. There are also kid skills that will keep the little ones entertained.
>>
>> All skills are fully accessible for blind and visually impaired people as you use them by interacting with Alexa.
>>
>> That is just a bit of an insight into why the Amazon Echo is great for people with a visual impairment and how some of the features are beneficial for
>> people with sight loss.
>>
>> I also hope this post shows that technology can make such a huge difference for blind and visually impaired people.
>>
>> Do you have an Amazon Echo? If so, do you have any other features to add? Let me know in the comments.
>>
>> Holly x
>>
>> _._,_._,_
>>
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>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Subject: Digest Footer
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>> NFBC-Info mailing list
>> NFBC-Info at nfbnet.org
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>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of NFBC-Info Digest, Vol 177, Issue 2
>> *****************************************
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2020 08:48:36 -0800
> From: Jim Barbour <jbar at barcore.com>
> To: NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Jordan Mirander <jordanmirander at icloud.com>
> Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Amazon echo show and tell
> Message-ID: <20200208164830.GA31650 at barcore.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> As I understand it, the echo show "first" and "second" generation devices support show and tell. The "show 5" and "show 8" do not.
>
> This comes down to the more expensive echo shows support show and tell, and the lower end versions do not.
>
> However, this is mostly from digging around in 3rd part articles. I have not been able to fiure this out by looking at the devices themselves on Amazon.
>
> JIm
>
> On Sat, Feb 08, 2020 at 07:39:31AM -0800, Jordan Mirander via NFBC-Info wrote:
>> That the Amazon echo show had so entail. I feature on other Amazon echo devices which enables the blind population to pick up a grocery item and flash in front of the camera and ask Alexa Alexa what am I holding and show and tell you. I feel it should because otherwise it?s considered a downgrade if other Amazon echo devices have that but the echo show doesn?t.
>>
>> V/r
>>
>> Jordan Mirander
>>
>> "The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people" -The One Minute Manager
>>
>>>> On Feb 7, 2020, at 4:01 AM, nfbc-info-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>>>
>>> ?Send NFBC-Info mailing list submissions to
>>> nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
>>>
>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org
>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>> nfbc-info-request at nfbnet.org
>>>
>>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>> nfbc-info-owner at nfbnet.org
>>>
>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>>> than "Re: Contents of NFBC-Info digest..."
>>>
>>>
>>> Today's Topics:
>>>
>>> 1. Fwd: Free Summer Camp for Teens (Cricket Bidleman)
>>> 2. 20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for blind and
>>> visually impaired people, from Top Tech Tidbits (nancy Lynn)
>>>
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Message: 1
>>> Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2020 15:56:55 -0800
>>> From: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
>>> To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
>>> Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: Free Summer Camp for Teens
>>> Message-ID: <519A27CF-6108-4A48-8711-5274B07CBE6C at gmail.com>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>>
>>>> From: Matthew Gip <matthewhgip at gmail.com>
>>>> Date: February 6, 2020 at 15:49:51 PST
>>>> To: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Fwd: Free Summer Camp for Teens
>>>>
>>>> ?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>>>
>>>>> From: Rachelle Kniffen <RKniffen at LeaderDog.Org>
>>>>> Date: February 6, 2020 at 3:15:01 PM CST
>>>>> To: "matthewhgip at gmail.com" <matthewhgip at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Free Summer Camp for Teens
>>>>>
>>>>> ?
>>>>> Cricket,
>>>>>
>>>>> If you could share this with your state, I would truly appreciate it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Summer Experience Camp ? Making Teens Unstoppable!
>>>>> A Free Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind
>>>>>
>>>>> Application Deadline April 1, 2020!
>>>>>
>>>>> Summer Experience Camp is a week of fun, friendship and skill building. The program combines activities like ziplining and tandem biking with independence building exercises and things exclusively Leader Dog?GPS training and spending time with future Leader Dogs. The combination helps increase independent travel skills, interpersonal skills and leadership skills.
>>>>> The free program is for boys and girls ages 16 and 17 who are legally blind. Leader Dog covers all costs including airfare to Michigan?and everyone receives a free HumanWare Victor Reader Trek GPS device. The 2020 camp dates are June 24?July 1. Applications are due by April 1, 2020.
>>>>> You can view a Fox Sports clip about camp, read camper stories and download an application at LeaderDog.org.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Rachelle Kniffen
>>>>>
>>>>> Director of Communications & Marketing
>>>>> Leader Dogs for the Blind
>>>>> 1039 S. Rochester Rd. ? Rochester Hills, MI 48307-3115
>>>>> Direct (248) 659-5013
>>>>> Toll Free (888) 777-5332
>>>>>
>>>>> To learn more about our programs and services visit LeaderDog.org
>>>>> We are always in need of volunteers to raise our puppies. Learn more at LeaderDog.org/puppy
>>>>>
>>>>> Our mission is to empower people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
>>>>>
>>>>> Disclaimer: This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------
>>>
>>> Message: 2
>>> Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2020 00:12:47 -0600
>>> From: "nancy Lynn" <seabreeze.stl at gmail.com>
>>> To: "NFBC List" <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>, "Seniors"
>>> <NFBNJ-Seniors at nfbnet.org>
>>> Subject: [NFBC-Info] 20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for
>>> blind and visually impaired people, from Top Tech Tidbits
>>> Message-ID: <1FC6A21AF8A249B1A30E280A8E135FE7 at nancyPC>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>>>
>>> We know most of this stuff, but this is great to share with your sighted friends and family, maybe even to drop hints at gift time. LOL.
>>> Got the following from Top Tech Tidbits and thought some might be interested.
>>>
>>>
>>> https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2020/01/19/20-things-the-amazon-echo-can-make-easier-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people/
>>>
>>> 20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for blind and visually impaired people
>>>
>>> I?m sure you all know by now that I have a keen interest in technology and that I love all things assistive tech. From my
>>> iPhone,
>>> laptop and braille display, technology plays a huge part in my
>>> life.
>>>
>>> I?ve had an Amazon Echo for around three years now, in fact, our Alexa collection has grown, and we have quite a few around the house.
>>>
>>> I was very intrigued by the Amazon Echo when it was first released and started to become popular due to the fact that it was mainstream technology that
>>> seemed fully accessible for someone with no useful vision like myself.
>>>
>>> Companies like Amazon have normalised voice activated technology in a way, making the products something that everyone would find useful, whether you have
>>> sight or not. I?m a firm believer that companies like Amazon, Apple and Microsoft are leading the way in terms of making mainstream technology accessible.
>>>
>>> It is worth noting that every Amazon Echo is fully accessible for people with a visual impairment, including the Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Echo Spot
>>> which both have screens. Amazon have thought of accessibility for these devices for people with a visual impairment as they developed a screen-reader called
>>> VoiceView, and also have other features such as a screen magnifier, colour inversion and colour correction. These
>>> accessibility features
>>> are built into the devices. There are also features for people with a hearing impairment.
>>>
>>> At first, I did wonder if I would use the Amazon Echo, but I can safely tell you that I use it every single day. Would I be without Alexa now? Definitely
>>> Not.
>>>
>>> A photo of a grey Amazon Echo Dot next to a Turquoise box
>>>
>>> In 2019, Amazon launched an
>>> advert
>>> which highlighted how technology can benefit the lives of people with sight loss and make a real difference. The advert demonstrated how people can carry
>>> out their morning routine by using their Amazon Echo to check the time and the weather.
>>>
>>> In the advert, the woman wakes up, makes herself a coffee and then gets ready to head out. She asks Alexa the time and the weather, the advert also features
>>> a guide dog and viewers then realise that she has a visual impairment.
>>>
>>> I think this advert is a great way of highlighting how the Amazon Echo is useful for people with a visual impairment.
>>>
>>> I often see blind and visually impaired people asking questions about whether they think the Amazon Echo would be useful for them or a family member with
>>> a visual impairment and what they can be used for, so I thought I?d share some things that they can make a bit easier for blind and visually impaired people.
>>>
>>> Finding out the date and time
>>>
>>> It sounds like something so simple but asking Alexa the date and time is really useful, especially if you don?t have a phone or similar device to hand.
>>>
>>> A photo of an Amazon Echo Spot showing the time in the middle of a coloured home screen
>>>
>>> Setting alarms and reminders
>>>
>>> When I was younger, I?d have a clock on my bedside table that I used to have to press various buttons in order to set an alarm to wake me up in the morning,
>>> then I moved onto setting alarms on my phone as it was much easier and a lot quicker.
>>>
>>> Alexa makes setting alarms very quick and simple; you can even wake up to one of your favourite tunes.
>>>
>>> In terms of reminders, I constantly used my phone and wrote them down in the notes or reminders apps, but with Alexa I can set reminders very quickly and
>>> she will announce them for me, I also get a notification on my phone so I never miss them.
>>>
>>> Adding things to your shopping list or to-do list
>>>
>>> You can ask Alexa to add items to your shopping list or to-do list, you can then access them when you?re out shopping for example using the Alexa app.
>>> It?s a great way of staying organised!
>>>
>>> Checking the weather
>>>
>>> Most people check the weather on a phone app, but I find it a lot easier to ask Alexa what the current weather is. It?s also great to do before you go
>>> out. She gives great detail such as telling you whether it?s raining, cloudy or sunny, and is very accurate.
>>>
>>> You can set up your location on the Alexa app. If you want the weather first thing on a morning, then you can set up routines and she?ll read it out loud
>>> as part of a list of actions.
>>>
>>> Getting the latest news
>>>
>>> Alexa has a range of skills for this, it means that you are able to get the news just with one simple command and stay up to date with what?s going on
>>> in the world.
>>>
>>> Using smart plugs
>>>
>>> I recently got an Amazon Smart Plug and let me tell you, it?s fantastic! I?d been debating whether to purchase one or not for a while as I didn?t know
>>> if I?d use it and what I?d use it for, but now that I have one, I?m planning on purchasing some more!
>>>
>>> I find it an essential and very useful accessibility feature.
>>>
>>> Smart plugs enable you to operate anything that runs on electric with Alexa. I have my plug connected to my straighteners and it?s great just being able
>>> to tell Alexa to turn them on or off.
>>>
>>> One of the things that I really like about some Smart Plugs is that they make a clicking sound when being turned on/off which is really helpful for me
>>> as someone with no useful vision. I can?t say whether all smart plugs do this but some certainly do, it is a feature that is very helpful.
>>>
>>> A photo of an Amazon Echo
>>>
>>> Controlling the heating
>>>
>>> Rather than using physical controls on a thermostat, it is possible to control the heating from a smartphone or Alexa with certain devices. Heating controls
>>> can sometimes be a bit difficult if you can?t see so being able to control it through the Amazon Echo makes it easy and accessible.
>>>
>>> We recently purchased an Alexa compatible thermostat and it is brilliant, I?m able to turn the heating on and off without worrying whether I?ve done it
>>> correctly.
>>>
>>> Controlling the lights
>>>
>>> Some blind and visually impaired people suffer with sensitivity to light, so being able to dim the lights or turn them on/off with smart plugs and bulbs
>>> can really help with this.
>>>
>>> We have a couple of smart bulbs around the house and they are very useful.
>>>
>>> Managing calendars
>>>
>>> I primarily use my phone calendar to keep track of what I have going on, but I can just ask Alexa to tell me what I have on that day and she will tell
>>> me. You can also add events by voice.
>>>
>>> It is a great way of keeping organised and staying on top of what you have going on.
>>>
>>> Finding recipes
>>>
>>> Society seems to have this idea that blind and visually impaired people can?t cook, well let me tell you, we actually can. We have our own methods and
>>> adaptions when cooking independently.
>>>
>>> You can find new and interesting recipes just by speaking to Alexa, she will then read out the ingredients, the cooking methods etc.
>>>
>>> Setting timers
>>>
>>> You can set a timer quickly just by using your voice and Alexa will let you know when the timer is up, you can also ask her how long is left on the timer.
>>>
>>> Listening to the radio
>>>
>>> Just by using one command, you can listen to your favourite radio stations.
>>>
>>> A photo of an Amazon Echo Show, the screen shows that RNIB Connect Radio is currently playing with a Red background
>>>
>>> Listening to music
>>>
>>> There isn?t a day that goes by where I don?t listen to music, whether I?m streaming music or listening to the radio, I?ve always got some sort of music
>>> playing.
>>>
>>> Listening to music on the Amazon Echo is really easy to do and it has a great sound as well. It is even better that you can link your Amazon Echo with
>>> streaming services such as Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music.
>>>
>>> Reading
>>>
>>> Many years ago in my experience there didn?t used to be a great deal of books transcribed into braille or many audio books, unlike there is today.
>>>
>>> Things like Audible, Kindle and Apple Books have transformed reading and made audiobooks and eBooks something that is no longer just for people with a
>>> visual impairment, they can be for anyone and everyone.
>>>
>>> You can play books from Audible or Kindle on the Amazon Echo with one command and Alexa will start reading straight away.
>>>
>>> One feature that I love is that I can listen to a book on my iPhone or iPad and then pick up where I left off on my Amazon Echo.
>>>
>>> Reading the TV guide
>>>
>>> I?ve never actually been able to read the TV guide unless I?ve asked a sighted person to read it to me or looked online, but now Alexa can tell me what?s
>>> on TV.
>>>
>>> Sighted people can just look at the TV to see what?s on whereas many people with sight loss can?t, so that?s where Alexa comes in.
>>>
>>> The TV guide skill is great for knowing what?s on TV when, and you can even get it to remind you when a show is on.
>>>
>>> Searching and getting information
>>>
>>> Most of the time I will use my phone or computer to search online for the information I need, but asking Alexa some things such as opening times for a
>>> business, finding a restaurant, finding out what?s on at the cinema and much more is really quick and simple.
>>>
>>> This is great if you need to find something out quickly and takes the hassle away from trying to navigate inaccessible websites.
>>>
>>> Purchasing items from your product history
>>>
>>> If you are an Amazon Prime member then you can re-order products from your order history by talking to Alexa.
>>>
>>> If you have an Amazon Echo Show or Echo Spot, then you can also search for products.
>>>
>>> Voice shopping is a very convenient and accessible way of shopping.
>>>
>>> Communication
>>>
>>> You can make calls and send messages using Alexa, you can also drop-in to other Echo devices that you have around the home. I don?t use these features
>>> as much but they do come in useful from time to time.
>>>
>>> Connecting devices via Bluetooth
>>>
>>> You can connect a smartphone or other device via Bluetooth and use the Amazon Echo as a speaker. I sometimes use this when listening to books from RNIB
>>> Overdrive for example.
>>>
>>> Playing accessible games
>>>
>>> As all of the games are played by voice on any Amazon Echo, they are fully accessible for blind and visually impaired people as there are no visual aspects.
>>>
>>> A photo of an Amazon Echo Show which has a background picture of the mountains and clouds on the screen
>>>
>>> You can do even more things by using skills, they are similar to phone and tablet Apps and bring your Echo to life. There are thousands of skills that
>>> really enhance your experience using Alexa. There are skills in many categories ? food and drink, games, health and fitness, movies and tv, music and podcasts,
>>> news, productivity, shopping, sports, travel and the weather just to name a few. There are also kid skills that will keep the little ones entertained.
>>>
>>> All skills are fully accessible for blind and visually impaired people as you use them by interacting with Alexa.
>>>
>>> That is just a bit of an insight into why the Amazon Echo is great for people with a visual impairment and how some of the features are beneficial for
>>> people with sight loss.
>>>
>>> I also hope this post shows that technology can make such a huge difference for blind and visually impaired people.
>>>
>>> Do you have an Amazon Echo? If so, do you have any other features to add? Let me know in the comments.
>>>
>>> Holly x
>>>
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