Computers are capable of providing people with severe vision loss unprecedented access to a range of information, recreation and leisure options. In addition, technology can have a tremendous impact on one's ability to accomplish many of the daily tasks which become more difficult with impaired vision. Some examples include:
With the use of a scanner and specialized optical character recognition or optical character reader (OCR) technology, printed material can be easily scanned into one's computer and then be read either with a screen reader or a screen magnification software program. Keep in mind that this technology is not yet able to recognize and translate hand-written material.
One of the most frustrating tasks for people with significant vision loss is managing their finances, including keeping track of bank accounts, paying bills, reviewing bank statements, etc. Now, thanks to on-line banking, all these tasks have become a lot more accessible. Many banks now offer separate "pages" on their websites with specific instructions for users of screen readers. In addition to your bank account, you can also access your various accounts with different merchants, including utility companies, credit cards, etc. This way, you are able to review your monthly bills and manage your finances without sighted assistance.
With the rapid and dramatic increase of shopping options on the internet, this task has become both much easier and accessible, and also enjoyable for people who are blind and visually impaired. Although the level of accessibility varies significantly from site to site, due to government regulations and "good business" procedures, more and more merchants are ensuring that their websites are accessible to all.
As one example, see Day to Day Calendar and Appointment [1] productivity software from Blindspot.com, a maker of accessible software for computers using Windows operating systems.
Or use accessibility features of commercial programs such as Microsoft Office's Outlook, a program that has a calendar, address book, reminders, and email. You can set options such as size of font, color, sound, and keyboard shortcuts to the Outlook tasks you do most often. Read about Outlook's accessibility features. [2]
Newer computers have built-in accessibility features that may help you use any software more easily, including the calendar software you prefer. For Apple Computer users, here is where to learn more about Apple computer's built-in accessibility tools. [3] For computers running various versions of Windows software, read about Microsoft product accessibility features. [4]
No doubt, all this information may seem daunting, especially if your vision loss is recent and/or you may not have been a computer user in the past. However, we encourage you to be open to these possibilities. Try and locate a vision rehabilitation agency and ask for a demonstration of this amazingly varied and life-enhancing technology. Also, find out if there is a local Computer Users Group for people who are blind and have low vision. You will be able to learn a lot and get many ideas and tricks from those already using this technology. Do not get discouraged, the rewards are limitless!
Newer computers have built-in accessibility features that may help you use any software more easily, including any calendar software you prefer. For Apple Computer users, here is where to learn more about Apple computer's built-in accessibility tools. [3]. For computers running various versions of Windows software, read about Microsoft product accessibility features. [4]
Links:
[1] http://www.blindsoftware.com/program_detail.asp?id=16
[2] http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/HP030842211033.aspx
[3] http://www.apple.com/education/accessibility/technology/
[4] http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/default.aspx