Navigationally Challenged

It’s hard to imagine life without a sense of sight. Take a moment and think about the simple tasks you do every day that would be a challenge…telling the time, handling cash, reading a menu. The list is infinite, but I try to remind myself that these mundane tasks are not always mundane for those with disabilities.

(visual of Apple iPhone)

I don’t have to tell you that we live in a culture of constant connection, but I want you to think about how your connections would be different with limited or no vision. Let’s take the use of your phone for instance. How would you text message? What problems do the touchscreen phones create? What apps could you use? Can you even use a smartphone with apps? For those of us who are sighted, it’s hard to imagine how these things would work.

Braille is the main way that those with visual impairments acquire information, but how feasible is the use of Braille with modern devices and programs?

(visual of hands reading a book in Braille)

I am happy to report that technology has made accessible many of the features and gadgets that we are used to. There is still a long way to go- and lots of work that companies need to make to ensure that their products and services are fully accessible.

Here is a link to a website that has some concept devices that will bridge the technology gap between those of us with vision and those of us who have impairments.

http://www.concept-phones.com/?s=visually+impaired

Product reviews are even offered for some of the devices. Again, most of these seem to be produced and sold in other countries. For those of you who have visual impairments, do you feel that the U.S. is as abreast of visual accessibility issues as other countries?

I was also pleased to see a few devices on the list that served those with hearing and visual impairments. People with multiple sensory impairments will hopefully benefit from technology that allows them to connect in ways never thought possible.

I'm sure at some point in your youth you probably closed your eyes for a few minutes and tried to navigate down the hallway in your house or around your backyard. Right now I'd like you to close your eyes and respond to an email, check your Facebook page, or surf the web. Getting information and staying connected in modern times is a marvelous thing. However, for those who can't see it will take more than a white cane to help them get around.

“What I am looking for is not "out there", it is in me”- Helen Keller