Accessible iPad games

Need some diversion? David Woodbridge, national assistive technology adviser of Vision Australia, tested a variety of accessible games from the App Store, and he recommends the following for blind and low vision users. Topping his list is a game called Feer, where you dodge zombies in the pursuit of high scores.  The others in his… Continue reading Accessible iPad games

FFB Podcast features Michael Stone

The latest episode of the Eye on the Cure Podcast from the Foundation Fighting Blindness features Ensight Adapting to Vision Loss support coach Michael Stone. Michael is a triathlete, skier, rock climber, and businessman who happens to have retinitis pigmentosa. In the podcast he talks to host Ben Shaberman about the adventures and challenges of… Continue reading FFB Podcast features Michael Stone

Curious about guide dogs?

Have you wondered about getting a guide dog?  It’s not a simple decision, and it isn’t for everyone.  Here are some facts to know about guide dogs, including tips for deciding if having one is right for you, and how to get one. Generally, to apply for a dog, an individual must be legally blind… Continue reading Curious about guide dogs?

Birding and low vision

Did you know that vision loss does not mean you can no longer watch birds? Donna Posant is blind, and she teaches birding workshops through Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind in Iona, Michigan.  She has been featured on CBS news and through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology newsltter. Says Posant:  “Without sight, our other senses… Continue reading Birding and low vision

One option for making your TV more accessible

Amazon Fire TV has a number of features that make the TV accessible for individuals with low vision.  Amazon Fire TV is a video streaming device that connects to a television or monitor and lets you watch TV shows and movies from apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and thousands of others. Fire TV works like other media… Continue reading One option for making your TV more accessible

New podcast from our friends at the Audio Information Network of Colorado

Do you find yourself wondering what life is like for other people who have experienced vision loss?  A new podcast called Aftersight produced by the Audio Information Network of Colorado features conversations with people who are blind or have low vision Aftersight is “a podcast about print disability and the life of possibilities that follow.”… Continue reading New podcast from our friends at the Audio Information Network of Colorado

Making credit cards low-vision friendly

Living with an eye disorder presents many challenges, and dealing with money, paper or plastic, may be one.  How do you distinguish one denomination, or one card, from another?  Believe it or not, Mastercard has announced a new design to help sight impaired people orient their card and quickly determine whether it is a credit,… Continue reading Making credit cards low-vision friendly

Emotional response to vision loss: Finding support

Whether you were recently diagnosed with a vision disorder or are experiencing ongoing changes in sight, you may be grappling with a range of intense emotions.  Grief, fear, anger, and frustration are common responses to vision loss:  they are normal and you are not alone in feeling them.  Vision loss affects your lifestyle, family, and… Continue reading Emotional response to vision loss: Finding support

Talking to People in Public Places

When I talk to people participating in our Adapting to Vision Loss program the question people most often raise is “How do I talk to people in public?” They feel awkward about asking for help, unsure of how to do it, uncertain if it is a good idea to tell people they have limited sight. … Continue reading Talking to People in Public Places

The Blind Life YouTube Channel

There is an ever-increasing amount of low-vision information online.  From websites to podcasts to YouTube channels, you can find individual stories of vision loss and adaptation, the latest research studies, and reviews of brand-new assistive technology devices.  But one program stands out for it’s engaging, informative, and in-depth tips for living with low vision and… Continue reading The Blind Life YouTube Channel

Iphone Pro 12 can tell you about your surroundings

Love learning about the latest in smart phone accessibility?  Here is an exciting new development:  The iPhone 12 Pro has a LiDAR sensor, the technology used in driverless cars that employs lasers to judge distances and depth. The feature provides augmented reality experiences, meaning it can provide digital and in-depth information about objects and surroundings.  The feature can… Continue reading Iphone Pro 12 can tell you about your surroundings

Ensight instructor on orientation and mobility

Danielle Burden began working with Ensight as an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist in 2017.  She provides O&M training for Ensight consumers and is also a Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialist for Greeley District School System in Weld County. Q: Are white canes only for people who are completely… Continue reading Ensight instructor on orientation and mobility

Digital app provides help to people with glaucoma

Glaucoma (NEI)

This March during World Glaucoma Week researchers from City University London, supported by Allergan Pharmaceuticals and Glaucoma UK released the latest edition of an app to help people newly diagnosed with glaucoma.  The Glaucoma in Perspective app provides glaucoma education in a simple, visual, jargon-free, easy to use format, which helps patients and their families… Continue reading Digital app provides help to people with glaucoma

Starbucks is focusing on accessibility for people with low vision

Starbucks coffeeshop now offers all of its customers at its stores free access to Aira, a smartphone app that connects blind and low-vision people with visual interpreters, as part of the coffee giant’s push for more inclusive retail.  The app, which is free to download, offers various monthly subscription plans based on the number of minutes needed. Starbucks… Continue reading Starbucks is focusing on accessibility for people with low vision

Shot in the Dark

If you are looking for a good documentary to watch this holiday season, consider “A Shot in the Dark,” the story of Anthony Ferraro’s journey as a blind wrestler.  Ferraro is a 24 year old who was on his way to the 2020  Paralympics when it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Today he… Continue reading Shot in the Dark