Coming this fall - the low vision virtual world tour!
See the last article on this page for more info. |
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Basic ConceptsThis is obvious in retrospect, but none of the service organizations that are supposed to help people with low vision have implemented this obvious solution. This is the first real innovation for low vision computer users in at least a generation. If you are using a screen magnifier, you can ditch it. Read more: Basic Concepts | Standalone Smart TVAs a bonus, you can still use it as a big screen TV, not just a "net appliance." But there are a few "gotchas" Read more: Standalone Smart TV | 1 Screen SetupMost people will either buy a pre-made computer or have one built for them with the required specifications, or if they have a recent-enough computer, just use what they have. Read more: 1 Screen Setup | ||
2 Screen SetupWith low vision, to get the same benefits, you will need at least 2 big screen 4k smart TVs. You also need to take into consideration how they're physically set up to get the most out of them. This will depend on factors such as the types of tasks you do, available space, the physical size of the screens, and your personal preferences. Read more: 2 Screen Setup | 3 Screen SetupThree big screens gives a great workflow for people with low vision. Ideal for work-from-home situations, such a setup lets you be at least equal to, if not better than, most people with one or two traditional monitors. 3 screens may seem exaggerated or an unnessary luxury, but once you try it you probably will never want to go back. Even people with normal vision will come away impressed with the greater workflow. Read more: 3 Screen Setup | 4 Screens And 2 UsersThis is effective regardless of vision status. Read more: 4 Screens And 2 Users | ||
100 Inch Video WallPlus, 4 screens laid out horizontally takes up a LOT of space. One solution is to "go vertical." A video wall of 4 screens in a 2x2 grid maintains the functionality of the previous 4-screen layout, just that the side screens are replaced by the top row of screens. Read more: 100 Inch Video Wall | 11 Foot Main ViewThe increased display size of the center screens means I didn't have to further increase font size to keep readability. It also allows me to continue splitting windows into two on each physical screeen (Windows+Left or Windows+Right key) to help avoid overlapping windows and ensuing clutter. Read more: 11 Foot Main View | Operating System1. what the user is used to; 2. the associated hardware costs; 3. available application software; 4. future expandability. For most users, that means Microsoft Windows. Read more: Operating System | ||
Adapted Work SpaceWith the ongoing labour shortage, only the most short-sighted employer won't consider equiping a worker with a big screen 4k TV to accommodate visual handicaps when it costs less than 25 cents a day over the lifespan of a big screen TV. Read more: Adapted Work Space | Work From HomeAnd with the perma-shortage of workers, one way to attract and keep workers is to offer more flexibility via work-from-home. This trend has advantages for low vision users, since many cannot legally drive a vehicle. Remember: Work from home jobs are green jobs. Read more: Work From Home | Add A Web ServerIt's handy to be able to run your own web server locally to test files before you uploat them to the public web server. This is one job that people with low vision are able to do from home, helping support both themselves and the "Green Economy". Read more: Add A Web Server | ||
Audio Screen ReaderThe letter "A" on the left toggles the built-in screen reader on and off. Unlike "JAWS" (Job Access With Speech - $1,545, upgrades are not free) or "NVDA" (Non Visual Desktop Access - free), which both have a frustrating learning curve, the screen reader in Microsoft Edge is free, quick, and easy to use. Read more: Audio Screen Reader | Touch TypingThe "5" key on the number pad also has a raised nub. Touch typing is better than the "HP" (Hunt and Peck) method, and it's not that hard to learn. Anyone wanting to work from home would do well to add touch typing to their skill set. In the long run, being able to took at the screen as you type will reduce typos. Read more: Touch Typing | GamingBut "gaming" is not all about quick reactions and killing. You might not be able to drive a car, but you can still go on a sight-seeing virtual flight - and bring your friends along for free. Read more: Gaming | ||
Proper LightingUnfortunately, many people don't understand the implications of decreased light sensitivity to light in the longer (red) wavelenghts, and use "indoor" lighting instead of "daylight" lighting. Read more: Proper Lighting | Train Your Guide DogAll it requires is a good-natured dog that's eager to please (the shelters are full of such dogs) and some patience and trust. ... and an ordinary leash ... Or just search youtube for a stray Jack Russell guiding a stray blind dog through New York traffic. If dogs can naturally guide each other, they are a natural fit for helping humans. Read more: Train Your Guide Dog | Add A TabletIt's a lot easier reading news articles and web sites on a 10" tablet than on the biggest smartphone. The browser bookmarking system works better than the one on the iPhone, the email program is far better,, and you can add up to a 1 terabyte mini sd flash card for additional storage. And that's not all ... (* Prices in Canadian Dollars) Read more: Add A Tablet | ||
Add A ScannerYou can blow them up on-screen, highlight sections with a graphic program, then email them to others for comment. There are other uses as well. Read more: Add A Scanner | In The Public DomainIt's true, the patent system is so broken that you can patent almost anything. I've placed my research into the public domain so that nobody (not even me) can try to extract fees from users. The costs of license fees for many products reduces adoption by those who need it most and can least afford it. Some things just shouldn't be patented. Read more: In The Public Domain | Why lowvisionpc.comSecondary care technology for people with low vision is still stuck in the 80s. And then there's the wait times ... when it's so much quicker to go to the retailer of your choice, get the necessary equipment, and be online the next day. I tried screen magnifiers. They're outdated crap. Read more: Why lowvisionpc.com | ||
Linux MigrationFor me, the final straw was Microsoft "urging" me to move my simple email program into a web-based derivative of Microsoft 365, which I had already tried and given up on. Most day-to-day users shouldn't have too many problems migrating. And the money saved is a gift that keeps on giving. Read more: Linux Migration | Virtual World TourHopefully the pictures and videos will inspire those with normal vision to talk to people with low vision about how they can explore the world even if they can't drive any more. Read more: Virtual World Tour |