Posts In: Access Technology

By Karl Belanger

By Karl Belanger Smartphones are ubiquitous. People use them for calling, texting, navigation, and gaming. While current smartphones are accessible, using touchscreens nonvisually presents a learning curve. Getting used to specialized gestures and acclimating to typing on completely flat surfaces can even pose as deterrents to potential users.

In a world overflowing with technology, few innovations genuinely stand out for their potential to change the way blind and low-vision users live independently. The Lyriq Assistive Reader is one such device, which will transform the way individuals with visual impairments access and enjoy physical text.

By Karl Belanger

By Karl Belanger It seems odd at first for a company to come out with a dedicated navigation device. Apps handle this task so well. Humanware’s Stellar Trek is just that—a stand-alone GPS device with Optical Character Recognition and address-finding capabilities. 

By Matt Hackert

By Dezman Jackson

by Karen Anderson

By Karl Belanger The Orbit Writer came on the market in 2020 as an inexpensive Braille input keyboard for use with smartphones and computers. The Hable One is another Braille input keyboard, designed specifically for smartphones. Unlike the Orbit Writer, the Hable has keys arranged to make it easier to hold and type. If you have used Braille input on your phone in the screen away mode, the keyboard closely mimics that arrangement. The Hable is a solid little device that works well for both typing in Braille and controlling the phone. At $350 it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it certainly feels sturdy and may certainly be worth it if you do a lot of Braille input on the go.

By Justin Young I have been a member of the National Federation of the Blind since 2009 when I was involved in the New York Association of Blind Students. I have always had a passion for legislative and advocacy work. I have held several leadership roles in the New York affiliate since 2017, and I was excited to be asked to join the national staff as a government affairs specialist in late January 2022. Some of our legislative priorities that I work on include the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act and the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which I gave a few updates on during the 2022 National Convention.