June Newsletter 290
Google artificial intelligence could predict eye condition behind vision loss
Google has developed an Artificial intelligence (AI)-based system that performed as well as, and in certain cases better than, clinicians in predicting the progression of a common eye condition that can cause vision loss.
Church minister who fell in love with art after sight loss
Emma Major said “Before I lost my sight I was useless at art. Since then I have found my passion for creativity and have learnt to embrace the process without worrying that it is going to look bad. For me, art is relaxing and something I enjoy doing, not something that needs to be beautiful, amazing or published”
https://www.wokinghampaper.co.uk/the-church-minister-who-fell-in-love-with-art-after-sight-loss/
Meile launches washing machine for visually impaired users
Currently, there are more than 2 million people in the UK who are blind or have severe sight loss. They have very limited options when buying home appliances because few are designed with their needs in mind. Last year, the Research Institute for Disabled Customers (RiDC) created a list of recommended accessibility featuresfor washing machines. The body came up with seven categories of features to look out for, including tactile elements, audio output and simplicity of use. Meile designed a machine with these guidelines in mind.
Facebook gives tips about how to make social media posts accessible and easy to read
https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2020/05/facebook-shares-new-set-of-tips-to-make-social-media-posts-accessible-and-easy-to-read-by-everyone.html
Student develops audio-only horror game accessible for people with sight-loss
A Tayside student has used his studies to create a horror game which captures imagination through the use of sound.
Coronavirus: Government faces legal action threat over inaccessible information
A disabled campaigner has warned the UK government that its failure to provide vital public health information about the pandemic crisis in an accessible format is risking the lives of blind and partially-sighted people.
Rachael Andrews, who uses screen-reading software, has told 10 Downing Street she will launch a legal action if it fails to promise that its future communications with the public on COVID-19 will be accessible to her and others.