July Newsletter 308
New innovations in assistive technology
A list of potentially useful new devices to watch out for including: Elderly-friendly computers, assistance device for visually impaired users and smart glasses. More details here:
https://www.techpluto.com/5-innovations-in-assistive-technology-to-keep-on-your-radar/
PIP: help if you have sight conditions
Individuals may need additional help when it comes to vision loss, and this is what PIP will be able to help with. Whether it is getting out and about through driving modifications, or through a guide dog or long cane, or simply being able to complete tasks such as reading or writing, support may be necessary. This is a matter which has been confirmed by the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB). The charity has explained PIP can be good for those with sight loss, actively encouraging individuals to check their eligibility.
Call to make diabetes technology more sight loss accessible
Making technology more accessible could help blind and partially sighted people better manage their diabetes, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Further details:
https://www.opticianonline.net/news/call-to-make-diabetes-technology-more-sight-loss-accessible
Army veteran tells of horror of sight loss condition
An army veteran has told of the horrors of a traumatic sight loss condition in a bid to encourage others to seek help. Sight loss charities say they had noticed veterans reporting increased or changing CBS experiences during the pandemic,and are now offering telephone support groups as a result. CBS is a common condition, which can affect people of any age with sight loss. It causes hallucinations which can vary from person to person. Some veterans had kept silent for years about their experiences, unaware of CBS and fearing the hallucinations were signs of mental illness, dementia or even paranormal hauntings. Veteran John Baptie said he found the support group and talking to people with similar experiences a “great help”.
8 memoirs by blind authors
Leona Godin, author of “There Plant Eyes,” recommends true stories about blindness in a sight-centric world
Penguin Random House UK donates its audiobooks to RNIB charity library
Penguin Random House UK has donated all of its audiobooks to the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) talking books library. The collection currently includes around 6,000 titles and will be gradually added to RNIB’s talking book platform in instalments on an ongoing basis. Among the books to be uploaded are novels from some of the world’s bestselling authors, such as James Patterson, Lee Child and Sophie Kinsella.
https://www.thebookseller.com/news/prh-donates-all-its-audiobooks-charity-blind-people-1262105