September Newsletter No.294
The subtle changes in vision that could be Alzheimer’s
DEMENTIA symptoms include difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and having slower thoughts. But, you could also be at risk of Alzheimer’s disease if you develop a subtle change to your vision. When should you consider speaking to a doctor about Alzheimer’s disease symptoms? Full details here:
Voice-activated assistive technology for users with sight loss
In Your Pocket is a simple way for blind and partially sighted people to access the RNIB Library and RNIB Newsagent services, as well as make phone calls. In Your Pocket is a voice controlled phone, streaming media player and vision assistant – designed specifically for people who are blind or have low vision. For £22 (composite VAT) per month, as part of a 24-month contract, or for a single payment of £528 (composite VAT) you will have a subscription to RNIB Newsagent, Talking Books and connectivity to O2 with 3GB of mobile data, unlimited UK phone calls and texts, all provided with the touch-screen handset complete with the RealSAM interactive speech software. In Your Pocket gets updated with new capabilities every month, and now includes the Be My Eyes vision assistant. The new In Your Pocket is now available. To find out more, please visit the In Your Pocket website.
Wearable technology helping blind people maintain social distance
The Sunu Band is an advanced mobility aid for the blind and severely sight impaired. Worn like a watch or wristband, the device uses sonar and echolocation to detect objects in the wearer’s path and then provides haptic vibrations to supply information on proximity. The closer the object, the more frequent the vibrations, which then fade when the object is further away.
A glimpse into aging eyes
As we get older, many of us will experience loss of vision to varying degrees. But for some, vision loss can interfere with the activities they enjoy, such as reading or other hobbies. Read on to learn more about vision loss and ways you can cope with these changes.
https://hl.nwaonline.com/news/2020/aug/26/a-glimpse-into-aging-eyes/
Looking after your heart with a healthy lifestyle also staves off eye disease and sight loss
US researchers have linked good cardiovascular health from a healthy diet, regular exercise and not smoking with lower odds for ocular diseases.
LEGO launches Braille bricks for children with visual impairment
LEGO is launching Braille Bricks, a fresh method of play designed to help children with vision impairment develop new skills and learn the Braille writing system.After a successful pilot scheme launched in April 2019, LEGO Braille Bricks have now launched in seven countries, partnering with sight loss businesses in Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, UK and the USA.
https://www.digitalmarketnews.com/lego-launches-braille-bricks-for-children-with-vision-impairment/
An App for the blind that can read product labels
Google’s artificial intelligence can now identify groceries in a supermarket. The new development is designed to help people with visual impairments. It is part of the Google Lookout app, which aims to help people with low vision or blindness better navigate in space, according to the BBC.
The new update adds the ability for a computer voice to say out loud what food, according to the application, a person is holding, depending on its appearance. Google says the feature “will be able to distinguish between a can of corn and a can of green beans.”
https://freenews.live/created-an-app-for-the-blind-that-reads-product-labels/
Blind teenager captivates social media
A British TikToker has captivated social media with a simple explanation of how she both creates and consumes online content as a blind person.
‘Please give me space’ badges to help people who can’t socially distance
The Government has issued new “Please give me space” badges for people who struggle with social distancing. Official cards which make it clear that the user might have difficulties with the guidance – such as those who are blind or partially sighted – can now be printed off or downloaded for use on mobile phones.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/official-please-give-space-badges-22475810