Episode 5 - Be My Eyes & Aira

Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin. If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. Whenever I find myself needing some sort of assistance, such as reading some text or finding some misplaced object, there is a certain phrase I've got into the habit of shouting to my family: "Can I borrow some eyes..." No matter how independent you are, there will be times where you wish you could just pull out a working pair of eyes from your pocket. In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, I'll show you two smartphone apps that allow you to do exactly that. They are available for both Android and iPhone, very easy to use and incredibly useful for us as blind or partially sighted people. Using your smartphone and these apps, you can connect to a real life person who is able to see whatever you're pointing your phone at and can assist you with whatever problem you are having. I'll be showing you how to use these apps and also making some live calls to demonstrate how helpful people can be. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me: [email protected] Below are the timestamps for the topics covered. (2:00) How these apps work (5:11) Using Be My Eyes (15:19) The difference between Be My Eyes and Aira (19:28) Using Aira

About Shaun of the Shed

Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer.

Host Shaun Preece is an audio producer from Manchester who has a real passion for technology. Despite being born with a visual impairment, Shaun's sight has worsened over the years and as such he has depended more on assistive technology.

You can also hear Shaun on AMI's Double Tap podcast, airing weekly at noon Eastern on AMI-audio or download it from your favourite podcast platform.

About AMI

AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal.

Learn more at AMI.ca

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Email [email protected]