Anchors Aweigh! (221)

we’re back with the special episode featuring our anchor topic. Jill contributes as Terry and Keith talk about their recent training and the reason for our brief hiatus.

Quick recap

Jill listens in while Keith and Terry discussed their recent experiences with various devices and software, including GPS devices, mobility aids, and assistive technology for the visually impaired. They also shared their experiences with manual skills projects, such as playing the banjo and working with clay, and their experiences with kitchen appliances. The group also discussed their experiences with various assistive devices they received from the Hines BRC, including a dollar bill identifier, a Colorino, a level indicator, and a pen friend.

Summary

Keith and Terry discuss their recent stay at Heinz for training, which began with both of them contracting Covid-19 upon arrival. They share stories about ordering and enjoying Chicago deep-dish pizzas during their time there, noting the substantial size and weight of the pizzas compared to what they’re used to. Terry mentions visiting a facility that helps hospitalized veterans and receiving various craft projects to work on. The conversation also touches on Jill’s recently completed bathroom renovation project.

We toss aside our usual structure of segments and focus on our Anchor Topic. After our opening remarks, and a discussion of traveling to the facility we start out with Orientation and Mobility. The entire episode.

GPS Device Challenges and Features

Terry discusses his experience with a new GPS device during orientation and mobility training. The device is compact, similar to a TV remote, but Terry finds the buttons too small and close together, making it difficult to use with his neuropathy. The GPS has additional features similar to the Seeing AI app, including a camera for reading documents, identifying colors, and scanning barcodes. It also allows voice input for addresses and comes with pre-installed maps for easy selection. Terry and Keith debate the practicality of the device’s size, while Jill notes that many users prefer smaller devices for portability.

Keith’s Touch Screen Phone and Rollator

Keith discussed his preference for using a touch screen phone for navigation, despite its battery-draining GPS app, Blind Square. He also shared his experience with a rollator, which was initially intended for him but was mistakenly given to Terry. Keith’s O&M instructor later confirmed the mix-up and offered to return the rollator to Keith, but Keith decided to let Terry keep it. They both ended up with one to use.

Regarding mobility aids, Keith expressed a preference for the handheld version of the tactile mini guide. They also touched on the challenges of using the new rechargeable version, which Terry found difficult to turn on.

Low Vision

The conversation then shifted to low vision and visual skills, with Keith mentioning the use of OrCam and its potential for document scanning and saving on a computer. However, the specifics of how to hook it up to the computer were not fully clarified.

OrCam Stand for Hands-Free Reading

Issues with their computer time settings were discussed, with Keith suggesting a method to set the time using a QR code. They also discussed the use of a stand for their OrCam device, which allows for hands-free reading of documents placed under it. Jill clarified the purpose of the stand, which is to hold the OrCam device in the correct position for reading documents.

Computers and Technology

Keith shared that he received a new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch 10, and his old Apple Watch 7 was given to Robin. Keith also mentioned that he is getting a new computer and software update. Terry learned about the Microsoft Access with Speech (MARS) feature on Windows 11 computers, which allows for dictation into documents.