#Assistive Technology

[prawnlegs]

today I learned about "thumb book holders" in my search for ways to read giant fantasy paperbacks without injuring myself, and then I realized I could make one out of the 20-year-old polymer clay that I had lying around... so I did. and god DAMN it's more effective than I ever expected, so I thought everyone should know about them. You can get really cheap mass-produced ones but this was fun to make and I'll probably make more ᕕ( �� )ᕗ

[flowercrowncrip]

I realised I’m using a new disability aid that some people on here might find helpful! It’s called a sixth digit from ActiveHands

ID 1: a photo of a Sixth Digit - a plastic stylus with a metal end with two loops to go over your fingers. ID 2: the same device worn on a hand with a wrist splint. The short stylus comes out perpendicular to the pinky finger /end IDs

It is like an extra finger to help people with poor hand function type and use touch screens. It slides on like a ring over your last two fingers so there’s no need to be able to grip it at all. They even work with my resting hand splints if anyone uses those.

VD: the sixth digit is used on a tablet to scroll the disability tag on tumblr /end VD

I’m struggling more and more with voice control at the moment because of my speech impairment so I’ve been looking for other ways of accessing technology and this has been huge. The biggest issue for me has been moving my arms accurately and reaching the device I’m using.

As well as touchscreens I’ve also used it for ATMs (I can type my own pin!), and as they come in pairs I’ve been able to use a mechanical typewriter (very slowly, but once I’m set up with pillows supporting my arms it’s weirdly easier for me than typing on an electric keyboard)

[turtley-ausome]

Finaly got screwdriver and help and got the new pink frame case on my Accent AAC device yay its so prety!

[cripplecharacters]

Hello! I have a fantasy Dnd campaign (Homebrewed) and I am writing a warrior character with Selective Mutism due to Autism/Social anxiety. I am writing that when he is not capable of speech he uses his Familiar, (who is also his support animal), to act as a communication method by projecting certain thoughts via telepathy. I am trying to not make it a cure-all by having this form of communication "clipped" since isolating and sending only specific thoughts requires great concentration. He also writes as a form of communication but in situations where writing equipment is limited he uses this.

Is there any way I can further avoid the "Magic cures-all trope"

Hi asker,

I personally like this, it seems like a cool idea. It's like a temporary AAC – I would liken it to someone who loses speech sometimes and uses a text to speech on their phone. It's not perfect, it takes more effort than an immediate magical cure-all, and it is an accessibility aid for your character.

It makes sense that the communication is clipped, too – the animal isn't used to 'speaking' and the character is more used to speaking or writing than to communicating in this way, but it works for him in the situation.

I think you're doing a good job of it! Hope this helps,

mod sparrow

[whatshouldwecallchronicillness]

Looking at all the assistive tech I can't afford...

[astridellejo]

Kitab - Assistive Technology

Transcript Below:

1. [pointing to my throat and left ear] Astrid: I can't use my voice anymore due to abductor spasmodic dysphonia. Astrid: Plus I have audio processing issues and actual hearing loss.

2. [signing: COMMUNICATE] Astrid: So I could use some assistive technology to help me communicate.

3. [wearing AirPods in a crowd - On the right, a maxed out volume in the red goes down to four pips of green on the right.] Astrid: The new Apple AirPods Pro 2 are apparently hearing aid quality. Astrid: I could use the noise cancelling to help me hear in crowded environments.

4. [holding an iPad Mini in my left hand and an Apple Pencil in my right hand] Astrid: The iPad Mini is my favorite iPad size. Astrid: And the new one is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro.

5. [I'm writing on the iPad Mini while surrounded by paper notes] Astrid: Since I can't speak now, I could use this to write notes. Astrid: It saves paper and keeps my communication ephemeral, like speaking. Notes: Yeah, my voice is broken. - If you speak clearly. - I'd … a latte please. - Where is the bathroom? - I'm still learning ASL.

6. [enjoying music, represented by a staff of assorted notes floating up and away] Astrid: Of course, I can also use this for digital art and listen to music. Astrid: Bonus!

7. [Sarita is in a white dress and has her arms crossed. Astrid signs: YES] Sarita: You're just trying to justify dropping $1000 on fancy toys. Astrid: Well, I mean, yeah.

8. [Sarita still has her arms crossed. Astrid signs: DRAW] Sarita: Do you even have $1000? Astrid: Of course not! I draw comics and post them on the internet. How would I have money?!

[pixierainbows]

World Day for Assistive Technology

[appellatedefender]

Did anyone else notice the very cool watch Matt is wearing in the toasting scene at the end of episode 3 (screenshot above)? It's called the Eone Bradley watch. (Click on the link for the full story about the watch.)

[blindgamermisadventures]

Hi! May I ask how you deal with pictures that don't have an image description, please?

Not many on tumblr are going to like the answer, but AI. The app Be My Eyes has a “Be My AI” mode that you can select photos and it will do its best to describe them. Seeing AI has a similar mode. I know most people on tumblr hate AI for what it’s doing for jobs and creativity, but for the disabled community it’s helping with independence, communication, and better understanding of the world around us.

Here is an example!

Neat isn’t it?!

[mintyscuriocabinet]

I made some userboxes!

These are all pretty specific to me, but if any of them are relevant to you, you can use them if you rb! This goes for all of these except the first two as they include my own art. Hope you like them!

[a--ttano]

For those looking to have fanfiction read to them: we have the technology.

Utilising ao3's download function and a TTS (text to speech) robot, you can have any fic read to you. This IS a different experience to listening to a podfic, and you're not likely to find a 1:1 human sounding voice for this, but you will very much have a fic read to you. If this kind of assistive technology will help you out, please use it. That's what it's there for. You don't have to be ticking any kind of disability box to use it.

AI doesn't need to be involved. You can search ao3 as you normally would, download the fic (in epub format ideally), open it in your ebook app, and have your TTS read it to you. Google search "ffn to epub" to find sites converting fanfiction.net links to epub format (other formats are usually available as well).

I have an android phone, and I use:

Librera PRO ebook reader - you can use the free version, Librera, if you don't want to pay/want to try it out first. I use this app every day, and since it is a one time purchase, it was very worth it to buy. This app has hands down the best performance when it comes to integrating TTS functions into its ebook reader that I've experienced.

Acapela TTS voices - these are BOUGHT voices. The TTS most devices come with is, uh, bad, so when I wanted to listen to multiple hours of TTS reading, I decided to buy. Acapela has a wide range of voices in various languages and accents. The basic ones (ideal for reading you a story) cost 3.99 €‎

This post is not about podfic, which is an entirely different thing, but it is also not NOT about podfic. There are more podfics out there than you may realise: fics performed by human artists, recorded, edited, and uploaded to the internet for your listening pleasure. If you prefer an audio experience and the fic you want to read has a podfic available, why not give it a try!

[blindbeta]

Hello, I've been looking through all the links in your pinned post, but just to be sure, is it okay if I ask a few questions regarding on 2 of my prominent characters?

1) One of my characters' eyesight had been degrading since they were young, and though they now take special antiobiotics and treatment to prevent further loss of vision, they're only able to perceive shadows, light, and colors (which largely depends on contrast and lighting of the surroundings). Their cane is their main mobility aid in day-to-day life, but when in combat, they use a device similar to the Focus from Horizon: Zero Dawn. Moving targets like enemies or allies are highlighted/outlined with bright colors to indicate where they are, the colors symbolizing who they are. The device is also capable of scanning text or objects and transcribing them in audio form through an earpiece. I've done my best to research how my character's device can be useful for their lifestyle, but not negate or make their blindness an easily bypassed part of their life, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

2) One of my characters has partial blindess caused by a serious injury to the left side of their face. Their injured eye can only perceive some light and shadow, which affects their depth perception quite a bit. Relying on only one eye has caused strain on their uninjured eye, so they have nearsightedness and need glasses to prevent further damage. This character felt more comfortable to write for me because I'm also nearsighted, although to a lesser degree than my character, and my glasses are mostly to protect my eyes from worsening. So far, I've used my own habits and experiences to describe my character's, but since they are partially blind (which they compensate for by memorizing or mapping out their surroundings, training and practice to determine actual distance, and guides (family and close friends)), my own experiences are hardly enough to make my character seem more realistic. I'd like to ask if there are any mistakes I've made with writing them?

For the first one, I suggest adapting already-existing technology, such as the OrCam MyEye or the Sunu Band. OrCam is worn on glasses and is a device that can already detect surroundings and read text. It can also tell you when someone you know is approaching, such as a neighbor whose face the device recognizes. I don’t know how accurate it is, but I find it helpful to acknowledge that some of these gadgets already exist for realism and accuracy. They are not made up devices that might hypothetically help blind people; they are real and usually invented by people in the blind community themselves.

You can explain that you modeled it after the OrCam or it could be a specialized version of it that includes other features. Color coded enemies and teammates also seems plausible considering OrCam’s recognition feature.

Here is a video demonstrating the OrCam My Eye Pro. You can also go to their website here or look them up on YouTube for more videos.

Please note that some of the features can be found elsewhere or replaced with techniques. For example, someone who folds or organizes their money a certain way or uses a money reader probably wouldn’t need the money identification part of the product. Certain people will like certain features more than others, which could also provide characterization.

While this product is not an option for everyone due to the price, it may be accessible in the scenario you described.

You can also avoid negating their blindness by showing how it impacts them in other ways. A few examples may include navigation techniques, lighting preferences, home layout, assistive devices used at home, how they choose to read (audiobooks, trying to find Braille books they like that are actually available), eye strain, sensory issues, stimulation seeking, interactions with the blind community, sports and activities, etc.

Glasses for protection and the other stuff you outlined sounds good to me.

I love that they use a cane during the day, but what about orientation and navigating uneven ground? I ask because the technology you plan to use during combat scenes wouldn’t help with locating uneven ground or steps.

Could they use the cane for navigating in combat?

While on the subject, a Sunu band might also be helpful. It detects objects at and above waist level. However, it is not a replacement for a cane.

As for your second character, eye strain and fatigue are absolutely going to happen as you described. Your character might sometimes cover their injured eye to reduce strain. They may also need more frequent breaks from use of their uninjured eye, such as when reading or doing desk work.

Taking breaks from screens helps. Managing lighting also helps, such as having enough light to avoid strain, although nothing too harsh. For migraines or eye pain, they might carry medication. At home, they can use hot or cold compresses in addition to eye masks to rest their eyes.

So far, what you have described sounds good. Your own experience should be useful in writing this character. However, I also suggest considering how they navigate stairs and uneven ground when walking. Another common obstacle that arises for people with no depth perception is accidentally dropping cups. To circumvent this, it is helpful to use high contrast, avoid glass, and/or intentionally set the cup on the counter before releasing it.

Lastly, I wanted to add that people with partial vision will often be expected or pressured to rely on it. This character might need to self-advocate, as they could still benefit from audio descriptions, screen-readers, and other assistive technology.

If anyone else has ideas, feel free to share in the notes.

Hope this helps.

[flowercrowncrip]

A handy tip for anyone who uses dictation/voice control on their phone – I've just invested in a cheap wireless microphone and the accuracy of my speech recognition compared to using my phone/tablet microphone is so much better. It's also a lot better than my headset Mike I got through access to work and was only about £20

I haven't tried it outside of a quiet environment yet and I'm not sure if I'm going to because I feel a bit self-conscious wearing a microphone out and about , because I don't want people to think that I'm filming them when I'm just checking my emails or something, but it's already making my life at home a lot easier

[disabilityaware]

Assistive devices are part of one's personal space. Always ask for permission before handling a disabled person's assistive device. This includes the less obvious ones like oxygen tanks and communication boards.

In solidarity,

- Aalya

[cripplecharacters]

Hello again!

I am creating a Deaf character who exists in a somewhat futuristic world. She is an inventor and likes to create things, and I thought it would be cool if she made some of her own aids and devices that would be helpful in her daily life. I do not want to fall into the stereotype of erasing disabilities with tech, obviously no CI that makes you hearing or anything of the sort. I already have some ideas, for example a video phone that can hover or follow them so her hands are free to sign. What aids would help a Deaf person that are not possible with current technology? I’m sure there are many things that would be helpful that I simply would not think of. Many thanks to you all!

Hi!

I think the floating device is a great idea! It's really annoying to hold a phone at the right angle while signing one handed, especially while also moving.

Personally, the thing I would most want to see is widespread access to sign language interpretation. Currently we have online translation services between written languages--with good translation and video production technology, maybe your world could have online sign language translators as well! (Or, if it's the character herself making these aids, maybe she programs a virtual translator herself.) Related to that, a virtual assistant that can do video and typed input and output would be great.

Mod Rock