Tech it Out

From standalone reading hardware, like the Victor Reader Stream, to your phone, tablet or braille display, there are a number of accessible reading options. We also covered a wide variety of book sources, including Bookshare, BARD, Kindle, Audible and OverDrive.

This session was all about GPS apps to help you navigate your world. We discussed widely available options like Google Maps and Apple Maps as well as more specialized apps like BlindSquare, Lazarillo and Nearby Explorer, which were specifically designed for those with visual impairment.

It's easy to think of places we'd like to go, but it's not always easy figuring out how to get there. This month, we covered rideshare apps and services such as Uber, Lyft, Go Go Grandparent, and Curb for taxis. We also explored safely requesting transportation even without a smartphone.

From puzzles to multiplayer role-playing games, the world of gaming is expansive. We discussed tactile games, smartphone games, and video game consoles, such as Xbox and PlayStation. Participants shared their favorite games and learned some new ones!

We live in the age of smart TVs, streaming, and voice-guided narration. But with all the options for fun can come confusion. During this Tech it Out, we discussed where to find audio-described content, how to get the most out of a Smart TV, and what the options are for streaming content.

There are several tech-enabled tools out there that you can use to act as your visual guide or assistant. Some involve artificial intelligence; others use human assistance. We walked through several options and compared our experiences.

Listen in as Ricky Enger and the Hadley Tech It Out community ask questions and discuss their experiences with digital assistants, like Alexa, Siri and Google.

Home delivery of restaurant food or meal kits to cook yourself is now easier than ever. There are several options available, depending on your location. We will discuss our experiences using these services as visually impaired diners.

Technology today can really make the chore of grocery shopping much easier. Online ordering and home delivery takes much more of the hassle out of the process.