February 24 - Universal Access

Printed material poses definite challenges for people who are blind or partially sighted. I often struggle with this. Even though I have some sight, I can’t see print and in a world geared to people who are sighted, print seems to appear everywhere.  How then to overcome the challenge and to open the doors of the printed world for people who can’t see? In other words, how to give universal print access to all.

In the just over thirty years since my own initial sight loss, I have encountered many changes. As you have likely read in my previous posts, I am currently struggling with learning new technology on my computer. I think it will be some time before I master this!

In the meantime, I continue to enjoy recreational reading. This is possible because I am a CNIB Library client. Each week, I receive three books from the main library in Toronto. These come to me postage free. The CNIB Library in conjunction with Canada Post has been offering this service for just over one hundred years. Initially the library began as a small reading room with books in braille. The next step was recorded books on 78 RPM records. I know some people who used this antiquated mode to access their reading material and to me it sounded quite awkward. When I joined the library, books were sent on cassette tapes. Now my books come each on a single CD. I am constantly amazed that whole books, some quite lengthy, can be recorded in this way. I use a small device called a Victor Stream Reader to listen. (Victor Stream is a product of Humanware, a company whose logo, See Things Differently is definitely designed to bridge the gap towards universal print access for people who are print disabled.)

The CNIB Library has a number of different departments. For instance, it offers book services in braille. There is a section for children and juveniles. When I was a student I used the research section. If clients wish to do so, they can download books, magazines and newspapers on their computers and other devices.  It is all a great step forward to universal print access.

This past week when Lyle and I were in Waikiki, we came across a library designated for people who were blind or physically handicapped. I was curious enough to go inside to see what the library had to offer. I learned from the librarian on duty that they had three computers with Zoomtext and JAWS programs. If people wished to become library clients and gain access to audible books, they needed to fill out an application form with a signed medical certificate. Clients could then place a book order which the library would send off to the national library in Washington. The client would then need to wait for the order to be processed before he/she could pick up the book at the local branch. Personally, I thought it was a bit convoluted and I came away appreciating the Canadian system.

There is a picture with this post. It shows me standing beside the library sign which reads

 

State of Hawaii Department of Education

LIBRARY for the BLIND and

PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

Hawaii State Public Library System

The very good part about this picture is that I am wearing shorts and t-shirt, something I am unable to do outside now that we are back in the winter weather of Alberta.

 

Sue standing beside the sign

February 19 - Courtesy Plus

There was standing room only when Lyle and I boarded the trolley bus to Ala Moana Mall. I was groping for a handhold before the bus started moving when the driver left his seat and approached the nearest seated male passenger.  He tapped the man on the shoulder and announced, "Excuse me sir, but this lady is blind and she needs this seat."

I was both grateful and embarrassed. The passenger leapt from his seat and I sat down. To give the passenger credit, I don't think he had noticed my cane.

Anyway, the incident was small but left me feeling pretty good about people.  Courtesy is alive and well in Waikiki.

February 16 - White Canes and Luggage

Using a white cane in one hand and carrying anything else in the other can be tricky.  Once when I was travelling alone I decided to take a small handbag.  After all, many women carry a purse or handbag.  For me it was a big mistake.  I couldn't manage the purse in the same hand as my cane, and if I used the other arm the purse kept banging between the arm of my guide and myself as I took her arm.

These days Lyle and I have worked in it a system that will works for us.  We both wear backpacks and Lyle pulls our one shared suitcase with his left hand.  I take his right elbow and use my cane in my right hand.  It simplifies packing knowing that there will only be one suitcase.

I know that every person will work out their own way of doing things.  The other night at the airport I saw another couple with an interesting system.  The man who was blind hauled the suitcase in his left hand and used a long white cane in his right.  The wife walked shoulder to shoulder with him, grasping his upper right arm.  I thought it looked a little awkward but this couple kept up a brisk pace heading on their way.

Today in Waikiki it has been raining.  Oh yes, I forgot how tricky it is using an umbrella in addition to my cane.  Next time for sure I will bring a raincoat, or perhaps I just need to grow another arm!

February 9 - Slow Beginnings

When Lyle looked at my blog site today, he noticed that the number of page views had increased significantly. Lyle couldn’t think of a reason for this, but I am guessing that it is because you, the readers, are curious to know what has happened with my new computer and computer program. Let me answer that question by saying that it is going slowly – very, very slowly!

Lyle has actually overcome the first hurdle. He has the new computer set up on my desk. There were two challenges with this. The first was to do with space. I work in a fairly small den or office space. Somehow, we needed to fit in a CCTV Reader (bulky for sure), my old computer (still necessary until I learn the new program), an antiquated printer which does work with my old computer),  a scanner (also antiquated but still functional), my phone and various other odds and ends. Placing my new computer with the large monitor onto an already crowded desk was, as I say, only the first challenge.  The second challenge was to get the computer in working order with Windows 10 up and running. All this is something that I never could have done on my own, but Lyle has managed to do it for me.

Now for JAWS, my audible screen reading program. Windows 10 is working fine and Lyle has no trouble in using the new equipment. However, until I get voice functions with JAWS going, I need to stick to the old  ...well, I nearly said the old reliable, but at this stage of the game I’m not sure just how reliable a computer from the year 1998 is!

I will certainly let you know of future progress. I hope not to become too terribly frustrated. I must keep thinking that slow and steady are the operative words.  What is that wise saying?  A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Yes, it has been a slow beginning.