Do you first check the blind-specific web stores when shopping for accessible items, or do you first look for items that just happen to be usable by blind people?
I've been going through all my talking devices over the last couple of weeks to check if they still work or need to be replaced, and started to realize something. A lot of these things aren't really intended for blind people: weight scales, meat thermometers and such. A couple of devices mention that blind people could find them useful, but there still mainly for the sighted. The good news for me is I only found one device that no longer worked in this round of checking. I also added to my wish list, three or four stand-alone, talking devices on-line that fit into the category of accessibility being an afterthought.
Over this same time, I've been looking at adapted stuff for the blind on various websites. It seems like a lot of these items are either just about the same, or in the case of non-talking stuff, just a sighted person's item adapted for blind people, like with a raised dot or line added later. I'm glad to be able to buy such things, rather than trying to get someone to add the dots later, assuming I can't figure it out or build it on my own.
There is an accessible washing machine thread, currently, and knobs that dots can be added to, rather than digital and bluetooth-app-controlled, were touted as a good thing. I think of my own air conditioner that I specifically hunted down and purchased for the old-style knob controls, rather than the digital, programmable type that is suppose to make life easier. I don't think I even had a smartphone when I bought that though. And finally, I have several cooking items, like a rice cooker, that are so simple that they don't need any adaptations, more or less, just plug them in and push a button or lever, and possibly put the Voice Over focus of my phone on the clock.
By OldBear, 26 April, 2024
Forum
Assistive Technology
Comments
Very interesting thread…
Very interesting thread. Very rarely do I buy blind specific devices anymore. I find them to be often over priced, and not much better than the regular item that like you said, accessibility is an afterthought. And while things like thermostats are also going touch screen, which might make them harder for us to use on their own, the good news is that a lot of them are also getting smart capabilities and can be used with Home kit or Alexa among others.
Bluetooth or conectivity
Yes, being able to connect a few of the devices to my phone have made them accessible. I've wondered in another thread if it might be worth getting a hold of a couple of dirt-cheap Android tablets to just make certain of these devices, more or less, stand alone. I watched a Youtube video of a guy that was running a bunch of things in his house from two tablets he mounted on walls. It was more about replacing the failing batteries with capacitors to keep them plugged into power all the time, but it was an interesting hack to make a smart home.
Besides being overpriced, I'm not one for the stigma
Glad I ran across this thread. For me, I have to start knowing a lot in a short amount of time. I won't bore you with the details. Besides as stated the overpriced and the afterthought of accessibility, I don't like how the blindness side of products do just annoying things. case in point, we needed a microwave, theyhad one that talked, it wasn't even that much. The blindness ones were like 300 when I looked at them. So i went with the talking function. It only did the first set of functions. It would only cook in 30 second intervals and if you wanted to defrost something, it would just tell you defrost. Best part of it though? Power's out. The only way you knew the power came on is when a disembodied voice yells "HI! I'm temo! Your talking microwave!" at 3 A.M. scaring the bejesus out of anyone and everyone because for that split second, the someone's in the house, feeling hits you. Now, the blindness products also do things like chime and other annoyances when just a quick beep is only needed to do almost anything. I usually like sighted things with a talking capability.
Siobhan, oh my goodness, I…
Siobhan, oh my goodness, I can only imagine. That thing would be going out the window. Lol I also tend to prefer the non-blindness stuff, and make the modifications as I see fit with the help of family and friends.
Price etc
The review ratings on those talking microwaves seem a bit low... Back when I used to use microwaves, bumps on a keypad did mostly what I needed, and I remember some having actual dials and knobs.
Looks like the price can be up to twice the sighted, talking equivalent on some of the blind product sites. Part of that might be because there's things like multiple languages in one device, but beyond that, I think it's just an accessibility tax.
There's a few sighted things that braille and tactile markings have been added to that might be worth the higher price. Someone actually had to set there and do something, and I have no problem paying extra for that.
I wouldn't say accessibility tax
Old bear, love that phrase. I think though the higher prices are simply because small companies have little to no competition. Don't get me wrong, i'm not spending 300 on any appliance just because every aspect of the thing talks. I have a microwave that has Braille on it, a friend helped, and it works fine. Thinking of getting rid of it and putting my instant pot there as the kitchen gods chose to give me like no counter space. I don't need to control every thing in my home with my phone, but knowing i can control the air and heat with my phone while i'm away is a nice feature and i'm glad i have it. I changed from a buttons thermostat as half awake i'd do something and it would either run continuously, or I wouldn't know what I'd set it too. also the other occupant of the house isn't so tech smart. again, hearing a man's voice say "Hey google" followed by directions, does give me the what the hell? when I'm not awake enough to process it. Lol.
Accessibility Monopoly, Maybe...
Reminds me of a joke I've heard physical therapists tell, not that I would trust them with my dignity either. A truck driver looses his arms in an accident. He keeps telling all the accessibility people he just wants to be able to drink his beer while watching TV in the evening. So they build him two robotic arms, controlled by brain waves. The arms never work correctly, always crushing the beer can or attacking people. Finally, they bring in the physical therapist, and she puts a straw in the beer can.
Universal
I prefer getting devices that are accessible, instead made for the blind. Case in point, iPhone, able to listen to audiobooks, and podcast and so compare to devices that will more likely last as long the company.
re: talking microwaves.
I completely agree. I have one but that was bought for me through a survice from the uK, I have no idea what it's called because it was tied into my mobility stuff.
It's alright but if I can get a microwave that uses my phone for example, that would be great.
Or, I could just go with your bog standard one for about £75, I don't need all those extra programs.
If you think $300 is bad. . .
Wait 'til you get a load of this.
No
Note that they are aiming at something like a business trying to be accessible, or some kind of community center as a customer. Deep pockets to be picked.
Love the $50 for shipping
Plus, the nonreturnable if the box has been opened. Umm, what if you wanted black instead of stainless? Surprisingly I wasn't that shocked.
Surely no one would buy that?
I would be interested in checking it out if the braille was electronic and updated on the device but I doubt it.
I'd never buy it though, it's just so expencive.
Braille versus braille
Yeah, you could buy a microwave that is more expensive than some laptop computers are, or you can buy a relatively same size microwave, and put your own braille on it with sided assistance.
Capitalism for the win…
On a sidenote, I do find it interesting that they also sell microwaves with tactile buttons on them. I am actually tempted to buy one of those, they are pricey, but nothing like the link I posted above. 😇
microwave
Panasonic makes Microwaves w/completely tactile keypads. Love mine. Bought it from big A, so prices are the same for sighted and blind, obviously. I personally very very seldom buy anything specific to blindness. I have only found 1 item specifically for blind, a program called Studio Recorder, that I just absolutely love for spoken-word use. It was expensive as all get out--& IMO, worth absolutely every penny I paid. I admit probly other audio programs would do the job equally well, but the combination of total accessibility & dead simple ease of use is a rare find indeed.