Feeling left out from my inability to join family and others when email, Microsoft, Facebook, google, Kindle, and smart phones all came out, I never gave up. At least I was grateful my vision loss from Retinitis Pigmentosa hadn’t deteriorated too badly, until after going on disability from teaching special education. I was also thankful for
learning about a CCTV, a special piece of equipment for those suffering from low vision. It allowed me to perform most tasks to remain independent. Lastly, I was thankful I was married by the time my eyes could no longer use computer technology. This helped me focus on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t.
For years, my husband would hunt down low vision places, searching out developing technology. Hope rose and fell as often as the weather changes in the Midwest. A couple of times we forked out mega money with much anticipation and little to no results. One was a scanner/reader with a small key pad and hard-to-follow directions. It actually read
the word “lesson” as “LE- 5-5- on.” It quickly found a new home in the closet. We even bought Dragon Talk when it first came out. I could never train that wild dragon. Besides, I could type on my own once my fingers were nestled on the old home keys. I didn’t need something to type for me, I needed something to read the screen to me. I almost passed out when he announced to me Windows had a text-to-speech application and he was willing to buy me my first laptop. Excitement built as he pulled it from its box. Once again, it quickly dissipated. Its abilities weren’t much more than a demo. While I gave up, my husband did not.
Within months, he discovered Serotek, my technological savior. Words can’t express enough gratitude for a company making affordable, accessible products for the blind and visually impaired. Their internet browser and great service, along with a community of blind users, introduced me to a WHOLE NEW WORLD! Even at 50, learning was
possible with much practice and concentration.
Special keyboard commands replaced using a mouse and every stroke was read aloud along with necessary instructions. Not only was there email but surfing the web, special radio programs and descriptive videos, forums with other blind individuals, and many other resources. Shopping on-line takes a little more effort but that doesn’t keep me
from looking enough to tempt myself.
After mastering some on the internet, my husband purchased more products from Serotek. One was a screen reader for Microsoft Office products, and one for use with a scanner. Now, I really can read a book, recipes, mail, directions, or anything typed when scanned with correct pronunciation. No graphics yet, and it is time-consuming, but
is a new freedom this gal likes.
It was meeting others from the blind community that let me know Talking Books had gone digital. Years earlier I had tried to listen to special cassettes from the Talking Book Library but didn’t really need their services then. Now, the player is much smaller, travels easy, and a website offers free books to download. The selection isn’t always in
the genre I prefer so when Kindle became accessible, I put the app on my new accessible I-phone, which I also learned about from other Serotek users. Either way, I can now join In conversations with people everywhere about books they’re reading. I can even read in the car, shower, or while doing dishes. My family even prefers listening with
me on some days.
Technology is now turning my darkness into light! I’m not alone anymore. I may never understand those choosing to stay in the darkness on purpose. I thank God for living in this day and age.
Is it hard for you to keep up with technology?
Do you give up or do you persevere?
© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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