In today’s world, technology continues to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. One groundbreaking innovation that has made a significant impact is Envision smart glasses for the blind. These glasses have the power to change the lives of visually impaired individuals by providing them with increased independence and accessibility. However, like any technology, there is always room for improvement. In this article, we will explore various methods to enhance the effectiveness of Envision smart glasses for the blind.
One crucial aspect to consider is the accuracy and speed of object recognition. Envision smart glasses utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to identify and describe objects in the wearer’s environment. By continuously training and updating these algorithms, the glasses can become more adept at recognizing a wider range of objects with greater precision. This improvement would allow users to navigate their surroundings more confidently and efficiently.
Another area of focus is the voice feedback system. Currently, Envision smart glasses provide audio cues to describe objects, people, and text, but there is room for expansion in this area. By integrating natural language processing technology, the glasses could offer more detailed descriptions, including color, size, and texture. Moreover, it would be beneficial to have the ability to answer questions or engage in dialogue, allowing blind individuals to communicate more effectively with their surroundings.
Furthermore, enhancing the accessibility features of Envision smart glasses can significantly increase their effectiveness. Many visually impaired individuals rely on Braille as their primary means of reading and writing. By integrating a Braille display into the glasses, users could read messages or menus directly from the smart glasses. This addition would eliminate the need for carrying separate Braille devices and further streamline the user experience.
Additionally, incorporating a navigation system into the Envision smart glasses would be a game-changer for blind individuals. By utilizing GPS technology, these glasses could help users navigate unfamiliar areas confidently. The glasses could provide turn-by-turn directions, alert users to potential obstacles or hazards, and even identify nearby points of interest. This feature would greatly enhance mobility and improve the overall independence of visually impaired individuals.
Lastly, collaborating with the blind community and obtaining continuous feedback is vital in improving the effectiveness of Envision smart glasses. By actively seeking input and suggestions from users, developers can gain invaluable insights into the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in their everyday lives. This feedback can drive further innovations and improvements, ensuring that the glasses meet the specific needs and preferences of their target audience.
The VoiceOver guide covers how to turn VoiceOver on and off, use the various single and multi-hand gestures to control the headset, practice the gestures, and access tutorials. Some details of note include:
VoiceOver reads out descriptions of items in view, battery level, incoming calls, open apps, etc. You can adjust speech rate and pitch.
When you open a new app or change your view, VoiceOver plays a sound, then selects and speaks the name of the first item in that app or in your view (typically in the top-left corner).
Use single-hand pinches (tapping thumb and finger), modifier pinches (one hand pinch held while pinching with opposite hand), and slide pinches (long pinch plus swipe) to interact with items.
Practice gestures without affecting settings using the VoiceOver Practice feature.
Turn VoiceOver on or off via Siri voice command, triple clicking the Digital Crown, or in Accessibility settings.
Get guided tutorials on how to use VoiceOver when you first enable it or by tapping VoiceOver Tutorial in settings anytime.
The following options are available for Zoom users:
Keyboard Shortcuts: Control Zoom using shortcuts on a Magic Keyboard.
Zoom Controller: Turn the controller, change the zoom region, or set zoom level.
Zoom Region: Choose Full Screen Zoom or Window Zoom.
Use Crown to Zoom: Turn on or off.
Maximum Zoom Level: Drag the slider to adjust the level.
When using Zoom, to see more of your view, do any of the following:
Adjust the magnification: Use the Digital Crown.
Move the Zoom lens: (Window Zoom) Drag the window bar at the bottom of the Zoom lens.
Pan to another area: (Full Screen Zoom) Turn your head.
Tap the Zoom Controller (if you turned it on) to see the options for zoom level and more.
Given Apple’s strong track record on accessibility, it should be no surprise that they have implemented what sounds like a solid set of features on the Vision Pro from day one for blind and low vision users. However, the real test will come from hands-on usage.
If you have purchased a Vision Pro or taken advantage of the in-store demos now available, please share your experiences using the headset with VoiceOver or Zoom. We would love to hear your opinions. Did it live up to your expectations? What impressed or disappointed you? Your insights will help guide others considering purchasing the Apple Vision Pro.
On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, Apple finally got rid of the Lightning
port and replaced it with USB-C. This opens up a whole new world of
convenience of connecting accessories and peripherals. The iPhone 15 Pro
and iPhone 15 Pro Max go one step further, as the USB-C port on the pro
models supports USB-3 speeds, enabling up to 10 Gbps data transfer speeds.
USB-C makes it easy to connect displays, external storage, cameras, and
charge using the same cable as all your other devices. Here???s what you can
do with your new iPhone and its shiny new port ???
Why did Apple change from Lightning?
Apple was fully invested in Lightning port ecosystem on the iPhone.
However, it began adopting USB-C across Mac and iPad models since 2015 as a
way to modernize PC connectivity. USB-C is versatile, carrying power and
data with the same connector. And USB-4 / Thunderbolt offers even higher
data transfer speeds.
At the same time, USB-C was becoming increasingly popular on the Android
side of the smartphone market. But Apple stuck with Lightning on iPhone,
partly because they were still stung from the backlash of 30-pin ->
Lightning transition that happened more than a decade ago.
The forcing factor for Apple was the EU commission, who have passed
legislation to reduce e-waste by enforcing USB-C as the universal connector
for phones. That would mean Apple would at least have to make a special
model of iPhone for the European market. That brings its own complications.
Instead, Apple chose to just adopt USB-C across the board ??? and apart from
the frustration of customers having to change out all their existing
now-defunct Lightning cables, that brings a lot of benefits ???
Universal USB-C Charging
Now that you have an iPhone 15, you are probably close to being able to use
the same single cable to charge all of your devices. Almost all iPads have
a USB-C port, and all Macs have been sporting USB-C for a decade. The
newest Macs come with Apple???s MagSafe charger, but they can also be charged
by plugging in to one of their USB-C ports too. The latest-generation Apple
TV comes with a USB-C remote, and Apple just released a new AirPods Pro
with a USB-C charging case. You can also now buy just the USB-C case
separately from the Apple Store.
Apple sells its own USB-C charge cables, and the iPhone comes with a nice
quality woven cable in the box itself. Unlike Lightning, USB-C is not
proprietary. To charge your Apple gear, you can use any USB-C charging
cable or accessory on the market. That includes cheaper USB-C cables, and
USB-C cables of different styles and lengths. Anker has a very convenient
dual 47 watt USB-C power adapter, for example.
To charge your iPhone at full speed, you want to use a 20-watt or 30-watt
power adapter. You can safely use a higher wattage power adapter like the
one that comes with your MacBook; the phone will automatically manage the
power.
Charge other devices with your iPhone 15 battery
Another cool angle of the USB-C charging story is that you can now use the
iPhone to charge other accessories. The iPhone 15 can accept up to 27 watts
through the USB-C port, but itself can also output about 4.5 watts.
(Lightning could only manage a measly 0.3watts.)
This means you can actually use your spare iPhone battery to power and
charge connected accessories. If your AirPods are running low, in a pinch,
you can plug them into your phone and your phone will top up the juice in
your AirPods case. You could even top up the battery of another person???s
iPhone ??? but just be aware it will take a while.
Easily connect to external displays
With Lightning, you could only connect to external displays via a clunky
dongle. With USB-C on iPhone 15, you can output to a screen directly. Use a
USB-C to HDMI cable and show your iPhone screen on a 4K TV or monitor, with
screen mirroring. If you are watching a movie in a video streaming service
app, the film will automatically fill the TV dimensions with playback
controls on the touch screen. Easily show off your photo library or conduct
a presentation with Keynote by just plugging your phone directly into a
projector.
One of the use cases Apple is pushing is positioning iPhone as a portable
games console. Using the power of the A17 Pro chip inside, iPhone 15 Pro
can run some top-end games with high graphical fidelity. Pair an Xbox or
PlayStation game controller, connect your phone to a TV, and start gaming.
The Apple USB-C Digital AV adapter is a good choice for this use case, as
it allows for HDMI, power output for continuous charging and passthrough
USB-C in one convenient dongle.
Expand your local storage with portable USB-C hard drives and SD cards
Connect a USB-C hard drive or SD card reader and browse files directly
using the Files app on iPhone. If you go on holiday and take a dedicated
camera with you, you can import photos directly from the SD card into your
iPhone???s photo library. Then, empty the SD card and keep shooting while you
edit and upload the pictures you???ve taken on your phone???s big touchscreen.
The iPhone 15 Pro Camera app allows you to record ProRes 4K at 60 FPS video
directly to USB-3 storage. ProRes is uncompressed and the file sizes are
huge, consuming gigabytes per minute of recording. But pairing your iPhone
with a 1 TB portable SSD, you can record for a while before running out of
space. This requires a USB-3 cable (not simply charge cable) to take
advantage of the fast 10Gbps transfer speeds possible through the iPhone 15
Pro???s port.
Connect hardware keyboards and wired internet
Sometimes, wireless doesn???t cut it ??? and you just need to plug in. USB-C on
iPhone supports almost any basic accessory you can think of, without the
need for special drivers or additional configuration. It???s all plug and
play. That means you can connect a hardware keyboard will just work.
Or if you are podcasting on the road, you can record using a mini USB-C
microphone. Another possibility is wired internet, using a USB-C to
Ethernet adapter. And if you have a MIDI keyboard, you can make a song on
the go with an app like GarageBand.
Wired headphones that work with your phone and computer
Since Apple dropped the headphone jack, much of the world has moved on to
using Bluetooth wireless headphones like AirPods. But if you still prefer
to plug in with a wire, using wired headphones with iPhone has been an
inconvenient affair. Lightning earbuds worked with your phone, but nothing
else.
Now, it???s all much simpler. iPhone 15 works with any USB-C headphones,
including Apple???s new USB-C EarPods. These headphones will work with any
computer with a USB-C port, so you can finally use the same wired
headphones across your phone, iPad and Mac. An increasing number of
high-end headphones and speakers also rely on USB-C connectivity these days.
Connect multi-port hubs
USB-C is very flexible and allows for data and power to travel over the
same port. This means you can carry a single dongle, which is a multi-port
hub comprising all sorts of IO. These are super convenient as iPad and Mac
accessories, and now work with the iPhone too.
For example, this $25 Anker 5-in-1 hub will work with the USB-3 USB-C port
on iPhone 15 Pro and enable you to connect to external displays, connect to
power, plug in USB accessories and an external display all at the same time.
The only thing you have to keep in mind is that the iPhone can output power
to the hub at 4.5 watts. iPad and Mac can offer much higher bus-powered
wattage, so if you are using them with the iPhone, you may need to also
plug in an external power source.
Some of these capabilities were previously possible with Lightning but
necessitated large, clunky, and special purpose adapters for each use case.
USB-C is standards-based which means anything you buy will also work with
other devices too. You don???t need to carry a special Lightning SD card
reader anymore; the same USB-C peripheral will work just as well with your
iPhone, iPad, Mac and any Windows PC or Android devices in the family as
well. The universal connector life is finally here.
Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk at your office and all of the sudden you lose hearing in one of your ears for a few seconds before everything returns to normal. Or maybe you hear a ringing in your ear on and off for a few days, and then it disappears.
When most people think of ear issues, they think of ear infections, hearing loss and deafness. However, despite being one of the smallest structures in your body, ears are incredibly complex and subject to many complications.
So, is that ringing in your ear normal or a sign of something more serious? Here are five ear problems you may not know about, and what to do if you suspect you have an ear disorder.
You temporarily lose hearing in one or both of your ears
What it is: Acute noise-induced hearing loss or obstructive hearing loss.
If you’ve ever been to a loud concert, you may have experienced noise-induced hearing loss before. Acute noise-induced hearing loss occurs when you temporarily lose your hearing in response to exposure to loud noise. It can make environmental sounds seem muffled or make conversations sound stifled. Though temporary on its own, repeatedly experiencing acute noise-induced hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing loss in the long run.
Obstructive, or conductive, hearing loss occurs when something physically blocks sound from reaching your hearing structures. This can happen when you have too much ear wax built up in your ears, if you have a foreign object lodged in your ear, or if you have some sort of injury to your inner, middle or outer ear. If you have this type of hearing loss, you may also experience pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear.
Exposure to loud sounds can temporarily reduce your ability to hear. New technology, like the Noise app on Apple Watch, can detect a decibel level at which you are given a warning.Apple
You hear ringing in your ears that comes and goes
What it is: Tinnitus.
Tinnitus refers to the perception of noise or ringing in your ears. Perception is the key word, because you aren’t actually hearing a real sound when you experience tinnitus. Often a symptom of other ear disorders, tinnitus is not a condition on its own. It can signify age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or infection, a circulatory system disorder or something else.
You may hear phantom noises other than ringing, including buzzing, clicking, roaring, humming or hissing. The volume level of the phantom noises may vary or stay constant, and the noises may come and go completely.
You’re profoundly annoyed hearing your coworker eating a snack
What it is: Misophonia.
This disorder involves an emotional response to sounds that don’t truly disturb most people, such as chewing, breathing and tapping. Everyone occasionally gets annoyed by repetitive sounds, but people with misophonia experience an upsetting emotional reactionthat often includes rage and resentment. They may think that others are intentionally making sounds to upset them.
People with misophonia may act out in response to a noise that someone else is making and realize later that their reaction was extreme or inappropriate. If you often experience intense feelings — remember, more than just slight annoyance — in response to various sounds, you may want to talk to a doctor.
If the sound of someone eating something crunchy, like an apple, distresses you to the point of anger or resentment, you may need to talk to a doctor about misophonia. Getty Images
You hear ringing in your ears and experience vertigo
What it is: Ménière’s disease.
This disorder of the inner ear is characterized by tinnitus and bouts of vertigo (dizziness), and it can contribute to progressive hearing loss. Ménière’s disease is considered a chronic condition, and doctors don’t yet know the exact cause. However, fluid buildup and problems with fluid drainage seem to be a contributing factor. In most cases, Ménière’s disease only affects one ear and can cause a feeling of fullness in the affected ear, a symptom referred to as aural fullness.
You can hear your own pulse, and it’s incessant
What it is: Rhythmic tinnitus.
Also called pulsatile tinnitus, this is a rare form of regular tinnitus. Rhythmic tinnitus, in contrast to regular tinnitus, occurs in response to a physical sound — that of your blood circulating through your arteries. Doctors sometimes call this condition “objective tinnitus” because they can hear the sound, whereas regular tinnitus is subjective because only the patient can hear it.
If you have rhythmic tinnitus, you might notice that the pitch of the sound correlates to your pulse. You may also feel like you can never escape the sound, especially when lying down or pressing your ear to something.
What should I do if I think I have an ear disorder?
If you suspect something is wrong with your ears or hearing, skip the Google-fest and see a doctor as soon as you can. Hearing disorders, especially hearing loss, can creep up slowly, showing no symptoms until the disorder has progressed to a difficult state.
In most cases, you’ll need to see an otolaryngologist or audiologist for ear and hearing disorders. If you go to your primary care doctor, you’ll likely get referred out to one of those ear specialists. If you have an ear disorder that involves or has induced sensorineural hearing loss, ask your doctor about hearing aids, assistive listening devices or cochlear implants.
It’s World Braille Day! A blind teacher named Louis Braille created this tactile reading system, and now his birthday, January 4, is a day to celebrate this marvelous way to read!
Braille exists in multiple languages, and I recently had the honor of meeting Sabriye Tenberken, also blind, who invented and taught Tibetan Braille.
In the age of audiobooks and AI, do you think Braille reading will die?
Descriptive Transcript
(Sabriye and Haben are sitting next to each other in an auditorium, a sign behind them says, “Kanthari.” Sabriye is a white woman in her fifties with a German accent, and Haben is a Black woman in her thirties with an American accent. As Sabriye speaks, Haben is reading her words on a Braille display.)
Sabriye: So, what I really like about your approach is that you are such a Braille fan and I’m a Braille fan, too. We should both advocate for Braille and make sure that people don’t think that Braille is just old-fashioned, or something ancient. We should empower the blind to understand that Braille is a good old technology that should just be transported into the digital age.
(Typing sounds. Haben reads on the Braille display.)
Haben: There is digital Braille. We can continue modernizing Braille, and I have a Braille device right here that I’m using as a Deafblind person. It’s my access to spoken language as well as to books. Literacy starts with being able to touch the words. Being able to feel it with your fingers gives you so much more access, and I hope teachers continue teaching Braille all over the world.
Each year, World Braille Day is observed on January 4th to celebrate Louis Braille, the inventor of braille, a form of reading and writing used by people who are blind or low-vision.
This day is a platform for advocacy and awareness, showing the importance of Braille to millions worldwide.
The importance of Braille.
Braille is a tactile reading and writing system designed for people who are blind or low-vision. It employs a series of raised dots, allowing users to interpret the text through touch.
Its invention was a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity and accessibility, providing better opportunities for education, employment, and social participation. Beyond alphabetic and numerical symbols, Braille includes musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols, opening a world of knowledge and creativity to those who use it.
World Braille Day serves several critical functions in promoting global inclusivity:
Raising awareness: It highlights the importance of Braille in the lives of people who are blind and low-vision, educating the public about the challenges faced by this community and the solutions Braille provides.
Encouraging inclusive practices: The day encourages governments, institutions, and organizations to adopt and promote inclusive practices. This includes making publications available in Braille, ensuring that physical and digital environments are accessible, and advocating for the rights of people who are blind and low-vision.
Celebrating achievements: It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of the blind and low-vision community, recognizing the talented individuals who made significant contributions in various fields, from education to the arts.
Steps forward: Digital accessibility.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, there is a growing need to ensure that digital platforms are accessible. This means creating content that can be easily navigated and understood by all users, including those who use screen readers and Braille displays.
By focusing on digital accessibility, we can ensure that everyone has access to the same information and opportunities.
Let’s explore the world of crypto investing and figure out why everyone’s talking about it. We’ll break down the basics of digital money, understand why it matters, and see how it’s making space for everyone. Join us on this journey to make sense of the excitement around cryptocurrency in a way that’s easy to understand.
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on a decentralized network. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (like dollars or euros), cryptocurrencies are not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or bank. Instead, they rely on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.
Significance in the Financial World:
Cryptocurrencies have gained significance in the financial world for several reasons. They offer a more secure and transparent way to conduct financial transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks. Additionally, cryptocurrencies provide financial inclusivity, allowing people who may not have access to traditional banking services to participate in the global economy.
Emphasizing Inclusivity for Visually Impaired Individuals:
One notable aspect of cryptocurrency is its potential to be more inclusive for visually impaired individuals. Since cryptocurrencies rely on digital platforms, they can be accessed and managed using screen readers and other assistive technologies. This inclusivity empowers visually impaired individuals to participate in financial activities on an equal footing with others.
Understanding Cryptocurrency
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that uses complex codes (cryptography) for security. Unlike regular money issued by governments, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they aren’t controlled by a single authority. Instead, they operate on a technology called blockchain, which is like a digital ledger that records all transactions in a secure and transparent way.
Decentralization and Blockchain Technology:
Decentralization means there’s no central authority, like a government or bank, controlling the currency. Instead, the power is spread across a network of computers. Blockchain, on the other hand, is a chain of blocks (information) linked together. Each block contains a list of transactions, and once a block is full, it’s linked to the previous one, forming a secure and unchangeable chain.
How Cryptocurrency Works
Transactions and the Blockchain:
When you make a cryptocurrency transaction, it gets added to a block. This block is then linked to previous transactions in a chain, creating a secure record. This process ensures that every transaction is transparent and cannot be altered once confirmed.
Consensus mechanisms are the rules that ensure all computers in the network agree on the validity of transactions.Two common ones are proof-of-work and proof-of-stake. Proof-of-work involves solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions, while proof-of-stake relies on participants who hold more coins having more influence in the network. These mechanisms ensure the integrity and security of the cryptocurrency system.
Creating a Wallet
Explanation of Wallets: Hot Wallets vs. Cold Wallets
A wallet in the crypto world is like a digital pocket for your coins. There are two main types: hot wallets and cold wallets.
• Hot Wallets (Online): Imagine a hot wallet like an online wallet you access through the internet. It’s quick and convenient for everyday use, like keeping cash in your pocket. But since it’s online, there’s a small risk because it’s connected to the internet.
• Cold Wallets (Offline): Now, a cold wallet is like a safe for your savings. It’s not connected to the internet, making it more secure. Think of it as putting your money in a piggy bank and storing it in a safe place.
Choosing a Wallet Suitable for Visually Impaired Users For visually impaired users, it’s essential to pick a wallet that works well with accessibility features. Look for wallets that support screen readers or have simple and clear interfaces. This ensures a smoother experience in managing and accessing your cryptocurrency.
Buying Cryptocurrency
Step-by-Step Guide on Purchasing Crypto on Indian Exchanges
1. Choose a Reliable Exchange: Pick a trustworthy platform to buy your cryptocurrency. Some popular ones in India include WazirX, CoinSwitch, and ZebPay.
2. Create an Account: Sign up on the chosen exchange by providing necessary information. It’s like opening an account in a bank.
3. Verify Your Identity: To ensure security, the exchange may ask for some identification. This is like showing your ID to open a bank account.
4. Deposit Money: Link your bank account and deposit money into your exchange account. This is similar to putting money into your wallet.
5. Select Your Cryptocurrency: Choose the cryptocurrency you want to buy. It’s like picking items in a shopping cart.
6. Place Your Order: Decide how much you want to buy and place your order. Think of it as telling the cashier at a store what you want to purchase.
7. Secure Your Purchase: After buying, transfer your cryptocurrency to your wallet for added security. It’s like putting your purchased items in a safe place after shopping.
Importance of Security Measures in the Process Just like you lock your door for security, it’s crucial to follow safety steps when dealing with cryptocurrency. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your wallet information private. Think of it as safeguarding your money in a digital world.
Types of crypto currency.
here we will discuss about few different types of crypto currencies.
Bitcoin (BTC)
• Overview: Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized network, using a blockchain to record transactions. Bitcoin is often considered a store of value, similar to gold.
Ethereum (ETH)
• Introduction: Ethereum, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, is more than just a digital currency. It introduced the concept of smart contracts, self-executing code that allows for complex agreements without intermediaries. Ethereum also supports decentralized applications (DApps), fostering innovation in blockchain technology.
Ripple (XRP)
• Explanation: Ripple, created in 2012, focuses on facilitating fast and cost-effective international money transfers. It uses a unique consensus algorithm to validate transactions, making it quicker than traditional banking systems. Ripple aims to make cross-border transactions more efficient.
Litecoin (LTC)
• Litecoin, launched in 2011 by Charlie Lee, is often considered the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” It is based on the Bitcoin protocol but with some differences, including a faster block generation time. Litecoin aims to provide a faster and more scalable alternative for everyday transactions.
Cardano (ADA)
• Explanation: Cardano, founded by Charles Hoskinson, focuses on creating a more secure and sustainable blockchain. It aims to provide a platform for the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts with a strong emphasis on academic research and peer-reviewed
protocols.
When considering these coins, investors should be aware of various factors, including their purpose, underlying technology, and the team behind their development. It’s essential to stay informed about the unique features and goals of each coin to make well-informed investment decisions.
Risks and Challenges
Market Volatility
Understanding and Managing Market Fluctuations: Imagine the crypto market as a roller coaster. It goes up and down a lot. This is called volatility. Understanding it means knowing that prices can change quickly. To manage this, think of your investment as a long-term ride. Don’t worry about the small bumps; focus on the overall journey.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Investment Returns: When you invest in crypto, think of it like planting seeds. They need time to grow into big trees. Don’t expect instant results. Set realistic expectations and understand that the market can be unpredictable. Patience is like giving your investment the time it needs to grow.
Security Concerns
Addressing Security Issues in the Crypto Space: In the crypto world, it’s essential to keep your digital wallet safe, like guarding a treasure chest. Be cautious of scams and only use trusted platforms. Think of it as locking your house to keep your valuables secure. Use strong passwords and double-check before sharing any personal information.
Tips for Visually Impaired Users to Enhance Account Security: For visually impaired users, it’s like having a guide dog for your digital wallet. Use platforms with good accessibility features, like screen readers. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a second key to your treasure chest. Keep your access codes safe, just like keeping your house keys secure. Remember, the crypto journey has its ups and downs, so stay informed, be patient, and prioritize the security of your investments.
Accessible Exchanges
Review of Cryptocurrency Exchanges:
Imagine crypto exchanges as marketplaces where you buy and sell digital coins. Some exchanges are more user-friendly and accessible for everyone. Examples include WazirX, which has a straightforward interface, and ZebPay, which focuses on making things easy for users. These platforms aim to be like a comfortable store where you can easily find and manage your digital assets.
Screen Reader Compatibility and Keyboard Navigation: For those using screen readers or navigating with keyboards, platforms like CoinSwitch prioritize compatibility. It’s like making sure the store has clear signs and paths, so you can easily move around and find what you need.
Educational Platforms
Recommending Accessible Educational Resources: Learning about crypto is like reading a guidebook before a journey. For visually impaired users, podcasts and audiobooks are like having a friend explain things to you. “Crypto Frontier” is a podcast that breaks down crypto concepts in simple terms. “Mastering Bitcoin” by Andreas M. Antonopoulos is an audiobook that guides you through the crypto world. Online courses, like those on platforms such as Coursera, are like attending classes where experts teach you step by step.
Conclusion
In our crypto journey, we explored user-friendly exchanges like WazirX and ZebPay, where it’s easy to buy and sell digital coins. Think of these platforms as friendly stores that make your experience enjoyable. For learning, “Crypto Frontier” and “Mastering Bitcoin” are like friends helping you understand the crypto language. Imagine these resources as your trustworthy guides in the crypto world. In conclusion, remember to choose exchanges and educational resources that make your journey comfortable. Stay curious, be patient, and enjoy the ride in the world of cryptocurrency. It’s like exploring a new land, and with the right tools, it becomes an exciting adventure!
a laptop at a desk with white text “how to use linkedin as a person with a disability by world services for the blind” with the wsb globe logo in the bottom right corner
At WSB, we work with clients who in the job search process all the time. One of the biggest components of our career training programs includes Employment Preparation classes. These classes go over everything from interviewing skills to searching for jobs. But have you ever thought about how to use LinkedIn in your job search as a person with a disability? It can be a great tool to utilize when it comes to connecting with those in the field and applying for jobs.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this month on the blog we’re focusing on LinkedIn! Below are some tips on utilizing LinkedIn in your job search, especially as someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Fill out your profile fully
One of the biggest keys to utilizing LinkedIn to its fullest is by filling your profile fully. This includes listing your past job experience, volunteer experience, skills, and creating a headline section. If you’re searching for a job, your headline section can highlight your skills an previous experience.
Professional Photo
Make sure you are using a professional photo. A simple headshot is the most common on LinkedIn, especially because you don’t want to use a photo that you might use on other social media sites. A headshot is professional, which is what LinkedIn is all about! If you don’t have one, we recommend having a friend take one of you against a blank wall. You also want to make sure you are wearing professional clothing in the photo.
Job Search Feature and Save Job Searches
One of the most useful tools when it comes to LinkedIn is the job search feature. Once you fill out your profile fully, the job search function can be a great way to find jobs you might enjoy or fit your skillset. You can also save searches and they will be emailed directly to you!
Create Connections
Another great way to utilize LinkedIn is by creating connections. This may be through people you meet while on-campus at WSB (think of your peers, instructors, etc.), or it can include people in fields you might be interested in pursuing. If you are connecting with people who you may want to pursue an informational interview with, make sure you send them a personalized note when you connect with them. You can mention some of your past experience, and you are interested in talking with them about their career.
Join Groups
When you think of groups, you might just think of Facebook but LinkedIn also has a lot of different groups! Groups can be another way to gain connections and learn from others in the field. If you are new to vision loss, we know that networking in person can feel intimidating. Connecting with others in career fields you’re interested in through LinkedIn groups can be great way to connect online.
In this 24th episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, respond to a letter from a listener regarding friendships and navigating frendships during the holiday season. Not only navigating friends but navigating family as well. They also glide into some of the trappings of having a disability and when to say no to the 20 questions thrown your way.
New smart glasses help blind people ‘see’ using sound – Inceptive Mind
Assistive technology is an extensive research field that involves designing technologies to enable an individual with a sensory disability to overcome various physical, social, and accessibility challenges they face in their daily lives. One central area within this field is developing assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision (BLV), which affects a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and engage in social activities and interactions.
Therefore, a broad area of assistive technology research focuses on using feedback from different modalities, such as vision, touch, and sound, to enhance the sensory abilities of people with BLV.
Now, researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed cutting-edge technology known as “acoustic touch” that helps blind people ‘see’ using sound. This technology could have a huge impact on the quality of life of people who are blind or have low vision.
“Smart glasses typically use computer vision and other sensory information to translate the wearer’s surroundings into computer-synthesized speech,” said Distinguished Professor Chin-Teng Lin, one of the study’s co-authors. “However, acoustic touch technology sonifies objects, creating unique sound representations as they enter the device’s field of view. For example, the sound of rustling leaves might signify a plant, or a buzzing sound might represent a mobile phone.”
Inspired by human echolocation training, researchers explored the concept of “acoustic touch,” which involves using smart glasses to convert objects into distinct sound auditory icons when the object enters the glasses’ field of view. This approach is different from traditional systems and is aimed at providing a wearable spatial audio solution for assisting people who are blind in finding objects.
Researchers developed a wearable Foveated Audio Device (FAD) to study the efficacy and usability of using acoustic touch to search, memorize, and reach items. The system consists of the NReal Light AR Glasses and an OPPO Find X3 Pro Android phone. The NReal glasses were chosen because of the weight (88g), computer vision support, 6-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU), binaural speakers, and compatibility with the Android Unity SDK. The FAD was developed using the Unity Game Engine 2022 that managed the audio input and camera/head-tracking output of the NReal Glasses.
The team’s evaluation study involved 14 participants, seven blind or low-visioned and seven blindfolded sighted participants, who served as a control group. The results showed that the wearable device, which was equipped with acoustic touch technology, significantly enhanced the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to recognize and reach for objects without causing too much mental effort.
“The auditory feedback empowers users to identify and reach for objects with remarkable accuracy,” Dr Zhu said in a statement. “Our findings indicate that acoustic touch has the potential to offer a wearable and effective method of sensory augmentation for the visually impaired community.”
The advancements in assistive technology are crucial in overcoming the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision, such as locating specific household items and personal belongings. The acoustic touch technology is a promising solution that has the potential to open new doors for such individuals, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
With continuous advancements, acoustic touch technology could become an integral part of assistive technologies, supporting individuals to access their environment more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
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