GTT Edmonton Summary Notes, Identification and Reading Apps, September 11, 2017

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), GTT Edmonton, Peer Mentoring 7 Minutes

Summary Notes

GTT Edmonton Meeting September 11, 2017

 

The most recent meeting of the Get Together with Technology (GTT) Edmonton Chapter was held September 11 at 7pm at Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 83 Street in Edmonton.

17 people attended.

Reading Tips: These summary notes apply Microsoft Word headings to help navigate the document. With JAWS, you may press the JAWS key +F6 to bring up a list of the headings in the document. Then you can arrow up and down this list of headings and press ENTER on any heading to jump to its location in the document.

 

September Topic – Identification and Reading Apps

 

Thanks to Carrie and Russel for demonstrating the following apps and providing the summary notes.

 

Seeing AI App

Russel demoed the free Microsoft Seeing AI app on his iPhone. He talked about the different channels available: short text, Document, Product, Person, and Scene Beta.

 

Russell then explained how the Short Text channel reads text automatically as you point the iPhone camera at text. He uses it to read things like business cards, CCB membership cards, etc. The Short Text channel can also be used to scan and read things like signs.

 

Russell then showed how the Document channel guides you to move the iPhone camera over a page of text, and then, after guiding the user to hold the iPhone with the page in view, advises the user to “hold steady”, and then automatically takes a picture of the page. The text can then be read by VoiceOver using the appropriate gestures. The document can then be shared by email, or text message.

 

Russell then ran into some issues when demoing the Product channel feature which is used to identify bar codes. The bar code was found and scanned, but the app was not able to identify the product. Upon further investigation at home, Russell found that the app worked better in the Product channel with VoiceOver turned off. This also helped answer the question Gerry asked at the GTT meeting about whether or not the Seeing AI app had a self-voicing feature. It does, and in some instances, like the Product channel, it seems to work better with VoiceOver turned off.

 

Russell then briefly showed the Person channel by taking a picture of Carrie. The app identified Carrie as a 36-year-old blonde lady who seems to be very happy! Carrie and Russell then attempted to do face recognition, but were not able to get this to work. If people are interested, this feature can be further researched and demoed at a later meeting.

 

Russell then switched to the Scene channel which is still in beta test mode. He pointed his iPhone at the members in attendance. The app announced “Group of people sitting on a chair”.

 

The Seeing AI app is new, but already has some great features available. It will most likely get better as time goes on.

 

You can learn more about this app on the iTunes website at the following URL…

 

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/seeing-ai-talking-camera-for-the-blind/id999062298?mt=8

 

You can learn more about Seeing AI and watch some video tutorials on the Microsoft page at…

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/seeing-ai/

 

Carrie demoed the following iOS apps.

 

VocalEyes

This is an app for iPhone/iPad. It uses your Apple devices camera to view information and interpret what it is. Created at MIT,  VisionEyes proprietary algorithm can read text, recognize objects, detect logos, and observe facial expressions, ALL in less than 3 seconds! Unlike other applications, with confusing buttons and modes, VocalEyes has one button. One button for everything! Text, Facial, Object, and Logo, all in one so it’s easy.

 

Requires iOS 9.2 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

 

More information: http://vocaleyes.ai

 

iTunes Store to get it:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/vocaleyes-talking-ai-camera-for-the-blind/id1260344127?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D8

 

 

VocalEyes – Talking AI Camera for the Blind on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots and learn more about VocalEyes – Talking AI Camera for the Blind. Download VocalEyes – Talking AI Camera for the Blind and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

 

Be My Eyes app for iPhones/iPads. Soon to be for Android.

Be My Eyes is a FREE mobile app designed to bring sight to the blind and visually impaired. With the press of a button, the app establishes a live video connection between blind and visually impaired users and sighted volunteers

 

Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

 

More info:

 

http://bemyeyes.com/what-is-be-my-eyes/

 

iTunes Store to get it:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/be-my-eyes-helping-blind-see/id905177575?mt=8

Be My Eyes – Helping blind see on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Be My Eyes – Helping blind see. Download Be My Eyes – Helping blind see and enjoy it …

 

Near Sighted VR Augmented Aid for Apple and Android Smart Phones

These apps are used with a virtual reality goggle like the inexpensive Google Cardboard ($17). It can give you a sort of electronic monocular. You must cut out a piece of the Google cardboard box so the camera can view outside of the box, attach the head straps to hold it on your head, and get the free app which controls the zoom of the camera in a stereoscopic manner. You need to take the phone out of the Google cardboard box to adjust the zoom. But for the $17 cost of the VR goggles I think it a viable low vision hands free viewing option. The one I showed was cardboard so not real rain friendly. A couple of down sides is the apps zoom is not huge and when viewing a television, I need to have a light on near the tv so the image is not washed out. Otherwise, I’m impressed for the price of this hands free and relatively light weight, clear magnified image. If you want to try it again ask me to bring it to GTT.

 

Get it for Android Smartphones:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.NearSighted&hl=en

Near Sighted VR Augmented Aid – Android Apps on Google Play

play.google.com

NearSighted -VR Augmented Aid Are you legally blind? Do you have low vision or can only see things up close? Then this app might be for you. NearSight is …

 

Get it for Apple iPhone or iPod Touch where it is called Myopia VR Glasses:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myopia-vr-glasses/id1086689603?mt=8

Myopia VR Glasses on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Myopia VR Glasses. Download Myopia VR Glasses and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Google Cardboard VR Googles at BestBuy.ca

 

Prizmo Go – a cloud OCR and Text Reader

Prizmo Go lets you quickly grab printed text with the camera. After text is recognized in a blink of an eye, you can interact with it in many useful ways. Read it aloud with its built-in text reader, share it, copy and paste it and for a small free app it’s not too bad.

 

Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

 

More information:

https://creaceed.com/prizmogo/specs

 

Get it on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1183367390?mt=8

Prizmo Go – Instant Text Capture on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Prizmo Go – Instant Text Capture. Download Prizmo Go – Instant Text Capture and enjoy it …

 

OrCam MyEye

This is a unique, portable and wearable device which consists of a tiny, yet powerful smart camera, attached to an ultra-mini speaker that is clipped onto any pair of eyeglasses, and is wired to a very small sized battery packed base unit (the size of a large iPhone).

Convenient, mobile and easy to use, you will witness how OrCam will instantly and discreetly read any digital text and printed text from any surface – including books, magazines, newspapers, computer & smartphone screens, restaurant menus, street signs with only a gesture of a finger point at the text.

http://www.orcam.com/

 

CNIB Edmonton is hosting an Orcam demo. You need to RSVP.

When:           Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Time:             10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where:           CNIB Edmonton – 12010 Jasper Avenue – Edmonton, AB

RSVP to:        Monica Enica, her email is

monica.enica@cnib.ca

phone 780-488-4871

 

Next Meeting (Monday October 16 at 7pm)

  • Since the second Monday of October is Thanksgiving Day, we will meet October 16.
  • As usual, we will provide one-on-one training especially iPhone and DAISY players. If you have other training requests email your interests to us so we can try to accommodate you.
  • As always, for help with technology bring your devices and/or questions to the meeting.

 

Meeting Location and Logistics

  • Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 – 83 Street NW, Edmonton.
  • We meet in the basement hall. There is elevator access.
  • Enter the church from the back door. There is parking at the back and drop off space for taxis, DATS.
  • Meetings are every second Monday of the month at 7pm.
  • If you have someone helping you your assistant is welcome to remain for the meeting.

 

GTT Edmonton Overview

  • GTT Edmonton is a chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Edmonton promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with assistive technology.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, questions and answers about technology, and one-on-one training where possible.
  • Participants are encouraged to come to each meeting even if they are not interested in the feature topic because questions on any technology are welcome. The more participants the better able we will be equipped with the talent and experience to help each other.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

[End of Document]

Published by Albert Ruel

The Albert A. Ruel Road to Blindness A 21 year old man stood on the beach at the Sproat Lake Provincial Park with friends early in May of 1977, and upon gazing across the lake found the Gulf Oil sign missing from the dock-side filling station there. When this fact was shared with his companions they glanced at him with puzzled looks and said, “No Albert, the sign is still there”. That was the beginning of a road through confusion, anger, isolation, loneliness and discovery for me. It all began with a visit to a local Optometrist who could see that my vision wasn’t right, but that corrective lenses wouldn’t help. He then referred me to a General Practitioner, where I received a clean bill of health and an additional referral. This time to an Ophthalmologist. Immediately upon peering through the dilated pupils, Dr. McKerricher was able to see the problem, Retinal Vasculitis. Now, you would think that all would start to improve at this point, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You see, CNIB, from 1918 until 1985 only served the needs of people who were “Legally Blind”, a level of vision loss I wouldn’t reach until November of 1979. The words of Dr. McKerricher still echo in my mind today, “Albert, I don’t know what has caused this and nothing we’ve tried is helping to stop it, and you’re not blind enough for me to refer you to CNIB”! In the middle of this transition from 20/20 vision to “Legally Blind” came the Motor Vehicle Branch and it’s rules of the road. On August 3, 1978 I drove a car for the last time as my vision had reached the level at which operating a motor vehicle became too dangerous, further intensifying feelings of fear, isolation and anger. Sadly, through this period the only available guidance and support was through family and friends, but not the experienced professionals I needed at the time. Although these support systems are critically important they can often be smothering and facilitating, rather than encouraging and supportive. With gratitude, and some trepidation I finally was able to access CNIB services in November of 1979, and the world opened up then. There I was able to meet other blind people and receive the daily living and mobility skills required to live independently in this sighted world. I learned elementary braille and began to discover technology as necessary tools of independence. Thankfully, in 1985 CNIB’s National Board altered the course of service to visually impaired Canadians forever. They added a third prong to their Mission Statement, “To promote sight enhancement services”. This opened the door to all Canadians who were beginning to lose sight, as well as those who had a fear of vision loss to access the full range of CNIB Support and Rehabilitation Services. So now, whether it’s someone’s Mother who is experiencing Macular Degeneration, or an Uncle experiencing the affects of Glaucoma, all have the ability to seek information, guidance and support as all involved deal with the fear and anxiety that accompanies such life altering experiences. With the help of professional Rehabilitation Workers and Employment Counselors I was able to continue traveling independently within my own community, and even more remarkably anywhere in the world I desired to go. I managed to attend College in Nanaimo and New Westminster, as well as traveling to the Mayo Clinic and to doctor’s appointments in Nanaimo and Vancouver without assistance. All of this while living with some usable vision, but not yet needing a white cane for travel. During the mid 1980’s I was a stay-at-home Dad and did all that was required of that challenging work, from changing diapers to preparing meals, and from cutting the grass to maintaining our home. I even took a woodworking course through Alberni’s Adult Education program and built and restored several pieces of furniture. Of course the 1958 Chevy Impala in the garage was my pride and joy, and I devised ways to do much of the work it required. I also joined and participated in many community activities, like the local Car Club, and a disability support group that catered to the needs of people with many different disabilities. Of course, continued participation in family life remained of critical importance through this period. In 1989 a secondary condition began to extinguish the vision that remained, which set into motion a new stream of professional rehabilitation services and supports. By the spring of 1990 Glaucoma had turned out the lights completely, and the darkness I had feared so desperately was upon me. Strangely though, I found this to be a great relief rather than the tragedy I had imagined it would be. Through several professional rehabilitation sessions, and by joining peer mentoring and advocacy groups I was able to come to terms with this strange feeling, and to learn additional skills and strategies for living with no visual cues of the world around me. This is also about the time that I decided to explore CNIB as an employer, and to see if I could provide the sort of guidance and support to others that had been my pleasure to receive. Those 14 years were a wonderful experience of ongoing discovery for me, as teaching may be the best way to solidify one’s own learning. In other words, those we assist through this transition in turn help us all as we develop best practices and improved service. Following a 14 year career with CNIB I also served the blind community as the first National Equality Director employed by the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), and as a Basic Computer Literacy Trainer with the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB). Most recently I have enjoyed coordinating the CCB’s newly launched Get Together with Technology Program in Western Canada, which brings to the fore my passion for assistive technology and the power of peer mentoring. Without sight I have continued to travel far and wide, with trips to Conventions of and for the Blind in Anaheim California and Melbourne Australia, as well as to many events and activities in Toronto and Vancouver. Of course my work has taken me to many communities throughout Western Canada, and most particularly nearly all regions of BC and on Vancouver Island. None of which would have been possible without the services and support of organizations like CCB, AEBC and CNIB. For most people blindness generates a fear of extended movement, both within one’s home and community, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Independence comes from personal desire and increased skill. Many community organizations can assist with both through their mentoring and skill development programs. I remember always that life has little to do with what happens to me and 100% what I do about/with it. There is a quote I like to use from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA, “With adequate skill development and opportunity blindness can be reduced to the level of a nuisance”, and nothing could be closer to the truth. Helen Keller said many years ago, “There is nothing more tragic than someone who has sight, but no vision”. She also challenged the Lions Clubs of the world to become the “Knights of the Blind, and to take up the crusade against darkness”. I too joined a Lions Club in 1992 and continue to work on the crusade that Helen Keller began in the 1920-s.

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