Tech it Out

Tablet computers are known for being portable and easy to use. Compared to a smartphone or personal computer, can a tablet really do it all? We shared tips on what tablets can do, which are most accessible, and why you might choose a tablet over other devices.

Thinking about getting an Amazon Echo but have questions about which one to get, or what it can do for you? Or maybe you already have an Echo but you want to learn more about all the things it can do. This month we took a deep dive into the Amazon Echo and Alexa voice assistant.

We explored a variety of assistive technology for blind and low vision users, including electronic braille, screen reading and screen enlargement for the PC and mobile devices.

Watching TV or going to the movies can become less enjoyable if seeing the action becomes more difficult or impossible. Audio description can make all the difference. We discussed how to access audio description at the movie theater and from streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.

Appliances, food, clothing, medicine and more can all be labeled. But how? We explored both high and low tech options, and which labeling methods work best in a given situation.

It's the holiday season, which means it's time to shop 'til you drop. Luckily, lots of shopping can be done without ever stepping foot outside your door. This month we talked about accessible online shopping. We explored how to find the best bargains online, accessible gifts for the gadget lovers in your life, and which accessible tech gifts you may want in your own stocking!

There's nothing more relaxing than listening to great tunes, but there's nothing more frustrating than trying to do so with an inaccessible solution. This month we discussed smart speakers, converting old vinyl and CDs into digital music, and digital music services such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

Ever wish you could just tell your microwave to cook your food? And wouldn't it be great if your phone alerted you to an open refrigerator door? This month we discussed the pros and cons of tech tools in the kitchen and answered the questions: what's out there and what's worth it?

Reading your mail, the handwritten message on a birthday card, or cake mix directions - all can present challenges. Thankfully, there's an app for this! Several actually. And some gadgets as well. This month we explored tools for reading printed text.

In this discussion, we explored a number of apps and smart devices for health and wellness, including exercising, tracking, and measurement. The discussion touched on calorie tracking, cooking food, making exercise equipment accessible, using continuous glucose monitoring systems, and much more.

From standalone reading hardware, like the Victor Reader Stream, to your phone, tablet or braille display, there are a number of accessible reading options. We also covered a wide variety of book sources, including Bookshare, BARD, Kindle, Audible and OverDrive.

This session was all about GPS apps to help you navigate your world. We discussed widely available options like Google Maps and Apple Maps as well as more specialized apps like BlindSquare, Lazarillo and Nearby Explorer, which were specifically designed for those with visual impairment.

It's easy to think of places we'd like to go, but it's not always easy figuring out how to get there. This month, we covered rideshare apps and services such as Uber, Lyft, Go Go Grandparent, and Curb for taxis. We also explored safely requesting transportation even without a smartphone.

From puzzles to multiplayer role-playing games, the world of gaming is expansive. We discussed tactile games, smartphone games, and video game consoles, such as Xbox and PlayStation. Participants shared their favorite games and learned some new ones!

We live in the age of smart TVs, streaming, and voice-guided narration. But with all the options for fun can come confusion. During this Tech it Out, we discussed where to find audio-described content, how to get the most out of a Smart TV, and what the options are for streaming content.

There are several tech-enabled tools out there that you can use to act as your visual guide or assistant. Some involve artificial intelligence; others use human assistance. We walked through several options and compared our experiences.

Listen in as Ricky Enger and the Hadley Tech It Out community ask questions and discuss their experiences with digital assistants, like Alexa, Siri and Google.

Home delivery of restaurant food or meal kits to cook yourself is now easier than ever. There are several options available, depending on your location. We will discuss our experiences using these services as visually impaired diners.

Technology today can really make the chore of grocery shopping much easier. Online ordering and home delivery takes much more of the hassle out of the process.