Technology Corner

January: A World of Hobbies: Accessible Tech for Fun & Fitness

New Year, new passions! This January, we’re shifting our focus to the joy of recreation. Whether you're a gamer, a bookworm, or a fitness enthusiast, technology has evolved to ensure that vision loss never stands in the way of having fun or staying active.

This month, we explore the tools that bring hobbies to life through sound, touch, and high-contrast visuals.

Accessible Gaming: More Than Just Sound

The gaming world has made massive strides in "native accessibility," meaning many mainstream games now have settings built specifically for blind and low-vision players.

• Audio Descriptions & Screen Readers: Major titles like The Last of Us Part I & II and Forza Motorsport feature full menu narration and audio descriptions that describe the action on screen in real-time. So make sure to check game settings to see if your favorite game has audio description or narration!

• Spatial Audio Cues: Games now use 3D sound to help players navigate. For example, a "navigation ping" can guide you toward a door, or the sound of footsteps can tell you exactly where an opponent is located.

• Haptic Feedback: Modern controllers (like the PS5 DualSense) use distinct vibrations to signal different environmental changes like the feeling of rain or the "thud" of hitting a wall—providing tactile feedback to the player.

Audiobooks: Your Portable Library

Reading has never been more accessible. Beyond just listening, new features allow you to curate a deeply personal reading experience.

• Audible & Kindle Immersion: You can now switch seamlessly between reading a Kindle book with a screen reader and listening to the professional narration on Audible without losing your place.

• Libby & BARD Mobile: These apps connect you to your local library and the National Library Service (NLS). They offer VoiceOver-compatible interfaces and high-contrast settings, making it easy to browse and download thousands of titles for free.

• Smart Speaker Integration: Simply say, "Alexa, read my book," or "Hey Google, play RNIB Talking Books," to turn your living room into a hands-free reading nook.

Fitness Trackers: Data You Can Hear and Feel

Staying active is easier when you can track your progress independently.

• Apple Watch & VoiceOver: The Apple Watch remains a leader in fitness accessibility. With VoiceOver, you can hear your heart rate, pace, and activity rings announced throughout your workout.

• Haptic Navigation: When using GPS for a walk or run, the Apple Watch uses different vibration patterns on your wrist to tell you whether to turn left or right, keeping you on track without needing to look at a screen.

• Talking Fitness Apps: Apps like RunKeeper and Strava provide "Audio Cues," giving you spoken updates on your distance and time at set intervals so you can focus on the path ahead.

💡 Tech Tip: Explore "Specialized Help"💡 

Did you know that apps like Be My Eyes have a "Specialized Help" section? You can connect with experts from companies like Microsoft or Google who can help you set up accessible gaming consoles or troubleshoot fitness apps via a live video call!

Interested in learning more? Contact Navigating Independence, PLLC today!