Why Is Assistive Technology So Expensive? - The Blind Life

In this video we talk about why Assistive Technology devices are
so expensive and some options on how to get them.
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1 [phone]

[@IllegallySighted]

Good suggestions. One thing I'd like to add, that I wish could change, is that a big reason traditional assistive technology is so expensive is because companies aren't selling their products to the actual end user. They are selling mainly to state agencies, businesses, and other large entities that can typically afford to spend more money. That's the way it's been done forever, and as long as it's working for them, things won't change. But things are starting to. We have solid free options like NVDA, VO, and many free or inexpensive apps. You're starting to see these traditional companies have to change, sometimes not for the better, industry monopoly... For many people and common tasks though, things are getting better and more affordable. Finally, I would say that state agencies aren't shopping centers. Yes, people should ask for and advocate for what they need, but not go in expecting a wishlist of stuff just because it's cool. Our state focuses on what is needed for successful employment, maybe not always the ultimate, but something that gets the job done well.

[@aaronwetzel9702]

I believe this is the primary reason. It's exactly what I was going to add.

[@theblindlife]

Absolutely great points! Thanks

[@GerryHarris]

The developers of adaptive technology need to market their products for the general public. The fact it’s aimed at a niche market is what keeps the cost so high.

[@petem4597]

AGREE !! As we age, eyes age, items like ORCAM Reader would be great for many seniors, and younger who would love to point at a page, or a prescription bottle and have the words read to them. Although, recently. some drug stores have hardware that at home will read that Rx if set on top !!

[@missustoad1]

But we should get more aid for these items. Or a big tax credit. Not that we pay much in taxes due to lack of employment. Most of us are on minimal incomes. At least I have a pension. You're ignoring how decentralized broken down services for the blind are. Each competing for dollars. And a big salary for the guy on top. 1) All these organizations or foundations merge into one or coordinate so that fewer CEOs are paying themselves huge salaries and more of the $$$ goes to clients. 2) The clever companies of technology for the blind make a product once, charge a lot, then after we've spent to buy said item on, never update or improve cause it's NOT PROFITABLE to them. MY solution? Once you stop updating your product, it goes public domain or shareware GLOBALLY. If your company is done with us, we at least can get updates. India does a better job of assistive tech for the blind. (And other small groups like us). And give the companies that lower prices a tax reduction for their capitalist "sacrifice". 3) the blind and visually impaired need to not be satisfied with crumbs like being allowed to read at a public religious service in Braille or low paid jobs. Or the occasional unpredictable ride into town to buy needs. Or waiting to learn to use a white cane FFS. Stop letting these disparate organizations fight over us. Fight for ourselves. A bunch of blind people protesting as we stumble to the capital would scare the you know what out of these people.

[@tinahawley09]

Sam great tips! I actually reached out 2 months ago to my states department to get some upgrades on my assistive technology so it'll make my job easier. Excited to be getting an iPad pro & the Davincci CC tv. Anyone else reading this, Sam is spot on, but realize it takes a few weeks and a bit of paperwork but it's so worth it!

[@theblindlife]

Awesome

[@gloriaculver7824]

This is the best video yet! It has finally dawned on me that I cannot rely on others to do what I want that I need to scope these things out. Thank you so much for your video. Gloria

[@TheQuirkySun]

Hi Sam! Thanks for this video. I will be sure to check out the links. Assistive technology is really expensive, but like you said if we look for different resources we can find something that works for us. I recently wanted a braille typewriter, but if I purchased a new one it was over $700. I started saving for it, but then one day I decided to look online and found that a company in Canada that sells assistive products I think it's called Braille Super Store or something like that sells refurbished braille typewriters for half the price. By then I had enough money to buy one and when I recieved it it was in great condition. As for the department of rehab they really do help. I was with them about five years ago and I got a lot of technology. Glasses, portable cctv, cane, handheld magnifier, VictorReader, and few other things.

[@karatyson8234]

You know what is ridiculous? You can buy a quality embosser that makes numerous shapes for crafts...about $300. You need it just to make dots? 3x the cost.

[@JuanAlcazar]

Really good options and suggestions in this video. I’ll have to check out some of the videos you linked. It’s true though that a lot of these devices are pricey if you get them yourself but we also have to see it from the business perspective of the manufacturer. Like you said about the supply and demand. It’s an unfortunate truth but I agree that the more people like us start using these the more that will eventually be made.

[@jacquelinesmith-jackson2815]

JC5 Productions You know you should look up the Perkins Smart Braller. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 It was made in 2014 and it is awesome.

[@juliafinneybryant8126]

You do such a great job! Appreciate all do yo help us out. Great info!

[@conniephillips8217]

Thank you! I volunteer at State services for the blind internet to try to help bring services to people. Unfortunately, I am doing so little for the vast need. But people, are unaware of the services that are available. Thank you for bringing this to the attention of the people. hopefully we can help get more education out to the people.

[@theblindlife]

Thank you for that!

[@andynovak7578]

Good Video! To save money, keep your eyes out for main stream products that have similar features and can be purchased for a lot less. The cell phone was a good example, it has lots of features and is cheaper then buying a dedicated had held video magnifier.

[@vigal79]

One option that wasn’t mentioned, was a local Lions Club perhaps. I grew up in a very rural area and was the only visually impaired kid for I don’t know how many miles. But, I had a CCTV at home and at school growing up. Another one at school, was obviously purchased by the school as I needed it. But the one for home use, was purchased by my local Lions Club. If anybody is old enough to remember the old Tele sensory models from the 80s and 90s that’s what I had. No color whatsoever. But, it got the job done. I had a Merlin color CCTV a number of years ago. Now that, I thought I died and went to heaven because I could actually lift that thing in one unit. And it was easy to move around a desk. Unfortunately, I think I had that thing maybe two or three years and then I ended up losing my vision to a nasty form of glaucoma. I can no longer read any kind of print at all.

[@deanmonthei5631]

Good video. There are a lot of options for normal consumers (low cost) that can work well as a CCTV depending on your level of vision (I have 20/200 vision from Blue Cone Monochromacy). If changing colors is not critical, regular camcorders like the Canon VIXIA HF R800 can provide lots of magnification (32X) and focus close for document reading. The camcorder can be hooked up to a TV or monitor through HDMI. There are also lots of good options for low cost monoculars and magnifiers. There is also a free alternative to IrisVision called "SuperVision for Cardboard". I did a presentation for some low vision optemetrists on low cost vision aids. The .pdf presentation is linked to here: myplace.frontier.com/~deanlmsite/FileShare/BCM_Achromatopsia_V2.pdf

[@supergg07]

I never would’ve thought about eBay. Thanks for the advice

[@JaneDoe-bq9sw]

I was guided your way by Amazon.com. After stumbling upon the shirt blind, not stupid! Of which I purchased One of

[@theblindlife]

That’s awesome, thank you! Welcome to the channel!

[@LauraAnn1980]

What sucks is when you sort of fall into a limbo land of having low vision, but not low enough to be considered legally blind. In my state to qualify for rehab services you either have to be legally blind or under the poverty line. I am very grateful for the vision I do have and the fact that as of now I can still work as a nurse but I def cant afford most of these technologies. I do my best with accessibility features on my phone and computer. I wish insurance would cover some of these things as durable medical equipment.

[@ecologist_to_be]

I hate limbo land...you're disabled but not disabled enough! Really annoying.

[@lmorris1953]

I agree with your video regarding obtaining excessive technology. However, regarding rehab the problem with getting devices and technology from them is once you leave that employment you have to return those items so now you’re back to square one.

[@theblindlife]

Perhaps that is different in your state but in my experience, I haven’t found that to be true. I’ve gotten a device for a particular job and then when I left that position, I didn’t need to return it. It was mine to keep.

[@donedennison9237]

I have a CCTV with a tube tv I found at a thrift store for $99. They thought it was a computer monitor. I put another $70 into it to replace some parts, but I didn't have to. It worked great, I just wanted it nicer. Gosh that was 15 years ago! I also got one with an LCD screen for work from the Oregon Commission for the Blind. Plus they provided a monocoular and several magnifying glasses AND helped get me a job.

[@thejourney1369]

Depends on your case manager. I need new glasses and was told that unless I was working, they won’t get them for me.

[@markford7118]

Sounds like Florida

[@lisagiles9242]

Thank tou for sharing

[@FantasticWhit84]

Must be great when you’re in a state willing to help you. Texas is not one of them, and I had other organizations trying to help me get back in with them also. I got turned away just a couple of months ago trying to reopen my case because they wouldn’t recognize what I’m doing as legitimate work and help me get what I needed to perform it to the best of my ability. (Side note: There’s also the possibility of repercussions if you go the crowdfunding route if you receive any type of government assistance, which many don’t realize until after they done it.) So I’m currently in debt up to my ears from paying for items out of pocket but at least I’m enjoying what I’m doing, no thanks to DBS of Texas. Take the good with the bad because I’m happy to be working again even though I’ll be paying off this stuff for a long time. 😊

[@ecologist_to_be]

That's frustrating!

[@Thejukebox091982]

Just a word of warning Sam, The only state that will not help you is the State of New York. I know, because I've dellt with their refusle for five years of my life back when I was in high school. They did everything in their power to refuse me a screen reader, and my own personal computer. Also, I don't recommend the Commision for the blind in Albany either. Beware, they will hold you back, treat New York, and the NY Commision like the plage they are.

[@Thejukebox091982]

However, on a positive note- that all changed when I moved to New Hampshire. The Association for the blind actually provided with with a home personal computer, laptop, with the Jaws screen reader, and now, I've struggled, but learned about computers, and about fighting inaccessibility for 14 years of my life. In other words, I've learned to be a blind computer programmer analist.

[@Thejukebox091982]

Sorry, I meant, a blind computer programmer annalist. For those that don't know what that is, it is somebody who plays around with different computer programs, and tests out their accessibility with both Jaws, and the free screen reader, NVDA. So far, I've found a few accessible text integrated programs that work great with both screen readers. They are, Audacity 2.1.6, Sothink DVD maker, and DVD Stiler just to name a few, for anybody who's curious. Hope this info helps, sincerely David Jenne. PS, Text Intigrated programs are programs that are written and designed in a way that they will work write out of the box, and that you don't need to pay a program company $1000.00 for the program, then buy another program with Jaws Scripts for another $1000.00 just to be able to use these programs. They are on the right track.

[@bakalabushrat]

This is not true... I used to live in Texas. I got a CCTV, bioptic glasses, a monocle, a few different magnifying glasses all paid for by the DBS. I actually learned how to type with software provided by the DBS....

[@juliedew6669]

Thanks for illuminating some of those options! I have a Merlin CCTV from the 90's that my friend rigged up to my TV which has a bigger screen. He took the mode buttons off of the old screen and soldered it back onto the lower half. Lost some of the modes but I have a much bigger screen which makes it a lot easier to read more quickly, plus less neck strain. Does anyone have any resources for learning Braille?

[@courtneylovesreading4116]

Julie Dew Hi. I would definitely check out the resources by the National Federation of the Blind.

[@debwolf1525]

Julie try Braille tutor plus (Found on Apple App Store). It’s best on an iPad but is fun and easy to learn Braille for all ages.

[@chrisfitzchrisfitz5182]

All the more reason to talk to legislators to ask them to help fight to have the technologies treated as Durable Medical Equipment(DME under Medicare/Medicaid(Medi-Cal here in California). Like my power chair, these devices are critical to my ability to be as independent as possible. I’m actually facing this very problem right now. My Merlin CCTV died here at home(i use an Optylec CCTV at work). I bought the Merlin used for about $1,300. And that was well over ten years ago. Right now, I’m kicking tires- i have tried the E-Sight, and am trying to set up a time to try the Orcam..... ive also looked at the E-Bot Pro to pair with my ipad and the go Vision.i’m no longer sold on the need for a clunky(and ($4#,*$#!!!! weight of such a thing(i had to have a friend haul the Merlin out). I’m also not happy at the costs of these items-especially since i too will be paying out of pocket!!! All the more reason, i guess, to sign up for the ABLE Act!! ....mean while, i’m out of eyes here at home. ☹️

[@scottcbarlow]

Sam, this is great and you are correct in saying how most blind people are unemployed and are financially challenged. With all the great info you put out there, this should help alot of people in need of AT that their VR can't or won't purchase for them. This is a great thing you're doing Sam. From one blind brother to another, Man I really appreciate you and what you do.

[@theblindlife]

Thanks Scott, I really appreciate that!

[@GerryHarris]

I don’t know about the US but in Canada they will buy you the equipment once and 2 or 3 years down the road if the product breaks or needs to be updated your on your own.

[@ecologist_to_be]

It can be same in UK. Once they give you a piece of equipment, no matter what it is, they tend to make you keep it for decades.

[@MagicalAuroraDream]

I think it's pretty much similar in the US unless you jump through a hell of a lot of hoops. I got a BrailleNote Notetaker back in 2009 for college; the damn thing didn't last 4 years, and I was very careful with it! My state department paid to have it fixed, but NOT by Humanware, the people who make it, but by some in-state fixer BS people! It broke again 3 months later and I've not gotten it fixed since! Now, I have been wanting/needing a Braille Display but I'm reluctant to even talk to them about it. I'll probably just save up and buy my own, though I'll have to settle for 14 cell rather than the nice 4 40-cell models I've eyed up...

[@wheelieblind]

I'm glad I'm visually impaired because a lot of assistive technology is expensive, and I make do with out a lot of it and just look up close at things and make the pint bigger and stuff like that depending on what it is. One of the text to speech apps I use is not for the blind or visually impaired really it is a free app because it is something people play with... or at least that's how I see. On one of my older phones I had an app I think it was called speech toy. I use an old tablet for a CCTV too and it is just a camera app, I have no fancy settings and thankfully I do not need all those, I just needed the text of something I was reading to be bigger.

[@livinglifebetweentwoworlds3625]

I wanted to comment on your comment that the reason the cost is so high is because there is such a small population that uses assistive tech. I have to agree. I do think there is one way cost could be reduced, and that is to have an assistive technology tax. Everyone would pay it, and it would go to a pool that companies could draw from to make up for their R&D costs. Not sure how it would equitably be distributed, but such a tax could fund assistive tech research. Perhaps with this tax paying for R&D in the area of AT, companies could charge less to consumers. Now with that said, I'm not saying I'm totally 100% in favor of this, because this wd raise everyone's taxes (and aren't we paying enough already)? But just as you commented that the cost of phones is spread out amongst millions of consumers (and this is why the accessibility on iPhones can be provided) this tax could help reduce the price of AT. I don't know, I have mixed feelings about this, because I don't like more and more endless taxes. They impose the amount of disposable income we have to spend on what we choose to do. Still such a tax might help bring prices down for us. Your thoughts? Mike Jolls

[@myvisuallyimpairedlife5674]

Sam, I live in New Hampshire and in New Hampshire the association for the blind has helped me tremendously. They sell cctvs for $5,000 or $30 a month payments because there are nonprofit organization and they need to make the money somehow. But even though they do that they still offered me for free a CCTV at 4 to choose from. However the department that gets you the assistive Technologies and help you with that told me that the list was so long and even if they bump me up there was no chance of me getting anything now because last year they spent over 1.5 million dollars over budget. But I've been told when they tell you these things you got to put the pressure on them to keep calling calling calling till they get so sick of you to give you whatever you want. Lol but even though I've had nothing but kindness thrown at me since my ordeal started. I have what is called l h o n so I only have a little peripheral vision in each eyes and my central vision is gone and completely pixels Stars rainbows and gray. I know how Sam feels about the esight glasses and the way I feel is I think there are a hunk of junk. Now I'm not knocking him completely because they did seem to me like they would work for somebody with blurry vision or just really bad eyesight. But they definitely do not work for optic nerve damages and I'm sure there's a whole other list of eye diseases they would not work for. When they say they work for 4 out of 5 visually impaired people are blind I do not believe that number at all is just a promotion gimmick. In other words please, please try these esight glasses before you spend any money on them. I did however see the orcam glasses and I absolutely fell in love. There a third of the cost of the East sight and it's not about making your vision come back to see. It's about making your surroundings come to life. Sam has videos on this device and I would definitely check it out if you're like me and you have optic nerve problems. When I'm at the store I can see everything on the shelves boxes cans cetera but I cannot no matter how close I put it to my face read it it's the weirdest thing ever. But the or cams all you have to do is point and it reads it for you. Or if someone's walking towards you and they get in the sight of the camera and they're on your list that you create it'll tell you who's approaching. It'll even tell you the time when you look at your wrist even if there's no watch. Now I'm not trying to sell their cans I'm not affiliated with anybody I just like them that much. I will own a pair eventually. If I've learned anything in the five months that I've been visually impaired I've learned this, do not ever be afraid to ask for help. It was so hard for me in the beginning I even got mad when people try to help me. But you know the old saying if you can't beat them join them all in this instance you should join them because nothing's better than help but make sure you're still independent and fight to be independent. And I just want to add one more thing don't be afraid to ask for free technology from your Association in your state. You would be amazed what they have when you ask. Yes it might be old and it might be second hand but it will be free and you have nothing to complain about when it's free.

[@MissouriPrepper64052]

does anyone have an Aumni 2 power ford I have a brean now one but dont have the power cord for it

[@nicksvisiontohear]

The main issue is the manufacturers know that most people with vision impairment can get some funding and that is why they inflate the prices.

[@macadamiaowl9702]

I found on ebay OrCam2 with power bank 2 magnets only 1 yr used for 1400. Magnets felt off after 2 months contacted seller who contacted shop that transfered ownership to me. Now I'm shipping it back and I will get new device!

[@MrHamit64]

Ah interesting. Yeah another analigy I made before the PTR2 got killed off was hay for $900 like the PTR2 you can get a Zoom F8. The origenal F8 and it sounds pretty dam near studio Mixer like and you get 8 XLRs and Blu-Ray audio. I know it's not the exact same argument but it's something else I thought of too. For cheeper or about the same price as DAISY playing devices you can get more pro quality. Now not only the expence is a problem. But you can't finance something like an L Braille. Or the Braille Note Touch. Like QVC's Easy Pay or HSN's Flex Pay. I don't get why these companies don't do this.

[@DianaWilson]

Gen X rocks! I love the amazing things tech can do.

[@theblindlife]

Lol, amen!

[@djabbamont1080]

Um, don't you need the assistive devices to be able to do the research to get the grant for the assistive device?

[@ecologist_to_be]

I imagine you get help to get the equipment.

[@anitapandian3608]

Where we will get this product I from India

[@ecologist_to_be]

Do you get disability benefits in America to help towards extra costs? In UK, we have Personal Independence Payment, which is up to £559 ish a month, to help towards the extra costs of disabilities including cars or powerchairs through Motability scheme. There is also Disabled Facilities Grant which is up to £30,000 to adapt your house.

[@ecologist_to_be]

The downside is our National Health System hardly funds anything. lol

[@theblindlife]

You do have the option to apply for disability here in the states. The amount you get is different for everybody.

[@WayneKnighton]

It would be great if someone created software for a mainstream VR headset. Many have external cameras and relative costs are a lot lower.... One day.

[@theblindlife]

Believe it or not, most of the assistive technology headsets on the market right now are made with existing VR headsets. Unfortunately that doesn’t always keep the cost down.

[@GloriaNak]

I totally understand what you are saying but by the same token if they lower the prices they will sell more.

[@allanrosewarne1433]

Soetiestheir medical coverage ight pay or a poryionofthe eeded device.

[@MissouriPrepper64052]

Got a used cctv which workd just fine through ebay only paid 200 for mine n does what I need to vs biuying new one

[@theblindlife]

Yes, eBay is a fantastic place to get affordable assistive technology

[@RileySongbirdd]

Hey Sam, it’s Riley again. I wanted to ask you if you had a blog. If you don’t and you’re wanting one I highly recommend wordpress.com. I started one for my company Riley World Technology A few weeks ago and the app is very accessible with voiceover. I just thought I would let you know. I actually have two of them now because of how accessible wordpress is. Not only are they accessible, Sam, but they were very helpful when I purchased my domain name. I actually have a website under the same name as my company. After I purchased the website I contacted another friend of mine who has low vision and ask him to check out the contrast. I wanted him to tell me if that theme that wordpress suggested was OK. He emailed me back and let me know that to him the contrast is fine. I was grateful because I want my site to be accessible to all blind users.

[@theblindlife]

That’s awesome Riley, thanks! I’ll definitely check out your site. I’ve thought about creating a The blind life website but haven’t gotten around to it yet. The truth is I much more comfortable in video rather than in print! LOL

[@RileySongbirdd]

I can totally understand that. At first, I was a little nervous myself but it gets easier after a while. When you do look at the site the blog is actually connected to it so you’ll find them both in the same place. I did it that way so it’s easier for my followers to locate.

[@MrHamit64]

Oh now you meantion EBay, Where can 1 find stuff like the PTR2? I tried EBay but nothing. Also where can 1 cell stuff I have 2 Pac Mates I'm not using. Don't know if i can get thousands out of them no more but could use the dough.

[@theblindlife]

You could also try selling on Facebook. There are lots of low vision and assistive technology Facebook groups where you could either purchase devices or sell them.

[@DaMediaGuyProductions]

Do you know any places that hire Visually Impaired people? Maybe at home work.

[@theblindlife]

There are several places around the country bad to hire visually impaired individuals. I would contact a local lighthouse for the blind. They could give you more information. Or even contact the American Council for the blind or the national Federation of the blind. They are both national organizations that would have more information on that.

[@bkmcg8100]

The Lions organization helps the blind, I have helped raise money which the Lions donate to Leader dogs for the blind in Michigan.

[@Aliciaek]

I found Irisvision...do you know the product>...its cost $2,500

[@theblindlife]

Yes, I have one and it works great for me. I’ve made many videos about it.

[@Aliciaek]

@@theblindlife Is for my mother, she is RP ..por left eye she sees light gold and silver, less at the right...my problem is that She lives abroad. I wonder if they already selling used glasses (in case that is not going well for her I wont wasted too much money. She need a prescription for this glasses?...Thank you for your help and the time you take to answer this questions.

[@jacquelinesmith-jackson2815]

Ask medicaid to pay for it. You know in 2014 the American printing house for the blind remade the Perkins Braille writer from the 1800s. Assistive technology is so expensive because it costs so much to cure blindness. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Anyway the machine they made was made in 2014 and it's called the Perkins Smart Brailler.

[@michalgierszewski8610]

Some of the DIY ideas might be a nice sootion for expesive devices. Like a CCTV or portable electronic lupe. Just buy a regular phone or tablet and get some of the free apps. Of course specially designed devices are much mre comftortable but DIY ideas also works great and are much more cheaper

[@MoneyWithKazeem]

Often, there might be alternative to that thing that might be cheaper

[@larrytestut4655]

We have a service in Florida for the vision impaired it is called the division of blind Services we have one in Winter Haven and then we have the main office and Tampa Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind

[@markford7118]

Florida's service is not easy to obtain.. Every county has a different program. Start in let say Volusia where the very wonderful School there can provide good basic training. Then if you find housing and employment in Seminole you need to start all over again and re apply.. Everything takes weeks upon weeks. It's true you can get a lot of expensive hi tech gadgets that read and help operate PC's but when it comes to vital ongoing physical therapy and training on the high tech stuff, Florida is extremely STINGY. Don't get diabetes and loose your job, eye sight and then everything else. Just sayin'

[@ratherbfishing455]

It does not look good to criticize older people. I know two who are 100 who use computers. I also know people in their 50s, who can't use an iPad. What to you suggest for someone in Texas? Thank you

[@raysupllc]

Do you drive?

[@theblindlife]

No, I’ve never been able to legally drive. I started to lose my vision at age 11 and was legally blind by my early teens. I’ve driven a car many times though, don’t tell anyone! LOL

[@raysupllc]

@@theblindlife what is a great tool to assist when driving?

[@ecologist_to_be]

@@raysupllc for the visually impaired? I'd say currently their is no way to adapt a car to drive safely. Even these supposed self driving cars need vision as you can't rely on the computers 100%.

[@rushankparvate7353]

Hey Sam please suggest me a cheap note taking device

[@myvisuallyimpairedlife5674]

I don't know how you wrote this comment but that might right there be the key to your cheap note option. There's apps for free on Android Orono s and on Mac and on Microsoft computers. There's an app called seeing AI. Which you can get on OS or Microsoft for free. I've heard nothing but good things about that. And there's a whole bunch of free apps on Android Market to take notes speech to text or just look up in the search bar dictation. Also I'd like to add depending on what type of phone you own you might have the option there and not even know it. I own a LG v20 and little did I know that on the keyboard that came with the phone there is a little gear button. If you hold it down a speaker pops up and if you click on that you can do speech to text on whatever app or option of the mitt time you may be using. For instance, I am able to use the Note software that came with the phone and all I have to do is hold down that button click the speaker and my note is taken. I will add I can only do that because I have a little bit of peripheral vision left. So if you're worse than that and that my suggestion is go to Google market and type in dictation in the search bar or on the OS. There are tons of options good luck.

[@MagicalAuroraDream]

Vincent Grasso Um, Seeing AI isn't for taking notes. It's for things like reading text or scanning products. I use it all the time when I'm browsing through my freezer and can't quite read the box or bag. It recognizes most barcodes, even giving instructions a lot of the time, which is a huge help!

[@MagicalAuroraDream]

Rushank Parvate Are you looking for one with a good Braille display? If not, do you just want a good smart phone and a solid bluetooth QWERTY keyboard or Braille display? I just use my iPad and a Logitech K811 EasySwitch Bluetooth keyboard for school, though I really want a Braille display! I'm thinking the Focus 40 Blue 5th generation or maybe the Brailliant BI 14. Some Braille displays also have built-in notes/scratchpad apps.

[@ratherbfishing455]

I think assistive technology is expensive is nonprofits and the government pay for devices. A lot is who you know. I don't understand why one student has an ipad and another one does not. Same thing with an electric wheelchair.

[@anitapandian3608]

Please reduce the cost

[@texastrainer4982]

It's not supply & demand it's just greed. Optilec has an obscene profit margin & they aren't even trying to change that. Any company could make viewers that plug into any screen you want to buy - but they WON'T, they make it compatible with JUST THEIR STUFF. Overseas - cheap & supplied by the state. Commission for the Blind (esp if ur female) will tell u to get married. Even if you enroll in school they won't give u anything anymore. Been fighting this crap for 30 yrs. I have NO idea how you make ur $$$$$. My SSDI is 1k a month & will never increase. BTW - went to "Center for Independent Living" - everyone lives with their parents . . . tx commish for blind gets 26 mil a yr & doesn't even have job placement, as a matter of fact, they harassed and TRIPPED an obese blind receptionist so much that she sued them for an undisclosed amount. Also, bought "2nd hand" & got screwed (big shock) Thanks for trying, though

[@aishiteruyo]

I agree. And you mentioned something that I've thought. I think that men get more support when they go to visually impaired organizations. My local services for the blind will make every excuse not to do anything so they can keep the money to themselves. It got to where I couldn't bother wasting time anymore. I got a used cctv. I know this is an old post but you do have a good amount of buyer protection if you buy from ebay. If it arrives not as described or broken from shipping you can get a full refund even if the seller states that they don't accept returns.

[@tizmehere492]

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE among the B/VI community has been consistently at or above 70% REGARDLESS of educational level for over 60 years! In plain speak, this means that those with a PhD and those with a high school diploma face the same likelihood of unemployment.

[@perrystadnyk962]

They consider these units Medical so they raise the price

[@danabelden4492]

Yes lol

[@anitapandian3608]

Every body gets benefits mostly they're poor

[@BlindNeil]

Money is the false god that many worship

[@anitapandian3608]

We people are poor

[@JanPBtest]

You can thank American "health" "care" "system" for it.