Have you ever heard of blind hockey? If so, did you scratch your head and wonder how such a visual game could be enjoyed and played by both blind and low vision hockey enthusiasts? This month, Maurie spoke with Kevin Shanley, co-founder of both the New York Nightshades blind hockey club as well as Courage USA, a spinoff of Courage Canada. Kevin spoke of his introduction into blind hockey and his experiences at the annual Courage Canada Blind Hockey Tournament in Toronto, Ontario. Kevin’s hope is to bring the sport below the Canadian border so we can eventually have some true international competition and perhaps be involved in the birth of blind hockey as a paralympic event. Kevin explains how it works and the rule changes that make it possible for blind and low vision athletes to work together and exhibit a pretty impressive athletic competition.

Historic Movement in Blind Hockey includes a video of the first Courage USA blind hockey event discussed in Maurie’s interview with Kevin Shanley.

Courage USA Brings the Sport of Blind Ice Hockey to America

2015 Courage Canada National Blind Hockey Tournament to Take Place Feb 13-15

For information about registering for the 2015 Annual Courage Canada Hockey Tournament in Toronto,

Matt Morrow, Courage Canada Executive Director

845-234-1650

Courage USA

Christine Osika, Courage USA Co-Founder and Vice President
courageUSAhockey@gmail.com or
845-234-1650

Interested in developing your skills?
If you live in upstate New York, here are 2 organizations ready to hear from you:

New York Nightshades in Newburgh, NY

Kevin Shanley and Christine Osika

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

CABVI is in search of blind or visually impaired individuals who would like to play hockey! Beginning in 2016 CABVI will introduce its new blind hockey program. Please contact Kathy Beaver, VP of Rehabilitation, at (315) 797-2233 for more information or to express interest.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device, the Kindle Fire, the Mac or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

The team takes a look at the new Apple Mac OS, another check in with Rodney on how he likes his new iPhone 6 Plus then a trip into the world of 4k resolution and beyond. All that and Joe gives into Rodney’s insistence with this month’s app review on High Contrast.

Remember, you can keep up with even more Apple news by listening to SPN’s sister show “Triple-click Home”

Or, for even more up to the minute Apple news, check out the Twitter feed for the show at
https://twitter.com/tripleclickhome

App Review: WWE Super Card

Rodney has mentioned this game enough for Joe to grab it and, be it grudgingly, agree that it’s not bad. Not bad at all. The words “collectable”, “card” and “game” are innocent enough. But adding the letters W, W and E might make one pause. Yet, when combined into the title WWE Super Card, the result is really fun for both fans of the WWE and those who like stat based game play found on so many other mobile apps. The fonts are large, however, some might have problems with the colors on the card’s background images. The game is free and playing a round is fast. It’s out now for both Apple and Android. And, like we said above, it isn’t bad.
Find the app on the Apple App Store at
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wwe-supercard/id775402833?mt=8
And on Google Play at
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.catdaddy.cat22&hl=en

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

The new iPhones are out and Rodney has the biggest one there is with the 6 Plus. We get an idea of how much he likes it, there is some talk about viewing iOS8 and another timely App Review by Joe. Check in with the team to see if the Pop Tart, or Strudel, sized phone is the way to go if you are a low vision iPhone user. And remember, if you want even more Apple coverage from SPN, check out our sister show “Triple-click Home”.

App Review: Doctor Who Legacy

The new 8th series of Doctor Who is in full swing, Joe adores match 3 games and we needed an app review for this month. So, a perfect storm of events, brings Joe out of the TARDIS to discuss Doctor Who Legacy. It’s a match 3 game with so much depth and complexity that joe notes it will be hard to find other games to replace it on his iPad and Android tablet. The game features special attacks, you defeat famous monsters from the Doctor Who universe and you can pick up that green dot and move it over to be with its friends. Rather than only being able to move a dot in four directions one space over. This freedom of movement is the best part about the game in Joe’s opinion. Its free, however, there are some nice In App purchases for those who want to move through the game faster. The game has over 50 hours of gameplay with more content being added constantly. Just be sure to visit the settings section and change the way the dots are displayed if you find that the default dots are hard to see.

Mailbag:

Byron notes that the High Contrast Mailable is well behaved when looking at it versus its friends on other SPN shows. And that could be due to a full bag of mail for us to talk about. Like these two emails from John.

“Greetings,

This is my first time listening to High Contrast, and I felt compelled to comment.

My story goes back to the dark ages when I was a teenager. I’ll try to be brief. As for my low vision, I have about 20/400 vision with nystagmus.

I had spent 10 years at a school for the blind before going to a public high school my last couple years. At the school for the blind I didn’t learn mobility skills until my last year there. I was given a folding cane, which I carried stuffed in my jeans pocket through my last two years at public school. I always figured I’d pull it out in unfamiliar territory, but I never had the guts to do it because I didn’t want to be identified as blind.

Somehow I made it through my first year of college. It became obvious to me that I needed rehab training. I was in Nebraska then and went to the rehab center, which required I learn under sleepshades. I’m glad I had that training because it’s easier to discern when vision isn’t efficient for a given task. It’s good to know I can use alternative techniques without shame.

Of course, I learned to use a long, white NFB cane, and I’ve used one ever since. By the way, a long , white cane doesn’t glow in the dark or have a red end. When I went back to college for my second year, fresh out of rehab training, a couple of my friends told me I looked much more confident. They said I didn’t look like I was drunk or on drugs. That was a great affirmation.

These days I use a telescoping cane most of the time. I use it in situations where it may not be necessary because I don’t want there to be any question about me being blind. God forbid, if a car hits me on our busy rural highway, I want the driver to know he or she hit a blind person.

However, I do wear glasses with thick lenses, and this may confuse some people. Nonetheless, it’s much easier for me to explain to people that I’m blind with a little usable vision, than it was in the days of my youth when people didn’t know, and I didn’t know what to tell them.

I often get asked how much I can see. I heard a great answer to this, which I sometimes use. I can see more than you think I can, but less than I think I can.

John”

He then wrote us again with this comment…

“Greetings again,

I forgot in my earlier e-mail to tell you a funny incident concerning carrying my long, white cane.

Recently, we were checking into a motel in Cameron, Missouri, on our way to a family reunion. I was standing in a hallway, waiting for our son to come along. A man stopped and asked if I was going to the cattle sale. I simply said that I wasn’t, and he went on his way.

Since this question had been asked of me one other time, I knew what he was referring to. My cane looks like a show stick used in livestock auctions. In fact, later that day at the reunion, one of my sisters commented how my cane looks like a show stick, at which time I told her of the encounter at the motel.

I wonder if other blind folks in rural areas with canes like mine have had this happen.

John”

Our recent talk about sneeze gards brought in this response:

“OMG! the business card dilemma. The person who ordered business cards for us last time did not check with anyone in my office to verify such important things as actual phone numbers. That not withstanding, this person ordered double sided cards, as you see, we have two organizations that we represent.

Great, I put braille on one side and those people interacting with me in my role for Organization A can read and scan the print but Org B can’t.

Then he got the cards on thick glossy stock. The braille business card stamp we have for our office does not work well on heavy, glossy stock. I now have ghost braille on my cards.

This person was sufficiently yelled at by me and others but I have enough of these business cards to last another couple years.

When I got back from conventions this summer, I did a marathon business card scanning session. this was mostly great but there were a few that never did come out right and one that must have had size 2 font as it had so much info on it. Set the scanner resolution high, people.

I also feel for you guys at buffets. I send my husband up for me and he tries but he only has peripheral vision and well, it’s something but he’s not sure what so try it and if it’s good, he’ll try to remember where he got it.

The sneeze guard is an obstacle on the way out too. I once in my partially sighted days had a big old ladle full of lasagna. I was so proud that I’d even gotten it out of the pan. My arm hit the edge of the sneeze guard as I brought it up an rout and I flipped the thing right onto the sneeze guard. Splat! That was my last attempt at buffets solo.

Jenine Stanley”

And here is a great email from long time listener Pam;

“Hello folks,

Excellent topic! Excellent show. Personally, I have just enough vision to get me in trouble. I do carry a cane when crossing the street. I can see traffic lights, however there are enough idiots on the road these days who think their destination is more important than mine, who run them as much as they stop at them. I can think of two instances, both in Tampa Florida that illustrate opposite examples of identification. First let me explain my eye condition is such that is obvious to anyone looking at me. There are those who think I cannot see anything due to the fact I have clouded corneas along with astigmatism in both eyes. I have had subsequent surgery that has rectified the cornea issue to the extent of giving me the vision I have. I also wear cataract lenses due to having had a cataract removed back in the 90s. My first instance allowed me to use the fact that someone did not know what I could see to my benefit. I enrolled my children in preschool, walked back to the bus stop, asked for help across a small street to get to the stoplight; as it was an unfamiliar area. I was wearing a crucifix given to me by my husband as a Christmas gift. The gentleman who walked with me ultimately stole The chain holding that crucifix from me. He mugged me at the bus corner. I was caring a cane, he figured I could see nothing. What he didn’t know is that I had given him a once over when I ask for his help. I was able to give an accurate description to the police therefore allowing the police to find this man through a crack deal he had made selling my chain for $40. It was returned to me by the grace of God. My second instance has to do with being selected for jury duty. I was also caring a cane in that instance it was more inconspicuous. I carry a telescopic collapsible cane that fit nicely across the center zipper of my purse. While in the jury pool, there was a gentleman who I virtually adopted at his consent allowing me to follow him where he went as we were selected for the same pool. In that situation, the judge and both attorneys have a certain amount of excuses they can use without explanation. All that were present knew I could not see well. Ironically the trial on which I served used a video tape as part of the evidence. While in the proceeding, The attorneys pushed it closer to the jury box for me to see. Though I had my cane with me, it was not prominently displayed giving the impression I was totally blind. I have no doubt those who were in charge of picking jurors paid attention to how I acted and my ability to move with a group of people therefore making a judgment on their own as to what I could see. When the whole thing was over, I approached the judge thanking her for allowing me the privilege to serve given the fact she could have excused me without reason. In a normal situation, I use the vision I have as a defense mechanism. I allow someone to know me before I let them know what I can & cannot see. Hope this helps further your topic. Thanks for reading.

Pam Francis”

Thanks everyone for your comments. It keeps the mailbag purring and oh so happy!

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Maurie is back, to the happiness of Rodney and Byron, and she has brought along a fantastic topic for this month’s episode. Many low vision people struggle with where, when and what times they should self identify in public. Sure, the airport seems like a logical place to carry a cane, however, a trip to the local store might be the place where overconfidence can trump your need for assistance in interacting in that environment. Not to mention when reading the sides of cereal boxes. How did that text get so small anyway? Join us as we talk about examples of self identification, a few trademark ramblings off topic and another game review by Joe that you can play with your eyes open or closed.

Here is the link, to the NPR story, that got Maurie to thinking about low vision self identification

Additionally, from the ACLU, here is a link to a PDF about knowing your rights when talking with the authorities that Rodney found on the Daily Tech News Show website.

App Review: Blindfold Racer

Grab your headphones and driving gloves. It’s time to speed down the track, avoid chickens and turn in your best times with Blindfold Racer for iOS. This free app works with Voiceover and is a great pick up and play kind of game. You will tilt your device to steer around obstacles and barrel through turns. It sounds simple, but can you keep the center of the track between your ears as you avoid the crazy obstacles? Try out the app and see if you can be the ultimate driver!

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Okay you know how you may plan something out in say, oh I don’t know, an outline? Then, when you start the project, you toss out… say the outline? Welcom to High Contrast 23. In this episode Rodeny, Byron and Joe talk about a great many things. Some examples may include, but are not limited to: Lighting, contrast, hotels, nail guns, Doctor Demento, Steve Austin, roller tips, white pants and of course low vision. All that, and an app review you can play with VoiceOver, on a very unique episode of High Contrast.

App Review: Codename Cygnus

Live the life of a secret agent. Be bold, athletic or clever in your exploits while you battle evil. All while you enjoy an immersive experience on your iDevice. This VoiceOver friendly app has a free option, however, the full game does have an In App purchase.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Its finally summer time. Sand, surf, sidewalks, some other S words. You know the time where you venture out of the home and possibly commune with nature. This month Rodney, Byron and Maurie talk about what they use to combat the evil rays of the sun. And we have an app review plus the Mailbag. So sit back in that cheap outdoor lawn chair and join us while we talk sun shades.

Here are some suggestions for where to start on the perfect pair of sunglasses. Remember, you may want to go see these options in person as some may not fit your face well when it comes to wraparound lenses. Also, you may find that red works better than gray on a tint. Or green, or blue. Everyone has their own style as you can see from these examples.

CPF lenses (originally made by Conrning)

Remington Shooting Glasses

Fuel Cell by Oakley

Gunnar Computer Glasses

And don’t forget hats. A good hat can let you avoid some glare issues without having something on your face. And at the pool or beach, it is an alternative to having water spots on your lenses if you rely on sunglasses for summer eye protection.

App Review: Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign for iOS

joe is a bit perplexed. He has been playing this game for more than a month. He hasn’t spent a dime. But he can’t fully recommend this Match 3 title because it’s a low vision nightmare. If you have issues with colors, shapes or text on and odd background… stay away. Or get the app, try it and uninstall. If you do decided that you want to have Iron man, Storm, Black Widow and others beat up the bad guys by matching colors and shapes in spandex, give this one a shot. Its great for the cheap gamer and you can use Zoom on iOS to help you get through the rougher spots on the UI.

Mailbag:

Check out Rodeny, Byron and Ranger1138 on the latest End of Line talking about what you could watch on your TV or tablet this summer. If you don’t like the outdoors that is of course.

Wayne writes in with this comment…

“Morning everyone, Just a handy tip that I thought you might find helpful. I was listening to the last episode when you were mentioning about not wanting pasccodes announcing in public places by voiceover. I am a non-visual user of the iPhone and also don’t want pass codes announcing. There is a good solution though. If you turn on the handwriting mode in the rotor, you will be able to handwrite your passcode in the passcode field. The code is not announced when in handwriting mode on the lock screen. Hope that’s useful. Also, to prevent your text messages announcing in the lock screen, you could disable them in the notifications centre re: turning them off in the lock screen. There’s more inconvenience with this re: the text alert tone will sound but you’ll need to go into messages.I suppose the other option would be to mute voiceover with the double triple tap gesture and turn it on again after the text alert sounds. Keep up the good work at Serotek. It’s all very helpful. Although I am an iPhone user, I do also like to keep in touch with Android developments through that Android Show. too. Maybe they’ll be the option of @That Windows Show@ soon eh? Thanks again for all the effort your teams put into the shows. Best regards, Wayne”

Neat! That was one we hadn’t considered at all. Good catch!

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

To help remake accessibility training as we know it, visit to view training subscription options and make your contribution to EZFire’s A11YTV funding campaign.

Rodney, Byron and Maurie spoke about the joys, or perhaps lack there of, for low vision users in iOS 7 a few episodes ago. Well, in honor of the recently released iOS 7.11 and joe having a spiffy new iPad Air, the team has reconverged to discuss the latest iOS and its changes made to better aid those with vision impairments. They’ll also talk “Growing up Fisher”, canceled by NBC not too long after the show was recorded, plus the typical unexpected topics that can be so magical on a show like ours.

Here are some things that came up in conversation….

BBC News – Glow in the dark road unveiled in the Netherlands

Rodney mentioned the 8 Bit Classic from Activision. All hail “Enduro’!

Recommended by Byron, Luke and carrie’s “Bad Report” Podcast

Confused about what Ringtone Rodney helped accidentally create? Well, check out the Out Cast for 2012 to hear it in context.

And download it for your very own

App Review: Star Wars Assault Team

Speaking of that new iPad Air, although this game is also on Windows Phone and Android as well, Joe is playing what amount’s to a strange mix of a card battler with a turn by turn RPG set in the Star Wars universe. It’s a free title, however, it will force [ha ha force!] you to consider handing over money at somepoint midway through the game. All your SW Regulars are there with Han, Luke, Chewie and so many Droids. It’s a fun romp, its free and it is great for killing time while waiting in the burger line for lunch.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

This month Rodney, Maurie, Byron and joe talk television and movies. A recently released NBC series has both Low Vision and Blind groups taking notice of the portrayal of its lead character who plays someone with Low Vision. Our team has thoughts about the initial episodes and if they believe some of the humor is universal or if it’s just way off the mark entirely. We’ll also discuss the rise, fall and rise again of Solo DX. At the time of the show’s initial recording the app was fine. Then after the show was edited the app was shuddered. And now, as you read this, the app has new life. Oh how 60 days can be like 7 years in internet time! Find out more about Solo DX in our discussions and stick around for joe’s app review.
Learn more about “Growing Up Fisher” by visiting the official NBC page

Joe noted that NBC canceled a show last year with a Blind character in it, and Matthew perry from “Friends” was in there too, called “Go On”.

Rodney mentioned another show that has featured a Blind character recently is “Covert Affairs” on the USA network.

Take a listen to SeroTalk 179 and hear the interview recorded at the launch of the Solo DX app

Disability Need Not Be Barrier for Moviegoers

Read more about the transition for Solo DX to its new home with Accessibility Hound

App Review: Umano

Since you happen to be reading show notes for a podcast at the moment, chances are you like to hear news and stories read to you by people with nice voices. Umano, both for Android and iOS, is today’s top headlines [and more] read by professional voice artists. Both versions of the apps have their own hang ups with their own screen readers, the app is pretty bright and needs a night mode… but still. If you want to read lots of news with real voices of current news, you can’t go wrong with Umano.

Our Sponsor

We didn’t cover it in this episode, however, be sure to catch joe’s interviews with some up and coming Video magnifiers from our SPN CSUN 2014 coverage. HIMS, our coverage sponsor, released a Video Magnifier that connects to an iPad or an Android tablet. To learn more about eBot, listen to our SPN CSUN Special.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Check out Byron’s LowVisionRants.com Website

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network

using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Winter is just about over, thank goodness, but the crew thought that they would pass along some of their tips and low tech ways of walking around in the snow and ice of the neverending Polar Vortex. Joe reviews some apps for those who like Leo and TWiT and we hear from Thomas on baggage suggestions for Bryon’s collection.

Winter Travel Tips

Here are the links to some of the gear mentioned by Maurie, Rodney and Byron

Walking on Ice? Yak Trax will go on most shoes to provide safe walking.

Icebug Ivalo-L BuGrip boot

Due North OVRSD All Purpose Snow & Ice Boot Traction Aid, Oversized

Remington Wrap-Around

App Review: TWiT for iOS, TWiT Pro for Android

Rodney, Byron and joe listen to many of the shows on the TWiT network. Joe notes that getting the official app for iOS is super easy. Just go to the live streaming site and you will be prompted to visit the iOS store to get the paid app. Its not the best with VoiceOver sadly, however, its simple to use with Low Vision if you don’t mind the color green with white lettering.

For Android, and this is a free app that asks for kind donations, TWiT Pro is a great TalkBack friendly way to keep up with the various shows on the Podcast Network. With white lettering on a black background, the app is very streamline and it has many of the features found in the iOS official app. Both are great ways to keep up with Leo and pals!

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

Follow GW Micro on Twitter.

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com.

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to a very special episode of “High Contrast” featuring Maurie’s interview with Sue martin. Sue’s recently released book, “out of the Whirlpool”, tells several amazing stories about vision loss and acceptance. Its an inspiring read and we hope this interview also enlightens those who may face similar challenges. Sue is a dynamic speaker, as we found out, during our SAMNet voice chat “Author’s night”. She joined us there as part of the Serotek “In It To Win It” promotion. To learn more about how we promote the Blindness and Low Vision Community through this program, visit this blog post.

A special extended edition of this episode can be found inside the audio book version of Sue’s book. To get her book, with the bonus interview audio, visit the official site for “out Of The Whirlpool”.

App Preview: The Walk

Joe is on a mission. Several actually! Joe is playing the new “The Walk” game on Android but its also available on iOS too. The idea is that as you walk, hence the title, you unlock new missions with bigger and bigger goals of walking a particular distance. As you do this you unlock audio clips of a very big story that involves you, an explosion and lots of voices from the UK. Joe will be doing lots of walking at CSUN, and other conventions, for SPN.. he invites you to join him on your own walk throughout the year and to let him know how you are doing with an iReport or a tweet to him @rangerstation on Twitter. He’ll be giving updates on his progress during the year and together we can all survive … The Walk!

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

Follow GW Micro on Twitter.

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com.

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

It’s the Holidays once again and this time we do two shows in one so we could cover it all. Maurie joins Rodney and Joe in the first half of the episode, then!, Byron comes by to ask our listeners for help in accessorizing his life. Plus, coffee is mentioned. This show has everything including another great app to go get on iOS. Product Overview: VisioBook CCTV

Maurie gives her thoughts on the foldable desktop magnifier With pivoting HD camera for both close range and distance viewing. She used it for many of her work and home related tasks, but did she find it to be the video magnifier of her holiday dreams?

Byron’s Bags And more;

We talked a lot about things that would be great gifts for the unorganized person in your life. Here are just some of the products we discussed;

Grid-It Organizer

Orange Tactile Paint

Variety Texture, Color and Size – Round Stick-Ons 138 pieces

Low Vision Large Dice White with black dots

Pelican 1510LOC Carry On Protector Case with Laptop Sleeve and Accessories Case, 1510-006-190

Pelican 1506TSA Pelilock 1506 TSA Approved

Dell Venue 8 Pro Tablet

Outlets To Go Power Strip with USB – Black by Monster

Belkin 8 Outlet Pivot Surge Protector with 6ft Cord and Telephone Protection

And if you can live with the clutter, these gifts may please others you know instead

Kurig Coffee Maker

PG Tips Tea

Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Tea, 80-Count Tea Bags

Lola Savannah Coffee – Cozy Winter’s Night (Whole Bean)

Thermos Stainless King 16-Ounce Leak-Proof Travel Mug

Tech Access Daily Tip

Thermos 16-Ounce Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler

Coffee Joulies

App Review: Papa Sangre 2

Know this first, you need headphones or earbuds to play this game. Oh, that and you are dead. There is no iphone, there is no outside world. There is just these thoughts in your mind you may just lose and this touch screen. Together, if you are lucky, you can escape with your mind intact as long as you can avoid … penguins. Confused? You won’t be after you hear about Papa Sangre 2.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

Follow GW Micro on Twitter.

Follow Byron Lee on Twitter

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com.

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Maurie and Jeremy are still enjoying the summer vacation season. But Rodney, Byron and joe pick up where they left off a few episodes ago with some new hardware options for tablets, TVs and scanning. Oh, and be sure to see the Mailbag as it has a fantastic observation from last month’s discussion on recognizing people.

StandScan:

We start the show off with a discussion of this neat cardboard based appliance that rolls in with a $19 or $29 option. While interesting, it may not replace your traditional flatbed scanning solution any time soon. Still, its fairly inexpensive if you want to try it out. Rodney and Erin elaborate more on the unit they tested in a Tech Access Weekly Democast.

Google Nexus 7 and Chromecast:

Rodney continues the plethora of review goodness with his thoughts on the new Google Nexus 7 (2013). He has seen the original Nexus 7, and of course has a few types of iPads lying around, so he is able to give some low vision comparison musings on this tablet. And, even more hardware!, he tells Byron and Joe about his fun with the new Google Chromecast.

As with the Stand Scan, you can hear even more about both devices in another Tech Access Weekly Democast.

And for another take on Chromecast, check out what JJ had to say on the latest “That Android Show”…

App Review: iAssociate 2 HD

Joe needed something to do while waiting for his solara gold and food to restock. His co workers at Serotek had the answer, and the revenge for getting them all hooked on Solara, with the recommendation of iAssociate 2. It seems that their obsession with this word matching game was just as bad as Joe’s for the game he imposed on all of them. And now they want to get all of you on board with their addiction. Soon you will be linking associations with words in ways you never imagined. How is South Park’s Eric Cartman associated with bones and cakes? If you didn’t already know, you will soon as typing in the right answers helps you defeat these fiendish word puzzles.

Mailbag:

We knew the topic of recognition of men and women was something many low vision people experience, however from the blog comment listed below, we had no idea how this could become even more complicated outside the U.S.. Zivan Krisher says: “Hello, In High Contrast Episode 13, you really hit a note with me on the subject of gender recognition. I live in Israel and Hebrew is a gender specific language. Even nouns have a gender let alone words that refer to people. For example a car is female a computer is male. Thankfully we are less formal over here and I do not need to say ma’am or sir to anyone in daily life. The word “sorry” is gender neutral. It’s not as polite as “excuse me”, but can serve well enough. However the word “you” is gender specific. “At” = female “Ata” = male. So a sentence like:” I’m sorry can you please help me…”, Is still loaded with gender. German is also gender specific, but at least when it comes to plural you can use “Sie” witch is actually also the polite way to approach someone you don’t know. In Hebrew, even the plural of you is gender specific, “Aten” = female, “Atem” = male. However unless all the people you’re addressing are female, it is customary to use the male version of plural “you”. (It’s an ancient language after all). So in most cases when approaching more than one person you’re probably safe using “Atem”. I try to sound people out by saying “Shalom” (Hello) first in an attempt to prompt them to say Shalom back to me and reveal their identity or at least their gender.”

Wow, that is wild. Joe adds that the German language has some of the same aspects, but there are easier ways around this if you just address everyone formally. Japan, and other Asian countries, use Honorifics as well. You can learn more by reading this link.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

Follow GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com.

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Summer is still upon us and so we again turn to flights of fancy and log flooms of fun at America’s amusement parks. This time around, Byron lee talks about his day at Six Flags. Then joe offers ways to be a backseat driver or assist the family with apps in the car. Followed by Maurie’s experiences at the Visions conference in Baltimore. Plus a great app review as well. Oh, and there maybe a mention of attending rock concerts both good and bad. Keep your ears open for some crazy remarks this month! Wonder if there is a Six Flags theme park near you? Check out their official site and see…

And the world is yours with Navagon

BlindSquare for iOS

Oakley is Joe’s sunglasses brand of choice

**App Review: Solara

If you follow Joe on Twitter, if you have heard SeroTalk 162 or if you stand next to him in a crowded room, chances are you have heard him mention Solara once or twice or two hundred times a day. He admits he is addicted to this tower building game and he has convinced several others on the SPN Staff to install this iOS app too. Try it and you may find yourself questing with as well!

Check out Serotalk 162 to hear an interview with Paul from Esper Labs.

And hear how Alena Roberts enjoys the game just as much as Joe in Triple Click Home Episode 20.

**Mailbag:

We are saving the majority of the feedback for Rodney’s return, however, we thank Michele for this email; “I have mixed feelings about visiting Disney in Florida as someone with Stargardts. Before I was diagnosed as an adult with Stargardts’s 6 years ago, I visited Disney many times in my life and loved it. When I was there for my anniversary in September 2011, I had a difficult time. The sun is very bright, much brighter than in the Northeast where I live and I had a very difficult time dealing with the brightness even while wearing sunglasses and a hat.. I was there with my husband, who is sighted, but if I were there on my own, I think I would have had a difficult time with needing to read all the transportation signs and the restaurant menus and maybe even getting on and off the rides with unfamiliar steps. Although I loved visiting Disney for many years, I now avoid traveling to locations with very bright sunlight such as Florida. Michelle”

Finally, even though Rodney could not be with us this month, he did pass along this tasty nugget of audio goodness: “Those absolutely fabulous folks over at Tech Access Weekly just released a StandScan review. These people rock! They used Say Text, Prizmo & Zoom Reader.”

**How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast? Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter Follow GW Micro on Twitter. Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Join Serotek as we take part in an Access chat via Twitter which takes place on August 6 beginning at 8:00 PM Eastern. The event is sponsored by Fedora Outlier. Use the hash tag #accesschat to participate in the event. You can also follow Fedora Outlier on Twitter.

Join Lisa Salinger on August 19 at 8 PM in the Pat Price Tech Talk Training room over at Accessible World to discuss our exciting new SAMNet Socializer. We look forward to seeing you there.

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

Maurie is out on summer vacation. So what happens when it’s just the men on the show left to their own devices? Well they talk tech, TVs, media and more. Rodney, Byron and Joe discuss their thoughts on the recent E3 Xbox One event, what gadgets they use with their big screen TVs and they even manage to find a way to talk about the 70s game show classic “Joker’s Wild”. Its one hour of plasma and pixels on this month’s High Contrast.

**App Review: Karateka Classic On iOS

Joe takes us down memory lane when you moved from left to right and just beat things up because it was the thing to do in order for you to save the Princess. This landmark game from the early days of the PC is now on IOS and does some pretty good Apple II emulation. Its only 99c and great on the iPad for those who like their “beat’em up” nostalgia.

**How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

Follow GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com.

You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Summer is right around the corner and that means going outside, having fun and visiting new places. Maurie got a jump start on the season and she is here to tell us about her trip to Disneyworld. And Joe tells stories of his previous travels to the “Happiest Place On Earth” plus some thoughts on Universal Studios Orlando. Rodney chimes in with a controversial topic, Joe reviews a console gaming classic reborn on the iPad and your feedback from the Mailbag. Enjoy your summer!

Maurie has some great posts up at the “Zoomed In” blog that serve as a good companion piece to our discussions. Check out the blog for more or take a look at this Mouse House related post.

Enjoying Disney’s Attractions Despite Low Vision

Here is a link to the article we mentioned about moms hiring the Disabled to let their kids cut in lines at Disney

**App Review: Final Fantasy For iOS

it first appeared on the 80s Nintendo Entertainment System and many who played it had no idea that this little game would go on to be one of the biggest franchises ever. More than 20 years, 14 sequels and countless spin offs later, Final Fantasy evolves to the world of the touch screen interface on iOS. Is it better than using that old controller? Find out that and more in joe’s review.

**Mailbag
Okay, its not really related to any iReports or emails but joe said he would pass it along to prove that the BowLingual existed.

**How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?
Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter
Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog
Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter
Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast
Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter
Follow GW Micro on Twitter.
Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com.
You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast? Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter Follow GW Micro on Twitter. Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Sponsor Looking for headphones with a safer open ear design so you can still talk with others around you or hear your environment? Aftershokz Headphones utilize Bone Conduction audio that lets you listen to your favorite tunes, or SeroTalk network podcasts, yet still be able to hear your nearby surroundings. You can get 40% off if you use the promotional code SPN40 at the checkout area on the Aftershokz website just for being a listener of this very podcast!

To learn more about these amazing headphones, and to read about the new Bluez with wireless options, visit Aftershokz.com. You can also catch SPN’s own Mike Calvo, from last year, reviewing a pair of the Aftershocks that he uses in his daily work.

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

The holidays may be over; you might have already forgotten your New Year’s Resolution promises and all those gift receipts have become the gifts you asked for after waiting in those long lines at the Customer Service counter. But your holiday experience isn’t over just yet. Rodney, Maurie and Joe talk about the pitfalls in holiday party preparation and aftermath in this episode’s main topic. Joe has a game review that isn’t just on his iPad for a change and more. So take that last container of Eggnog out of the freezer and relax with high Contrast.

Here are some links to resources mentioned in this month’s episode

Fresh Direct Food Delivery

PeaPod Food Delivery

You can also order some types of food on amazon

Great things to help in the kitchen at Independent Living Aids

The Serotek Staff gave their ideas about what gifts were great for the holidays; however, they make great gifts all year round. Listen to the SPN 2012 Holiday Review Special here.

And here is a link to the transparent OXO containers that Joe mentioned during the show

Also, overstock.com is a great place to find deals on those things that may not have been as popular this past holiday season

App Review: Fruit Ninja

Joe has mentioned Halfbrick Games before, like Jetpack Joyride, but most of the games he has mentioned before are exclusive to the iPad or have only facebook versions available. Well that changes today! Fruit Ninja is on so many platforms that you can’t avoid this game at all. Android, iOS, Windows 8 and even Xbox 360. They all have the game and its worth playing no matter what the device you use to play it with, you’ll be slicing and dicing pieces of fruit in no time.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

Welcome back to the show! This episode finds Rodney and Jeremy teaming up  with Joe on board [now batting for the absent Maurie]. Don’t worry, she’ll be back with us on our next show! However, it works out great as Jeremy and Joe have been living in Windows 8 for more than a year. So they have lots to talk about in regards to the new Microsoft Operating System from the low vision perspective. We also talk new iPads and Joe has another review of a game for iOS.

A great place to learn more about Windows 8, and a lot more about Microsoft in general, is the Windows Super Site

You can always learn about the latest in the iPad by going to Apple’s web site

Learn about the levels of access on iOS, and they have some great podcasts too, over at Apple Vis.

Check out more about the accessibility of mobile devices in the second of the SPN mobile Device specials

Joe loves Punch Quest for iOS and he thinks you might feel the same. It is free and has In App purchases.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Listen to High Contrast Episode 6: Recalculate

The gang returns with more iOS6 and iPhone 5 experience under their collective belts and they give their pre iOS 6.01 thoughts on the state of affairs in the first portion of this episode. Then, Maurie begins her initial steps on what will be an amazing journey for her. Hear her story, and another Low Vision app suggestion, in our sixth show!

4s, 5, 6 And More

Before we get started, check out this very funny SNL sketch about iPhone 5 Tech pundants

iPhone 5 review: Newest Apple smartphone blends beauty, versatility

Finally, the iPhone we’ve always wanted

So-so Maps mar otherwise stellar upgrade

Blind Bargains: What’s new in iOS 6 from an Accessibility Perspective

SPN Special: Mobile Devices

SPN Mobile Devices Special 2: Scratching The Surface With Mike Calvo

iOS 6 VoiceOver with Maps, Zoom and Assistive Touch

A First Look at VoiceOver in iOS 6

iOS 6: Accessibility gets a boost

Some additional iOS6 links from Flying Blind LLC’s “Top Tech Tidbits”

This Lifehacker post is entitled, “Top 10 Secret Features of iOS 6”

This site calls itself “The definitive guide to Apple’s iOS 6 software features for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad”

AppleVis Extra No. 3: Conference Call Discussion of iOS 6

Link to  eBook version of the iOS6 manual, readable only on an i-device.

Maurie’s journey: Maurie Begins Her Experience  In Stargardt  Stem Cell Trial

High Contrast’s Maurie Hill has started on a path to explore options in vision restoration that many may have read about. She bravely tells her story with us on the podcast and has offered to provide us with updates as she continues her journey.

DISCLAIMER:  Maurie is a stockholder in Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), sponsor of this trial. Also, Maurie notes, “ I’m not a doctor or scientist, but I’ll answer questions as best I can.”

Ricki Lewis’s article about stem cells and Maurie’s trial involvement:

For more information,be sure to check out Maurie’s posts on the Ai Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow the Eye

Summer Survival and My Six Week Trial Checkup

Do You See What I See?

I’m in the ACT Stem Cell Trial for Stargardt Disease!

App Review: You Don’t Know Jack For iOS

Note: This app is being updated and will be back on the iTunes store soon!

Remember that wacky trivia game with the odd pop culture jokes mixed in with really strange questions about history, math and the human body in a game show like format for the PC and mac circa mid 90’s? No? Well, if you do, the gang at jellyvision has rebooted “You Don’t Know Jack” for a whole new age. The humor is still slightly off, the questions are still nerve-racking but the game hasn’t lost a step from what you played years ago. Joe checks out the game for iPad and he mentions the good and the bad in his review. 

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to High Contrast. This month we sit down with a professional singer who was inspired to write a song about our show’s very own Jeremy Curry. We also talk a little bit about iOS6 and joe takes us back to the thrilling days of the 80’s arcade condensed down to an iPad screen.

Interview: Bekah Bradley

Bekah Bradley is a small-town girl from Ohio with big dreams. Her biggest inspiration is Celine Dion, and she loves listening to Contemporary Christian Music. Bekah recently graduated from a small liberal arts Christian university with a degree in Business Management. Bekah spent the last four months of her college career at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tennessee. There, she spent her time recording, performing, writing songs, and touring with the school throughout the Midwest. She writes music about people in her life and the trials she has experienced. Bekah Bradley is a pop country artist with a natural country tone that is instantly recognizable.

If you enjoyed meeting Bekah, or if you would like to purchase her song, be sure to visit her site at

www.bekahbradley.com  

Or, you can Like her on Facebook

And follow her on Twitter

Jeremy mentioned that his Guide Training was from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. To learn more about this organization , visit their website

App Review: Galaga 30th Collection

Joe is a real fan of retro game collections. He has several on his ipad and several more older videogame consoles on shelves in his office. So for him, the ability to take an old classic like Glaxian or Galaga on the road was more than he could have hoped for. The great news is that this collection uses a simple control scheme, large menus and has a “try before you buy” free option. You can then purchase other classics from the Namco Galaga series through In App purchases if you like the initial free game. To learn more about the game collection, visit this link

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Listen to High Contrast Episode 4: The Old Fashioned Way

Welcome back to the podcast that says its okay that you know what your computer monitor smells like. Hint, Mr. Curry’s smells like Lemon Pledge. This episode covers ground from the low tech to the high tech with some no tech solutions hiding in there as well.

Controlled Chaos, Or, Organizing The Disorganized

There’s a lot of stuff that we the sight impaired can do just as quickly and effectively as our sighted peers but there are constant, daily, time consuming tasks that can get overwhelming at times – paying bills, sorting through snail mail, your child’s newsletters and homework from school, etc, etc.  There’s lots of tools that help (Video Magnifiers for example) but it’s still very time consuming.

Here are some common problems and a few strategy suggestions

Paying Bills

• Video Magnifiers of the Desktop and Hand Held variety
• Large checks with bold lines (3”X7”)
  • Sight Check 1-877-585-8777, comes with Sight Check Register
  • Ordered from Harland Clarke – $48 for 1 box of 150 checks!
• Automatic payments – drawn from your bank account by the vendor (i.e. electric and telephone bills)
• Banking online – be sure it’s easy to use and accessible with your Assistive Technology of choice
  • Send check via BillPay services,  or something similar
  • Investigate a recurring check option can be sent if annual amount is the same for each payment period
  • Look into sites like Mint https://www.mint.com/t/013a/
  • Fresh Books http://www.freshbooks.com/

Sorting Mail – bills, medical statements

• Those awesome Video Magnifiers of various sizes
• Using 20/20, or a brightly colored highlighter, pen to mark critical portions of a bill
• Create an organized file system with large marked envelopes, colored tabs and rubber bands to denote each month’s statements or specific accounts. Invite a friend over and make it fun and festive so its not a chore!

Tax prep, receipts

• Using a Video Magnifier is crucial here in order to get all the numbers right
• 20/20, or brightly colored highlighter,  pens to mark critical portions of your materials
• Turbo Tax, if you can as its not very accessible, for online filing
• You can always, if funds allow, get an accountant or bookkeeper!!!

Calendar –  your daily schedule

• Search out for a Very large calendar from the Dollar Store (2’X3’)
• Electronic calendar Options
  • Mobile apps
    • Calendar App in iOS
      • Using Siri to add events
      • Siri lets you skip a lot of steps – “Check my calendar for the next 5 days”
      • VoiceBrief App
      • Using iCloud to keep all iDevices and your MS Outlook calendar synced
      • Google Calendar
      • Outlook Calendar

Passwords & Data Security

• Last Pass from http://lastpass.com/
• One Password https://agilebits.com/onepassword
• You might want to avoid the marker and Post It Note option as its not all that secure

Contacts & Business Cards

• Zoom Contacts ($4.99): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zoomcontacts/id442917350?mt=8

Rodney’s Gadgets:

• TASK VISION LED READING GLASSES EBONY +1.0 +1.5 +2.0 +2.5 +3.0 +3.5 +4.0 +5.0 +6.0 AND NO MAGNIFICATION https://www.techopticsinternational.com/catalog.html/c_id,1716
• REIZEN 5x Dome Magnifier with Glass Lens http://www.maxiaids.com/products/1765/REIZEN-5x-Dome-Magnifier-with-Glass-Lens.html

App Review: Peggle by Pop Cap Games

A simple game for a complicated guy. Joe loves peggle. He loves it so much that he owns it for iOS, Xbox 360 and possibly a few more versions on various platforms. The game involves you aiming a crosshair, shooting a ball to turn the pegs on the playfield from one color to another. Joe notes that the iOS version is his fave as it has a tap to zoom feature that can help you identify hard to see objects better. Check out Peggle for iOS at this link

Video Magnifier Apps For The iDevices

We’ve been asked by many of you to cover our thoughts on the rise of the Video Magnifier app and if it was worth the investment. Rodney sat down and experimented with the following technologies.

1. VisionAssist ($5.99): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/visionassist/id502356279?mt=8

2. Lumin ($1.99): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lumin/id480343142?mt=8

3. Eyesight ($29.99): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eyesight-app-that-replaces/id512266295?mt=8

Be sure to listen to the discussion for a breakdown of the features of each app listed above. The short version of Rodenye’s findings is that many of these types of apps are pretty good for the price of admission. It should be noted though that the  major problem with these comes down to how good your camera is, I.E. iPhone vs iPad 2 or 3, and does Retina make any hill of beans. Also, realize dear listner that Apple doesn’t allow full use of the camera by 3rd parties. Therefore, a traditional video magnifier may still prove to have more flexibility for some tasks.

Rodney also suggests these informative links to learn more about other tech we mentioned during this portion of the program

Tech Access DemoCast, Episode 8: Eyesight by SightTech (An Interview)

 (TA Daily Tip 306: i-Loview by AI Squared:

Mailbag

We have a cornucopia of emails to share this time around and we adore getting feedback. Rmember that you can leave us an iReport in iBlink Radio or drop us a line resources@serotek.com

Our first email is from Pam:

Hello,

Thank you for such an informative panel discussion.

It reminded me of a story I think may both give you a chuckle & be beneficial.

In 1992, I was given my first real dose of computers & how they work. I took a course learning my first screen reader, at the time it was vert.

I was using Magic 1.27 with 4x magnification. Also, at the time word perfect was king.

At any rate, I believed the computer would not function without the monitor. Granted, I was learning a program that would give faster options in an employment environment however my addiction to the blue word perfect screen & my need to paste my face to the screen to attempt to read what I had written forced my instructor to take the monitor away.

I did subsequently pass both the vert course & a word perfect course within a 6 week period.

I believe taking the monitor away allowed me to concentrate on what the computer was doing rather than being distracted with the little vision I had with no magnification in front of me.

That technology is long out of date, however the lesson lives on. I do use a mixture of devices. I have an ipad & Iphone I use with voiceover, especially on the iphone. I have learned to integrate the vision I have using the magnification software when it is most helpful & integrating seemlessly with speech when appropriate.

I hope you can get the expertise of an Optomotrist to help find ways of simply explaining varying degrees of vision loss to the general public.

 People do not understand the gray areas. One is either totally blind or can see.  I am not looking for an in depth medical discussion. There are those who need simple analagies to help a sighted friend or co-worker understand in simple terms what the person can see. An example I use dealing with clouded corneas is: my vision could be described as someone who can not clean an icy or dirty windshield of a car.

As per your discussion of the otonomous car being created by Google, I wonder if a visually impaired person were to ever own one of these machines having never owned a vehicle would be attentive to cleaning & maintaining it properly? Weather & road chemicals will get in to areas of the vehicle one would normally not think of cleaning. However, if this thing is to be totally otonomous, it will have to be cleaned & maintained to perfection to keep it running & communicating properly.

Please keep this program going. It is a nice fit with the buffet of podcasts you currently offer. Thank you for all of your hard work to benefit all of us.

Pam F

Our next email suggests a semi low ttech solution for those snazzy high tech pictures on the web:

Hi,

 In episode 2, you guys were talking about things which are difficult to see on webpages.  One thing that was mentioned was sites that contain pictures of text. The way I often deal with these is to print them out and read them with a video magnifier. This might seem a little backwards, but they are often easier to read this way than on the screen. Sometimes wasting a bit of paper is worth to save time, frustration and eye strain. Occasionally, I have even had succccess using this technique to solve captchas; although, that depends on how smeary they are.

 Thanks for doing the show, and I will be looking forward ! more eppisodes.

Kate

Jessie writes in to tell us of his methods for using the computer:

Hello.  I just wanted to say I like the new High Contrast podcast on SPN.  I find it interesting hearing other people’s perspectives, and how they do things visually or non-visually.

I liked the discussion on when to use speech versus magnification. in Episode 2.  I am legally blind, and have been since birth.  I am more comfortable and much faster when using speech.  I do use my vision for many things, but in a different way than most people would think, while using the computer anyway.

I currently use a combination of System Access and Windows 7 magnifier for most things.  I will use keyboard shortcuts and speech for getting around many things quickly, but often have magnification on in the background.

For cluttered web sites, I often use magnification to just quickly explore the general layout of a page, then move my mouse over a block of text that is interesting and have System Access read it.  this is especially useful for web sites that don’t use proper HTML mark-up for paragraphs, headings, etc.

Keep up the great work.

Jesse

Lastly, Michelle offers us some topic ideas. Hope she likes the talk on organization   in this episode!

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.

Welcome back to high Contrast the Summer Show Wrap up Extravaganza Edition! The crew sits down and discusses some of the bigger notables from both mainstream and the traditional Blind and Low Vision conventions with even a few surprises to boot.

Keynote Craziness:

WWDC – In June and July the tech world went nuts with tons of new product announcements. We take a look at some of the bigger news from the “Summer of Tech 2012”.

How the Retina Display MacBook Pro Handles Scaling

Apple to release iOS 6 this fall with the release of a possible new iPhone

Our sister show here on SPN covers even more of the news we discussed on the show. Check them out at their official site.

Google I/O – Google also had lots of things to talk about too. Here are a few things we discussed on the show.

Google introduces the nexus 7 tablet

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean released

There were also a whole lot of accessibility changes in Android’s Jellybean. Our sister podcast “That Android Show” covered a lot of them. Check out that show’s official page to learn more

VISIONS 2012 –

Maurie was on the road in Minnesota for the Foundations for Fighting Blindness’s convention. She was very impressed with the talks at the convention and she discusses it further on her recent post to the “Zoomed In” blog.

To learn more about the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, visit this site

NFB and ACB 2012 – Joe and Jeremey were at the NFB Convention in Dallas. SPN’s own Jamie pauls attended the ACB show in Louisville. Together, they and SeroTalk’s Ricky Enger, brought us hours and hours of audio coverage. Here are some highlights that you can listen to if you want to relive these summer shows.

Jeremy Curry’s Windows 8 Discussion from the NFB 2012 Assistive Technology Trainers Division Meeting

SPN’s own Jamie Paul’s takes us on an audio tour of the American Printing House for the Blind

SPN’s NFB/ACB Interview Special part 1

SPN’s NFB/ACB Interview Special part 2

SPN’s NFB/ACB Interview Special part 3

Also check out our Summer Convention wrap up discussion on SeroSpective’s “This month In AT: July Edition”

App Review: King’s Corner

One of Joe’s best ways for killing time when waiting in line, when watching a pot boil or when just needing a few minutes to chill out is to play King’s Corner on his iOS device. This program is VoiceOver friendly but it also sports a few visual customizations for those with Low Vision as well. It’s a variant on Solitaire that is just 99 cents in the iTunes App Store and its one of Joe’s favorite apps.

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.

Welcome back everyone to the newest monthly podcast on the SeroTalk Podcast network. The response to our first show has been fantastic. Rodney, Maurie and Jeremy would like to thank everyone for writing in and for listening. Speaking of SeroTalk, Joe Steinkamp drops by to hang out with the gang and discuss the pitfalls of social networking platforms this month.

Science Fiction Becoming Science Fact? The Google Autonomous Vehicles Move into The Fast Lane

Google allowed to test self-driving car on Nevada public streets

Google’s Self-Driving Car Gets a License in Nevada

Google’s self-driving car: Is this the next generation of autos?

Google Seeks Partners for Its Autos

Many car buyers show interest in autonomous car tech

How much will it cost to insure an autonomous car?

Police: Blind Driver’s Trip in Google’s Self-Driving Car Was Legal

Steve Mahan takes us on a test of the self driving car, and an autonomous vehicle can do amazing things.. like take you to Taco Bell

Sociable Notables

From CompuServe to Facebook, the definition of Social Networking has changed a lot since the mid 90’s. We discuss how each one of us approaches the issues of accessing our own social sites. Below are some of the various resources we mentioned in passing.

Easy Chirp, formerly Accessible Twitter, features page

5 Unique Ways to Use Twitter for Business

10 ways to promote your social media presence offline

10 dos and don’ts for brands on Twitter

10 quick and useful #PR tips from Twitter

7 ways to use Pinterest to promote your business

Where The Ladies At? Pinterest. 2 Million Daily Facebook Users, 97% Of Fans Are Women

Facebook addiction test shows women and young people are most at risk

Check out Maurie’s writing at the “Zoomed In” Blog

Where it all started, the Twitter feed page for SeroTalk

SPN’s own Twitter feed for “That Android Show”

SPN’s own Twitter feed for “End of Line”

SPN’s own Twitter feed for “Triple Click Home”

TweetDeck for iOS

Voice Brief for iOS

App Review: Asteroids Gunner

Joe said the 80’s Atari classic is reborn on the iPad in the new twin stick shooter “Asteroids Gunner”. There is a free version that you can try. Or, you can get a head start on your collection of power ups and add ons by purchasing the “Asteroids Gunner Plus” app instead.  

Keep Up With Our Hosts

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to “High Contrast”, the newest offering on SPN, a show that features conversations on topics about living with Low Vision. In this show we introduce ourselves and give you and idea about the visual accuities we have amongst the team. Then we move on to talk about exercise, the new iPad and more.

Running For Fun… And Your Life?

It is easy to be overwhelmed or intimidated by the thought of running for lots of reasons. However, we find out that its easier than you think and there is even an App for that.  

Two legally blind runners to run in Columbia SC races

New England Regional Ski For Light

NPR The New Running Game Where ‘Zombies’ Chase You

What we thought came out of CSUN

Meet The Flick Camera

Video Magnifiers with Vinnie Rappa of Humanware

Talking Video Magnifiers with Enhanced Vision

A Discussion with Brian Smith of Magnisight

You can always find more CSUN12 coverage at the main SeroTalk page

And be sure to check out Blind Bargains as well for their audio coverage of CSUN 2012

The New iPad Is Here! What’s In Store For Low Vision Users?

We know its crazy to think that some out there may not know there is a new iPad in town, however, not everyone knows that there are some key features that are compelling for those with Low Vision. We go In Depth in the podcast about many of the new aspects of Apple’s latest iDevice and below you will find just some of our thoughts on what makes this a good buy.

The New Camera

The original iPad required you to connect a strange add on Camera kit for taking pictures and the iPad 2’s camera wasn’t anything special. But the new iPad sports a 5 MB camera on the back and this opens up a lot of options for picture taking, reading and more.

Here’s Rodney’s thoughts on using the new ipad as a handheld digital camera replacement:

“Rodney has had pretty good success taking still pictures. “You really have to be steady while the iPad tries to focus and remain stable. Using the iPad as a view finder works pretty well for me. I was able to read whiteboards off at a distance pretty clearly. Anytime you zoom, the focus it will get a little blurry in spots because the sensor isn’t like using a DSLR camera. I guess your mileage may vary.”

To zoom you have to spread two fingers like you would on a webpage, i.e. opposite of a pinch or the “multi-touch” gesture. Once you do that move the slider shows up on the bottom of the screen like in other devices.

Viewing from a Distance

Check out Maurie’s “Zoomed In” blog post, entitled “Viewing From A Distance”, from October 2011 to get an idea of how the iPad 2’s camera works for reading and seeing objects from further away.

The RETINA DISPLAY

Of course the biggest new feature of the new iPad is its amazing display. The device now supports 1080p video and even higher resolutions for displaying text with HD quality video. Here are some thoughts about the new iPad’s nifty visuals from maurie.

“The text  is clear and crisp, and some photos are more vivid depending on the photo’s resolution.

Screen text in message containers (i.e. Mail App – the message body; text in Notes text messages in Message App is better, but not drastically better than the iPad1 and ipad2.

HOWEVER, Screen text (5X) outside of message containers (i.e. Inbox list in Mail App, street names in Maps App, web pages in Safari App) is very noticeably crisper on the NEW iPad.  For example, in the Maps App, I pinched to zoom to the maximum level and then used the highest full screen ZOOM level (5x).  The street names were very easy to read.  On the iPad1 and iPad2, it’s readable but fuzzy, making your eyes work harder, like wearing glasses of the wrong prescription.”

To sum up…

Original iPad1

Most notable is that it does not have a camera, so taking photos, and videos is not an option.  Even if you’re not interested in taking photos, the lack of camera will prevent you from seamlessly taking advantage of some apps such as OCR apps, Vision Assist, or object recognition apps.  But, you can take photos and videos from other devices and view them on the original iPad1. The speaker is off to the side of the device while iPad 2 and 3 have the speakers placed on the back of the tablet. You can always use an external speaker dock, or a Smart Cover from Apple, to allow you to hear sound beter on the 2 or 3 though. 

iPad1 and iPad2

Visually, they both have similar screen display quality, for example, magnified text looks about the same (that is to say that text can look a bit fuzzy against the display of the new iPad). But if you use VoiceOver, and the Large text in message containers, this may not be an issue.  But if you want to use it as a large screen GPS, the NEW iPad is the best choice.

NEW iPad

The Retina display, a  good camera and more power under the Gorilla Glass will allow you to take advantage of many apps for the sight impaired, And it’s the best choice for GPS and magnifying maps.

So, the sight impaired are big winners in the release of the NEW iPad, even for the fact that the original iPad and iPad2 are more affordable.

the Vision Assist app for iOS allows you to snap an image of text or an object then scroll, zoom in or apply optional color filters similar to those found with handheld Video Magnifiers.

Rodney and the gang mentioned a GPS app called “MotionX”. To learn more about it, visit their official site. Important Reminder: In order to use GPS apps on any iPad, you will need to skip the WiFi only models as the devices with wireless connections are better for those apps.

App Review: jetpack Joyride

joe Steinkamp takes us on a tour of this addicting free app that allows you to enjoy the power of flight and collect lots and lots of pretty things. From the makers of “Fruit Ninja”, Halfbrick Studios makes a game that is easy to learn and even easier to see if you have Low Vision. Be sure to listen carefully to joe’s Pro Tip for how to earn coins faster and buy up all those crazy Jetpacks!

Keep Up With Our Hosts

How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?

Follow Maurie Hill on Twitter

Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog

Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter

Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast

Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter

You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.

Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.

Thanks for listening!