How Do I Get Around This?

[melthebell]

rip yer eyes out with a rusty spoon, you dont need em...use the force luke

 

errrrrrrrrrrm

*gets coat*

[CraftyBob]

Evening Jabberwocky,

 

It would appear that most things have been suggested (and tried) already, but - if the worst comes to the worst - there are plenty of things out there that would help you carry on your illustrious Forum career. My colleague is blind and he uses a computer better than I do.

 

He's got a programme called 'Jaws for Windows' which has been developed by an American company called Freedom Scientific. It's a screen reader which will basically tell you what's on the screen and read your typing back to you as you type. Apparently, it's a bit of a handful, but if you get used to it, it's pretty effective.

 

The main drawback is the price (especially if you want training in how to use it). If you're in work, you can ask the DWP's Access to Work team to give you a copy (and training) free, which you can then install on your home computer, too. If not, then I'm sure you could drum up some funds from sympathetic Forumers - you seem to be quite a popular contributor.

 

On a separate note, audio description is available for a lot of TV channels. Again, it takes a bit of getting used to, but worth it if you can get past that initial 'weird' stage.

 

Whatever happens, I hope you find something that works for you.

 

Bob

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks for that!

 

Ive had a go on a few things over the past couple of years but I`m not much cop at them, especially as you have to think about what youre going to type before you type it. I dont do that, I just tap at the keys and work on very short notice, I rarely know how a sentance is going to end as Im starting it and thats why most of my stuff tends to be a bit..... odd...

 

I WILL sort it though, Im not going to let something like this stop me, there are people out there in a far worse state with far worse problems to overcome so I`m sure that I can get around this relatively trivial problem.

[Ghozer]

If you need any help and support Jabbers, atleast 90% of my family have sight problems ranging from me (a lazy eye) to the likes of my mum and most of my aunts/uncles, and my nan (almost 100% blind) (nan has one false eye, and about 15% sight -at best- in the other) so let me know, I can put you in touch with some like minded people (as well as SRSB)

[WallBuilder]

I've seen a few of the screen reading programs and a screen magnification system and the cost is quite high so before buying try and get a 30 day demo or get your local RNIB place to let you have a play if they have the facilities.

As far as keyboards go you can get them with larger print labels on the keys or a plastic cover that goes across the keyboard again with larger labeling.

For a screen rreader and a speak as i type you could have a look at texthelp screenrreader which isn't as bad as supernova on price .

http://www.texthelp.com/

[GrannyGranny]

Definately insist on a second opinion and ask to see someone at the specialist eye hospital mentioned previously.

Our son is under childrens and we were happy with the treatment and level of care but the syndrome he has is rare and there are only 2 children under Childrens who have it and one is my son.

We asked to be referred to Great Ormond, they have 95 on their books, and the expertise they have has made a huge difference to how we deal with his condition.

It sounds like you are a fighter. Good luck.

[Treatment]

Jabbers, I have a special bright light, which my late Aunt used to use, for reading. It was from a place in Devon,( if memory serves).

 

She had Macular Degeneration (probably spelt wrong).

 

You are quite welcome to it, no use to me.

 

If you want it (FOC), I can drop it in the next time that I visit my sister.

 

All the best.

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks everyone!

 

I`m still working on a solution for this- and I WILL find one even if it drives everyone within a hundred mile radius of me insane.

 

Actually that`d be a bonus....

[the_rudeboy]

If it's a corneal transplant, my sister had that done in one of her eyes. She made a full recovery and has excellent vision in that eye. She'll need it in the other one eventually as she has keratoconus in both eyes.

I have this in one eye and was told, by the specialist, that if it got worse or I damaged my good eye, I would require a corneal transplant. Surely this must be an option for you, Jabbers?

[max]

Thats the one who I saw at the hospital.

 

So you can see and this is all a sympathy trip!

 

Seriously though, I do sympathise as I couldn't image being without my sight.

 

I used to work with a software developer who was blind in one eye and had serious problems with the other so used a jeweller's loupe glued to spectacle frames so he could see the screen. He even developed our first colour graphics screens and his speed at coding was incredible.

 

I now work work with an analyst who has the equivalent of a 32" LCD screen as his PC screen and you can see the text from the far end of the room, well he can't, obviously, but the rest of us can.

 

Whatever happens keep posting on here even if it is the odd pecked out badly worded contribution. Just like now, in fact.