#68 Zoom Meeting Suggestions

I recently attended a Zoom support meeting; the topic was sharing helpful visual aids and hints. Some ideas I was aware of, and others were new to me.

We all know about a white cane and how it can help, but do you know what a WeWALK smart cane is? It’s a cane that can detect suspended objects, like branches, in front of you higher than your waist. A fellow who had walked into a glass wall said, “If I had had this kind of cane, the accident would not have happened. I have one now!” It can be used as a GPS with your phone. In other words, you don’t have to get your phone out of your pocket. The WeWALK folds up.

As with all decisions about low vision aids, you need to figure out if it’s the right fit for you. How much do you walk in new areas? How much do you use your GPS? We are all different and what works for one person might not work for another. Oh, one more thing; it’s expensive ($500 to $600).  Here’s a YouTube link to learn more about it.

Someone in the group said, “No matter what kind of cane you have, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a backup. You never know when the cane might break or you might forget it and leave it somewhere.”

 

The PenFriend Voice Labeling System and labels work by talking into the pen and then the pen will read the labels. This pen can be used to label food, medicine, clothes, and papers. You use your voice to record and then the pen will read it back to you when you want to identify whatever you made the label for. Here’s a link for more information about the pen from Maxiaids. (link).

Everyone in the meeting agreed bump dots on appliances can identify the power on button, the off button, or any button you use frequently. The bumps are also useful in identifying keys and temperatures in the oven.

One member of the group said she thinks her electric skillet is the easiest way to cook. Another said her air fryer is even easier. Another member suggested cooking pasta in the microwave is the easiest way to cook pasta. Another member says she likes to make baked potatoes using a mitt in the microwave. “It’s fast and delicious,” she said.

“The first thing I would recommend to someone who has lost or is losing their sight – get mobility training from a certified mobility instructor.”

Another member said, “Let people know when you need help. They like to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is hard to do especially if you are the kind of person who doesn’t like to ask for help. Get over it.”

Readers: Have you been to a zoom meeting lately? Any hints you want to share?