Sandra Wilson on the wonders of the modern technology that helps her do daily tasks such as get dressed, eat and socialise
While technology has given me a few headaches over the years, it has certainly made my life easier in many ways. When I went to university many moons ago I was armed with a cassette tape recorder, which I thought would always be the ultimate in technology, and a braille writing frame and style.
These items are now museum pieces, replaced by smaller, lighter, more versatile gadgets, all of which help with the daily tasks most people take for granted.
In the last few years, technology has been the answer to prayer for avid readers
Sandra Wilson
Beginning with getting dressed in the morning, I use a colour detector to help me choose clothes that match, and also a Penfriend labeller to label garments with audio messages like “matches blue jacket” or “wear with a self-colour”. The labeller is also useful to put labels on food packages and tins, making sure I eat food combinations that go well together or follow cooking instructions properly.
While I would never claim to be a domestic goddess, I do make my own bread (with a breadmaker) and it’s important to weigh flour and water accurately.
I use talking kitchen scales and there’s a talking microwave oven rather than relying on trial and error.
Keeping up with friends and family is important to all of us. Ten years ago, leaving someone a scribbled note was a problem; now, I send a quick text or email from my iPhone which has built in speech. I also use it with a small braille display and the speech turned off, making it easy to deal with my email, send texts and use the Internet – and yes, I also use the phone to make and receive phone calls.
In the last few years, technology has been the answer to prayer for avid readers, of which I am one. I used to travel with a bag of braille volumes which caused some logistical issues, moving on to a cassette Walkman through time. Now, I carry a small talking book player for audio and use my iPhone with a braille display for Kindle books, or my iPhone as an audio alternative. Being able to read what everyone else is reading has great social advantages. Avid readers love to talk about what they’re reading, giving friends and family new authors and titles.
Not so long ago none of us had heard of an app. Now we download them and experiment with them all the time. I use apps on my phone for many things including scanning printed information I get on my travels, finding my way around, playing the odd word game, and even controlling my central heating.
Technology is here to stay and, although it has its moments, certainly makes life easier for blind and partially sighted people, many of whom are active social media fans. It’s come a long way in the last few years and can only get even better.
Sandra Wilson is chair of RBNIB Scotland.
