John is vision-impaired and uses Linux in order to go online. He uses ORCA, a graphical user interface in order to go online. He also uses a screen reader called "Speak up." But what can he use to encrypt his data? Leo recommends BitWarden (TWiT sponsor), though he isn't sure how the accessibility is.
Ken got a new Vizio TV for Christmas, and he uses closed captioning. But it appears in the middle of the picture. Nobody seems to know how to move it to the bottom, where it belongs. Leo says that it could be a setting on the TV that does it. It depends on where the closed captioning is coming from. Check out this tech note from Vizio. Press CC on the remote. Then the menu.
Cheryl wants to know if she can get a closed captioning with no internet access. Leo says that there may not be. What you need to find is a non-profit like an Independent Living Research Center to help with alternatives. Look into that.
Julian Vargas of TechJV is our resident accessibility expert, and he's calling in to comment on the caller in hour one who doesn't like touchscreen monitors because they don't really help the blind. Julian says that's doesn't mean they shouldn't exist or any other technology. The more technology advances, the more accessibility can be built into it. But it must be part of the design so those who are blind can still take advantage of technology advancements. The iPhone is a perfect example. Julian says that Google Lens is a great app for making your Android devices more accessible.
William is blind and wants to know more about accessibility with Linux. He believes that many tools are built with the assumption of what he needs, not what he really needs. The tech world has also taken away much of the tactile nature of computing that William could benefit from.
Julian is into ham radio, but as a blind person, it can be a challenge. But he's found some resources. With OpenGD77 firmware, a handheld radio can be made accessible with voice-activated menus and more. He found it on a community called BlindHams.com.
Julian is TWIT's resident accessibility expert, and he's calling in because he heard Leo talk about accessibility with a previous caller. Some have had difficulties using the web for booking their vaccines. Julian says that VaccinateLA offers a phone booking at 833-540-0473. They'll ask several questions, but pressing 1-1-1-1 will get you to a phone operator who can search for you. It is a lot easier.
Doug hasn't had a computer or smartphone, but now he wants to connect. He also wants to watch TV, and his sets are too old. Leo says that you may be able to get a converter for free still since Doug is disabled. But they aren't that expensive to buy. Doug will also need an antenna or at least an internet or cable subscription. Another option to get an iPad or tablet with internet access. Leo recommends connecting with an Independent Living Resource Center and can get an adaptive living expert to help you find the solutions you need.
Marcia has lost 80% of her hearing and has had the Envoy Esteem implantable hearing aid installed. The nice thing is that one never takes them out and it's about as close to natural hearing as anyone can remember. It has a two-year battery. Leo says they aren't cheap though, at $30,000. But can one put a price on being able to hear again?
Heather wants to know if there's a show for adaptive technologies for older retired people. Leo says that while that would be valuable and we should see more content like that, advertisers seem to want to cater to younger demographics with disposable income. But he hopes that as boomers get older, advertisers will see value in this larger audience segment. But Leo pledges to do something about it.
