Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What assistive technology do you use to access audiobooks? (self.Blind)
submitted by Sarinon
Hey folks. I'm legally blind myself but have enough vision to navigate Audible by sight. I have a friend who recently lost his sight and I'm trying to help him adjust by showing him things he can still enjoy. I suggested an audiobook club.
There are two barriers. One is that I'm unfamiliar with assistive technology for phone apps, particularly where sightless interfaces are concerned, and two is that I can't go visit him to set it all up. Not sure how to overcome the second, but hopefully you lovely folks can provide some ideas for the first.
Note also that he won't just use audible, but that's our main focus for now as this has been a big adjustment for him and I want to give him something to look forward to.
He's on a recent Android build but can't tell me exactly. Thanks in advance!
There are two barriers. One is that I'm unfamiliar with assistive technology for phone apps, particularly where sightless interfaces are concerned, and two is that I can't go visit him to set it all up. Not sure how to overcome the second, but hopefully you lovely folks can provide some ideas for the first.
Note also that he won't just use audible, but that's our main focus for now as this has been a big adjustment for him and I want to give him something to look forward to.
He's on a recent Android build but can't tell me exactly. Thanks in advance!
astrolurus 5 points 3y ago
If you are in the USA, get him signed up with the NLS. BARD can be accessed through a phone app but they can also send him a tactile, audible player that plays books on usb cartridges- so no tech knowledge required.
For Audible, I’d honestly recommend an echo dot/smart speaker. (They’re always on some sort of sale though so don’t pay full price). You can play your audiobooks by voice commands, which would probably be easiest.
I get books from overdrive, bard, and bookshare, and access audiobooks on my nls player, on my iphone, and on my victor reader stream with WiFi. I desperately wish the stream had thumb Braille (not a Braille reader, I am eligible for nls through physical disability, but I do know how to type the alphabet). The stream definitely has a learning curve but is easy to use once you figure it out- but I don’t think it’d be the best option for your friend.
I’d try to get him signed up with a blindness agency if he isn’t already- many organizations offer free technology training and will teach him how to use screenreaders etc. They can be found through the state commission for the blind and also through some private nonprofits, and the “one stop” often handles orientation and mobility training, technology training, daily living skills, and vocational rehabilitation. The current world situation complicates this, obviously, but it’s definitely something to look into for when the world reopens.
For Audible, I’d honestly recommend an echo dot/smart speaker. (They’re always on some sort of sale though so don’t pay full price). You can play your audiobooks by voice commands, which would probably be easiest.
I get books from overdrive, bard, and bookshare, and access audiobooks on my nls player, on my iphone, and on my victor reader stream with WiFi. I desperately wish the stream had thumb Braille (not a Braille reader, I am eligible for nls through physical disability, but I do know how to type the alphabet). The stream definitely has a learning curve but is easy to use once you figure it out- but I don’t think it’d be the best option for your friend.
I’d try to get him signed up with a blindness agency if he isn’t already- many organizations offer free technology training and will teach him how to use screenreaders etc. They can be found through the state commission for the blind and also through some private nonprofits, and the “one stop” often handles orientation and mobility training, technology training, daily living skills, and vocational rehabilitation. The current world situation complicates this, obviously, but it’s definitely something to look into for when the world reopens.
Sarinon [OP] 2 points 3y ago
I know the majority of Reddit users are US based so it's usually a safe bet. In this case it's a bad bet, as we live in Australia. :)
Appreciate the resources though, I'll investigate. He has signed up with vision Australia but their services are limited at the moment. Thank you!
Appreciate the resources though, I'll investigate. He has signed up with vision Australia but their services are limited at the moment. Thank you!
CloudyBeep 3 points 3y ago
The Vision Australia library also provides books in accessible formats, specialised players and free training in the use of those players. Their phone number is 1300 654 656.
AllHarlowsEve 3 points 3y ago
It looks like there's an Aus analog here? I just did a quick read.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library
I mostly read kindle books with a screen reader or use BARD personally, but I use a service to find free kindle books and purchase them for later, ie whenever I'm willing to deal with kindle's quirks
https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library
I mostly read kindle books with a screen reader or use BARD personally, but I use a service to find free kindle books and purchase them for later, ie whenever I'm willing to deal with kindle's quirks
CaneVeritas 2 points 1y ago
This thread is two years old, but I’m choosing to add to it, rather than create a new post. In the US and Australia (as well as 75+ other countries), we use the Libby app! It’s my favorite app. I thoroughly enjoy public library digital resources. I organized a group where we share library access and enjoy the resources of dozens of libraries.
DM me, if you’re interested…
Be well.
DM me, if you’re interested…
Be well.
bradley22 1 points 3y ago
I’d take a look at the echo dot.
Know the sound quality isn’t the best from what I understand, but it’s cheap and you can carry it around.
If the sound Quality is terrible, then the other echo products should do the trick.
Know the sound quality isn’t the best from what I understand, but it’s cheap and you can carry it around.
If the sound Quality is terrible, then the other echo products should do the trick.
bradley22 1 points 3y ago
I just use my screen reader on my laptop and my external hard drive.
If your friend wants to try apple;apple has come out with a cheepish iphone, I can’t remember what it’s called though.
Android and Apple are almost equal now, but honestly there is more out there for Apple than there is android accessibility wise.
If your friend wants to try apple;apple has come out with a cheepish iphone, I can’t remember what it’s called though.
Android and Apple are almost equal now, but honestly there is more out there for Apple than there is android accessibility wise.
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