Email for visually impaired

fenlander_uk

I have been asked to assist a visually impaired lady in her 90s. She currently uses a Windows 8.1 desktop for email, which is very important to her for staying in touch with friends and family. She uses the Windows magnifier but is evidently having difficulties as some emails never get sent correctly. I suspect that this is due to her problems with using the equipment more than any technical issues.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. She has mentioned that she might like to try an iPad as this would be easier to navigate (with the screen zoomed to improve visibility) than Windows+magnifier. Clearly, she would need an external keyboard, preferably one designed for the visually impaired. I'm also wondering about using a Linx 1010 as a cheaper alternative. Personally, I am well experienced with Windows, but not with iPads, so it would be easier for me to set up a Linx.

Does anyone have any experience of circumstances like these? It would be very useful to know of any equipment, software or other techniques you can recommend.

victor2

I've helped out various elderly people learning to use computers. The Windows Magnifier is OK once you get used to it. The concept of them only seeing part of the screen can be difficult to explain, but at least what is shown is larger! Hi-Vis keyboards can help, such as http://www.amazon.co.uk/Visually-Impaired-Keyboard-Hi-Visibility-Uppercase/dp/B007AD04BU (just an example, have no experience with it).
Rather than invest in a new tablet, has she considered a larger monitor for her desktop? If it can be wall mounted as well, it would take up less valuable desk space.

agrinnall

Might it be better for her to ask for assistance from the RNIB who have a dedicated technology team?

http://www.rnib.org.uk/online-today

Or look through the organisations on this list

http://www.kdc.org.uk/blind-and-visually-impaired/

There may be one local to her that could help, and I also noticed the British Computer Association of the Blind.

https://www.bcab.org.uk/

SailorSam

I have eyesight trouble and found the 'windows magnifier' hopeless. I got a bigger monitor and increase the font by clicking the icon in the top left hand of the screen. Another tip is to make anything you write in bold

GunJack

SailorSam wrote: »

I got a bigger monitor and increase the font by clicking the icon in the top left hand of the screen. Another tip is to make anything you write in bold

these are far more sensible solutions than any tablet... tablet = small screen so you're making it more difficult to start with...whatever size monitor she's currently using, she needs at least the next size up, probably a minimum of 21/22"

fenlander_uk

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Her PC had already been set up pretty well by a local help group but she has some specific issues with email which I (hope) I was able to help with. They mainly required some tweaking of the display options in Windows Live Mail. She seems quite comfortable with Windows magnifier, but had it set at too high a magnification, which restricted the view unnecessarily.

When researching this, I was quite surprised to find that there appears to be no simplified email client that caters for the visually impaired. The best I was able to do was Thunderbird with the 'Theme Font Size Changer' extension to set up large fonts, as well as reducing the number of toolbar icons and the number of columns displayed. Unfortunately, the best I could do with TB did not produce text that was large enough in this particular case. Windows Live Mail seems particularly unfriendly in this respect - the screens are very complex and cluttered.

RumRat

I don't agree with some other comments regarding a larger screen. I suggest you look at the accessibility features of the iPad which many visually impaired people use.
I believe that since KitKat android also has some good features built in.

bupkes

Hello all.
I work as IT teacher for adults who have visual impairments.
Just a few points, which might not necessarily be useful for @fenlander_uk but might come in handy for others who come across this thread in the future (sorry I can't post links as a newbie so you'll have to google them!)
- bigger is not necessarily better. Depending on sight condition, a smaller screen might be better (eg if people have tunnel vision or similar). For people with better peripheral than central vision, it is always worth looking at trying out 'eccentric viewing'. which basically means trying to make the most of your remaining vision. Also, changing text and background colour to improve contrast makes a big difference (as can adjusting lighting in the room)
- iPads are great for accessibility but can prove a real challenge for many users, especially people who have little or no previous computer experience. The gestures etc are quite a lot to take in for a newbie... even the basics of swiping etc can be tricky to get the hang of, then the accessibility bits (Zoom, Voiceover) introduce a whole new level of complexity - triple-finger taps and lots more besides. This can be especially hard for older users who may have reduced dexterity and sensitivity in their hands (a likelihood especially for those whose sight loss is one of many complications of diabetes)
- Siri is excellent these days and can be used for composing emails and all sorts of things, but again it helps if you have a certain level of digital literacy already.
- You don't necessarily need an external keyboard for the iPad. The soft keyboard can be magnified with Zoom (inbuilt magnification) and you could even try Voiceover if you are feeling adventurous.
- Android accessibility is getting pretty good too.
- It's true that there aren't many simple clients out there. If your lady has some money to spend, I'd recommend taking a look at Guide (made by Dolphin - runs on a PC), or Synapptic (on Android). These are pricey - especailly Guide - but really work well, in my opinion.
- there are many excellent accessible keyboards. If you don't want to buy a whole new keyboard and just need larger print, try searching Amazon or the RNIB catalogue for 'Large Print Keyboard Stickers'. If you want a physically bigger keyboard, try looking for the 'Monster' keyboard
- If people need help at home, try the RNIB Technology Team who have a national team of volunteers who can come out to have a look, or AbilityNet who can also provide advice and training.

Hope this helps someone!

@bupkes

pendragon_arther

I can make my browsing larger in Firefox by holding down Ctrl and using the mouse wheel to go larger or smaller.

victor2

On most browsers Ctrl + zooms in, Ctrl - zooms out, and Ctrl 0 (zero) puts it back to 100% when you've inadvertently let the others repeat to their maximum!