See their link here to register for access.

The My Talking Books skill allows registered users to search for titles and store them on a bookshelf, navigate around inside a book  and stream its contents at different speeds and pitch.  The current collection made  available (English, Audiobooks)  has perhaps 100,000 audio books, and can be accessed where ever Alexa is found.  Whether it be smart speaker, or an app on an iPhone or elsewhere.

RealSAM Inc and its parent company RealThing AI have been working with the Library of Congress (the parent organization of NLS) since 2019, prototyping different voice operated solutions. This was first released to the public in September 2024.  We are very excited!

We will also look to adding the NLS library to RealSAM downstream, once NLS ok’s its new systems for access.

The post NLS Releases the My Talking Books Skill on Alexa appeared first on RealSAM USA.

What kind of phone should you get? What kind of features might be helpful? Here are some key points to consider when shopping for a mobile phone for seniors.

1. Figure out what’s challenging for you

When choosing a phone, it’s crucial to consider the specific challenges you or your loved one may encounter. Are you experiencing sight loss? Do you have arthritis or nerve damage that makes it difficult to manipulate a touch screen? Do you find it easier to use something that’s simpler and won’t require you to keep track of a lot of information? Even though it’s different for everyone, these are some of the more common obstacles seniors face.

RealSAM is one brand that aims to eliminate these obstacles. Not only are RealSAM devices accessible and easy to use, but they also include assistive features to make everyday life easier.

2.  Voice operation gives you control

When you’re experiencing visual impairment or other disabilities a lot of things are inaccessible and difficult to control. Your phone doesn’t have to be one of them.

The RealSAM Pocket is fully voice operated, allowing you to make calls, send messages, add contacts, and do so much more with your voice. They’re built from the ground up with accessibility in mind.

3. It’s easier to navigate with a simple interface

Most smartphones have inaccessible apps, small icons, and extensive menus. You’ll either need to learn how to use a screen reader or screen magnification to navigate. If it’s physically difficult to use gestures or to remember the multiple steps you must take to make a call, opt for a mobile phone with a simple interface.

RealSAM Pocket features large fonts, high contrast colors, and a simple interface. Everything can be done with the large ‘tap to talk’ button that activates the phone for voice commands.

4. Your mobile phone should be compatible with your hearing aids

It’s easy to overlook this, but if you use hearing aids, you should be able to use them with your phone.

RealSAM Pocket is Bluetooth compatible with hearing aids.

5. Emergency help should be easy to reach

Look for a phone that includes emergency features that will alert someone when you or your loved one needs help.

RealSAM Pocket has a special setting where emergency contacts are saved. To make an emergency call, you press a button on the device three times and the phone will automatically call your assigned emergency contact. The phone will automatically move to the next designated contact if the first is not reached.

6. Assistive features can make a difference with everyday life

Choose a phone with built-in assistive tools.

RealSAM Pocket is designed to help people accomplish everyday tasks independently. If you are a low vision user, the built-in video magnifier will help you zoom in to what you need to see. If you are severely sight-impaired, the magnifier can identify objects, as well as read print and handwritten text aloud.

You’ll find the GPS location tool helpful for navigating when you’re out and about.

You’ll also have access to anytime, anywhere sighted assistance with volunteers from Be My Eyes, giving you even more support throughout the day.

7. Excellent customer support is a must

Look for an excellent product from a company who value their customers.

At RealSAM, we understand that new technology can be daunting. We offer all new customers two 1 on 1 sessions to help with set up, and unlimited support onward. Our Support team is available Monday to Friday for any questions or advice. We also have an online customer portal so loved ones can help with adding new contacts.

Find out More About the RealSAM Pocket

Check out the RealSAM Pocket or call us at (301) 547-7230 to find out if Pocket might be the right phone for you or your loved one.

The post 7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Cell Phone for Seniors appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Getting a new cell phone should be exciting, but these devices can be daunting when you must go through so many steps to start using them. Most smartphones have only 3 tactile buttons, and once you’ve figured out how to power them on, you need to know to triple tap the power button or long press the volume keys or take some other action to activate accessibility.

Once you’ve activated the screen reader, you will go through page after page of set up where you will have to make choices, agree to terms, and allow permissions. You may not even completely understand some of the terms or choices, but you must make selections before you can begin using your device.

After the long set up process, you finally make it to the home screen and now you can call someone to let them know you have a new mobile—but wait, how do you get to the call app?

It can take time to learn how to use gestures to navigate through numerous apps. For some, it might be physically challenging or difficult to remember gestures like swiping left and right to go from app to app, doing a two-finger swipe up to speak the entire screen and so many others.

If you’re looking for an easy way to talk to your loved ones and stay connected to friends and support, the RealSAM Pocket is an amazing smartphone that eliminates these complications. It’s especially designed for blind and visually impaired people looking for a smartphone that’s easy to use.

With Pocket, there’s no need to go through a bunch of steps to activate accessibility. Right out of the box, it’s fully voice-operated and will give you prompts and feedback every step of the way. It has all the capabilities of a smartphone, allowing you to make calls, send messages, get support, use assistive tools, and even access news and entertainment—without having to learn how to use gestures to navigate.

With voice recognition and a simple interface, you can take control of the RealSAM Pocket by tapping one button and using your own words to say what you would like it to do. There’s no need to do a four-finger tap to select the first thing on the screen or keep swiping left and right to find the call app—with the one and only “tap to talk” button you can tell Pocket to make a call.

You wouldn’t have to navigate through a bunch of other apps to add contacts or send messages. You can use the same “tap to talk” to tell Pocket to do all these things and more, for you—it’s a simple solution that keeps you connected.

By Guenivir Kendrick

The post A Simple Solution with “tap to talk” on the RealSAM Pocket appeared first on RealSAM USA.

My husband and I provided services for those who were blind and visually impaired living and working in our community. We ended up being the “go to” people for transportation, shopping, cleaning, organizing, online and AT assistance, and so much more—once, even searching for a perfect pet! We truly loved our work and often our clients became good friends.

Help with phones was a frequent request. We experienced many transitions from home phones and flip phones that talked, to smartphones with inaccessible apps, complicated screen readers, and overwhelming settings. These transitions were daunting experiences, especially for the seniors. On the one hand, they were eager to try out what everyone else was excited about. On the other hand, they now needed to make calls on a flat device that supposedly did a whole bunch of other things and had no tactile buttons. There were gestures, taps and menus to memorize.

At their providers’ retail stores, they were presented with the latest and greatest without any consideration for accessibility. We spent a lot of time setting up and going through the steps of getting their phones to do what phones are supposed to do—make calls!

After gaining confidence with making and answering calls, they needed access to the phone numbers of the people they wanted to talk to. Adding contacts was a challenge. It took time and a lot of practice for them to be able to do this independently. Some Brailled step by step instructions. Others recorded sessions of us guiding them through the process. There was a misconception that a smartphone’s voice activated digital assistance could do this. It was a barrier that there was no simple way to manage their contacts.

Today, RealSAM is making it easy by making accessibility a priority. Their friendly and easy to use voice-operated phones are real solutions for people struggling with conventional devices.

RealSAM also takes the stress out of buying a phone. It can be done over the phone or online. RealSAM’s excellent customer support will take the time to guide you every step of the way, from ordering and setting up, to helping you get the hang of your new phone.

Unlike having to learn complex accessibility features, RealSAM phones are fully voice operated. There’s no need to memorize taps, gestures, and menus—there’s just the “tap to talk” button. You simply, “tap to talk” and the phone will make a little chime to let you know it’s listening. Then you tell it what you want it to do, “Call…” and it will do it for you. Having one button to deal with and being able to use your voice to do almost everything enables people to use their devices with ease and confidence.

And yes, it’s possible to add contacts by voice. Just “tap to talk”. It will ask you for the name and the phone number, then add your contact to the list. It’s just as easy to search, edit, and delete contacts by voice. If you’re like me and you have a lot to add, RealSAM has an accessible customer portal where contacts can be added in or uploaded from a previous device.

Having gone through these experiences, it’s exciting for me to see seniors living with sight loss regain their independence using RealSAM phones.

By Guenivir Kendrick

The post RealSAM – Making a Real Difference for Seniors Living with Sight Loss appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Two helpful features include global time and date and global weather. Both tools are available on the RealSAM Pocket—and yes, they are accessible by voice.

Global Time & Date

RealSAM can tell you what time it is where you are and anywhere else in the world.

Just press the “tap to talk” button and ask, “What time is it?” RealSAM will automatically know that you’re asking for your location and will tell you the time date where you are.

Ask what time it is in major cities. Press “tap to talk” and ask, “What time is it in New York?” “What time is it in London?” “What time is it Tokyo?”

Even if it’s not a popular city, add the name of the state or country and RealSAM will be able to give you the time and date for that location. Ask, ‘What time is it in Colorado Springs, Colorado?” “What time is it in Hackensack New Jersey?” “What time is it in Port Antonio Jamaca?”

RealSAM will tell you the time and date like this, “The time is 17 minutes past 5 AM on Wednesday, June 28, at Washing District of Columbia, United States.”

Do you have family and friends around the world? You’ll be able to get in touch at just the right moment when you use Pocket to find out what time it is where they are.

Global Weather

Will the weather be right for a walk in the park? Get the forecast from your RealSAM Pocket and make your plans for the day.

Press the “tap to talk” button and ask, “What is the weather?” RealSAM can tell you the weather where you are and the forecast for the day.

Do you have plans for the week? You can plan your activities accordingly when you ask, “What is the forecast?” RealSAM can provide five-day weather forecasts. You’ll be able to find out if it’s clear or rainy and all the highs and lows for the next five days.

If you’re taking off for vacation, it’s just as easy to ask RealSAM for the weather forecast anywhere around the globe. Just “tap to talk” and ask, “What is the forecast for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?” RealSAM will take just a moment to find the coordinates then give you the specific forecasts for the location you’re inquiring about.

RealSAM aims to make information accessible

RealSAM aims to help people with easy-to-use devices that make the world more accessible. If you’re living with sight loss or other disabilities, you can use your voice to find out more with the RealSAM Pocket.

By Guenivir Kendrick

The post Acessible Global Time, Date & Weather on your RealSAM Pocket appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Prescription labels contain critical information such as the patient’s name, the name of the medicine, the dosage, instructions on how often to take the medicine and the contact information of the pharmacy filling the prescription. In the past, all this information only existed in one format, namely as a sticker label printed with small font.

People who are blind or visually impaired either had difficulty or were completely unable to read these labels and had to rely on the help of sighted assistance or on guesswork. This posed a significant safety risk and many became seriously ill because they took the wrong medication or the wrong dose.

Fortunately, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, pharmacies were required to provide auxiliary aids and services to customers with disabilities, including accessible prescription labels.

Labels in Alternative Formats

Today, pharmacies can fill prescriptions with labels in alternative formats such as Braille, large print and audio labels.

Braille labels are embossed on long transparent stickers that are partially overlayed on the bottles’ original printed labels. In this way the information is accessible by touch for the blind person, and still readable for sighted family members, pharmacists, and medical providers.

Large print labels are available for people who have low vision. Since the information takes up more space depending on the font size, large print labels are created as booklets that are placed on medicine bottles.

Audio labels make it possible for blind and visually impaired customers to listen to what is on the prescription labels. RFID tags containing the prescription information are attached to medication bottles. Then a specially designed device or app on a smartphone can be used to scan the tag and read the information aloud.

Technology and Visual Interpreters

Text-to-speech technology is also improving prescription label accessibility. There are many different apps that can extract text from images, so someone can simply take a picture of their prescription label and have it read aloud on their smartphone.

Lastly, services that provide visual interpretation are another option. Instead of waiting for a sighted person to be physically present, a blind or visually impaired person can get on the phone, at any time, with a trained agent that will use the phone’s camera to read them the information. Ask your pharmacy today about additional programs that can help you or someone you care for take their medication safely and independently.’

By Guenivir Kendrick with help from ChatGPT

REFERENCES:

American Council of the Blind. (2023). President’s Message: More on Accessible Prescription Labels. American Council of the Blind. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.acb.org/content/president%E2%80%99s-message-more-accessible-prescription-labels-kim-charlson

American Council of the Blind. (2023). Spoken Rx™ “Talking” Prescription Labels Now Available in all CVS Pharmacy Locations. Spoken Rx™ “Talking” Prescription Labels Now Available in All CVS Pharmacy Locations | American Council of the Blind. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://acb.org/cvs-spoken-rx

The post Accessible Labels that Improve Medication Safety for the Blind and Visually Impaired appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Here are its key features on the RealSAM Pocket:

• Built in light/flash for dim surroundings
• 12.7 cm screen size 
• HD screen resolution
• 7x zoom
• Adjustable colors, contrast and brightness  
• Object recognition
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Here’s a quick overview to give you a sense of what it’s like to use the RealSAM Magnifier on Pocket. 

RealSAM Magnifier can be helpful to different users. 

The great thing about Magnifier on the RealSAM Pocket, is that it can be helpful to both low vision and blind users. Low vision users can zoom in to see something from a distance or to read something small up close. Severely sight impaired or blind users can use the magnifier’s object and text recognition.

Use your voice to start the Magnifier. 

It’s super easy to access Magnifier on a RealSAM device. Just press the ‘tap to talk button’ and say, ‘Open Magnifier’ or ‘Magnifier.’ RealSAM’s feedback will be, ‘Magnifier starting,’ and you’re ready to zoom in. 

RealSAM Magnifier has a simple interface. 

When you first open Magnifier, you will notice a few buttons on the screen. Although these buttons are small to allow low vision users unobstructed screen views, they are labeled using high contrast colors, white words on a dark navy-blue background. RealSAM will also read them aloud as you move your finger across the screen and over them. 

If you’re holding your phone in  landscape orientation, the buttons on the left side include ‘Flash’ for using the Magnifier in a darker setting, and ‘Exit’ to close. 

On the right hand side, there will be a ‘Plus’ button to zoom in, a ‘Freeze’ button to capture an image, and a ‘Minus’ button to zoom out. 

While magnifier is open, tap anywhere to focus. RealSAM will always give spoken feedback every time you press a button or focus, making it easy to use regardless of your level of vision. 

Magnifier is helpful for low vision users.  

Low vision users can use Magnifier to see from a distance. For example, if it’s hard to see the numbers from an arm’s length, zoom in with Magnifier to set the oven timer on. It can also be helpful for reading signs when you’re out and about.

Anytime you want to see something even closer and bigger, press the ‘Freeze’ button. Magnifier will capture the image and you can zoom in even more. When you do this, additional buttons will pop up, with options to enhance the image by adjusting the color scheme, contrast, and brightness. This is great for reading small labels or clothing tags. For example, it’s not hard to read the label of canned food with 2x to 3z zoom, but reading the expiration date might require more adjusting. Taking a picture of it and adjusting the coolers and the contrast levels to combat the glare will be helpful in this case. 

Object and text recognition is helpful for severely sight impaired users. 

If you have very low vision, Magnifier can also be very helpful because it can identify and read aloud what you’re viewing when you press the ‘Freeze’ button. For example, while shopping, Magnifier can identify objects on the shelves. Press ‘Freeze’, and the ‘Action’ menu will pop up. Choose ‘Detect object’ from the action menu and Magnifier will indicate that it’s processing the image, then say something like, ‘Shelf, clothing, footwear, sneakers, handbags.’ 

Optical Text Recognition or (OCR) on Magnifier can accurately read both printed and handwritten text. Capture the image of a package label, a book cover, or a handwritten note and Magnifier will read you the text aloud.  

The RealSAM Magnifier makes the world more accessible. 

The built in video Magnifier is one assistive feature that makes RealSAM devices accessible and the world more visible to people living with sight loss. If you think this could be helpful for you or your loved one, learn more about RealSAM mobile phones and all the assistive tools they come with. 

The post The Video Magnifier on RealSAM appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Three Common Age-Related Eye Conditions 

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide.  It is a progressive condition where aging causes damage to the macula, the part of the eye that controls sharp, detailed central vision. This causes the central visual field to become blurry or to develop dark spots. It can also cause vision to become distorted where objects seem to be displaced and/or straight lines appear wavy. 

Glaucoma can occur at any age, but it is another leading cause of vision loss for people over the age of 60. Glaucoma occurs when fluid build-up causes high eye pressure. This ultimately damages the optic nerve, the part of the eye that delivers visual input to the brain. Glaucoma is not easily detected, because its effects are so gradual and decreased vision is not noticeable until its later stages. 

Cataracts occur in older adults because with time the lenses in the eyes may break down and begin to leak protein that clumps together. When untreated it causes blurry, hazy, or cloudy vision.

Taking the first Step to Overcome Vision Loss 

With vision loss comes a slew of limitations. No longer being able to drive, read regular print, clearly see the faces of loved ones, and perform daily task with ease can be very discouraging for someone who has always been able to do these things. 

Encouraging a positive outlook is the first step to overcoming any difficulty in life and it’s no different when facing vision impairment. It’s important to understand that medical conditions do not define individuals and people have the power to choose to live meaningful, purposeful, and even joyful lives regardless of their age or physical disabilities.

Support & Resources 

From there, it’s a matter of finding real solutions to accomplish everyday goals. Staying connected to family and friends and getting involved with a church and/or a support group can greatly ease this process and increase confidence in maintaining independence. 

Fortunately, we live in a time where there are countless options available as far as having tools for the elderly community. Whether it’s services like ride sharing and personal shopping assistance, or assistive devices like magnifiers and money identifiers, or high-tech assistive technology like screen readers and a fully voice operated smart phone like the RealSAM Pocket—there are real solutions to adapting to life with vision loss. 

By Guenivir Kendrick with help from ChatGPT

References:

Cataract. AOA.org. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y 

Glaucoma. AOA.org. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/glaucoma?sso=y 

Macular degeneration. AOA.org. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/macular-degeneration?sso=y

The post Overcoming the 3 Most Common Age-Related Conditions Causing Visual Impairment  appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Staying Connected with Technology

One way to stay connected is through social media. On platforms like YouTube and Facebook, people can meet others who are experiencing similar challenges dealing with their visual impairment. They can also connect with friends and family, join groups with common interests and follow news and events. Using screen readers or text-to-speech software, visually impaired people can easily navigate these platforms and stay in touch.

Another way to stay connected is through audio and video conferencing. Applications such as Zoom and Skype offer an easy and accessible way to talk to distant family members and friends.
Going out can be challenging, but by using visual interpretation services and apps designed specifically for navigation, people with visual impairments have new ways to navigate their surroundings. Be My Eyes, for example, is a free app that connects visually impaired people with sighted volunteers who can assist them by describing their surroundings and identifying signs and buildings.

Connecting with Local Communities and Organizations for the Blind and Visually Impaired

A great way to get connected is by attending local events and activities by organizations supporting blind and visually impaired people. These can be online meetings, social events at activity centers or exciting group outings. The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in your state is a good place to get information about groups and programs near you. 

Staying Connected through Books

When going out isn’t an option, reading books is the perfect remedy. Books keep people connected to the world by providing knowledge and entertainment. Reading stimulates the imagination by taking readers on an exciting adventure or allowing them to see the world through the lives and actions of characters. For people with visual impairments, this is possible through the National Library Service run by the Library of Congress. NLS offers books in a variety of formats, including Braille, USB sticks and digital downloads. 

Through technology, community support and reading books, people with visual impairment can overcome the barriers of social isolation and make meaningful connections.

By Guenivir Kendrick with help from ChatGPT

References:

Be My Eyes. (n.d.). Be my eyes – see the world together. Be My Eyes – See the world together. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.bemyeyes.com/#:~:text=Be%20My%20Eyes%20is%20a,people%20lead%20more%20independent%20lives.  

NLS. (2023, March 23). NLS at the Library of Congress. National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.loc.gov/nls/#:~:text=National%20Library%20Service%20(NLS)%20is,from%20using%20regular%20print%20materials.

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