Using a Computer to Help Overcome Some Problems Resulting from Low Vision

by James C. Bliss, Ph.D

Today's computers can open up a new world of information, communication, and entertainment, especially for those with low vision. Not only have computers become more powerful and faster, software for low vision users has also advanced. In addition, recent price reductions make this a good time to get into the computer world.

E-mail can help overcome the isolation that often accompanies low vision, and the Internet can help with independence in shopping, arranging travel, managing your finances, reading newspapers and magazines, hobbies, etc. And it is easier now for a person with low vision and no prior computer experience to get into the computer world than ever before.

A typical example of someone with low vision and no prior computer experience is Sybil Irvin of San Diego. She is a 76 year old former bank employee, who during her 22 year tenure in banking did everything from loan applications, general banking, auditing, etc. Surprisingly she had never learned to type. Eleven years ago she discovered that she had no central vision in her right eye and 4 years later she lost central vision in her left eye. Her visual condition was eventually diagnosed as anjoid streaks which is a progressive disease similar to macular degeneration. She began using magnifying lens and other low vision aids, but as time passed her ability to communicate in any way except over the phone was being impaired.

Sybil describes herself at that time as a "technological dummy" with no clue about computers, floppy disks, downloading, etc. But a year ago when she heard about VIP she decided to give it a try. VIP (for Versatile Image Processor) was developed to make computers easier to use by people who can't see the screen very well or at all. VIP is a single program designed to do most of the things most individuals wish to do personally.

Some of the things that you can do with VIP are:

1. Convert written material into a visual presentation, together with speech, that allows you to get the information most easily and quickly
2. Receive, write, and send e-mail
3. Use the Internet
4. Magnify prescription bottle labels, small objects, photographs, etc.
5. Use magnification to help in handwriting
6. Write letters and documents with a word processor.
7. Use a large print/talking calculator.

Looking back, Sybil feels it wasn't hard to learn what she needed. Her initial goals were to be able to communicate with e-mail and read printed documents, which she was able to master with some initial instruction when her system was installed, plus following the instruction manual, and "trial and error". She took a course at the Braille Institute, which expanded the things she could do with the system.

JBliss Imaging Systems, developers of VIP, maintain a "ListServ" for VIP users which is a way that they can all communicate using e-mail. This is an effective way that VIP users can help one another and exchange information, tips, etc. Sybil reads the messages on the VIP ListServ to learn how to do more things and to get the solution to problems that people have. Her next goal is to learn to use the Internet.

Now Sybil is President of the local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), President of the California State NFB Chapter on Aging, member of the NFB California State Board of Directors, and member of the NFB National Board of Directors for the section on Senior Blind. To carry out all of these responsibilities Sybil uses the VIP to read and write e-mail, write memos to NFB members, scan documents to read them, etc. She writes the agenda for the local chapter meetings, then prints it out in 60 point type to use during the meeting.

Because VIP is a single program with a variety of functions, there is a consistent set of commands throughout, whether you are scanning, reading, writing, etc. This consistency means that there are fewer different commands and they are easier to remember. Because VIP is designed especially for low vision users, large print and speech are built-in from the ground-up, rather than being tacked onto programs written for normally sighted users. In addition, the method of operating VIP is easier for people with low vision than programs which use a pointer. A pointer can be hard to find with low vision and using a mouse to position the pointer to a precise location is difficult, especially if the screen is magnified so the pointer or target location is off of the screen.

Another typical VIP user is Fred Allardt, who is an 88 year old retired Aeronautical Engineer living in Eugene, OR. When Fred was younger he worked on the structural design of aircraft during World War II. After the war he moved into the design and production of missiles and space rockets.

Fred was diagnosed with macular degeneration when he was in his early seventies. For a number of years he could read large print books and he also used optical magnifiers. He could read with 4 times magnification if he placed the document about 2 inches from his eye. As his vision became progressively worse he moved to video magnifiers. Unfortunately, his vision loss was accompanied by some hearing loss as well.

Then in 1998 he heard about VIP. Even though he could still read with only magnification, it was becoming more difficult, visually exhausting, and inefficient. He thought he should find another way. He decided to try VIP.

Because of its simple large print/speech user interface, VIP was easy for Fred to learn and use. Audio tutorials on tape and CD are available which step you through the program at whatever pace you wish. Another very effective feature for training and technical support is that with one key stroke you can connect your computer to a computer at the JBliss facility so a staff member there can help train you or work on your problem. This allows the JBliss staff member to see your screen and operate your computer with his computer. This setup requires your computer to be connected to the Internet. This method of training is more effective if there is a phone line for the JBliss staff member to talk to you while your computer is connected to his.

Fred now uses his computer with VIP every day. His computer has a scanner and a small video camera connected to the computer. We he boots up the computer he launches VIP and presses the "Camera" button in VIP to do a quick sort of his mail using only magnification. He then scans the items he wishes to read. For reading, he either uses VIP's Marquee View which converts the text into a single line that scrolls across the screen at a speed he controls, or Word Wrap View which fills the screen with text and VIP reads it is aloud to him. He finds that these text presentations makes reading easier and faster than simply magnifying the page. He also uses VIP to check his e-mail and to e-mail his daughter. Other uses are to scan magazines or books he wishes to read and to access information on the Internet.

You can get more information about VIP as well as a free 30 day demo of the program from JBliss Imaging Systems, 1975 Hamilton Ave., Suite 6A, San Jose, CA 95125, 888-452-5477, www.jbliss.com, info@jbliss.com.

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