Spring is Here! Get Walking

Spring is here and it is time to get outside and enjoy the nice weather so put on your walking shoes. For many who are visually impaired getting outside to stay active can be a daunting task. However, walking and hiking can be a great activity that can be enjoyed if you follow some helpful tips.

First consider meeting with an Orientation and Mobility Specialist who is trained to teach you safe techniques for maneuver your journey. You will want to let them know if you will be walking alone or with friends and family. Here are some other things to consider. Create a routine our route that you can follow consistently to learn the particulars of the route, such as sudden drop-offs, curious pets, brush or protruding branches.

Walk with a friend or family member who will be able to point these things out and let you now if there are unforeseen objects in your path including construction. Ask if your local parks have special paths for bicycles and joggers so that way you'll know what side to walk on. Carry water for hydration and a mobile phone in case of an emergency. Try taking a sensory walk or hike so the focus is on enjoying the environment with your senses instead of focusing on the distance. The other thing you may want to consider is joining a walking club in your area.

This will allow you to get outside and meet some new people and enjoy a healthy activity. So get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather! Please let us know what types of other activities you are doing to stay active. ruth@visiondynamics.com

" I wish I could read but I can't see a thing"

So you want to read but you feel like there is nothing out there that can help you accomplish this because your vision is almost non existent or you are completely blind. Well I am here to tell you that is malarkey. Whatever your vision challenges are you CAN read. We are so excited to introduce NEW scan and read products from ABiSee! Smart Magnifiers that read printed text ALOUD to you. Just sit back and enjoy effortless reading with confidence that you wont miss a word. The Eye-Pal Vision and Eye-Pal Reader are completely redesigned with simple to use buttons an impeccable quality camera that will amaze you with its accuracy, and an easy listening voice that allows you to choose a female or a male. The Vision's reliability, accuracy and ease of use will enable users to overcome challenges of everyday life and create opportunities to enhance their quality of life at work and at home. With the auto-focus zoom able camera you will be able to read pill bottles, recipes and other fine printed materials as well as documents and your favorite books and magazines. Multiple pages will no longer be a problem. Say goodbye to eye strain. The monitor allows an added feature to follow along and is the perfect size for the magnification mode. The Vision also serves as a powerful electronic magnifier to view photos, crossword puzzles, billing statements or packages that come in the mail. You can place just about anything under the camera and even change the contrast with the push of a button. This is a much simpler and hassle free way to read with no training required.

For those blind users or those of you that would like to give your tired CCTV eyes a break let the Eye-Pal Reader take over by reading out loud to you! Instantly scan an entire 8.5 X 11 page without missing any text lines. The Reader does the same thing as the Vision without the magnification mode. Give yourself the gift of reader and contact us with any questions about these wonderful new products. Live better, your worth it. Call today! We look forward to hearing from you. 203-271-1944

Staying active this winter.

We have had such a mild winter here in Connecticut that it has allowed many of us to stay active outside. Regular physical activity benefits both physical and psychological health. and reduces the risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and stress-related illnesses. It has also show that along with some simple lifestyle changes and a regular routine it can significantly improve the quality of our lives and increase our chances for longevity.
There are many activities for visually impaired people to enjoy and participate safely in. Jogging and running is a great one. A site challenged person can use a sighted guide to help direct them in there running course or they can use a tether which would be an item, such as a towel or rope, held between the guide and the individual with the vision impairment. This allows the runner the ability to feel free and safe while running and it also gives them the ability to enjoy an activity with others. If you have low vision and do not need assistance then running on a track can be a great option for those of you who want to be independent but not alone. Most tracks have high contrast lines to mark the lanes and do not have bumps or other items that may inhibit a runner. Some people use a caller. This technique requires someone to run towards a voice or a sound. The runner is able to freely move and is not restricted by having to hold anything. If you are the caller you can use verbal commands or even a bell. This technique is often used at track meets for the visually impaired athlete and allows him or her the ability to compete in a sport for there school. Another option, if it's too cold out or there is bad weather, is a treadmill. These machines can be enjoyed in a controlled atmosphere and gives people the sense of confidence and independence because they can do this activity on their own.
Whatever your visual impairment or level of fitness is anyone can benefit from some physical activity so get out there and give it a try. You will feel better!

Computer Solution for Blind and Low Vision Users

Welcome to a great product called CDesk! This is a stand-alone, all inclusive software program for the blind, low-vision, seniors, cognitive disabilities, or anyone one who wants their computer to be easy,( including new users) that enables access to the most used functions of their computer. CDesk in not just a screen reader or magnification program. It is a single program with 8 core applications, built from the ground up to be extremely intuitive, simple to use, and easy to learn by utilizing a consistent user interface. "PEGGY" is the friendly speech recognition system ( with a personality) that allows a totally hands free user experience. This is a high-contrast, large print, and fully speech enabled desktop that will allow you to do all of your important daily activities simply, easily, and cost effectively. You may even have a little fun.

One of the reasons we love this product is because it was created out of love. Randyce Wechter, a successful owner of a wholesale bakery company, was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis and lost her sight in both eyes. She was welcomed into the blind community and offered lots of support. Randyce tried many options on the market to try and maintain her independence with her everday computer needs and found that many were too complicated, too expensive, or both. She and her husband, Michael, a respected computer developer and programmer for 35 years , decided there had to be a better way. The development of the CDesk program took place and they were able to give back to the community that helped them and gave them support and friendship. CDesk is finally ready to help others regain the ability to be part of the computer world or join it. Additionally, every sale of CDesk results in a donation back to the low vision community to keep the resources flowing to those who need it most.

If you are interested in more information or you have any questions about this amazing technology that can change the way you feel about computers, please call us at 203-271-1944.

Skiing For The Visually Impaired

Many people who are blind or have low vision can enjoy the sport of skiing. Whether you are a first time skier or you used to ski and would like to try again the sport can be enjoyed successfully. Depending on where you live there are adaptive skiing programs offered where the low vision or blind skier is offered free instruction or a reduced rate. Some places even offer a reduced rate for friends or family members that would like to be a guide. Most places have you fill out an Adaptive Application Waiver so make sure you call before showing up.

Skiing allows the blind or visually impaired person the ability to move freely and independently, in a controlled setting, in a physical and fast paced sport. This is an exhilarating experience and provides the skier with confidence and a physical independence that may not have been felt before.

There may be some concerns for those who have never taken a risk to try something like this but do not let that stop you. Guides are available and the instructors are amazing and understanding. The guide will provide the skier with verbal descriptions and instructions while traveling behind the skier or preceding them. A portable amplification system is often used as well. Visible identifying vests are also worn to prevent other skiers from skiing between them.

Our very own Tracy Andrews has been part of an adaptive skiing experience and said it was truly amazing and her sense of accomplishment carried over into other areas of her life. Her husband was trained to be her guide and they bonded closer together through their skiing adventure. She said that the instructors made her feel a part of with no pity which allowed her to feel like she was just as entitled to ski as a sighted person. "Each time I went out on the slopes my skills improved and that's a phenomenal feeling. Flying down the hill and maneuvering down the slopes was so awesome and to share that with my friends and husband was great"

This is a great way to stay active in the winter and to be a part of something that you can enjoy with others. So get out there this winter and go for it. You will not regret it and the experience will hopefully inspire you to continue to challenge yourself in other areas of your life. It sure did for Tracy. She has been away from the sport for awhile but would like to start up again and involve her kids. Stay tuned!

Some places that offer programs for the visually impaired are Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT. 860-379-7669 and Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in Carrabasset Valley Maine. Sugarload is offering a week long program in February. For more information just click Here