As a blind individual, technology has been the biggest enabler in my life, especially through the use of screen readers. My favorite, of course, is the screen reader, which opens up the digital world to me in ways I never thought possible. Whether I’m navigating through websites or interacting with apps, it’s my constant companion.
When it comes to mobile apps, like any other blind person out there, I love “Be My Eyes”, especially the “Be My AI” feature. It provides real-time sighted assistance when no sighted help is available. It’s like having a pair of eyes on demand when I need it most. Another feature I love is the AI accurately describes photos to me, making it possible for me to appreciate photos that I can not see.
For my love of books, “EasyReader and “Bookshare Reader” are two apps I often use. They provide me with an extensive library of books in accessible formats, allowing me to enjoy my passion for reading whenever I want. Thanks to Bookshare for the accessible books. As someone who has always been a book lover, these apps help keep that passion alive.
I’m also a big fan of the “Medium” app. It allows me to access articles and stories from all over the world, engaging with different voices and perspectives, which I find truly inspiring and educating.
On the desktop, my go-to app for reading is “Thorium Reader. It’s such a powerful tool for reading books in EPUB format, and I love how accessible it is with screen readers. It makes the experience of reading on a larger screen smooth and enjoyable.
Of course, I can’t forget the role of social media. Apps like Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram keep me connected to friends, family, and communities worldwide. With the help of my screen reader, I can navigate these platforms with ease, making sure I stay in the loop.
For work-related tasks, I rely heavily on “Outlook” for managing emails and calendars, and “Slack” for staying in touch with my team. Both of these apps are highly accessible and allow me to communicate and collaborate effectively. For project management, “Jira” is my go-to. It’s great for organizing tasks and staying on top of projects, and it integrates well with my screen reader, making it a seamless part of my workflow.
In conclusion, anything that is accessible and usable for me is something I truly love and appreciate. Accessibility empowers me to be independent and to experience the world just like anyone else.