Edgar Sheppard, a senior citizen with vision impairment, has been a BridgingApps client for several years. He first connected with us through his volunteer job as a Senior Companion with AmeriCorps.
Among client benefits he has received: a laptop computer with accessibility tools and 1:1 digital skills training. Today, he talks about the new opportunities that the training and new device have opened for him.
New Views of Old Tasks
Now that I have a laptop, I don’t have to try to use my phone for everything. I don’t have to use my tablet as much, either. I can see the laptop screen better than screens on other devices.
I see the keyboard better, too. It’s bigger than digital keyboards, and easier to type on. It shows me where the Shift key and everything is: I just like the way it’s set up. It’s great having a high-contrast keyboard and a larger monitor, so now I can really see what I am typing.
At work, I’m looking forward to staying more organized with my timesheets, and being able to write down information I need, scan documents, and use Google Drive. Before, I was always dependent on smaller devices that were harder to see, or on other people. I kept getting edged out by others who could do things without special equipment.
Increased Independence
Outside of work, the laptop helps me search for, and read, information on medical questions. It’s way more convenient than trying to do it on the phone. Next, I want to learn about using Facebook on my laptop, and about speech-to-text.
Accessible technology is life-changing for someone who is visually impaired. It makes everything bigger for you. It can also talk to you, and tell you different things that you need to know, and read things to you when you can’t see them.
To sum up, laptops are very handy. Add a screen reader, put that screen extender on there, and that, all together, helps a whole lot. It just means a whole lot to me.
*A Note on AmeriCorps Seniors
The AmeriCorps Senior Companions Program is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, a federal agency that connects people over 55 to volunteer jobs: it pays a small stipend to cover expenses. Senior Companions make home visits to other, socially isolated, seniors—in Edgar’s case, a 76-year-old woman who is a double amputee. His work includes providing companionship, plus doing laundry and other chores.
Like other organizations, AmeriCorps Seniors has been affected over the past year by federal budget cuts. For up-to-date information and current opportunities, contact the local sponsor, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston.
Additional BridgingApps articles on senior programs:
- Building a Well-Connected World for Senior Adults
- FinTech for Seniors: The Next50 Project
- Not Just for Kids Anymore
- Seniors Caring for Seniors
Apps lists for seniors:
- BridgingApps for Older Adults and Seniors
- BridgingApps Memory Apps for Older Adults and Seniors
- BridgingApps Recreation Apps for Older Adults and Seniors
- BridgingApps Social Connection Apps for Older Adults and Seniors
- BridgingApps Speech Therapy Apps for Adults and Seniors
Apps lists for people with vision disabilities:
P. S. Today Is Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is celebrated every year on the third Thursday in May. Check out their list of virtual events.
If you’re interested in learning more about what digital accessibility can mean to seniors, contact BridgingApps and ask about our Open Labs, semimonthly programs at Catholic Charities, and other senior-focused programs.