How to Make Contactless Payments

Improved smartphones and adaptive technology have enhanced the lives of the blind and visually impaired. We often overlook the contactless payments feature. This feature lets you purchase items with your iPhone or Android without grabbing cash or a credit card.

These features are straightforward to set up and use. Two main contactless payment options currently exist on smartphones: Apple Pay for iPhones, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for Android phones. Read on to learn more about which option might be best for you.

Apple Pay is a standard iPhone feature. Google Pay and Samsung Pay require you to download the respective app. Each contactless payment option needs to be set up before you use it. Here is how to do it for each option.

For Apple Pay

  1. Select the settings app.

  2. Scroll down to Wallet and Apple Pay

  3. Follow the prompts to add a card to your wallet. (You can add a debit card or a credit card).

For Google Pay 

  1. Download the Google Pay app from Google Play

  2. Select the Google Pay app

  3. Follow the prompts to add a card to your wallet 

For Samsung Pay

  1. Download the Samsung Pay app from Google Play

  2. Select the Samsung Pay app

  3. Follow the prompts to add a card to your wallet

You can now make purchases at stores. These apps can be used at most retailers, including Walmart and Target, and drug stores like Walgreens and CVS.

How to make a contactless payment

  1. Hold your phone over or near the machine used to process debit and credit card payments. These are often referred to as credit card readers.

  2. Enter your passcode, and then hold your phone near the card reader. On some older machines, you may need to hit accept or select the debit or credit card option. However, many newer card readers do not have to press buttons or tap on a touchscreen. On some machines, you do not have to touch the card reader or enter your PIN. Everything is done on your phone, which is why these features are referred to as contactless payments.

Although these payment options are available at many retail locations, they are still not ubiquitous. Also, some stores may use Apple Pay but not Google Pay and vice versa. It is a good idea to ask before attempting a payment. It is still recommended that you carry other forms of payment, including cash and debit/credit cards. However, it is a good idea to enable these options on your smartphone so that you can start making use of them. Almost every retail location will support these contactless payment systems in the coming years. Increasingly, apps such as Uber and Lyft are adding support for these types of payments. 

Outlook Enrichment is here to help

Hopefully, this blog post will give you a helpful overview of contactless payment options. Using a smartphone to make payments will simplify daily activities. And making payments with your phone is just one of the many benefits of using a smartphone. If you have a vision condition and are interested in learning even more about adaptive technology, your next step is to check out the Adaptive Tech program at Outlook Enrichment. This program offers tech training for computers and mobile devices. It can be intimidating and overwhelming to learn new tech. An Adaptive Technology trainer can help guide you and provide further instruction.

Creating an Inclusive Environment with a Workplace Needs Assessment

Many factors are used to determine the best workplace accommodations for an individual. These factors include eye conditions, additional disabilities present, environmental issues within the workplace, and an individual’s job duties and daily tasks. All of these factors play an important part of the workplace assessment.

What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?

A Workplace Needs Assessment provides an overview of challenges employees with disabilities might face. The assessment evaluates daily barriers that might impact confidence, well-being, and productivity. This will recommend adjustments or support to help disabled employees succeed.

Choosing an evaluator is the best place to start. To do so, select an individual or agency with many years and a wide range of experience working within the disability field. Make sure to ask specific questions about their experience.

Different agencies can often provide a wealth of knowledge on vision loss. However, some agencies may not have a lot of experience with issues such as traumatic brain injuries, physical limitations, deaf-blindness, or cognitive functioning issues.

Background

An evaluation should include eye conditions, physical disabilities, and other medical history. With knowledge of the eye condition, the evaluator can add other questions to the assessment. For example, an employee with cataracts may be impacted by glare, not see letters clearly, or require high-contrast adaptations to use a computer or maneuver an office space. Some stroke victims have vision loss and may only see out of part of one or both eyes. This evaluation will ask about sight, physical limitations, memory loss issues, and fatigue levels.

Environmental concerns

Workplace environmental factors evaluated include:

Average environmental accommodations only require a little additional cost. Some environmental accommodations may require moving the employee to a new work setting with more natural light or under an overhead light. The new location may have less traffic, which previously made it hard for the employee to hear a screen reader. The screen reader can also distract other employees, so a quieter location for these can benefit everyone.

Computer modifications 

The level of and type of vision loss determines appropriate computer modifications. When completing an assessment, the Outlook Enrichment team looks at what is built into the existing Microsoft or Apple operating systems before we look at other outside assistive technology. Individuals with low vision can often use built-in accessibility features. These features include reduced screen displays or display settings in the accessibility or ease of settings to make fonts and images larger, such as zoom.

We also factor in the types of programs and tasks completed. For example, if a person’s job requires using a web-based interface, we may recommend Firefox as their primary browser. Firefox has many accessibility features not included in other Internet browsers, such as color, displaying inheritability features, and the ability to increase and change to specific font styles and sizes, which will carry over to all pages. We would also show this person how to use keyboard commands to quickly navigate a webpage without locating and navigating the mouse on the screen visually.

Whether an employee with a disability needs locator dots, colored paper, or assistive technology, the cost of most accommodations is nominal. A recent Job Accommodation Network survey found that the average accommodation cost is only $500 or less.

Outlook Enrichment can help employees with disabilities stay productive and successful. Contact us to learn more about our programs.

Maximizing Accessibility: Finding the Right Computer for You

Losing some or all of your sight can be a difficult adjustment. You’re faced with learning new adaptive technology. You have other tough questions, like which technology and computers offer suitable accessibility options. What’s your budget? Will you need training? What’s your primary purpose for purchasing a computer? What built-in accessible features do Mac and Windows include that are more efficient for your needs?

To help with these hard choices, we will provide resources to make this process easier.

What computer should I buy?

Mac and Windows computers have built-in accessibility features. The Mac’s magnifier can be grown to 20x normal size. The voiceover screen reader reads images on the screen and allows you to edit documents and locate files using voice commands. Use it with the keyboard, a refreshable braille display, or gestures on Apple’s Trackpad.

Listen to music or movies. Sync multiple devices to your computer. This can allow you to share your screen with others who use a braille display. If you intend to use your computer for entertainment, then the Mac is your best choice.

If your computer needs to be more geared toward sharing and exchanging documents, a Windows PC is for you. These computers can be operated using the touch screen, zoom, or shortcuts.

Computers with the Windows operating system are more versatile. You have several brands, including Dell, Toshiba, and HP. Though Windows computers also contain a built-in magnifier that can be grown to 300 percent and a voice synthesizer program called Narrator, you can purchase other screen reading programs and screen magnifiers. These include Jaws, Screen Magnifier, Pneuma Solutions, and Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA).

Which screen reader is best?

The answer depends on your personal preference, budget, and storage. Jaws is the oldest screen reader. NVDA is an open-source technology that is free to download, although donations are encouraged. System Access uses a simple interface to navigate the screen.

Cost considerations

A Windows computer is significantly less expensive than a Mac. You’ll spend between $300 and $1000; however, you could pay more depending on whether you wish to use a different screen reader other than Narrator. Jaws is the most expensive, costing $90 per year or $900 for a one-time purchase. System Access costs $149 annually or approximately $25 per month, while NVDA is free. Where a Mac is concerned, you’ll pay between $1,500 to over $2,500. The only difference is that your AT will already be installed.

Can’t I just use a mobile device?

You could, but there are advantages to having a computer.

All computers and operating systems have pros and cons. It would be best to customize everything as closely as possible to your needs.

Through Outlook Enrichment’s adaptive technology training program, you can effectively use a computer and screen reading or magnification software. Contact us to learn more about our adaptive technology training program!

Navigating Low Vision Confidently: Essential Tools for Success

The Cleveland Clinic defines low vision as “Vision loss that can’t be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery.” Low vision includes a variety of visual impairments, such as blurry vision, blind spots, and decreased acuity.

A person with low vision is not necessarily legally blind. Legal blindness has a specific criterion based on the amount of remaining vision. Regardless of the visual impairment, many existing tools assist visually impaired individuals.

Non-optical aids

One category of low-vision aids is non-optical. This category includes Flexible-Arm Task Lamps, reading stands, and bump dots. They are often recommended as part of a low-vision examination. They can be combined with magnifiers and other low-vision optical devices to help with reading and various tasks.

For low vision, the importance of lighting must be balanced. Inadequate lighting cannot make up for small print or weak magnification. There are all kinds of lights for any task or situation. Reading stands can hold books/magazines in place. Bump or locator dots can be used to organize and find items. A LabelMaker can also be used to label and organize household items. There are low-vision aids for just about any purpose or function you can imagine 

There are a myriad of other non-optical low-vision aids. Colored paper and paper with bold lines can make writing easier. A small plastic signature card makes signing documents easier. A thick Sharpie or other marker can be used instead of pens/pencils. A large print calendar or appointment book is another helpful tool. Many of these aids are simple. And making use of what is available can lessen frustration. 

Technology aids

Other basic to more advanced electronic/computer-based devices can also assist visually impaired individuals. The Hadley Institute provides a good overview of the various low-vision aids. Simple low-vision aids include handheld magnifiers and lights. Electronic handheld magnifiers can provide increased levels of magnification and contrast. Computers are also made accessible with the use of screen magnifiers and readers. Smartphones like the iPhone and Android are another great option. These devices have apps that magnify text, read text aloud, and identify objects. Smartphones are a versatile solution as they are portable and can be used at home and on the go.

Using a mix of these tools can aid in daily activities. For instance, a pocket magnifier can read a price tag or short bits of text. At home, handheld magnifiers are a great and inexpensive option. You can have them scattered about your home so that they are readily available. Desktop magnifiers with lights can be left on the kitchen table for reading books or recipes. A smaller unit can be left by the medicine cabinet to identify prescriptions. Magnifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You will certainly be able to find something to use for just about every scenario you may encounter.

One of the most powerful and useful low-vision aids is CCTV. A video magnifier, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, uses a stand-mounted or handheld video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor, a television (TV) screen, or a computer monitor. Cameras with zoom lenses provide variable magnification. In most systems, magnification level and focus are set after choosing a comfortable and functional working distance between the camera and the material to be viewed.

CCTVs also allow you to adjust contrast to make things easier to see. Some CCTVs also come with screen reading capabilities, which involve taking a picture of a document and having it read back to you. This assists visually impaired individuals when reading large documents for extended periods.

No one solution will cover every situation. It is a good idea to consider your specific needs. A combination of one or two low-vision aids is likely to work best. 

If you are interested in learning even more, your next step is to check out the programs offered at Outlook Enrichment. We can help you explore the possibilities and guide you through the process. Contact us to get started.

Ultimate Guide to Accessible and Fun Things to Do This Summer

Summer’s officially here. After last year, many of us are ready to enjoy the sun and time with friends and family. There’s so much to explore outdoors.

State, campgrounds, and national parks now welcome visitors. Zoos, museums, restaurants, and water parks stand ready to entertain and delight. Movie theaters and nightclubs await patrons to fill their seats. Thankfully, many of these activities don’t require special accommodations. For those who do, locating the proper assistance is just a phone call or email away.

Here are activities for the visually impaired and others that will entertain and fill this season with fun.

Outdoor amusements

Whether you’re searching for light exercise in a local pool or park or more rigorous sports like paddle boarding or hiking, you won’t have to go far to increase your heart rate. Several of these sports aren’t accessible if you’re alone, but participating in a pair or small group can allow you or a blind child to enjoy themselves still.

Not every summer activity requires athleticism. If you like music, there are outdoor concerts like Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing, bridge beats, and Saturday Night Concerts at Stinson Park. Many local festivals are family-friendly, like the Maha Music Festival. Don’t want to leave your car? Head to a drive-in theater. Grab some snacks and kick back to enjoy the show.

Indoor amusements

Rather keep cool? There are plenty of indoor activities for visually impaired people. On those sweltering days, head to a local movie theater.

Title III of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires venues like movie theaters to provide auxiliary devices for those with disabilities. They must maintain these closed-captioning and audio-descriptive devices. Movie theater chains such as Marcus Theatres carry them. Call before you arrive to ensure your location has them available.

Love to laugh? Here’s a list of the top ten comedy clubs in Omaha. Here’s more to do indoors:

Outlook Enrichment has a series of events planned every summer. There’s much more to do for every age group, fitness level, and activity preference that’s impossible to cover here. Teens can hang out at the video arcades, escape rooms, and gyms or play laser tag. Kids of all ages can occupy themselves at museums and exhibits. Adults can participate in more grown-up events like wine tastings and bands at local bars. The next time you’re feeling restless or wishing for something new to do, we hope you’ll refer to this post for helpful ideas and activities for visually impaired individuals.

Simplify Transportation With Demand Response Taxi Cabs

Transportation for people with disabilities can sometimes get complicated. In this three-part series, we have shared some important things to help you become more comfortable and a transportation pro. Our third post focuses on making the most of demand-response taxi cabs.

What is a Demand-response taxi cab? 

Demand-response transit allows passengers to use a subscription service, make advanced reservations, or use real-time scheduling. Small and medium vehicles operate on flexible routes with flexible schedules that depend on passenger requests. Passengers can use a transit service for a particular date and time through demand-response.

Demand-response is the second largest type of public transportation service in the U.S. It provides most public transit in rural areas, accounting for 43 percent of all public transit trips. 

Demand-service is very economical for these areas. Rides are only dispatched when needed, begin in one place, and stop at one destination.

Ride-sharing is a demand-response service that allows passengers to request a ride through a phone call or app. Taxi cabs, which specific companies usually coordinate, are also considered demand-response transportation. Other demand-response transportation options include limousine services, van services, and shuttle bus systems.

Taxi overview

Unlike door-to-door paratransit programs, most demand-response systems are curb-to-curb. This is important as it affects how much a driver is required to provide assistance getting to and from the vehicle.

Private entities providing accessible taxi services are not required to purchase or lease accessible automobiles. However, when a taxi service provider purchases or leases any other vehicle, the vehicle must be accessible unless the provider demonstrates equivalency.

A provider of accessible taxi service is not required to purchase vehicles other than automobiles to have a fleet of accessible vehicles. However, some taxicab companies do have wheelchair-accessible vehicles available.

Are taxi companies required to provide staff training on disabilities?

Under the ADA, taxi company staff must be trained to assist people with disabilities and treat them with respect. The training provided must be appropriate to each employee’s duties.

A dispatcher must know how to use a telecommunication device to interact with a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual. The dispatcher must also know what vehicle is needed to meet a passenger’s needs. Drivers should know how to use vehicle equipment, including wheelchairs and lifts.

What taxi drivers do not have to do

Drivers are not required to assist you to or from the vehicle location to the door. However, many drivers will provide additional assistance if requested.

Drivers can ask you to exit the vehicle if your service animal is not under control. This behavior includes restlessness, failing to lay down, or chewing on parts of the vehicle.

Through its Project Action Consulting Initiative, Easterseals is a leading organization that advocates for transportation rights for people with disabilities. For information on ADA and Accessible Ground Transportation, contact the regional ADA National Network.

Making complaints

Here are some typical complaints that a transit agency may receive.

Complaint procedure

Complaints must go directly to a transportation agency. First, contact the company’s customer service department to find out how to file a complaint.

Additionally, complaints can be made to the state regarding taxi services. In Nebraska, complaints are made to the Public Services Commission. Call 1.800.526.0017 or email psc.motorfilings@nebraska.gov.