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Choose The Handheld Video Magnifier That’s Right For You

No More One-Size-Fits-All Magnifying Glass

 Many people struggle with seeing clearly.  Simple daily activities such as reading bills, medication labels, or restaurant menus are difficult for people with low vision, and many require more assistance than an old-fashioned magnifying glass can deliver.  A portable handheld video magnifier provides a more versatile and effective solution. 

Conventional magnifying glasses are very limiting in their use.  Bringing the magnifying glass closer to an image increases the magnification, but decreases the visible area.  On the other hand, by using a camera to magnify images on a LCD screen, a video magnifier is able to provide a visible area as large as the device’s display screen.  Additional perks of video magnifiers over magnifying glasses include different color viewing modes and the ability to freeze images. EnableMart offers many models of portable video magnifiers with various features to consider while shopping.

1. Screen Size: The LCD displays vary in size depending on the model.  Portable video magnifiers can range from 3” to 7” screens.  4.3”  is a common size of many of the models, which allows the magnifier to easily fit in a pocket or purse.  
2. Magnification Level: Different magnifying levels are available, ranging from 1.5x all the way up to 26x magnification.
3. Viewing Modes: All handheld magnifiers use true color as a viewing mode, but most also offer variations of high contrast options.  The most common options offered are grayscale, black on white, and white on black.  Other viewing modes may include yellow on blue, white on blue, and yellow on black combinations.
4. Freeze Frame: The ability to freeze a frame with a video magnifier is another helpful feature of many of the available models.  The freeze frame button allows the user to take still images to create a more comfortable viewing.  Zoom capability may also be utilized while viewing a still frame.
5. Writing Stand: Most handheld video magnifiers offer a foldable writing stand.  The user can write in a journal, sign a bill, or make a grocery list under the stand and see their handwriting in a magnification level that makes it easy to read.  Some models use a fold out handle instead of a stand for the same purpose. 
6. Power Source: Almost all portable video magnifiers use a battery and wall charger, and a few models have other power sources, such as a computer's USB port. 

Once you’ve decided on the features you're looking for in a video magnifier, you can choose from the many models available at EnableMart.  The most popular model is Snow, which features a 4.3” LCD screen, 10 magnification levels up to 16x magnification, 10 different viewing modes, freeze frame capability, and a writing stand.  To look at this model or choose a different model that best suits your needs click below:

 

Learning About Low Vision

Very Helpful Free Booklet and Video Available

The National Eye Institute (NEI) has produced an excellent new resource for people suffering vision loss titled Living With Low Vision.  Living With Low Vision includes a booklet and companion DVD that explain what low vision is, provide detection and treatment advice, and offer personal stories of individuals living with different low vision conditions.  Single copies of the booklet  and DVD are not only available for free order (with free shipping), but the booklet can be downloaded in PDF format, and the full video is available to watch online.

The Booklet

The booklet, Living With Low Vision: What you should know, is designed with the needs in mind of low vision individuals seeking out information, with the text printed in a large, easy-to-read font with accompanying pictures.  The booklet serves as a concise but thorough introduction to the subject of low vision, explaining what the condition is, how it can be identified, and how it can be managed.  Lists are provided of specific questions to ask an eye care doctor, and there is a glossary of low vision related terms, as well as contact information for Medicare and the National Institute of Health.

The booklet also features personal stories of four people, ranging from a young girl to a senior citizen, all dealing with different forms of low vision.  These individuals have all found ways to adapt and thrive in everyday life thanks to treatments tailored to their particular form of vision loss.  These stories provide hope and inspiration to individuals seeking out information on how to deal with their own vision difficulties that they too can lead full, active lives with low vision.

The Video

The DVD, Living With Low Vision: Stories of Hope and Independence, features on-camera footage of the people whose stories are featured in the booklet, along with commentary from doctors and professionals dealing with low vision.  The video includes demonstrations of individuals putting different adaptive equipment and therapies into action in everyday situations.  There is also a significant emphasis on the emotional aspect of vision loss and strategies for a healthy and positive mental outlook. 

The video content, which is available to view on Youtube and the NEI’s website, includes an eleven and a half minute overview of low vision as well as six videos, roughly two to four minutes each, in which each of the highlighted individuals tells his or her personal story of vision loss, adaptation, and independence.

Free for individuals, available for bulk purchase

Single copies of the booklet and DVD are free, and bulk purchases in multiples of 25 are available for 40 cents apiece, offering a great resource for doctors and service providers.  To order the booklet and DVD or view their contents online, click here.  To look at the range of vision assistance products offered by EnableMart, click below.

The Biggest Breakthrough Since Braille for the Blind

esyTime Braille Notetaker offers complete computing experience for the blind.

Education provides opportunities for all people, including those who are visually impaired or blind.  The better education students receive, the more likely they will be successful at school, which also often translates to being successful when entering the workforce.  Wikipedia states,

“Currently, among the estimated 85,000 blind adults in the United States, 90% of those who are Braille-literate are employed.  Among adults who do not know Braille, only 33% are employed.”

There is no debate about the significance of tactile reading for the blind; however, education has taken on a new direction in our technological world, computer literacy.  It is becoming more crucial to know, understand, and navigate through computer software programs, websites, and other various technologies.  Thus, it is also important for those with visual needs to have access to the developing technologies.

 

Eurobraille is one company that has bridged the technological gap for the visually impaired by creating the esyTime Braille Notetaker. 

It is a simplified tool that also offers more advanced features including:

• Combines notetaking functions
• Has Braille display
• Personal computer
• Wi-Fi connections
• Optical sensors for swipe control (as well as having tactile finger movements)
• The first Braille laptop that runs Windows 7

EsyTime includes an EsySuite Software Package to be used in a more educational setting.  Esysuite supports several types of Braille including: Grade 1, Grade 2, Computer Braille, Mathematical Braille, and Musical Braille.   It helps in filing and storing notes, as well as performing basic calculating functions that can be saved and inserted into notes.  The software also has an audio reader and Daisy Player to listen to recorded books.

With the advent of the esyTime Braille Notetaker, it will provide the visually impaired with a better route to today’s advancements and help them maintain the necessary competitiveness at school and in the workforce. 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Where to Turn

“Despite the progress, the harsh reality is that people just really still experience discrimination and one of the toughest challenges we still need to tackle is the persistently low employment rates among Americans with disabilities.” –Senator Tom Harkin, Iowa

October, as many of you may or may not know is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).  It is a month for those with disability to become empowered by awareness whether employed or seeking employment.  That empowerment is a direct result of awareness of your talents, your rights, and your knowledge of opportunities available to you.  There are many opportunities for persons with disabilities to make their mark on the world and also many opportunities and benefits to employers who, when they hire persons with disabilities, reap the benefits of having incredibly flexible, innovative, determined and dedicated employees on their payroll.

 We’ve found a veritable treasure trove of information online that goes a great distance in raising awareness and providing advice and assistance to employers and those seeking employment.

The links below can help you find information such as:

• Resources exclusively available to persons with disabilities
• Your rights as a disabled individual and how to exercise them
• Disability friendly employers
• How to market your abilities and strengths to potential employers

Resources and Description:

www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com – Is a partnership of health and human service/employment agencies whose goal it is to raise awareness that hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense through their website and by other means.
-- If you know an HR director or business owner, send them a link to this website.

www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org – Is the website for the National Disability Employment campaign, with many resources for employers, prospective employees, entrepreneurs, and for raising the awareness of those unaware. Send a link to someone you care about.

www.disaboomjobs.com - Job board with disability exclusive job posts, similar to Monster in that you can post your resume for review of several employers.

www.jobaccess.org - Job board created by ABILITY magazine, with exclusive job posts for those with disabilities. Also, it has a section for employers as well as employees.

golearn.gov/HiringReform - Federal Office of Personnel Management’s training slideshows for Schedule “A” hiring. Great resource for employers on the benefits of hiring disabled individuals.

www.disability.gov/employment - Government resource for individuals with disability on career searching and planning.

www.disability-resource.com/employment - Website made for and by disabled individuals. This link is to a list of more resources on disability employment opportunities.

www.provenresumes.com/articles/disability - Link to an article written by Kathleen Fullerton Bernhard, Ph.D. author of “Work With Your disABILITY". The article consists of tips throughout the employment process specific to those with disability, as well as marketing yourself to potential employers.

www.civilrightslawfirms.com/disability-discrimination - Resource for disabled individuals on recognizing disability discrimination and on taking proper legal action.

It is our sincere hope, that whatever you endeaver to do,  
you find the path unobstructed and the journey an enlightened one.

Why I'm Proud to be an American

With all the talk this month about Al Queda and Bin Laden its hard not to feel a sense gratitude to our men and women serving bravely to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear. In fact, just this morning my daughter, completely out of the blue, stood at attention and began to recite the pledge of allegiance to the family dog, and while my first inclination was to chuckle just a bit I couldn't help but to bask in a quick moment of pride. Pride not only for my daugther but pride in being an American and living in a country that not only values individual freedoms but one that also has such great admiration and appreciation for our servicemen and servicewomen.

Our soldiers fight bravely, sacrifice their time away from family, and endure situations many of us can hardly imagine to ensure that all Americans have the basic security and freedom that we've come to rely on. I am comforted when I see shows like Lifetime TV's Coming Home featuring happy soldiers and elated families being reunited. I also can't help but think of those soldiers for whom coming home may not be as joyous an occasion -- The soldiers who've lost their sight, hearing or been injured another way in the line of duty. Again, I am comforted to know that this is a country that takes care of their soldiers. I am thankful for organizations like The Wounded Warrior Project, The Paralyzed Veterans Foundation, and Blinded Veterans Association that dedicate their time and resources to making this transition as easy as possible, not only for the soldiers, but also for the families they are returning to. I am proud to be part of a nation that cares so deeply for these men and women who care so deeply for our country and for their countrymen.

So this Memorial Day as my daughter and I watch the customary fireworks over Sugarhouse pond, I'll be thinking of these brave men and women that give so much for our freedoms and happiness. And wishing on each burst as if it were a shooting star that they should find comfort and normality in their daily lives and know how very much we Americans appreciate all that they have done for us.

Posted by: Michele L. Paley, Product Manager for EnableMart

To learn more about Assistive technology for persons with disabilities be sure to check out Enablemart.com

 

February Is AMD Awareness Month

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a chronic form of central vision loss that affects millions of Americans. The National Eye Institute identifies two forms of AMD – Wet and Dry.

They define Dry AMD a vision loss that “occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye.”  

Wet AMD, on the other hand, “occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly.” 

According to The University Of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center individuals aged 60 or older are at a higher risk for low vision, defined as vision that is 20/70 or worse and cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses. This includes AMD.

AMD and low vision usually interfere with the performance of daily activities, such as reading, writing or driving. Therefore, early detection of AMD and other types of low vision is key in helping postpone complete vision loss as well as in designing a lifestyle that adapts to the challenges of having low vision.

There are multi-disciplinary approaches to the treatment of different types of low vision. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and occupational therapists make up the team of health care professionals who will work with you starting with your vision examination, and continuing to work with you to identify treatment options where applicable.

Apart from medical treatment, Assistive Technology magnifiers can also play a key role in helping maintain independence after an AMD diagnosis.

Handheld and desktop magnifiers are capable of magnifying reading material and images from 2 times to 60 times the original document size. Each can also feature different magnification modes – such as magnifying all or part of a document – as well as color inversion options that can change font and background colors for easier viewing.

Handheld magnifiers are lightweight, portable options available in color and/or black and white viewing modes. Easy to use, handhelds are durable and convenient devices that can be used at home, in the grocery store, library or classroom by individuals with mild to moderate vision loss.

Desktop magnifiers are stationary high powered units ideal for individuals with severe low vision who need a strong magnifier for reading books, prescription bottles, newspapers, magazines or when writing. Some desktop magnifiers may also be connected to a standard TV or computer screen for even larger viewing capabilities.

In addition to investing in helpful assistive technology vision aids to maintain an independent lifestyle with low vision, Prevent Blindness America also suggests making healthier decisions that may prevent or reduce the affects of low vision.  

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol – this includes eating a diet filled with green leafy vegetables rich in Lutein. Eating foods high in zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta carotene has also been shown to help.  
• Stay active and exercise regularly – whether it’s a brisk walk, taking a yoga class or participating in a full cardio workout.  
• Get a complete eye exam from an eye care professional – as mentioned, early detection is the key to treating AMD early with the chance of slowing progression.

 For additional resources on AMD, visit Prevent Blindness America or the National Eye Institute. Visit EnableMart.com for additional information on vision aids ideal for individuals with AMD or other low vision types.

High School Students To Develop Assistive Technology

The 2010-2011 National Engineering Design Challenge is now in its third round as teams plan their concluding presentations for the finals to be held February 17^th-18^th in Washington, D.C.. 

Held by the Junior Engineering Technical Society, the NEDC is an annual design competition in which students, in grades 9-12, put their creativity and problem-solving skills to use and create a workplace assistive technology device for a person with a disability. 

In this cross-curricular competition, students discover engineering through real-world applications that impact people in their community and change lives. 

The problem statement for this year’s competition is to “design an assistive technology device that enables a person with a disability to improve their job performance, or allow them to obtain a job that they previously were unable to access.” 

Teams first registered for the NEDC back on September 1, 2010. After five long months of teams developing, testing and then presenting on their new assistive technology device, five finalists have been chosen to move onto Washington. 

The top five scoring Round II teams advance to Round III: The NEDC National Finals. These top five teams will give a fifteen minute presentation before a panel of judges and live audience. Presentations will focus on device design, research, function, safety, marketability, construction, testing and presentation. 

This year’s finalists include:

Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, ID - The MagWrite

  

Bollman Technical Education Center, Thornton CO  - The P.A.L.

 

Bollman Technical Education Center, Thornton CO - The  A.L.M.S. 

   

 Gulliver Preparatory School,  Pinecrest, FL with the H.O.L.D.

Hotchkiss High School, Hotchkiss, CO - The Caboose

   

For additional information about JETS, NEDC or the assistive technology devices developed, visit the JETS website here! 

Good luck finalists!

 

Join Us At The ATIA Orlando Conference Tomorrow

Visit our Booth #520 at ATIA Orlando (January 26th-29th) and ENTER TO WIN a  FREE Livescribe Echo Smartpen!  

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is a leading association dedicated to education related to Assistive Technology. ATIA's educational programs include webinars, conferences and leadership events on accessibility. ATIA educational offerings are designed to provide the latest information on AT products, services and best practices from leading regional, national and international presenters. ATIA believes its educational pro grams further increase awareness of the innovative assistive technologies and services that enhance learning, working, and independence for people with disabilities.

ATIA Conferences feature the latest products and services, showcasing mo re than 80 exhibitors in one of the most comprehensive exhibitions in the industry.  Educational programs are organized by strand for at-a-glance content viewing and include best practises, tips and tricks, product updates, demonstrations, research updates and case studies of assistive technologies from regional, national and international  experts.

Last year's conference was a blast and we're excited to escape the blustery cold Utah winter to show off our wares.  Two of our very best AT specialists will be there with all of our favorite tools & toys for you to try out and experiment with hands-on.  All-access admission including the 200+ educational sessions starts at $75 but admission to the exhibit hall is FREE.  

There's still time to register for the educational sessions. Save $30 on an all-access pass with our VIP discount code YSHM5364. To register, or more information visit us online here.

 

 

Introducing The New SeeTech Pro

The new SeeTech Pro is a state of the art assistive technology combining AAC and eye control into one simple to use computer system. 

The SeeTech Pro features an easy-to learn communication software that allows users to interact with their environments in many ways. When operated with eye control, switch or  joystick, users can click onscreen to trigger various actions:

•Voice output of prepared messages to assist with communication

•Writing, storing and output of personal texts

•Environmental control to assist with mobility challenges

Lightweight, the SeeTech Pro can be mounted to a wheelchair, bed, table or wall for easy access at school, home or on the go.

The SeeTech Pro benefits individuals who cannot communicate with others directly by using hands or spoken language as well as individuals with mobility challenges looking for a solution to better control their surroundings. Ideal in assisting those with:

 •Cerebral Palsy

•Autism Spectrum Disorder

•ALS

•Developmental Disabilities

•Stroke

•Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

•Multiple Disabilities

 

  For additional information on the SeeTech Pro, visit us online at EnableMart.com.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Experts estimate that over 2.2 million American live with Glaucoma and half of the people affected may not know they have it.

There is no cure for Glaucoma, though medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of Glaucoma; early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease. 

Doctors at WebMD suggest if you are over the age of 40 and if you have a family history of glaucoma, you should have a complete eye exam with an ophthalmologist every one to two years. If you have health problems such as Diabetes or a family history of Glaucoma or are at risk for other eye diseases, you may need to visit your eye doctor more frequently.

For individuals already living with low vision caused by Glaucoma, aids such as handheld and desktop magnifiers can help maintain independence.  Continue to enjoy books or the newspaper, view pictures or prescription labels, or write checks and letters.

Try the Freedom Desktop Magnifer:

The Freedom Machine Desktop Video Magnifier features no glare glass optics, giving you vivid image quality and clarity not found anywhere else. It's great for viewing catalogs, reading mail, writing out bills or doing this week's crossword puzzle. The Freedom Machine offers high definition contrast and powerful magnification perfect for low vision and macular degeneration

• Magnifies 1.3x - 85x
  
• Choose from 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 28-inch flat panel monitors
• Autofocus for fast, easy viewing
• Full color display provides vivid viewing of photos, crafts, and all print material
• Illuminated with LEDs rated for 100,000 use less energy, longer lifetime, smaller size, and reduced mercury
• Adjustable monitor
• Easy to use with 2 button, color-coded control
• Newspapers, magazines, medicine bottles and personal items easily fit on the smooth gliding XY reading table. 
• Only 1.5-inches above the actual surface of your desk, slide objects onto the table instead of placing them
• High definition compatible glass camera

For a handheld option, try the Eye-Q Portable Video Magnifier:

The Eye-Q features built-in foldable writing legs that add increased flexibility making it easy to sign checks and write up brief notes.

• 2x - 15x magnification
• 4.2" high resolution, anti-glare, 16:9 TFT-LCD wide screen
• Color, B/W and reverse images
• Brightness control automatically and instantly, no extra button needed
• Freeze Frame allows you  to take a temporary still picture
• Side camera and foldable legs make a perfect Writing Mode for both right and left hand
• Very long Depth Of Field makes clear view at various working distances
• Wide Viewing Angle to see more words in a printing column
• Rechargeable Lithium battery
• Continuous autofocusing provides instant readability at different distances
• Easily connects to display on a television screen
• Simple, easy to operate with just 2 buttons
• Grip and hold comfortably in both left and right hand in any position
• Anti-Blur™ technology
• Includes case with shoulder strap

For more information about EnableMart low vision aids, visit us online!