There are lots of items to choose from that are specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. This article will suggest the following products to make your shopping a little easier.
Mechanical Gaming KeyboardTalking Wrist WatchBig Button RemoteOrCam MyEye 2Extra Large Talking Button Clock3X Large Full-Page MagnifierHandheld Portable Video Digital Magnifier
Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
A rainbow LED backlit gaming keyboard, ABKONCORE K595 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an ideal gift for visually-impaired techies who use computers for gaming.
Features and Benefits
Anti-Ghosting allows the user to press multiple keys to send complex commands and is highly recommended for the visually impairedRainbow LED Backlighting reduces glareGTMX Blue Switch is suitable for users who want or need a distinct audible click with a strong sense of tactility Cherry Stabilizer prevents distortion, enhances durability, and enables reliable typingErgonomic Keycap Configuration has different heights for precise key input and improved comfort
Limitation
The print on the keyboard is not very large.
Talking Wrist Watch
Small watch faces are a challenge for those who have visual issues. ATOMIC! Talking Wrist Watch will speak the time and date loudly and clearly at the push of a button.
Features and Benefits
Set your time zone to have it automatically use the official U.S. Atomic Clock timeLarge easy-to-read numbersIlluminated hands that are easy to seeAdjustable leather bandUnisex styling
Limitations
Some users don’t like the fact that the watch is not very stylish. Others have reported that although the talking part of the watch tells the right time, sometimes the hands don’t. Those who are unable to see clearly enough to set the time zone will have to have someone else do it.
Big Button Remote
Specifically designed for low vision, blind, and elderly people, the Flipper Big Button Remote makes watching TV easier.
Features and Benefits
Set 25-30 of your favorite channels, eliminating the need to scroll to find what you wantThere is a setting lock to prevent mistakenly pressing the wrong button or accidentally reprogramming the remoteActs as a replacement universal remote for cable and TVWorks with Infrared devices, including TVs, soundbars, and cable set-top boxesOffers a one-year warranty and telephone and email support
Limitations
Flipper doesn’t work with all cable boxes such as Xfinity. Some users have reported random behavior, and that it takes too much time to switch channels.
OrCam MyEye 2
OrCam MyEye 2 is an advanced wearable assistive device powered by artificial intelligence. It is a lightweight smart camera for the blind and visually impaired that magnetically attaches to most eyeglass frames.
Features and Benefits
Users of this product can recognize faces, products, and more in real-timeThe device is operated with voice-activated commands and hand gesturesSmall, portable, and wirelessDoesn’t require an internet connectionAvailable in multiple languages including English, Italian, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hebrew, German, Spanish, Polish Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Dutch, Czech, and RomanianFree training is available onlineComes with a 2-year warranty
Limitations
Because the device gives users access to visual information conveyed by audio, people who are hearing impaired won’t be able to use it. OrCam MyEye operates in part from hand gestures, so anyone using it must have full control of their hand and head movements. A fully charged battery only lasts up to 2 hours and takes approximately 40 minutes to charge fully. Some users stated that the price was excessively high.
Extra Large Talking Button Clock
The Extra Large Talking Button Clock is designed for the blind, visually impaired, or the elderly.
Features and Benefits
Push the large blue button to hear what the time isPush the button again for the dateThe voice is an English American maleNeeds 3 AAA batteries (not included)Includes an alarmHas two voice settings, low and high
Limitations
The clock only speaks English. The button on the bottom of the clock is small and makes it difficult to set the time, date and alarm. The volume control is limited with only two settings. Even the low setting is very loud.
3X Large Full-Page Magnifier
The 3X Large Full Page Magnifier provides an evenly lit viewing area with 12 LED lights for the visually impaired.
Features and Benefits
Legs flip out to enable reading an entire page easier without the need to move the magnifierMagnification up to 300% to read tiny print and reduce eye strainText is not distorted12 Ultra-bright built-in LEDs that last more than 25,000 hours without overheating or burning outCan be powered by a USB cable (included) or 3 AAA batteries (not included)Clear image quality and minimal distortion which is ideal for low vision consumers11″ x 8.5″ size to cover a full-pageGentle and adjustable brightness levels (50%-100%)Hang it around your neck (lanyard included) for hands-free or hold it in your handPortable and durable construction
Limitations
Some users have reported that images appear distorted. If someone needs a magnification level higher than 3X, the product won’t work for them.
Handheld Portable Video Digital Magnifier
Koolertron 5.0-inch Handheld Portable Video Digital Magnifier is a mobile electronic reading aid for people with visual problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, optic atrophy, macular degeneration, low vision, nystagmus, and high myopia.
Features and Benefits
5-inch screen with 4-32X magnificationRechargeable batteries that last for 4 hoursMultiple color modesAutomatic shutdown after 2 minutes of non-useDouble camera design for near and far viewAutomatic data storage to view and play at any timeNo light interference with electronic curtain
Limitation
This product is not recommended for the severely visually impaired. Get your holiday shopping done early this year. Choose from any of the above gifts for friends, family members, and co-workers who are into technology and have visual impairments.
