Year End App-Up
Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP
The elves who keep the blog up and running have a certain well-known prior engagement in the not too distant future. Before the year grinds to a close though, I thought it would be a great time to review some of the most useful accessible apps from 2014.
We showed you a quick demonstration of it a few weeks back, but at the top of the list is the KNFB Mobile app. Yep, it can scan pages of text, but it also works wonders on attached PDF documents which might not be otherwise accessible. This feature wasn’t quite working upon initial release, so it was a very pleasing surprise upgrade. At only $99 it’s a great deal.
A somewhat older app has also gotten some 2014 love. The LookTel Money Reader has been updated to work with the new iPhone hardware and has also had a few currency additions. I use this little guy daily.
Finally, I have to mention two highly-accessible mainstream apps. Transportation is one of the top issues for many people with disabilities. Whether it’s getting to and from work, or just the requirements of daily life: you know, like Christmas shopping, or going to the store for eggnog ingredients, getting enough fire wood for your long winter’s nap, or an evening at the shiny new casino. It’s all about transportation. This year was the year of the on-demand ride service. Both Uber and Lyft have revolutionized personal transportation. Both are driven by apps which are highly accessible, and both companies have made a commitment to maintaining that accessibility. Better, faster and cheaper than cabs—it’s hard to find a downside. Your first ride with either service is free, so give it a try.
On a daily basis, these are the accessible apps I used most. When the elves return from their *cough* extended Nordic ski trip, we’ll bring you more exciting Tech Tip Tuesdays.
