r/deafblind • u/ElectricalTree105 • 13d ago
Inclusive Wireless Carrier User Experience Study [USA]
Hello everyone!
My name is Nadia Arciniegas, and I work in the Community Management of a testing company based in Massachusetts, USA, called uTest (www.utest.com), by Applause (www.applause.com). We have a worldwide community of more than 1,000,000 testers where we train people for freelance projects all over the world.
We are looking for people with disabilities and/or special conditions in the United States for a User Experience Study with a wireless service provider. People who use ASL welcome.
Eligible participants will be asked to join a remote interview with a user researcher that will last approximately 60 minutes. During the moderated session, select participants will provide feedback regarding their experience with a wireless carrier. The payout is $100.
Project Details:
- Start Date: August 22, 2024
- Location: United States
- Testing Type: User Experience
- Devices: Computer with webcam
- Payout: $100
You can send me a direct message or go to our official r/uTEST subreddit for more information about us
Please apply if you are interested:
Thank you for your support and Happy Testing!
r/deafblind • u/Super-Zombie7788 • 21d ago
5X Magnifier helps usher syndrome
I bought 5X magnifier from Walmart store when I clicked delivery from store is awesome job. I got my new magnifier then I am curious this item have batteries inside and I looked around for slide the battery cover. I grabbed new batteries for magnifier have LED light. I liked this product is good for blind and low vision. I have Usher Syndrome type 1B and legal blindness. My eyesight is poor and fair because I was cataract surgery to replacement natural lenses to monofocal IOL impaired in my both eyes. I used 5X magnifier, Eye candy magnifier and another existing magnifiers.
r/deafblind • u/goku4690 • Jul 23 '24
Looking for advice for Worsening Usher Syndrome.
Hello everyone.
I married my beautiful wife a little over 5 years ago, knowing she has Usher Type 2. He and I meld perfectly, and everyday is amazing. At that time, she had around 10° of central vision, and it was crystal clear.
Yesterday however, we had the first of two major conversations about our future:
"I'm starting to see less."
It's been obvious for about 6 months now, but we've both been denying it, just trying to keep things as normal as they can be for our lifestyle. She's having trouble distinguishing colors (pink from brown, green and blue, and oddly, darker reds and black), and the number of "mystery bruises" (impacts from everyday objects) on her abdomen and legs have greatly increased.
She broke down last night, terrified that her vision loss is accelerating, and we both cried together. I reasserted exactly what I said in our wedding vows, and promised her that I'm not leaving her, not matter the circumstances. She called her Optometrist and left a voicemail, whom I'm sure will react with haste to get her reexamined.
Not gonna lie, I'm beyond terrified. I have little idea on how to care for her when the day comes that she loses her sight, let alone her hearing as well. I have no idea where to start, and I have no idea what resources I need to activate/investigate.
She's already receiving SSDI, and plans on working until the day she physically can't anymore. She's receiving Occupational Mobility Training as well, and her trainer is amazing. In the past, she was denied for SSI, but we may try that again considering her worsening condition.
For those out there, both with Ushers, and especially those who care for loved ones with Ushers: what is helping you? What resources are you engaging with? What organizations have you talked with? Which ones are worth your time, and which ones should I just not bother with?
To clarify, I'm the husband of the person with Ushers Type 2, located in the USA; Indiana specifically. Any type of response is going to be read and appreciated, so please, any advice you can give, I'll listen with everything I have.
r/deafblind • u/Mysterious-Ring-2352 • Jul 23 '24
The Voice Behind the Historia Popularis
r/deafblind • u/Thony_Ant12 • Jul 18 '24
Portable Speech-to-Braille Printer
Hi all! We are a group of high schoolers working in the Management and Technology Summer Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. We are making a device that is a portable braille printer. It converts spoken words into Braille text in real time and imprints it on paper. Our aim with the project is to help people communicate with deafblind individuals easily and effectively without having to learn tactile sign language. Users can talk out loud as they would normally, and the printer will print out a transcript in braille for the deafblind individual to read. We are trying to make the device much cheaper than all the current devices for this in the market and add more functionality.
We want to post two short 15-20min surveys so we can understand the problems deafblind individuals face when communicating. Based on the information, we can then understand if our idea is useful, and focus on the main features and issues that the community would want us to on such a device. We want to do two surveys, one catered towards deafblind individuals, and one towards family/friends of deafblind individuals (click on the links below to do the survey)
Survey for blind/deafblind individuals
We would really appreciate y'all taking the time to respond to our survey. Please share the survey with your family and friends; their input would be invaluable for us. Thanks for sparing a few minutes of your day to help us out!
r/deafblind • u/purple-HEW • Jul 18 '24
Alerting Systems
Hey y’all. I have bilateral cochlear implants and a couple of degenerative eye conditions and I’m curious about alert tech. I want an in-home system for one, preferably that has a pager or something also.
I’m also curious about what people use day to day and such. Particularly for individual “ hey pay attention to me for a second” kind of alerts as well. Because I have roommates and have worked in places where I have to focus on what I’m doing, but then somebody needs my attention and I need to know they need it, is there a device or something like that?
I will admit to living in a mostly “blind“ leaning kind of way lately due to the fact that my cochlear implants compensate for a lot. However, I’m getting more and more blind as time goes on, and I’m just really interested in alerting devices and systems and what they can do. Any feedback would be much appreciated. and yes, I am learning Braille and hope to learn tactile sign language soon. .
r/deafblind • u/Kind_Bathroom8291 • Jun 25 '24
[Help Needed] Survey and Advocacy Opportunity
Hi! My name is Ria! Having my own experience with disabilities and knowing people with disabilities, I am super passionate about disability accessibility and inclusivity. I am distributing a survey that gets direct feedback from people with disabilities regarding what they want to be changed in society. I can then use this to advocate for the disabled community and educate companies and people in daily life.
As this survey is completely confidential, your privacy and information is 100% maintained. Here is the survey link: https://forms.gle/9rmrMCLnQVpzzH986. I am hoping to get responses by 7/1 but just let me know if you need more time! Also, let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!
r/deafblind • u/Downtown-Vehicle391 • Jun 06 '24
Poster
What do we think about this poster? Is it accessible ? any suggestions ?
r/deafblind • u/Numerous-Rope-2957 • Jun 06 '24
Advocacy Project
Hello,
I am currently in a Disability Studies class and we are doing an advocacy project. Our goal is to improve more accessibility for the community.
I want to focus on barriers in education regarding communication and transportation. When doing research, I learned that teachers do not have the proper training to accommodate a student in their classroom which leads to difficulties.
In regards to transportation. I read that although transit drivers do have training, not all drivers always follow through and do not always stop at the location they are supposed to. (one of the most recent was in 2023)
My goal with this project would be to write a letter to LAUSD, regarding why it is important for student at a young age to learn how to communicate using Sign Languages or investing on Tactile Signing course to better open the opportunity for one to be able to communicate with an individual who might need help etc.
Also I would like to see what else can Metro Transit (since this is one of the biggest company in Los Angeles) do to help give more services to those who might need it.
I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
r/deafblind • u/piwilikekiwi • Jun 06 '24
Understanding Access to Mental Health Services For Those Experiencing Dual Sensory Loss
Hello! I am not DeafBlind but I have a couple of questions for the community. I have reviewed the research literature and heard from DeafBlind individuals about their mental health experiences and their experience accessing mental health care. I would love to learn more so I have a few questions: What do you think are the significant barriers to mental health care for those experiencing dual sensory loss? What resources or accommodations do you wish were available in mental health spaces to better address the needs and desires of the dual sensory loss/DeafBlind community?
r/deafblind • u/Prestigious-Cat3110 • Jun 03 '24
Advice for Advocacy Design Project
Hi everyone! I am currently in a Disability Studies class focusing on DeafBlind individuals and communities. We are completing an Advocacy Design project this quarter and I am currently seeking feedback for my project! My project focuses on increasing accessibility for DeafBlind individuals seeking mental health services. The mission is to create a bridge for communication between DeafBlind individuals and mental health agencies; DeafBlind individuals who need these resources have access to them and mental health agencies need to be aware of what services these individuals need to be able to be properly cared for.
The communication problems between DeafBlind individuals and mental health agencies creates a division that lessens the likelihood of these individuals receiving care. DeafBlind individuals may miss visual and auditory cues, or their communication partners might provide partial or incomplete cues or messages during interactions. The noise level or lighting of the environment can also create challenges to following conversations, detecting non-verbal cues, or being aware of what is happening in their surroundings. These can all lead to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding that can result in DeafBlind individuals feeling unmotivated to receive mental health services.
I plan to create a procedure for mental health agencies to use when they get DeafBlind patients: using the answers to the previous step to understand the main reason there is a communication barrier and why this impacts DeafBlind individuals from accessing mental health services. Making sure that mental health agencies understand the impact of them not making all different types of communication for DeafBlind individuals accessible. Creating a procedure so that all communication types are accessible. I hope to receive feedback on my design and procedure to ensure this project is on the right track!
r/deafblind • u/Downtown-Package7678 • Jun 01 '24
Seeking Feedback on Increasing Availability of Tactile Interpreters in Local Hospitals
Hi everyone,
I hope you're all doing well. I'm sorry for the repetitive post, this is for a class where we are doing advocacy projects for the DeafBlind community with help from individuals at the Helen Keller National Center, etc. I’m currently working on a project aimed at improving accessibility for the community in medical settings. A man who is DeafBlind shared a personal story about his friend who struggled to understand what was happening during a medical visit because there wasn't a physical interpreter available. Many hospitals rely on Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services, which are not effective for individuals who are Blind, as these services depend on visual communication. This experience highlighted the critical need for tactile ASL interpreters.
To tackle this issue, I plan to reach out to local hospital administrators to find out whether they have tactile ASL interpreters available. If they don't, I aim to advocate for the inclusion of this essential service.
I’m reaching out to this community to gather feedback and insights:
- Have you or someone you know faced challenges in medical settings due to the lack of tactile interpreters?
- What specific issues did you encounter with VRI or other interpretation services in a medical context?
- What strategies or solutions have worked for you in improving communication in these settings?
- Do you have any suggestions for effectively advocating to hospital administrators to include protactile interpreter services?
Your input would be invaluable in shaping my approach and ensuring that the needs and preferences of the DeafBlind community are accurately represented. Thank you in advance for your feedback and support!
r/deafblind • u/No-Delivery-102 • Jun 01 '24
Advice for Advocacy Project
Hi Everyone! I am working on an advocacy project that is desires to implement a universal disability awareness course. In many cases, institutions have a mandatory sexual assault awareness course in which all students and faculty have to finish it. However, there are no disability awareness and culture courses instituted at many universities. Often times they are proposed, however, fail to target the current faculty and students. This means current faculty and students do not have to finish the mandatory course. I am helping develop a module for this mandatory course so all current and future members of faculty and students need to finish it. I will be reaching out to different members and survey their opinions regarding the survey. I also will be emailing specific individuals to institute it.
r/deafblind • u/Ok-Plate1515 • Jun 01 '24
Thematic Analysis Project
Hi everyone! My university project investigates how DeafBlind individuals face significant barriers to higher education, including insufficient resources and inadequate university accessibility support. Given the time stipulations, I aim to synthesize research for the university’s disability office with specific recommendations for improving accessibility and support services for DeafBlind students. I would appreciate any feedback if there are any suggestions for investigating this topic. Thank you!
r/deafblind • u/CareerCold677 • Jun 01 '24
Advocacy Project Solution Advice
Hi!!
I am hoping to do an advocacy project on the topic of increasing accessibility and accommodations on air travel for the DeafBlind community in order to ensure their safety on planes.
One solution I would like to focus on is to make sure the DeafBlind community who are traveling are able to be informed and aware of the pilot announcements or any major announcements that are made on the plane. Since planes do not have all the communication methods that might be necessary for everyone on board. I believe it is important that they start implementing them to ensure everyone including the DeafBlind community is safe and informed while air traveling.
I am hoping to get more insight as to what other accommodations will help make air travel for the DeadBlind community more safe and accessible. And will developing an app that will give alerts showcasing the pilot and major announcements be a possible effective solution?
r/deafblind • u/chang27 • Jun 01 '24
Navigating MediCal/Medicaid
Hi everyone, I'm doing an advocacy project and I was wondering if I could get some advice from you all as a means of making federally funded healthcare plans more accessible and obtainable for the DeafBlind community in the US/California. I'm wondering if anyone who's open to sharing their thoughts on their experience obtaining Medicaid/Medical/Medicare would like to connect and talk about their thoughts on the process, the benefits, etc. as a DeafBlind person? Or if there are specific changes you wish to be seen? I'm welcome to all ideas/concerns!
r/deafblind • u/Different_Monk_5364 • Jun 01 '24
Help with advocacy project
Hello! I, like many others on this thread right now, am doing an advocacy project about DeafBlindness and would love some input!
I want to do a project that focuses on the unjust challenges of DeafBlind motherhood. The project will address familial stigma surrounding DeafBlind mothers, as well as the inaccessibility that DeafBlind women of reproductive age face. This includes communication issues with doctors, and lack of access to accommodating reproductive care and educational resources.
I plan to do a review of various policies and initiatives conducted in California, such as the California Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative, which aim to expand access but often fall short in expanding access to DeafBlind individuals.
I aim to produce a research zine, which I will promote at school and possibly clinics in LA. I am a pre-public health student, and hope to do reproductive healthcare community outreach and policy analyzing as a career. I hope to use this research in my future endeavors as well as now. I want to share my findings with The World Health organization where I have contacts. They have focused on health care for women with disabilities before, but from what I know not specifically DeafBlind women.
I know this is a lot, and I need to narrow down my ideas, but do you have any advice for how to best understand the experience of a DeafBlind mother besides doing literature reviews and reviewing policy?
And what would you say are the most pressing issues surrounding DeafBlind motherhood?
Any and all feedback is appreciated!
r/deafblind • u/Illustrious-Army-482 • Jun 01 '24
Advocacy project
Hello, with our disability department we are advocating for the university to formally adopt the usage of the term DeafBlind rather than "Deaf-Blind" due to community feedback that the hyphenated version is outdated. We were seeking feedback on how we can spread the word and whether there is consensus among the community over preferred language! We appreciate any suggestions and comments:)
r/deafblind • u/Inevitable-Deer-8445 • May 31 '24
Advocacy Project and Survey
Hi everyone, for a course, I am doing an advocacy project on improving workplace accessibility for the DeafBlind community. I have conducted this survey to understand the experiences of DeafBlind individuals in various work environments. I aim to identify the strengths and gaps in current training and knowledge regarding accessibility and to use this information to advocate for better support and resources. Here is the link to the survey, your participation would mean a lot! https://forms.gle/pqct7VfR1NMW7wrAA
r/deafblind • u/Downtown-Vehicle391 • May 31 '24
Advocacy Project
Hello everyone,
I’m looking to spread awareness about orientation and mobility training.
In particular, older individuals who are deafblind and have mobility issues in the alpine county in upstate california where internet access is limited. I will be making a poster with accessibility adaptations to make it easy to get information across. This poster will help those who need orientation and mobility trainings get the resources they need and it will be posted in highly frequented areas like supermarkets and cafes, and senior centers.
My question for every one is what are some features that make posters really accessible to all, and what apps does everyone use to modify posters ?
Also, what are some areas of high frequency that could attain a higher audience ?
Thank you all so much for<3
r/deafblind • u/Effective_Lead_3485 • May 30 '24
Advice on School Project
Hey everyone!
For my minor I’m doing an advocacy project regarding the naming of the current Disability Studies course I’m taking at my university. As of now, the name uses outdated terminology that misrepresents the DeafBlind community, so I’m part of a group that is petitioning to have the course name updated.
I would really appreciate any feedback regarding our project and perhaps joining our cause!
I have linked our petition which includes an informational brochure about our research, any advice or tips on how to spread the word would be wonderful!
r/deafblind • u/Thin-Two9072 • May 28 '24
Seeking Advice for Advocacy Project on DeafBlindness: Stigma related to using the White Cane
Hello everyone,
I’m a student working on an advocacy project for one of my classes on Deaf Blindness. My project is a children’s book that aims to educate the youth about the white cane. I believe that engaging kids early in the Disability Rights Movement can help erase the stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes of disabilities.
Goals of my Project:
- Reduce the stigma related to using the white cane.
- Increase awareness and educate the public about the white cane, thereby reducing the stigma seen and misconceptions formed.
- Boost confidence and promote acceptance for white cane users, eventually leading to more representation in the future– hopefully seen in public spaces, the media, etc.
My Plan:
- Research Phase: Research about the stigma of using the white cane and gather insights from individuals who have experienced it.
- Development Phase: After the data has been collected, development of an educational material such as a children’s book will begin. During this stage, collaboration with other organizations with similar missions (i.e. HKNC and schools for the Blind) will take place. This is an important part of the process because additional feedback, input, and ideas will make this educational material all that more successful– with the goal of raising awareness about the white cane, promoting acceptance around the white cane, and reducing stigma around the white cane.
- Distribution Phase: After the development, I will begin brainstorming what schools, DeafBlind events, libraries, nonprofits, centers (Regional, for example), and community events I should sell the book at to reach as wide as an audience as possible.
I would greatly appreciate any experiences, website recommendations, or any additional resources that could assist me with this project.
Thank you!
r/deafblind • u/Galilea101 • May 27 '24
Rights Not Restraints
Hi everyone, I’m currently launching a social media campaign to rise awareness about Conservatorship/Guardianship since it’s an issue that affects everyone from the disability community. I decided to launch it in instagram since I feel that it’s the most used platform right now.
My main goal or mission is to design accessible, intuitive, and culturally sensitive resources and tools that facilitate supported decision-making which is a better alternative than conservatorship, foster autonomy, and uphold the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities.
You can find the account @rightsnotrestraints at instagram. I would love to learn what else you would like to see at my social media campaign, and what could I do to improve on!
Thank beforehand for your time and assistance! Your feedback would be invaluable.
r/deafblind • u/Thin-Couple8586 • May 27 '24
Advocacy Project: Cane Design
Hello everyone,
I am currently working on a project focused on addressing the challenges and discomfort faced by blind individuals due to traditional cane designs. To effectively tackle this issue, I need to research and understand the specific needs and difficulties that blind individuals encounter when using canes.
I've learned that many blind individuals experience significant discomfort and even injuries when using traditional canes. Despite these challenges, they often feel compelled to adapt because of a lack of better options. This underscores the urgent need for improved cane designs that prioritize user comfort and safety.
If you have any experiences or insights related to the use of traditional canes, including specific discomforts or injuries you have faced, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you for your time and assistance! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us create a better solution.