Independent Living Apps
Independent Living apps could mean several different things. In this case we mean an app that will assist with a task or provide independence with a task. For example, we need to know denominations of currency, so using the camera on the device along with an app that speaks what it sees.
Here are my Top 5 Independent Living(IL) apps:
Glucose Buddy Diabetes Tracker
Both iOS and desktop access that stores your diabetes information. With the information being online it can be viewed and printed while you are with your health care professional.
This app is the main data storage utility for people with diabetes. Which offers reminders and integration with CalorieTrack.
Where to Find Out More: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glucose-buddy-diabetes-tracker/id294754639?mt=8
Color ID
Using the iOS devices camera the app identifies and speaks the color of the item presented under the camera in real time.
This app uses the iOS devices camera to identify colors with the addition of speaking. This app was specifically designed for the blind and visually impaired population.
I don’t know about you guys but I am a bit particular about matching my clothing as well as the items in my home. This is one of my favorites, and it’s FREE.
Where to Find Out More: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/color-id-free/id402233600?mt=8
Most Color Identification devices are $100+, but this app was created with the color blind population in mind but offers the totally blind user full VoiceOver access for Free. WHAT!!!
It is important to know the color of things. This app assists with differentiating and identifying difficult colors by evaluating live video to describe the color in view. Another cool feature is the color category reporting along with the ability to zoom for more exact color announcing. This app offers so much that some find it “too much”. But if you are in need of color category announcing this app does the trick. This app is free and works great with VoiceOver.
Where to Find Out More: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/color-inspector/id645516384?mt=8
The better organized a blind person is the more independent they can be. That is what this app is all about, it keeps track of just about everything.
This app will allow you to declutter your device, because you no longer need a To Do List app, a budget app, a fitness app or calorie tracker app. It is all here.
Trails lets you take notes, make lists and keep track of other things in your life such as time, workouts, expenses, calories, food, weight, sleep, budget and daily journal.
If you’re the type of person that needs to be organized. This app works great with Voice Over; Syncs with Google and iCloud and data can be exported to Google Docs or Excel. Try it for 30 Days for free and then it is a subscription fee of $9.99 per year.
Gloria’s take away: Great app and the fact that it makes it easy to have everything in one place and be able to backup or access in many different forms.
Where to Find Out More: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daily-tracker-journal-diary/id306026134?mt=8
Individuals that have low vision, blindness and cognitive dysfunction will love this new app. Just label the item using your voice and wave your phone camera over an audio tag and get verbal information regarding the item. Add custom descriptions such as cooking instructions, expiration dates, and care instructions. The tags can be place on mostly anything. This app will change and increase many individuals independence.
WayAround is a smart assistant that gives on-demand details about everyday things for anyone with vision loss. The WayAround system uses custom smart tags plus an app for iOS or Android devices to provide audio information about items around the home and office.
Gloria’s take away: This is a great labeling app used in conjunction with your iOS or Android device can greatly increase independence. The scan and tag system can be used for so much more than explained above. I used it with my Grandfather to give him a tag for his weekly appointments and put it on a magnet on the fridge, we also use it for Meals on Wheels menu, church activities and support staff. The ideas with this app are endless.
Where to Find Out More: https://www.wayaround.com/
~ Gloria
About Gloria Stuart
Gloria is a Senior Assistive Technology Specialist and Trainer at New England Low Vision and Blindness. Gloria is both an expert and user of low vision equipment, providing assistive technology services to children and adults in Rhode Island and throughout New England for more than 20 years.
Want to Learn More?
New England Low Vision and Blindness offers training on these and other apps. To learn more, contact a Low Vision Specialist at New England Low Vision and Blindness today – email us at info@nelowvision.com or call our toll free number 888-211-6933.
