Low Vision

I am really excited about sharing with you my latest toy. It is a speech recognition program that allows you to type as fast as you can talk. The name of this program is called “Dragon Natural Speaking”. In fact, I am utilizing this program in writing this comment. This is one of the greatest programs on the market for speech recognition which can be used by people that are disabled, or just can’t type fast enough. The program is a little on the spendy  side around $200. I bought mine through Best Buy of which I paid that price. Later I was scanning through Amazon.com and found the same program for $129 plus it had a $50 rebate, so you’re only looking at $79 which is one great deal for which you get, and what you can do with this program. As I stated in one of my comments, I have been a writer for 30 years with poetry and creative writing in both the US and Europe.  I was not able to type with low vision. Now, I am back to writing and currently writing a science fiction novel and hopefully a trilogy called “Tony Deaton and the quest of the Luyers”. Look for it on the bookshelf in the coming months as I am about three quarters from finishing my first book. Here is the link to where you can find out more about this program. I strongly suggest and recommend this to anyone who wants to type whether it be letters, books or e-mails.

This program does take a little time and work on your part to get it to work properly for you. But this process is quite easy and does not take long to do. In doing research, what makes the operation of this program more functional is the microphone and headset that you use with the program. What I found out is that the microphone should be a powered microphone and even better yet, a USB port microphone and headset. I obtained mine through Amazon.com but you can also find it at other  places like Best Buy, or other computer related sites. This is important for the quality of your microphone means everything. I chose a microphone and headset combination with a USB port hookup. As I promised earlier here is the website to gain further information http://www.nuance.com/talk/ The program does come with it’s own headset, but not powered, so it was an additional expense to by the  one I chose to use.

Most individuals with low vision deal with a lot of frustration.  Starting with not being able to drive or get around as they use to.  Finding work is one of the hardest obstructions.  This may lead to the question – where can one get financial help? 

If you’re a Veteran, Veterans Administration Disability can give assistance to the tune of about $984.00 or more depending on your service connection.  But most of us have Social Security Disability that we look at first.  We paid into it all our working lives, right?  Well, it’s not good news there.  The Social Security Administration turns down about 95% of all applications.  You have to be iron-clad blind, bumping into walls, before they will accept you for benefits.  The other thing you should know is it takes 5 to 6 months for them to process your application.  So don’t spend your savings.  There are attorneys who will appeal your case for about 25% of any back benefits you may get – and none if you don’t receive any.  That is a good thing, believe me, as our system right now is screwed up!  Your other alternative is the State Department of Health and Social Services.  They have a disability program that will get you a little assistance like food stamps, medical card, and financial assistance depending on your disability status.  Check with your Phone company and Utilities companies as they sometimes have programs for the disabled to lessen your bills.

Now here’s what I want to caution you on, because it will mean how much of a fight you may have obtaining help from financial assistance programs.  “CHECK YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS”.  I can not emphasize this more.  Every agency out there will obtain your medical records to make their decision.  If there is one word that can be used to disqualify you, even an obvious error, they will use it to turn you down.  So go to your doctor, look or get copies of your medical records and make sure all the “i”s are dotted and the “t”s crossed.  Do this before you file for assistance.  It will save a lot of agonizing time and frustration. I know, this is what I am going through.  And they will literally go back years to find that one word or type-o to make an argument against your eligibliity

If you are able to use a computer, or have someone do it for you,  look up Social Security or Vetrans and Department of Health and Social Services.  Search for their definitions of blindness or any other disability you may apply for.  It’s all there, and make yourself aware of what the law is.  The all have web pages and are available to the public.