Touch screen technology not for me

Touch screen technology is growing by leaps and bounds but sad to say, I am unable to take advantage of it and as this technology continues on its merry way I am going to be left behind. More and more hand-held devices are using touch screen technology and as things stand, blind persons are already behind when it comes to being able to use mainstream hand-held devices. So, what does all of this mean for blind persons? Nothing more but more challenges for us to face and more of being shut out of advancing technology.

In order to use touch screen technology, one has to be able to see where they need to touch on the screen and we as blind persons are unable to do so. In addition to hand-held devices, there are other things that touch screen technology is being deployed for. Such as, menus on microwaves, VCRs, and appliances and gadgets that requires the user to use menus to set up programs, clocks, and so on. Some video games are also using touch screen technology and I would not be surprised if in the future banking machines go the same way.

I hope and pray that manufacturers are listening and that they do something to keep us in the loop. Not just blind persons, but those who are afflicted with diseases that prevent them from using their hands to do things. Persons who suffer from such disabling diseases as MS, Parkinson’s, CP, and so on. If you would like to know more about how blind persons are unable to use touch screen technology then please visit www.acb.org or www.nfb.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and week ahead and urging you to go out there and help to encourage manufacturers to make touch screen technology more available and accessible to blind persons.