There are many apps which can help users with poor vision use their smartphones more effectively. By changing screens, making the usually visual reminders audible and alerting users the smartphone can be used effectively by the visually impaired.
Apps for the visually impaired:
Voice Brief- This app can read your emails, Twitter, facebook posts etc. out loud for the visually impaired making it easier to get your work and socializing done.
Alarmed- An app which works with Voice Over and keeps the user organized with alarms and schedules.
VisionSim- Can help Iphone users see better by changing the screens to suit the visual impairment making it able to be read by users with low vision.
("Apps For The Blind And Visually Impaired: iPad/iPhone Apps AppList," n.d.)
The textbook gives the example of the OLPC project as one method used to lessen the digital divide. Post examples of other products and ideas that are emerging that could help lessen the global digital divide.32. The EPA estimates that the e-waste generated by digital devices produces more than 2.5 million tons every year. Research and post "green" initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the amount of e-waste.
While OLPC is attempting to close in on the digital divide by providing laptops to children in developing countries in order to teach them about technology, there are still other ideas for bridging that gap. Such ideas include reducing the price of internet access so that it is available to everyone, and developing classes to teach people how to use computers and the internet at local public libraries.(Martinez, 2012) Another group providing computers and internet for low income families within their homes is Network For Good. This is a project similar to OLPC. In addition to the problem of restricted access to computers there becomes an issue of excess electronics causing pollution.("Network for Good :: Bridging the Digital Divide," n.d.) As technology is every changing electronics quickly become out of date and must be disposed of. There are many initiative to recycle old electronics such a drop boxes at local stores and programs like Recycle Bank which allow you to turn in your electronics for points. Some others give cash for electronics as well. Another idea to reduce e-waste is to buy green electronics and energy star computers and accessories. (De Asis, 2010)
References
Apps For The Blind And Visually Impaired: iPad/iPhone Apps AppList. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the-visually-impaired
De Asis, R. (2010, April 21). Tips to Reduce Your e-Waste. Retrieved from http://www.womensconference.org/tips-to-reduce-your-e-waste/
Martinez, J. (2012, April 5). Five lessons bridging digital divide. Retrieved from http://www.knightfoundation.org/blogs/knightblog/2012/4/5/five-lessons-bridging-digital-divide/
Network for Good :: Bridging the Digital Divide. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/education/digitaldivide/
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