DBV employee Jael Espinal-McCoskey explained to Andrew what technology she uses at work: an iPhone, a braille display, and a screen-reader program. And a surprising fourth piece of “tech”! Watch the video and read the transcript below to find out what it is.
Transcript of video:
Andrew: Hi, my name is Andrew. How about you?
Jael: Hi, my name is Jael and I work here at Deafblind Victoria.
Andrew: I work at DBV on a project. What do you do?
Jael: I work on the events team, and I do other things for DBV.
Andrew: What about your use of technology? What are three things you use every day?
Jael: One thing I use every day for work – even before I get to work, I’m using technology! – one of them is my iPhone. My iPhone has speech software called VoiceOver and it’s connected to my Bluetooth hearing aids, so I can hear clearly. On my iPhone I have a variety of apps that help support me, from GPS apps to transportation apps. So that’s one technology I use.
In the office I use my note taker, called Mantis Q40. It is a lovely piece of technology. It’s like having a smaller computer. I can Bluetooth it to my phone, to read my phone, so I can read the Braille. Also, I can Bluetooth it to my work computer so I can read emails. I can use my computer through the braille display.
The third piece of technology that I use for my work is obviously my computer, right, but I use JAWS for Windows. It’s a screen reading software. I wear a pair of headphones to hear the computer better.
In addition, a fourth: I also use my guide dog as my tool! Not only is she my companion, but she’s also my mobility tool. So, I use her at work and in my life.
Andrew: Great, guide dogs are such a great help. It’s such a great thing to have a dog. Such a great help. JAWS is something I want to do as well. I want to learn to use JAWS. And Pearl Camera and voice-to-text as well.
Jael: Yes, there’s some much technology out there that can support those of us who still have some remaining sight, such as yourself, like camera software, magnification software, and devices. With most people there is some way to accommodate them, for them to have a good working experience. It’s just a matter of finding the right technology for each individual. No one piece of technology is good for everybody.
Andrew: You are so right, and that’s so interesting, thank you. Thank you so much for chatting with us today! Bye for now.
Jael: Bye!
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