Question: My kids and grandkids all tell me I need to get an iPad so I can see photos on their Facebook pages, use something called Facetime to talk to them and do e-mail, etc. I've only used a computer for basics, like typing a letter and an email once in a while. It sounds great, but I'm just not sure. What do you think? Should I give it a shot?
Answer: Thank you for asking a very interesting and timely question. February happens to be Low Vision Awareness Month and there's a lot of buzz among people who are blind or vision impaired about iDevices, because of the built-in screen magnifier, built-in speech program and the ease of operation. I think this is the case for senior citizens, as well. I know my mom, who's not a "computer person" either, recently bought an iPad. She's signed up for an iPad class at her local senior center. She'll also be counting on the grandkids to help her out if she has any problems. I'm not aware of any iPad classes being offered locally, but it's only a matter of time.
I just started using an iPod, which runs many of the same programs as the larger iPad, but costs a lot less. The main difference is the screen size. Since I'm totally blind, the larger screen doesn't help me, but it could be nice if you're getting just a little "hard of seeing." With Voiceover, the built-in speech program, I'm figuring out how to get things done. I've also experimented with Ceri, a built-in program that lets you ask simple questions and get answers. I have to say that so far I'm pretty impressed, especially for the relatively low cost, but I did have help to get started. I don't think I would have done well without some assistance.
My suggestion is if you have a family member, neighbor or friend who uses an iPad and who will help you set it up and show you the basics, go for it. There is a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be off and running. If you don't have a tutor to get you started, I might wait and make your purchase when you notice an ad in the Daily American for an iPad class.
From my personal experience, I think you could get pretty frustrated, unless you have someone to show you the ropes. Just one last note; you mentioned that you have a computer and email, so I know you have Internet service. Keep in mind that you'll need Wi-Fi wireless Internet service to connect your iPad to the Internet, unless you also sign up for a data plan (about $30 a month), which will allow you to connect to the Web anywhere you have a cell phone signal.
Our thanks to the reader who asked this question. Here's where to send your comments or inquiries:
At Your Service, Rob Stemple, Daily American newsroom, P.O. Box 638 Somerset, PA 15501 or email brianw@dailyamerican.com.
(Rob Stemple is Community Outreach and Rehabilitation Liaison for Somerset County Blind Center (SCBC); a Division of the Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired (SABVI). He is available to speak to school and civic groups, churches, etc. Rob is a member of Apostles Creed, a Contemporary Christian group based at Unity United Church of Christ that provides music for community events and fundraisers. Call him at 814-445-1310 or send an Email to rstemple@somersetblind.org for additional information.)
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