Search results for: “low vision”

  • Drop Pins and Navigate with Maps: iPhone and VoiceOver Skills for the Blind

    navigation with drop a Pin
    Drop Pins and Navigate with Apple Maps

    Goal:

    • Mark and label the location
    • Walk to the bus stop or another destination
    • Drop a second pin
    • Create a reusable walking route
    • Reuse that same route when returning home

    VoiceOver + Siri Navigation Workflow: Drop Pins, Mark Locations, Save Routes, Reuse Them

    PART 1 — Drop a Pin at Home (Using Siri or VoiceOver)

    Option A: Using Siri

    1. Say: “Hey Siri, drop a pin.”
    2. Siri will place a pin at your exact GPS location.
    3. Say: “Hey Siri, mark my location as Home.”
      • This saves it permanently in Maps.

    Option B: Using VoiceOver

    1. Open Maps.
    2. Touch the screen until you hear “Current Location.”
    3. One‑finger double‑tap to select it.
    4. Swipe right until you hear “More” or “Actions available.”
    5. Use the Actions Rotor → choose “Drop Pin.”
    6. Double‑tap to confirm.
    7. Swipe to “Add to Favorites” → double‑tap.
    8. Type or dictate: “Home.”

    PART 2 — Walk to the Bus Stop and Drop a Pin There

    1. Walk to the bus stop.
    2. Once standing at the exact spot, say:
      “Hey Siri, drop a pin.”
    3. Or use the VoiceOver method again:
      • Current Location → Actions Rotor → Drop Pin.
    4. Add it to Favorites and label it “Bus Stop.”

    PART 3 — Create a Walking Route Between Home and Bus Stop

    From Home to Bus Stop

    1. Open Maps.
    2. In Favorites, choose “Bus Stop.”
    3. Swipe to “Directions.”
    4. Choose “Walking.”
    5. Double‑tap “Go.”
    6. Maps now has a reusable route from Home → Bus Stop.

    Save the Route

    Apple Maps doesn’t have a “Save Route” button, but you can save it by:

    • Keeping Home and Bus Stop in Favorites
    • Maps will always generate the same walking route between two saved points
    • You can also add both to a Guide (optional)

    PART 4 — Reuse the Route When Returning Home After Getting Off the Bus

    When you get off the bus:

    Option A: Siri

    Say:
    “Hey Siri, give me walking directions to Home.”

    Option B: VoiceOver

    1. Open Maps.
    2. Go to Favorites.
    3. Select Home.
    4. Swipe to Directions → choose WalkingGo.

    This automatically recreates the same route you used earlier.


    Easy Summary Script

    Here’s a simple version you can teach directly:

    1. At home: “Hey Siri, drop a pin. Mark this as Home.”
    2. Walk to bus stop: “Hey Siri, drop a pin. Mark this as Bus Stop.”
    3. To go to the bus stop: Open Maps → Favorites → Bus Stop → Directions → Walking → Go.
    4. To go home after the bus: “Hey Siri, walking directions to Home.”

    Other iPhone Lessons

  • LinkedIn with JAWS Commands for total Access

    Person navigating linkedin using braille display and screen reader
    Person navigating LinkedIn with JAWS commands using braille display and screen reader

    Navigating LinkedIn with JAWS commands or any screen reader doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right JAWS commands, blind and visually impaired professionals can confidently connect, network, apply for jobs, and build a strong online presence. This guide walks you through the essential JAWS shortcuts and navigation strategies that make LinkedIn fully accessible — whether you’re a student preparing for your first job search, a professional expanding your network, or an educator supporting blind learners. TechVision is committed to empowering every user with the tools they need for independence, confidence, and success online.

    Keyboard shortcuts for LinkedIn with Jaws

    Use LinkedIn with JAWS commands to move quickly through the interface. Press Ctrl+Home, then Tab through the first three items until you reach the options you want. Press Enter to open the shortcut menu and enable quick‑navigation features on the page. These are essential LinkedIn with JAWS commands for efficient navigation

    Change your cursor insert z on or off based on what you need to do

    To read every line insert z on and insert ; on then down arrow

    Other shortcuts below

    ActionShortcut
    Open cheat-sheetShift+?
    Search/
    Go to Homeg h
    Regionr
    move through menu itemsi
    Go to Messagingg m
    Go to Notificationsg n
    Start a post-cursor offn
    Next updatej
    Previous updatek
    React to updatel
    Comment on updatec
    Repost updater
    Share updates

    Watch Full Video of steps here: Navigating LinkedIn with JAWS screen reader

  • Be My Eyes for Computer: Describe Images, Graphs, and Screens Instantly

    Be My Eyes App on Computer
    Be My Eyes App on Computer

    Be My Eyes for Computer

    For students who are blind or legally blind, accessing visual information on a computer screen can be one of the biggest barriers to learning unless you have an APP like Be My Eyes on Computer. Whether it’s a graph in science class, a diagram in math, a picture in a digital textbook, or an unlabeled image on a website, visual content often goes unexplained — unless someone is available to describe it.

    Be My Eyes now solves this problem directly on your computer.

    What Be My Eyes Can Do on a Computer

    When installed on a PC or Mac, Be My Eyes can:

    • Describe graphs, charts, and diagrams
    • Explain pictures, illustrations, and maps
    • Identify objects or images in digital textbooks
    • Summarize visual layouts on websites
    • Clarify icons, buttons, or menus that are not labeled
    • Provide context for images that screen readers cannot interpret

    This is especially powerful for students who are legally blind and need immediate access to visual information without waiting for a teacher, aide, or parent.

    How It Works

    1. Open the Be My Eyes app on your computer.
    2. Take a screenshot or upload the image you want described.
    3. Use the “Ask About This Image” feature.
    4. Type your question — or simply ask:
      • “What is shown in this graph?”
      • “Describe the picture on the screen.”
      • “What does this diagram represent?”
      • “What is happening in this image?”

    The AI will give a clear, detailed description that students can use immediately for classwork, homework, or studying.

    Why This Matters for Blind and Low‑Vision Students

    Visual content is everywhere in school — especially in math, science, social studies, and digital learning platforms. Without access, students fall behind academically and lose independence.

    Be My Eyes gives students the ability to:

    • Access visual information instantly
    • Work independently without waiting for help
    • Understand graphs and diagrams in real time
    • Participate fully in class assignments
    • Build confidence and autonomy

    For students who are legally blind, this tool is not optional — it is essential.

    When to Use Be My Eyes vs. Other Tools

    • Be My Eyes: For describing images, graphs, diagrams, pictures, and anything visual.
    • Screen Readers (JAWS/NVDA): For reading text, navigating websites, writing, researching, and completing assignments.
    • CCTV: Only for viewing pictures or visual diagrams — not for reading.

    Together, these tools create a complete access system.

    Be My Eyes App on Computer using Tiger in WORD to complete Math work

  • iPhone: Set Up Face ID, Touch ID, and Passcode with VoiceOver

    Set Up iPhone Security with VoiceOver using Face ID
    Set Up iPhone Security with VoiceOver using Face ID

    Goal

    Student independently sets up device security and understands how to authenticate downloads. This lesson will help you Set Up iPhone Security with VoiceOver for a more accessible and safe experience.


    PART 1: Set Up a Passcode (Must Be Done First before you can acquire apps)

    Face ID and Touch ID require a passcode.


    Step 1: Open Settings

    Press and hold Side button.

    Say:

    “Open Settings.”


    Step 2: Go to Face ID & Passcode

    (Or Touch ID & Passcode on older phones)

    • Flick right until you hear:
    “Face ID & Passcode”
    • Double-tap.

    If it says “Turn Passcode On,” double-tap.


    Step 3: Create a Passcode

    You will hear:

    “Enter a six-digit passcode.”

    • Double-tap each number
    OR
    • Use braille display if connected

    Enter code twice.

    Choose a code the student can remember but others cannot guess.

    Teach:
    Do not use birthdays.

    Passcode is now active.


    PART 2: Set Up Face ID (Newer Phones)


    Step 1: In Face ID & Passcode Menu

    • Flick right to “Set Up Face ID”
    • Double-tap.

    VoiceOver will guide.


    Step 2: Position Face

    If by yourself, place phone on your forehead then move straight back

    Hold phone at arm’s length.

    VoiceOver says:

    “Move iPhone lower/higher.”

    Follow instructions.

    Rotate head slowly in circle.

    Complete two scans.

    Face ID is now enabled.


    Step 3: Turn On for App Store

    Still inside Face ID settings:

    Ensure toggles are ON for:

    • iPhone Unlock
    • App Store
    • Password AutoFill

    Double-tap to toggle if needed.


    PART 3: Set Up Touch ID (Older Phones)


    Step 1: Go to Touch ID & Passcode

    • Double-tap “Add a Fingerprint.”


    Step 2: Place Finger on Home Button

    Lift and rest repeatedly.

    VoiceOver will say:

    “Adjust your grip.”

    Continue until complete.


    Step 3: Enable for App Store

    Ensure toggle for:

    “iTunes & App Store”

    is ON.


    PART 4: How Authentication Works During Downloads

    When downloading an app:

    If Face ID is enabled:

    • Double-click Side button
    • Look at phone

    VoiceOver says:
    “Face ID successful.”

    If Touch ID:

    • Rest registered finger on Home button

    If Passcode:

    • Enter six-digit code

    Download begins.


    Practice Drill

    Have student:

    1. Lock phone
    2. Unlock with Face ID or Touch ID
    3. Open App Store
    4. Attempt free app download
    5. Complete authentication

    Repeat until smooth.


    Teaching Notes

    Teach this clearly:

    Authentication = Protection.

    It protects:

    • Money
    • Private data
    • Email
    • Contacts

    Students must understand it is a safety tool.


    Other iPhone navigation lessons:

  • iPhone Setup: Turning On Siri and VoiceOver

    iPhone Setup: Turning  on Siri and Voice Over
    iPhone Setup: Turning on Siri and Voice Over

    Lesson:

    Step 1: Turn On Siri Using the Home or Side Button

    If the phone is locked: Here’s how you can begin the process for iPhone Setup: Turning On Siri and VoiceOver.

    1. Press and hold the Home button (older phones)
      OR
      Press and hold the Side button (newer phones)
    2. When you hear the Siri tone, say clearly:

    “Turn on Siri.”

    If Siri is already enabled, continue.


    Step 2: Use Siri to Turn On VoiceOver

    Once Siri responds, say:

    “Turn on VoiceOver.”

    The phone will say:

    “VoiceOver on.”

    Now the screen is accessible.


    Now the Lesson Can Begin

    Once VoiceOver is on, the learner can use gestures.


    Basic VoiceOver Navigation

    Move Forward

    Flick right with one finger.

    Move Backward

    Flick left with one finger.

    Activate Item

    Double-tap anywhere on the screen.

    Stop Speech

    Two-finger tap.

    Go Back

    Two-finger scrub (draw a Z).


    Moving Around the Home Screen

    Move Between Apps

    Flick right or left.

    Open an App

    Double-tap.

    Move Between Pages

    Three-finger swipe left or right.


    Using the Rotor

    1. Place two fingers on the screen.
    2. Twist like turning a dial.
    3. Listen for options such as:
      • Words
      • Characters
      • Headings
      • Links
    4. Flick up or down to move within that selection.

    The rotor allows precise navigation.

    Change rotor based on need, based on App


    Using Siri After VoiceOver Is On

    Siri continues to work alongside VoiceOver.

    Activate Siri:

    • Say “Hey Siri”
      OR
    • Hold Side button

    Examples:

    “Open Maps.”
    “Call Mom.”
    “Send a text.”
    “What’s around me?”
    “Turn Bluetooth on.”

    VoiceOver confirms each action.


    Critical Teaching Order

    Teach in this order:

    1. Turn on Siri
    2. Turn on VoiceOver
    3. Flick right
    4. Flick left
    5. Double-tap
    6. Three-finger swipe
    7. Rotor
    8. 4 finger double tap teaches child “VoiceOver help mode”

    Confidence comes from mastering movement first.


    Go to All iPhone Lessons

    Drop Pins and Navigate with Maps: iPhone and VoiceOver Skills for the Blind

  • Aira Glasses Navigation: How Blind Travelers Navigate Safely and Independently

    AIRA Navigation using Google Glasses

    Google Glass Options

    What they are:
    Lightweight smart glasses with a small display above the right eye. Originally released for consumers, now mostly used in enterprise and medical settings.

    Key features:

    • Small prism display
    • Voice-activated commands (“OK Google…”)
    • Camera (varies by model)
    • Touch pad on the right side
    • Designed for hands-free information access

    Vuzix Smart Glasses (Blade / M400 / Shield Series)

    What they are:
    A family of AR smart glasses built for industrial, medical, and field environments. Models vary in shape and display size.

    Key features:

    • Larger, brighter AR displays
    • Camera options up to 4K
    • Rugged designs for work environments
    • Voice, touch, and head-tracking controls
    • Works with Android-based apps

    Aira and Smart Glasses for Blind Navigation: Modern Tools for Safe, Independent Travel

    Whether you’ve been blind for years or you’re just beginning to lose vision, today’s tools offer more options than ever for navigating the world with confidence. Smart glasses and services like Aira give you access to real‑time visual information—indoors, outdoors, at work, on campus, or in everyday life. For some, it’s an exciting next step in expanding independence. For others, it’s a gentle bridge toward accepting support without feeling like they’re giving up who they are. Wherever you are on that journey, these tools can help you move safely, work more efficiently, and stay connected to the world around you.

    If you want, I can also craft a shorter version for a carousel cover slide or a more emotional version that speaks directly to the reader.

    Helping a Young Adult Losing Vision: When They’re Not Ready for the Cane… Yet

    Losing vision as a young adult is complicated. It’s not just about mobility—it’s about identity, pride, and the fear of being seen as “blind” before they’re ready to claim that word for themselves.

    Many young adults tell us:

    • “I don’t want people staring at me.”
    • “I’m not blind enough for a cane.”
    • “I can still get by if I try harder.”
    • “I don’t want to look different.”

    These feelings are real. They deserve respect, not pressure.

    But they also deserve safety, dignity, and access to the world.

    That’s where Aira can become a bridge—not a replacement for cane skills, not a long‑term solution, but a gentle first step toward accepting support.


    Why Aira Works for Someone Who Isn’t Ready for the Cane

    Aira gives visual information without announcing disability to the world.

    For a young adult who is still grieving vision loss, this matters.

    Aira lets them:

    • Move through a college campus without guessing at signs
    • Navigate stores, offices, or new environments without pretending
    • Read menus, labels, and screens without asking friends
    • Travel safely in unfamiliar places
    • Do their job or schoolwork without feeling exposed

    It’s discreet. Very private. It’s on their terms.

    And most importantly—it gives them a taste of what independence with support feels like.

    That experience often becomes the turning point.


    The Emotional Shift: From “I Don’t Want to Look Blind” to “I Deserve to Move Safely”

    When a young adult uses Aira, something powerful happens:

    They realize they don’t have to choose between:

    • Looking blind
      and
    • Being unsafe

    Aira shows them that support doesn’t take away independence—it protects it.

    Once they feel the relief of not guessing, not hiding, not pretending…
    they often become more open to the cane.

    Not because someone forced them.
    But because they finally understand:

    Independence isn’t about doing everything alone.
    It’s about having the right tools at the right time.


    Real Examples: A Young Adult Losing Vision Who Wants a Career in Film, Photography, or Other Visual Fields

    Let’s say this young adult has 20/200–20/400 vision or worse and dreams of photography, cinematography, or other highly visual careers that require sharp editing and image capture.

    They’re talented. They are creative. They’re determined.

    But they’re also scared of being seen as “blind.”

    Aira can help them:

    • Frame shots
    • Check lighting
    • Review images
    • Navigate sets
    • Identify equipment
    • Move safely in unfamiliar locations

    They get to keep their identity as a creator and keep their dignity.
    They get to keep their dreams alive.

    And slowly, gently, they begin to understand:

    Blindness doesn’t take away creativity.
    It just changes the tools.


    How We Bring Them Along—Without Shame, Pressure, or Fear

    Here’s the message we give young adults:

    “You don’t have to be ready for the cane today.
    But you do deserve to move safely today.
    Aira can help you do that while you figure out the rest.”

    We meet them where they are and honor their feelings.
    We give them a tool that supports them privately.
    And we let confidence do the rest.

    Because once they feel what safe, supported independence is like…
    the cane stops looking like a symbol of blindness
    and starts looking like a symbol of freedom.


    Real Example for all users with Airport Navigation and Traveling Using Aira

    Airports can be some of the most challenging environments for blind and low‑vision travelers—constant construction, changing layouts, crowded terminals, and signage that’s almost entirely visual. Aira gives travelers real‑time visual support from the moment they step out of the rideshare to the moment they reach their gate. And when paired with Aira’s own smart glasses—designed to look just like the everyday eyewear everyone else is wearing—travelers get discreet, hands‑free access to visual information without standing out or feeling different.

    In fact, the only way anyone would know a traveler is blind is if they’re using a cane. You can even call an Aira Agent while the plane is still on the runway so you’re fully set up to step off the aircraft and head confidently to your next gate with live guidance. Agents can help locate check‑in counters, identify the correct security line, read flight boards, navigate terminals, find restrooms or restaurants, and guide travelers through gate changes or last‑minute updates. Whether you’re a seasoned blind traveler or someone newly adjusting to vision loss, Aira adds a layer of confidence and clarity that makes airport travel smoother, safer, and far less stressful.

    Other iPhone Lessons

  • How to Get a Job Today: Must-Have Technology Skills for Success

    How to get a Job-Woman at PC with display
    How to get a Job-Woman at PC with display and iPhone

    Most jobs today use the same tools: a PC, a smartphone, and Windows workplace software. If students want a job later, they must learn these tools early. If anyone wants a job, you must master those tools with excellence. Character, consistency, loyalty, and trust — combined with strong tech skills — help people gain and keep lasting employment.

    Blind and low-vision students need the same skills. They also need a screen reader, braille display, and tactile learning to access the world on equal terms.

    This is why instruction cannot start late.
    It must start educationally at age three-as a baby from the womb just teaching parents how to help child.

    Early learning builds kindergarten readiness. It keeps blind students even with their peers. Strong IEPs then protect continued teaching in tech, tactiles, and braille each year so they can keep pace with their peers.

    When schools teach the right tools early, blind students enter the future ready to work, ready to compete, and ready to thrive.


    Global Employment — All People

    According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and global labor data:

    Employment Rate Worldwide

    • About 58% of people aged 15–64 are employed globally.
      (This includes full-time, part-time, formal and informal work.)
    • Another ~26% are outside the labor force (students, homemakers, retired)
    • ~6–10% are officially unemployed (actively seeking work)

    Key takeaway: Most people around the world have some form of work.


    People use a mixture of technology on the job depending on industry, income level, and region.

    Most tech adoption statistics come from large surveys, including:

    • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
    • Statista digital economy surveys
    • World Bank ICT data
    • Global Workplace Analytics

    These show broad patterns across sectors.


    Computer Access at Work (Global Estimate)

    • About 70–75% of office workers worldwide use a computer at work.
      This includes laptops, desktops, and workstation terminals.

    This varies by region:

    • High-income countries: ~85–90% computer use at work
    • Middle-income countries: ~60–75%
    • Low-income countries: ~30–50%

    Smartphone Use at Work

    Smartphones are extremely common globally, even where desktop PC penetration is lower.

    Global estimates show:

    • 85–90% of working adults use a smartphone at least daily for communication, email, scheduling, messaging, and business apps.
    • In many service, retail, field, and informal jobs, the smartphone is the primary computing tool.

    PC vs. Mac vs. Other at Work (Global Split)

    There is no exact global “one number,” but multiple tech market share sources give a snapshot of the device ecosystem used professionally:

    PC / Windows

    Windows dominates business environments because:

    • Longstanding enterprise support
    • Broad software compatibility
    • Legacy systems in large organizations

    Mac (macOS)

    • Estimated 15–20% of workplace computers.
    • Higher share in:
      • creative industries (design, media, publishing)
      • education and research institutions
      • startups and technology firms
      • some small business environments

    Other (Linux, Chrome OS, Thin Clients)

    • 5–10% combined share. These are more common in:
      • tech-savvy organizations
      • cloud-centric workplaces
      • specialized development environments

    Technology People Use on the Job

    Here is how technology breaks down by task:

    Office / Knowledge Work

    • PC (Windows + Office)
    • Laptops, desktops
    • Email, Office suites, cloud apps
    • Collaboration tools (Slack, Teams, Zoom)
    • Data entry, spreadsheets

    Creative / Design / Media

    • Mac systems are popular
    • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Video and audio editing tools

    IT / Development

    • Split between Mac, PC, and Linux
    • Code editors (VS Code, Vim)
    • Cloud and DevOps tools

    Data / Analysis

    • PCs for spreadsheets and databases
    • Macs for visualization and coding

    Mobile-First Roles

    • Smartphones for:
      • communication (call, message)
      • scheduling
      • mobile apps (CRM, logistics)
    • Especially in:
      • retail
      • transportation
      • field service

    Global Smartphone vs Computer at Work

    Here’s a broad estimate:

    Technology TypeApprox. Global Usage at Work
    Smartphones~85–90%
    Desktop/Laptop Computers~70–75%
    Windows PCs~75–80% of computer share
    Macs~15–20%
    Other OS (Linux, Chrome OS)~5–10%

    Note: These percentages overlap — most people use both smartphones and computers.


    WHY TECH ADOPTION LOOKS THIS WAY

    Smartphones have high adoption because:

    • They are affordable
    • Widely available
    • Used for email, messaging, forms
    • Often required by employers for mobile work

    PC (Windows) dominates because:

    • Enterprise software is built for it
    • IT infrastructure around Windows is mature
    • It’s cost-effective at scale

    Mac is strong in:

    • Creative industries
    • Technology startups
    • Higher education
    • Design and media fields

    SUMMARY — GLOBAL View

    Employment: ~58% of adults globally are employed
    Smartphone use: ~85–90% use at work
    Computer use (general): ~70–75% use a PC/laptop
    Windows share: ~75–80%
    Mac share: ~15–20%
    Other OS: ~5–10%

    Go Professional: LinkedIn with Jaws

  • Blind Users Retrace Indoor Routes with Clew

    Audience: Blind or low‑vision students (middle school through adult)
    Skills: Indoor navigation, spatial awareness, cane + tech integration
    Tools Needed: iPhone with Clew installed, long cane, safe indoor route

    Blind Users Retrace Indoor Routes with Clew
    Blind Users Retrace Indoor Routes with Clew

    Lesson: Learning to Use Clew for Indoor Route Retracing

    Lesson Overview

    Clew is a free iPhone app that helps you retrace a route indoors.
    You walk a path once, and Clew guides you back along that same path using sound, vibration, and spoken cues.

    Clew does not use maps, GPS, Wi‑Fi, or beacons.
    It works in any building because it relies on the path you walked.

    Your cane provides safety and obstacle detection.
    Clew provides directional alignment.

    Together, they support confident indoor travel.


    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

    • Download and open the Clew app
    • Allow necessary permissions
    • Hold the phone correctly for AR tracking
    • Record a route independently
    • Retrace the route using Clew’s cues
    • Use cane skills throughout the process
    • Explain what Clew can and cannot do

    Step 1 — Download the Clew App

    1. Open the App Store
    2. Tap Search
    3. Type “Clew”
    4. Select the app named Clew
    5. Tap Get
    6. Open the app once it installs

    Note: Clew is iPhone‑only.


    Step 2 — Allow Camera Access

    When Clew opens for the first time, it will ask for permission to use the camera.

    Tell the student:

    “Clew uses the camera to track your movement. It does not record video — it only uses the camera to understand the path you walk.”

    Tap Allow.


    Step 3 — Phone Positioning

    Before recording a route, teach the student to hold the phone:

    • upright
    • at chest height
    • camera facing forward
    • steady, not swinging

    This is essential for Clew’s AR tracking.

    Cue:
    “Cane leads. Phone observes.”


    Step 4 — Record a Route

    Choose a simple, safe route such as:

    • hallway → classroom
    • classroom → office
    • seat → door

    Have the student:

    1. Open Clew
    2. Tap Record Route
    3. Walk the path using solid cane skills
    4. Stop recording at the destination

    Reinforce:

    • “Your cane tells you what’s on the ground.”
    • “Clew is only tracking the path — it does not detect obstacles.”

    Step 5 — Retrace the Route

    Now guide the student through returning to the starting point.

    1. Tap Return to Start
    2. Follow Clew’s cues:
      • Haptic taps for turns
      • Audio beeps for alignment
      • Voice prompts for direction

    Encourage the student to:

    • Pause if unsure
    • Re‑center the phone
    • Sweep with the cane
    • Continue when aligned

    Step 6 — Troubleshooting Practice

    Teach the student what to do if:

    Clew says “You’re off route”

    • Stop
    • Re‑center the phone
    • Sweep with the cane
    • Slowly adjust direction

    The phone tilts

    • Bring it back to upright
    • Keep it steady

    The student drifts

    • Use the cane to find the wall or landmark
    • Realign with Clew’s cues

    Step 7 — Reflection and Understanding

    Ask the student:

    • “What did Clew help you do?”
    • “What did your cane tell you that Clew didn’t?”
    • “When would Clew be useful in your school or home?”

    This builds independence and decision‑making.


    What Clew CAN Do

    • Retrace a route you walked
    • Guide you back with sound, vibration, and voice
    • Work in any building
    • Handle multiple turns
    • Support spatial memory
    • Help you return to a seat, office, or classroom

    What Clew CANNOT Do

    • It cannot guide you to a new destination
    • It cannot save routes after the app closes
    • It cannot detect obstacles
    • It cannot replace cane skills
    • It does not use maps

    Student‑friendly explanation:
    “Clew doesn’t know the building. It only knows the path you walked.”


    Assessment Checklist

    The student can:

    • Download and open Clew
    • Hold the phone correctly
    • Record a route independently
    • Retrace the route safely
    • Interpret Clew’s cues
    • Use cane skills throughout
    • Explain Clew’s limitations
    • Identify real‑life situations where Clew is helpful

    Teacher Notes

    • Clew is a reverse‑route tool, not a navigation system
    • Works beautifully for returning to a known point
    • Reinforces spatial memory
    • Builds confidence in unfamiliar buildings
    • Must always be paired with cane skills

    Other iPhone Lessons