Zest!a space for young adults
Zest 101
If you're a first time visitor, welcome! If you're a regular Zest reader or contributor, welcome back. Here's a quick snapshot of Zest.
Zest is an online space for people around the ages of 18 to 35 who live with blindness or low vision. Whether it’s talking about dating, socializing, travelling, your studies, working or simply useful things to do when you are chilling in your own time, we want this to be the place where you can ask questions and interact with others who have similar experiences to yourself. Zest is your community, and we hope you introduce yourself and share. Don’t be shy.
Quick Links
Note: some links will display a new page, others will update sections further down this page.
Sign Up Log in Guest Book and Introductions Forums News Feed Useful Links
Check out our audio guide on navigating Zest or our tips on navigating Zest with a screenreader
The Zest team welcomes suggestions and ideas to improve the site. To contact us or make a suggestion simply email: zest@visionaustralia.org
While we try to ensure the Zest pages have accurate information and resources, Zest is a place for people to share personal experiences and solutions. The information on these pages is not meant to be a substitute for professional assistance or advice.
Zest 101
If you're a first time visitor, welcome! If you're a regular Zest reader or contributor, welcome back. Here's a quick snapshot of Zest.
Zest is an online space for people around the ages of 18 to 35 who live with blindness or low vision. Whether it’s talking about dating, socializing, travelling, your studies, working or simply useful things to do when you are chilling in your own time, we want this to be the place where you can ask questions and interact with others who have similar experiences to yourself. Zest is your community, and we hope you introduce yourself and share. Don’t be shy.
Quick Links
Note: some links will display a new page, others will update sections further down this page.
Sign Up Log in Guest Book and Introductions Forums News Feed Useful Links
Check out our audio guide on navigating Zest or our tips on navigating Zest with a screenreader
The Zest team welcomes suggestions and ideas to improve the site. To contact us or make a suggestion simply email: zest@visionaustralia.org
While we try to ensure the Zest pages have accurate information and resources, Zest is a place for people to share personal experiences and solutions. The information on these pages is not meant to be a substitute for professional assistance or advice.
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Firefox, Explorer, Google chrome or something else
about 1 year agoyour web browsing experience with accessible products can be vastly different depending on the web browser you are using. It's for that reason that I always have three on my laptop and work computer at any given time. unfortunately many websites unless they actively embed accessibility into their code can play havoc with things like Jaws, NVDA, voice over and Zoomtext. Microsoft edge has been quite a let down in the accessible area and explorer is quite an outdated program even though Jaws is made for windows products. I often find myself switching between firefox and chrome to do what... Continue reading
your web browsing experience with accessible products can be vastly different depending on the web browser you are using. It's for that reason that I always have three on my laptop and work computer at any given time. unfortunately many websites unless they actively embed accessibility into their code can play havoc with things like Jaws, NVDA, voice over and Zoomtext. Microsoft edge has been quite a let down in the accessible area and explorer is quite an outdated program even though Jaws is made for windows products. I often find myself switching between firefox and chrome to do what I need to. Might be worth keeping in mind until there is better standardization around the world for digital access.
Are there any other browsers people use that they find make a big difference? Would be good to share.
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iTunes account related issue
by teleworm, about 1 year agoI have an issue when I access the iTunes account on my iPhone and the same account I want to use an Apple Smart TV then its shows an error that is error 4013 and I don't know how to get them on my Apple TV. Have any idea then please suggest here.
I have an issue when I access the iTunes account on my iPhone and the same account I want to use an Apple Smart TV then its shows an error that is error 4013 and I don't know how to get them on my Apple TV. Have any idea then please suggest here.
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Driverless cars! Would you dare?
about 1 year agoI found this interesting article about the current trials with driver-less cars as it relates to people who are blind or low vision. it's encouraging and kind of frustrating. Would you get behind the wheel of a driver-less car? I'd love too. I'd do anything to drive.
Transforming the Autonomous Vehicle Experience for the Blind - Powering the New EngineerI found this interesting article about the current trials with driver-less cars as it relates to people who are blind or low vision. it's encouraging and kind of frustrating. Would you get behind the wheel of a driver-less car? I'd love too. I'd do anything to drive.
Transforming the Autonomous Vehicle Experience for the Blind - Powering the New Engineer -
Jaguars answer to silent cars and the potential hazard they pose
about 1 year agoThought I'd share this. Jaguar have developed an electric car but they have gotten ahead of regulations and create an artificial sound system to alert pedestrians and those with vision conditions. click the link for the full article and a youtube clip where you can hear the concept. What do you think
Jaguar I pace: The sounds of silence- article
Thought I'd share this. Jaguar have developed an electric car but they have gotten ahead of regulations and create an artificial sound system to alert pedestrians and those with vision conditions. click the link for the full article and a youtube clip where you can hear the concept. What do you think
Jaguar I pace: The sounds of silence- article
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Online socialising
by Lcowie, about 1 year agoHi
I was wondering if anyone new of any other online socialising groups for young people.
Hi
I was wondering if anyone new of any other online socialising groups for young people.
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Soundscape! a map delivered in 3d sound
about 1 year agoHas anyone heard about or used Soundscape App yet? I'd be curious to know.
Soundscape is a free app developed by Microsoft for people who are blind or low vision. It is somewhat similar to Blindsquare but instead of clock directions to pointout landmarks you hear the direction of the landmark through headphones. You can also plot your own locations and becons and name them so you aren't just relying on information already entered into the map about your local area. It is my understanding that a lot of people are using it with bone conducting headphones like aftershocks to ensure... Continue reading
Has anyone heard about or used Soundscape App yet? I'd be curious to know.
Soundscape is a free app developed by Microsoft for people who are blind or low vision. It is somewhat similar to Blindsquare but instead of clock directions to pointout landmarks you hear the direction of the landmark through headphones. You can also plot your own locations and becons and name them so you aren't just relying on information already entered into the map about your local area. It is my understanding that a lot of people are using it with bone conducting headphones like aftershocks to ensure it doesn't create issues to hearing traffic and the like. Would be most interested to hear people's experiences if you have used it. if it is good, if it is bad etc.
Soundscape! a map delivered in 3d sound- YouTube
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Share Your Anecdotes!
by Foxy, about 1 year agoWe've all got them - stories about someone doing or saying something profoundly stupid, or times when you've put your elbow in the butter ... perhaps literally. Everyone needs a good chuckle from time to time.
I'll start. When I was young, my mother got a babysitter for my sister and I from 3-5pm so she could still work. This babysitter, Karen, had an outrageous American accent, wore aviators indoors, and seemed there mostly to lord it over me.
Sometimes Karen would ask me where my sister was, and I would respond that I thought she was outside, I'll go... Continue reading
We've all got them - stories about someone doing or saying something profoundly stupid, or times when you've put your elbow in the butter ... perhaps literally. Everyone needs a good chuckle from time to time.
I'll start. When I was young, my mother got a babysitter for my sister and I from 3-5pm so she could still work. This babysitter, Karen, had an outrageous American accent, wore aviators indoors, and seemed there mostly to lord it over me.
Sometimes Karen would ask me where my sister was, and I would respond that I thought she was outside, I'll go check. Moments later I found my sister outside, and out of breath. Heading back inside, I would find Karen again, also mysteriously out of breath.
My trusting (oblivious) nature meant it took several weeks of Karen bossing me around, and the two of them never being in the same room for me to realize what was going on.
The fake accent really should have tipped me off. I figured it out eventually, and when I did I think I was just happy to be included in something, so I let the farce continue for a good 6 months or so before my mother found out and put a stop to it.
Still, it makes for an interesting story.
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Using Air Tasker for the first time
over 1 year agoHas anyone used Air tasker much before? I used it for the first time this weekend and found it to be very good. I hired a guy to install a wall mount into my wall so I could put my new TV on it. I ended up getting it done for almost $200 less than I was quoted by an installation company I was directed to when I bought it. Essentially for anyone who doesn’t know about Air Tasker. It is an app and website that allows you to post tasks you need done. It could be, I... Continue reading
Has anyone used Air tasker much before? I used it for the first time this weekend and found it to be very good. I hired a guy to install a wall mount into my wall so I could put my new TV on it. I ended up getting it done for almost $200 less than I was quoted by an installation company I was directed to when I bought it. Essentially for anyone who doesn’t know about Air Tasker. It is an app and website that allows you to post tasks you need done. It could be, I need a gardener on Sunday and I want to pay 100 bucks for it. It goes up on the site and people get in touch with you who are willing to do it and you can see their ratings and reviews from others, just like an eBay or uber rating system. The app is fully accessible and very easy. They also have insurance to cover all parties involved if there are any issues. Make sure you do your research but the next time I need something done around the house I will definitely be looking at Air Tasker. I think it could potentially be very useful for those little tasks that can be tricky if you are blind or low vision.
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Accessible smart tv
over 1 year agoI got my first smart TV this week and I love it. It is a main stream Samsung 32 inch full HD TV and best of all it comes with built in accessibility features. It has a feature called “voice guide” which is essentially the same as voice over and it allows you to access all the features without having to remember how many clicks of a button it is to change something etc. It now allows me to be able to record, view the TV guide, connect apple TV and browse the internet should I wish. I... Continue reading
I got my first smart TV this week and I love it. It is a main stream Samsung 32 inch full HD TV and best of all it comes with built in accessibility features. It has a feature called “voice guide” which is essentially the same as voice over and it allows you to access all the features without having to remember how many clicks of a button it is to change something etc. It now allows me to be able to record, view the TV guide, connect apple TV and browse the internet should I wish. I also like that the remote control is smart too so it will automatically configure and double as your apple tv remote as well so you only need one remote to do everything. The set-up process is fully accessible by just hitting a button. Do others know about any similar TV’s and what brands they are? Would be good to know.