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Free apps that can make a big difference

February 23, 2023

Category: Tech

Thinking outside the box of products, there are some free apps that I have found that make my life better.

BARD

A free app that accesses the National Library Service, a free service that offers braille and audiobooks to blind and print-disabled folks. There are no time restraints or limits to the books you check out, so you can read at your leisure. My disability affects my vision, so I’ve been reading audiobooks this way for years, and could not imagine my life without it! You can apply for this service for free here: www.loc.gov/nls/

Libby (formerly Overdrive)

A free app that uses your public library card to deliver audiobooks and ebooks directly to your device. You can check it out here: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby

Noonlight

I have thankfully never had to use this, but it is reassuring to have it if I do need it. This is a free app that specializes in safety. You set a PIN that is easy for you to remember. Then a large button appears on your phone; you press the button while you feel safe. When you release it, you have just so long to enter your PIN before someone intervenes, by contacting you by text/phone directly…and then local authorities or emergency services, if there is no response from you. Learn more here: https://www.noonlight.com/

about the author

A white woman is wearing a helmet and sunglasses and riding a trike bicycle. She is looking back at the camera over her shoulder and smiling. It is a bright sunny day and she is on green grass with trees in the background.

Hi! I’m Joni. I strive to be the epitome of “Midwest Nice.” I love to create and to have outdoor adventures. Whether my next project is animation, photography, sewing, or writing—and whether my next adventure is from a manual wheelchair, a recumbent tricycle, or an all-terrain wheelchair—I refuse to let my disability control me. I have Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3, which is a neurological disorder that primarily impacts my balance, coordination, vision (I see double), fine motor skills, speech, and swallowing. Despite my many limitations, I try to live a limitless life with my partner, our dog, and our cat. I’m a bit of a technophile, so I am always looking for new assistive technology to make our home life a little more comfortable. This is why my favorite products are Philips Hue lighting and Kasa smart plugs. Both of these products have proven to be invaluable over the years and can be easily controlled using a smartphone.

comments

1 comment

Lisa H

3 years ago Reply

It looks like BARD service is only available to US citizens. It sounds really good, thought.

Libby is great! I use it all the time.

I will look into noonlight a bit more. Thanks for your post Joni!