debcook

Electronic gadgets are such a huge part of my life I had not really considered how hard it is for visually impaired people to use many of them. I guess my first experiences with UMPC (ultra portable PCs) made me realize how lucky I am that I can see well.

My mom has vision problems and I see her struggle with some of the simplest daily tasks. Often when I buy her gifts I will choose something that will make her life easier.

Today I found a talking watch. It got my attention because my mother-in-law has a cute little clock that speaks the time every hour on the hour. It can be a bit annoying but it sure keeps you aware of the time.

I researched the talking watches online and the one I like the best is by Avalon. I may be biased – (for a totally non-logical reason) because my car is an Avalon and I really like it and always have since the first time I drove it. The Avalon watch has a lifetime warranty so my hunch may be right.

There are several models of talking watches by Avalon. Some have flex bands and some have leather bands. Some are silver tone and some are gold tone. What they all have in common is a white face with black numbers which make them easier to see by people that are vision impaired.

The Avalon watch speaks the time and date with the push of a single button. Setting the watch is also accompanied by voice instructions. The alarm can be set with the choice of three different tones. I think I’ll continue to search out these types of gadgets. They make great gifts when you really don’t know what to buy for someone.