Best E-Reader for bed-bound arthritis sufferer?

[kacir]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

I too tried listening to audio books at work but failed miserably

Glad to hear that my difficulties were not caused by English not being my mother language ;-)

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

Where are the BBC4 programmes available?

• BBC Radio
• BBC iPlayer
• BBC Podcasts
• BBC Radio 4
• BBC Radio 4 Extra

From Wikipedia:

BBC Radio 4 - news, current affairs, arts, history, original in-house drama, original in-house first-run comedy, science, books and religion

BBC Radio 4 Extra - classic comedy, drama, books, science fiction, fantasy and children's programmes

I listen to these two stations all the time and love it.

[Beryll Snyder]

Originally Posted by tracings

Quite a few responses here, so this may already have been mentioned, but Listening Books is a UK organization that provides audiobook library service by mail and internet to physically disabled readers: http://www.listening-books.org.uk/why-join.aspx. This American was surprised that there's an annual fee, (similar US services are free), and you'll need to choose whether to borrow a player from the organization (for a fee) or purchase one. The mail option is one that works for a lot of folks without computer access here in the US. An added bonus is the ability to call the library and speak to a real live human being about your next reading selection.

The books are in MP3 format, so will play on a variety of players, though the ones by mail appear to come on CD. I'm US-based, so I don't know more than what the website mentions, but you can contact Listening Books at 020 7407 9417 or by email at info@listening-books.org.uk for more details.

Of course, the appropriateness of this depends on whether your friend is interested in audiobooks. However, if she is interested in audiobooks, you might look into purchasing the BookSense XT, which can be controlled by VOICE RECOGNITION. It will play MP3s, along with DAISY (a special international standard for digital talking books for the print disabled), as well as txt, rtf, doc and html files (using synthetic speech). The device uses SD cards, which you could load up and mail to your friend since she's unable to access the net. I'm pretty sure they sell to the UK, as the company did an event with the Royal National Institute for the Blind in 2010. You can take a peek at the BookSense XT here: http://www.hims-inc.com/products/booksense-xt.

Isn't this a service for blind or nearly blind people?
The devices they are using are petty expensive.
There is speech recognition, which would be useful only if someone cannot use finger or hands any more ...

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

• BBC Radio
• BBC iPlayer
• BBC Podcasts
• BBC Radio 4
• BBC Radio 4 Extra

From Wikipedia:

BBC Radio 4 - news, current affairs, arts, history, original in-house drama, original in-house first-run comedy, science, books and religion

BBC Radio 4 Extra - classic comedy, drama, books, science fiction, fantasy and children's programmes

I listen to these two stations all the time and love it.

Thanks for the links,
David.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

Isn't this a service for blind or nearly blind people?

No - I can't find any mention of it being only for blind people. If you listen to the patron talk about it at the following URL, he says it's for anyone who finds reading or holding a book difficult:

http://www.listening-books.org.uk/documents/Frymp3.mp3

There is speech recognition, which would be useful only if someone cannot use finger or hands any more ...

...or perhaps if someone has *limited* movement in fingers/arms, which is the case here.
I think it's a great suggestion anyway.

[Beryll Snyder]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

No - I can't find any mention of it being only for blind people. If you listen to the patron talk about it at the following URL, he says it's for anyone who finds reading or holding a book difficult:

http://www.listening-books.org.uk/documents/Frymp3.mp3


...or perhaps if someone has *limited* movement in fingers/arms, which is the case here.
I think it's a great suggestion anyway.

The point is that even with limited movement a player for under $100 would be fine - so why spend 5 times that?

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

The point is that even with limited movement a player for under $100 would be fine - so why spend 5 times that?

That's a fair point - it is on the pricey side, but it's a seller's market with these assistive devices so no surprise there. I like the voice recognition though. I think this has the power to make a such a huge difference to some people.
Thanks,
David.

[Beryll Snyder]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

That's a fair point - it is on the pricey side, but it's a seller's market with these assistive devices so no surprise there. I like the voice recognition though. I think this has the power to make a such a huge difference to some people.
Thanks,
David.

I was pretty suprised that devices like these existed. Pretty sophisticated stuff. Even the "normal" user could benefit if price does not play a role.
So how far are you in the decision making process? Anything concrete.
Is it Sony, Kobo, Kindle?

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Beryll Snyder

I was pretty suprised that devices like these existed. Pretty sophisticated stuff. Even the "normal" user could benefit if price does not play a role.

I was surprised too - I was amazed I'd missed them along the way.

So how far are you in the decision making process? Anything concrete.
Is it Sony, Kobo, Kindle?

That's a very pertinent question as I've not long spoken to the carer to clear up some remaining points and ask a few questions.

So here's an update:

Audio Books
They've already tried this before and her deafness has hitherto prohibited audio books as an option - she missed or misinterpreted too much of what was said to be able to follow the story/info. I did know that she was partially deaf but from my conversation with her I didn't think it was that bad.
Anyway, she is in the process of getting better hearing aids so perhaps this will be an option in the future.
So I'm going to leave the audio book angle to pick up again *if* the reader doesn't work, and *if* her hearing is improved enough as a result of the new aid.

E-Reader
I was hoping to buy a Kindle Keyboard with 3G and take it over there to see if she liked it and ascertain how much she could intereact with it. Then if no joy, I was just going to return it to Amazon and no harm done.
So I just proposed this to the carer, but she wasn't sold on the idea at all. She'd rather wait until an assessment is carried out next month, where they'll assess what she can/can't do with a view to making a bespoke chair. The guys who will be making the stand will also be there to make their own assessment.
I tried giving it the hard sell, emphasizing that there'd be nothing to lose, that it would give us a good idea what she can/can't do, and that it might be wise to decide on the reader before undertaking work on a stand. No dice though I'm afraid. She's adamant that the assessment should happen first and I really have to respect that. She's been with her for quite some time now and has been an extremely positive force in her life, after what can only be described as a bloody horrible time in her life. So I can't just show up and try to call the shots on this. I wouldn't want to do that anyway. Besides she also has a huge amount of experience with care/accessibility so I imagine she has legitimate reasons for waiting.
So anyway, we agreed that I'll finish typing up my findings/recommendations and post 3 copies to her. She'll read it over, pass a copy to the guys doing the assessment, and pass another copy to the guys making the stand. I'll put my contact details on there and ask them to call me if/when they're ready to discuss the reader and payment.
It's not exactly the outcome I'd hoped for, but I'm hoping I can get involved again after the assessment and contribute to the choice of reader, or at least steer them against bad choices.
Thank you everyone for the excellent information you have provided on this. I am still quite surprised how many people have responded on this - I originally thought there'd be something like 3 replies over 2 months. Amazing. Thank you,
David.

[speakingtohe]

Wow beaurocracy at it's finest.

My advice is to disassociate for a bit and let the assessment people ask for the reports from you.

Not saying that as an act of getting back for possibly wasting your time, just that they will probably be unread/ignored.

I would like to say at this point that I admire your habit of replying to every reply you have received in a very personal and complimentary manner. This explains in a large part why you have generated so much interest. You certainly deserve a large round of applause for your efforts and I cannot think why a person with your kindness and attention to details should not be rewarded by the universe.

Helen

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by speakingtohe

Wow beaurocracy at it's finest.

My advice is to disassociate for a bit and let the assessment people ask for the reports from you.

Not saying that as an act of getting back for possibly wasting your time, just that they will probably be unread/ignored.

I would like to say at this point that I admire your habit of replying to every reply you have received in a very personal and complimentary manner. This explains in a large part why you have generated so much interest. You certainly deserve a large round of applause for your efforts and I cannot think why a person with your kindness and attention to details should not be rewarded by the universe.

Helen

Bloody hell Helen - thank you so much. What a lovely thing to say. I thought I was probably being OTT and annoying replying to everything, but then I figured if I had responded to a question online, then I'd like it to be acknowledged so have tried where I can. There's way too much casual nonchalant and rude behaviour on this WWW for my liking.
Much as I like the idea of giving myself a pat on the back and a prize, all I've actually done is sit on my backside, read a bit, and type a bit, and, as you say, it may all come to nothing anyway. I'll *try* and make sure that doesn't happen though.
I think the real people who should be admired are the few good people who work with these people closely, day in day out, year in year out. It sounds to me like highly unpleasant, exhausting work, always falling out with people who are trying to take advantage of them, having to go to great lengths for simple things. I couldn't do it for 5 seconds - takes someone very special. Unfortunately it appears not all carers are like this - some are incompetent, malevolent or downn right criminal, but that's another story.
Well I've told her I'll send the report so I will - I know what you mean though. I seriously hope it's not ignored but that's up to them - I'll chase it up come the assessment date. Something's got to come out of this for heaven's sake!
Thanks again for your kind words - so unusual on the WWW,
David.

[Krystl]

David, I have been following this thread with great interest. Because I am a new user, I cannot add anything, and so I stalk. I must second what Helen said. You have a very approachable way about your writing and connecting with each person here.

I also want to thank the contributers here for the amount of interest each and every poster here has shown. This is what this type of forum is for and goes to show what great people are here and their interest in helping people make educated decisions. Each poster has had his/her experiences and is so willing the share them. I am very impressed with each person writing here.

Many other threads are shorter, as the information searched for is very specific with specific use/ideas presented. This thread has opened the doors for each person to give his/her viewpoint concerning ereaders in general and the strengths and limits of each one.

Helping someone else seems to be the driving force here. Please do not hesitate to keep us informed as to the responses and resolutions. Even if it is later--resurrect the thread. I, for one, am intrested in your and your friend's continuing journey.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Krystl

David, I have been following this thread with great interest. Because I am a new user, I cannot add anything, and so I stalk. I must second what Helen said. You have a very approachable way about your writing and connecting with each person here.

Thank you so much Krystl - that's a nice thing to say. I'm finding it quite strange getting positive feedback on the WWW. I think it's a first. You're very kind people.

I also want to thank the contributers here for the amount of interest each and every poster here has shown. This is what this type of forum is for and goes to show what great people are here and their interest in helping people make educated decisions. Each poster has had his/her experiences and is so willing the share them. I am very impressed with each person writing here.

Many other threads are shorter, as the information searched for is very specific with specific use/ideas presented. This thread has opened the doors for each person to give his/her viewpoint concerning ereaders in general and the strengths and limits of each one.

Yes I agree. I came here because I was at the end of my tether scouring the WWW for useful information. All I could find was vague discussions approaching this subject, yet very little conclusion. I really didn't think that there'd be much response any time soon on this though as I didn't think it was relevant to the majority of people using the forum, and I thought the chances of arthritic users or their carers finding it would be quite remote. So I've been really pleasantly surprised by the amount of useful feedback. It's priceless information and I'm very grateful to everyone who's responded.
I was watching an 80's sitcom last night and it occurred to me how 30 years is really a tiny chunk of time in human history. Yet imagine if I was doing this in 1982. I wouldn't even know where to begin, or who to contact. All I could do is go to the library and hope that they knew who to contact. Then I'd have to write a lot of letters and wait. That's already a lot of legwork for quite possibly no progress. No overnight(or quicker) response, no input from around the world - an overnight response from the USA would have seemed mind-blowing to the vast majority of people then. This is surely the best side of the WWW - people with valuable knowledge sharing it in a small timeframe in one place.

Helping someone else seems to be the driving force here. Please do not hesitate to keep us informed as to the responses and resolutions. Even if it is later--resurrect the thread. I, for one, am intrested in your and your friend's continuing journey.

Oh don't worry - I've no intention of dropping this here after all the time we've put in here!
I'll send this information off first. I'm not allowed to go to the assessment itself, but I'm hoping I can meet with/speak to the guy who'll be making the stand to try and join up the thinking a bit. I'll pick it all up again after the assessment either way.
Whatever happens I will leave updates here when there's any developments.
Thanks,
David.

[LuvReadin]

Originally Posted by Carnyx

Audio Books
They've already tried this before and her deafness has hitherto prohibited audio books as an option - she missed or misinterpreted too much of what was said to be able to follow the story/info. I did know that she was partially deaf but from my conversation with her I didn't think it was that bad.
Anyway, she is in the process of getting better hearing aids so perhaps this will be an option in the future.
So I'm going to leave the audio book angle to pick up again *if* the reader doesn't work, and *if* her hearing is improved enough as a result of the new aid.

You could also look into the possibility of her getting a hearing loop, which would also help her with the TV (and this is really something the staff at the home should have known about), or a set of inductive earphones, otherwise known as 'earhooks' - there's a useful chat about them here: http://www.deaf4life.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=12613.
The RNID should be able to help with advice as well - the website's very good, and you can order a catalogue of equipment they can provide.

Originally Posted by Carnyx

E-Reader
She'd rather wait until an assessment is carried out next month, where they'll assess what she can/can't do with a view to making a bespoke chair. The guys who will be making the stand will also be there to make their own assessment.

I imagine the carer might be worried that if it's given to the lady, the council might not fund help. The assessor should also be able to assess her for things like the earhooks or loop. I know our local council has a disability advisor who's very good at sourcing equipment for hearing-disabled people, so I hope your council is similar.

Looking forward to hearing the outcome!

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by LuvReadin

You could also look into the possibility of her getting a hearing loop, which would also help her with the TV (and this is really something the staff at the home should have known about), or a set of inductive earphones, otherwise known as 'earhooks' - there's a useful chat about them here: http://www.deaf4life.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=12613.
The RNID should be able to help with advice as well - the website's very good, and you can order a catalogue of equipment they can provide.

Thanks for the info LuvReadin.
Those Earhooks look great. I've made a note of them and will pick it up if we go the audio book or text-to-speech routes.
Funnily enough, the hearing aid people are also putting a loop system in the flat. Apparently she's been watching TV on mute with subtitles as neighbours had complained about the noise, but she never even told anyone until the carer recently worked it out. Just tragic.

I imagine the carer might be worried that if it's given to the lady, the council might not fund help. The assessor should also be able to assess her for things like the earhooks or loop.

You could well be right there but she's as good as they come, so it wouldn't be for any bad reason. I suspect there's wisdom to it that only comes from years of dealing with this kind of thing. It's abundantly clear to me that the *vast* majority of well-intended stuff that people have bought or suggested for this lady over the years just doesn't work. So I suspect she's in the habit of pre-empting that, or at least waiting until there's enough info before people commit money, and get her hopes up.
e.g. I bought a very light weight pen that turned out to be no good, so after a bit of to'ing and fro'ing I was *right* on the verge of buying an expensive writing device yesterday, then I happened to mention there was a small metal part to it - immediately she rejected it because she cannot have metal in contact with her skin. I've been looking at this thing for weeks but I just wouldn't have considered that.

I know our local council has a disability advisor who's very good at sourcing equipment for hearing-disabled people, so I hope your council is similar.

Well I'd hope so too but, given that my local council is run by a convicted criminal, I seriously doubt that! Oh that'd be so funny if it weren't true.
No seriously though, you make an excellent point. I would never have thought of that possibility in a million years. I will check it out.

Looking forward to hearing the outcome!

Well, like I say, I'll post any developments back here as and when.
Thanks for all the help LuvReadin,
David.