Quaran-Tech: How Technology Can Level the Playing Field

In high school, I used to write editorial articles for the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation’s quarterly magazine. NOAH is an org for people with albinism to share experiences, but also to educate parents of children with albinism, educators, and anyone curious to know if we really DID have red eyes. After a hiatus from writing in college because engineering was hard, I’ve gone back to it in 2020 and wanted to share some of my writings here after they’re published

Not too long into quarantine, I realized my life had not drastically changed. I am grateful for my position, and I think I owe it to technology for helping me maintain some of this stability. Unlike during the 1918-1919 flu pandemic, many people, from celebrities to coworkers, have begun to uncover just how much you can do from your own home; all thanks to technology. Since we don’t need a ride or public transit to access these events, [people with albinism (PWAs)] especially get to reap technological benefits.

Before delving into the wonders of our brave, new world, I must acknowledge some caveats. I recognize that not everyone has equal access to updated technology or stable WiFi. Even with physical access to technology, there are often extra barriers for people with disabilities. However, I’m writing to show how technology can broaden horizons for many PWAs, even with those obstacles.

Technological benefits include…

●      No Transit. On the whole, people are supposed to stay home, which means less need for transit and rideshares!

●      Livestreams. Since everyone is home, including celebrities, we reap the added benefits of livestreams. Whether it’s news updates, bands you follow giving virtual concerts, comedy shows from a performer’s home, or Youtubers in quarantine, everything is being streamed. This access isn’t just for cable subscribers or ticket holders, but for everyone with an Internet connection. Again, we do not need to find transit to a venue!

●      Work from Home. For some, working from home offers a greater degree of flexibility. It may allow people with limited transit options to continue working.

●      Social “interaction.” People have flexed their creativity when connecting with friends and loved ones. Virtual trivia nights, online Pictionary, Zoom karaoke, and Facetime costume parties have exploded into our homes. Even Netflix got on board by allowing multiple subscribers to watch a movie while chatting through their Netflix Party Chrome extension. For PWAs who cannot drive, this means never missing out on the fun.
Side note: Netflix Party isn’t entirely accessible to people using ZoomText magnification software on Windows. My recommended workaround is to use Windows Magnifier instead.

●      Telehealth. Video chats aren’t just for work or trivia night; your medical providers are using them too! Again, we don’t need to drive to see certain specialists.

●      Audio Description. While audio description (AD) has been available long before quarantine, now may be a great time to discover it. Before I used AD, I didn’t realize how many details I was missing when watching movies–I thought Marvel movies were long and boring! When I turned it on, it was like a combination of an audio book and a show. On your favorite streaming service, you can open the options to change the language of your show and choose, “English with Audio Description.” You may discover a whole new world!

●      Accessible Books. I recommend Bookshare, a service available to “print disabled” people, meaning people with low vision, blindness, physical disabilities that prevent holding a book, and reading disabilities. Students can use Bookshare for free; others pay an annual fee. As a member, you can download digital copies of books in their library.

As many others have said, give yourself some credit and be gentle to yourself during quarantine. Make sure to keep reaching out to family and friends. When you can, experiment with technology that may work to your advantage even after this pandemic has passed. 

Albinism InSight, Summer 2020

as always, have a sunshiny day!