Second Sense

06/10/2026

Do you know how to use your Apple Wallet? Your Apple Wallet is a great place to securely store a credit card, transit tickets, eGift cards and lots more. At our Thursday, June 11 Apple Exchange at 1:00 pm, Eric walks us through using the Apple Wallet to pay in stores, check into flights, and access tickets with just a tap. To receive the Zoom information, call 312-236-8569.

Join us at June's Apple Exchange to get started using your Apple Wallet to store credit cards, tickets, passes, and more.

06/09/2026

Harold Washington Library Center has a terrific line up of activities and learning opportunities this summer. Here’s one that’s truly accessible for those with print disabilities. A book discussion of What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama is Thursday, June 18 at 10:30 am. What are you looking for? This is the famous question routinely asked by Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. For anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what they're looking for in life. The conversation that they have with Sayuri Komachi-and the surprise book she lends each of them-will have life-altering consequences. A Digital audio book or braille copy is available for Talking Book subscribers.

Join us for a discussion of What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama.About the book:What are you looking for? This is the famous question routinely asked by Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. For anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what the...

06/08/2026

For those of us with vision loss, finding your Uber driver can be the most stressful part of your trip. You can’t see the type of car, color or license plate number, but the driver thinks you can. Uber has made an addition to their accessibility settings that may make this part of your ride easier. In the accessibility settings you can now self-identify as being blind and/or visually impaired. This is one more option in addition to identifying as a service animal user or being deaf or hard of hearing. To select this option, go to your Account, select Settings, then Accessibility. The self-identification options are at the top of the list.

Uber is launching new accessibility features for riders.

06/05/2026

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) wants to hear from riders with disabilities about your experiences on transit. They are asking for your feedback by completing a survey taking approximately 15 minutes. By providing your feedback, you can be eligible for a drawing for up to $500. The deadline for submissions has been extended to June 15. You can find the survey here:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

06/04/2026

If you have retinitis pigmentosa or related inherited retinal conditions, you’re welcome to join us on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm when we welcome Amy Bosko, LCPC and owner of Strong Mind Studio. Our discussion centers on navigating emotional overwhelm. When life’s stressors begin to build, it can feel like everything hits at once. Amy shares practical ways to slow things down, shift perspective, and learn how to let go of what we can’t control. To receive the Zoom information, please call our office at 312-236-8569.

Knowing that your vision will probably worsen, but not knowing when or how much, can put wrenches in your life plan. Our RP Meet Up is an opportunity for you to meet and learn from others who are experiencing these same circumstances.

06/04/2026

Get to know the Illinois Council of the Blind at their Sunday, June 7 virtual Meet & Greet from 4:00 to 5:30 pm! You will learn more about ICB’s activities and work, explore ways to get involved, and reconnect with the broader ICB community. Everyone who attends will be entered into a door prize drawing. Check here for contact info.

06/03/2026

Michel purchased a new smart TV with some good accessibility options. He wanted to be able to listen to the TV guide and turn on audio description. He had difficulty finding out where to turn on these options and thought the accessibility wasn’t as accessible as advertised. On a home visit, Ta**us walked Michel through how to turn on the voice activation and the audio program guide. Ta**us explained that to use the voice activation to choose a program, Michel needed to know what he wanted to watch, but that the audio guide, when enabled, would read aloud the available programs. Michel wants to use technology to enhance his independence and this was just one technology problem Ta**us helped him solve.

Craft inclusive Amazon Fire OS apps with accessibility features. Boost navigability and code quality for all users.

06/02/2026

Driving blind? If you have never driven a car, or haven’t in some time, a ride in a Waymo might be an uneasy experience. But then again, could it give you a new sense of freedom? Check out this article in NYTimes when Two visually impaired Waymo passengers share their experience in a driverless car. How comfortable would you feel taking a trip in Waymo?

Waymo has been an object of frustration to some in California. For visually impaired people, it can also bring a rare feeling of independence.

06/01/2026

Are you planning your summer vacation? Why not a trip to one of America’s national parks? Accessibility is improving at many national and state parks and offer paved paths for easy navigation, audio description, sensory trails, and more. In addition, as a person with a disability, you are eligible for free lifetime access to participating national parks and federal recreation lands with the America the Beautiful pass. Check out these five U.S. national parks that have terrific accessibility and provide an enjoyable experience for people with disabilities.

Here's why these five national parks are the most accessible, with expanded programs, adaptive trails, and resources designed to reduce barriers for visitors.

05/29/2026

It’s all about teamwork! J.B. called Second Sense in a bit of a panic. He’s starting his new job at the VA but realized using an Uber from the south suburbs to the downtown office was not a good financial decision. J.B. has excellent cane skills but needed advice on his public transit options and some help finding all his connection points. Ta**us first called him with advice on his public transit options. His route included a car ride to the Metra, train ride to downtown, a walk to the bus stop, and finally the bus ride to a block from his new office. Then, Mandi met J.B. at the downtown Metra stop and walked him along the rest of the route. She showed him where the bus stop was, which intersections were the safest to cross, and which had audio pedestrian signals. Now, J.B. has significantly cut his transportation costs and is comfortable getting to his new office. We’re wishing J.B. great success in his new job and safe travels!