Michael Linke loves to talk about his harmonious ecosystem of products.
The General Manager of Commercial Services at Vision Australia says having his gadgets speak to one another has brought a new level of connectivity and seamless integration.
“We live in a world now where you don’t have to persevere,” he says.
“There are products that change your life.”
Photo: Michael Linke using his portable magnifiers in the kitchen.
Extremely short-sighted and having limited vision from atrophic myopic maculopathy, Michael has been able to save so much time from just connecting his devices and personalising his gadgets to help him with daily tasks.
He is an Apple user, which allows him to switch between his iPhone, Apple Watch and IPad interchangeably.
He is also an avid cook and uses a few nifty products in the kitchen to keep safe and make sure his measurements are precise.
Michael Linke’s top 6 products he uses daily:
1. Apple iPad
Cost: From $749
What is it? A touchscreen tablet PC with full accessibility options
What Michael says: “The ipad is probably the most important because it’s moveable I can get it close to my face, it’s connected to email, it’s got large print on it, and it has built in zoom.
“I’ve got 15 staff who report to me and they’re forever sending me documents for approval, so it is much easier for me to sit on my ipad and read them.”
Photo: Apple iPad Pro WiFi 128GB - Silver
2. Talking Kitchen Scale
Cost: $170
What is it? Talking kitchen scales with an easy-to-see measuring jug with bold marking and an easy-grip handle.
What Michael says: "I am very technical in the kitchen, so this makes sure I get it all right. It speaks out measurements and you can use the scale without the measuring jug if needed."
Photo: Talking Kitchen Scale & Easy-to-see Measuring Jug Set
3. Heat resistant gloves
Cost: $50
What is it? Gloves to protect your hands when handling hot items.
What Michael says: "Better than your oven mitts because you can grip better with the use of your fingers. It keeps me safe."
Photo: Heat resistant gloves
4. LED Handheld Magnifier
Cost: $185
What is it? Traditional handheld magnifier with inbuilt LED light. Provides 10x magnification.
What Michael says: "Super useful for when those packet instructions and ingredients lists are too small. Also useful to check if the oven is at the right temperature."
Photo: Eschenbach Mobilux 10x LED Handheld Magnifier.
5. Bump dots
Cost: $35
What is it? A variety of shapes sizes and colours, use this pack of 80 Square Bump stickers to add a tactile feature on a touch screen like a microwave number pad.
What Michael says: "I stick these on my measuring spoons so I can easily differentiate between them."
Photo: Various bump dots and tactile stickers.
6. Explore 8 electronic magnifier
Cost: $1,495
What is it? 8-inch handheld electronic magnifier with 30x magnification.
What Michael says: "It’s fantastic for zooming in on printed documents, especially useful to read my mother’s handwritten recipes."
Photo: Explore 8 electronic magnifier.
All the products mentioned are available at the Vision Australia Store.
The full product range is available in the 2021/2022 Accessible product catalogue.
There are 22 stores open across Australia. We also offer private appointments with our store assistants so you can describe your specific needs. Just call your local store to book.
Whatever stage you're at, whatever's most important to you, at Vision Australia we can help you live life on your terms.
Get in touch, tell us about yourself and find out how Vision Australia can power your independence.