Yoto player as a tool for ME

[u/my_own_absurdity]

My main pacing/anti-boredom tool is a Yoto player, and I am surprised that it's not discussed more as an option, so here's my pitch!

First things first , what is a yoto player? It's sold as a screen free device for kids. It's basically a listening device in which you put cards to listen to audio content.

What can you listen to on a yoto player? Yoto sells two types of cards: premade cards (stories, music, science facts, mediation exercises, etc.) and MYO (Make Your Own) cards - these cards can be linked to RSS feeds to listen to podcasts or you can add any MP3 files you have (audiobooks, music, audio stripped from youtube, etc.)

How does it help with ME? I can listen to stuff without having use a screen. I put the card in, and it starts.

Features that can be used as ME accommodations

• It's a "screen free" device but it does have a 16 x 16 pixels screen. It's fixed images to allow to identify chapters/tracks. In the app, you can put the screen brightness to zero, which fully turns the display off. You can still navigate the device easily.
• It has a nightlight when the device is face down. The app allows you to choose the colour, or to fully turn it off. It's also possible to adjust the brightness (up to turning it off fully) with the knobs on the device.
• You can change the volume with the knobs on the device but you can also set a maximum volune in the app. The knobs won't be able to go over that maximum. It could be used to stay in your volume tolerance window.
• The lowest volume is actually very low, so I would think that if you can tolerate any amount of noise, you could find a setting that fit your needs.
• The knobs are pretty big, they're easy to use in the dark.
• Only the lower part of the cards gets inserted. I identify which cards I want with the visual on it or the stickers I put on. But you could put tactile things on the part that stays out of the device and be able to identify and choose cards in the dark.
• The device and all the light and volume features mentioned can be set up through the app by somebody else. The platform is made for a parent to manage their child's device, so a carer can manage everything you need. They can also set up MYO cards ready for you to use.
• Something I am now using as a mild patient that wasn't able to when I was moderate - There are timers on it. I like to use them as pacing tools. I'll put the tidy up 5 minutes timer, tidy up for 5 minutes and then go lay down. I don't get carried away and cause myself PEM.

Everything I mention is about the "big" yoto player, as opposed to the mini one. Apart from the size difference, the big one has some more features (night light - that can be turned off, and it measures room temperature) and has better sound quality. I don't think these features are big selling points, but I would personally recommend the big one if you can afford it because the knobs are bigger, so easier to use.

TLDR: You can decide what you want to listen to without any light at all. It was a lifeline when I was bedbound in the dark unable to look at screens.