Imagine not seeing the faces of your loved ones or the bright colors of the world. Suffering from blindness and visual impairment is not easy. Hence, inclusive technology for the blind is a treasure. This blog shares some of it.
In today’s world, modernization plays a huge part in our lives. There’s no reason why we cannot utilize it to build inclusive technology for the blind and other people who suffer from any form of disability. From blind filmmakers to visually impaired engineers, technology has aided our brothers in many ways we can imagine.
The World Health Organization states that at least 2.2 billion people globally have near or distant vision impairment. Having any physical disability is a constant challenge. Luckily, we now live in an era where advancement in science and health has paved the way for many products. These products are now readily available to help disabled people and make their lives easier. Some of these technologies can assist them in doing daily tasks, straightforward work, or in their respective professions. Some of these products will help them communicate with others and learn new knowledge.
If you know a blind or visually impaired person, these products will empower them and help them lead a fulfilling life. The best thing about these technologies is that they are inclusive. This means they can be used to help the blind and the visually impaired regardless of their race, gender, and age. Want to know which one would help them best? Read on to find out.
Photo by: Logan Gutierrez
Inclusive Technology for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons: A Look into the Future
From high-tech to low-tech products, assistive technologies are useful in increasing, maintaining, or improving the functional capabilities of those with sight disabilities. While these technologies vary, all provide aid and care to the visually impaired.
Voice Assistant
Voice Assistants can be used by blind and visually impaired people by giving them access to their phones’ features. They enhance the audio quality of the device and convert speech to text.
With voice assistants, the system speaks out all the person’s actions to help the user understand their current position. The technology also assists the user in reading messages, including the sender, date, and time. In addition, it also allows the person to note a few things and contact other people via the voice feature.
Electronic Braille
This technology brings the traditional braille control of the person using it to a modern and user-friendly platform. It was designed to make everyday office tasks as simple and seamless as possible for blind users, from creating professional documents and emails to browsing the web.
Electronic Braille allows individuals with visual impairments to access information and communicate effectively, enhancing independence and quality of life. It also helps young children with visual impairments by providing them with an excellent ergonomic introduction to braille typing.
Electronic Mobility Aids
Electronic mobility aids use ultrasonic waves to detect obstacles in front of the user and provide alerts about potential obstructions. Mobility aids such as white canes and guide dogs are helpful for navigation. There is ongoing debate about their effectiveness, and they are commonly used in conjunction with a long cane or a service dog for added support. Examples of mobility aids include electronic long canes and ray electronic mobility aids. Electronic long canes emit ultrasonic waves to help the person detect objects in front of them, while ray electronic aids help them detect obstacles. The ray electronic aid gives users audio signals up to 9.35 feet away.
The Importance of Helping the Blind and Visually-Impaired
Blind and visually impaired individuals can significantly benefit from inclusive assistive technologies. In addition, these technologies enable them to have equal access to content for various purposes such as employment, education, socializing, and entertainment, putting them on an equal footing with individuals not affected by low vision impairment. These technologies contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired is crucial to creating an inclusive and equitable society. Hence, ensuring that digital and physical environments are designed with their needs in mind opens doors to education, employment, communication, and independence that might otherwise remain closed.
Read David Y. Block’s life story to be more inspired to help the blind and the visually impaired. For over 30 years, David Block has been a documentary producer, director, and freelance journalist. He is also legally blind and has been that way since birth. Entitled “Born Blind: Traumas and Triumphs,” David’s book represents critical parts of his life, including his thoughts and emotions. It will resonate with those who are going through challenges, whether physical or emotional. The book is a testament to a man’s willpower against physical odds. It shows that with courage and faith, everything is possible. “Born Blind” is now available on ReadersMagnet Bookstore and other leading bookstores, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.