Connect with us

Featured

Technology Helping Blind and Partially Sighted People

Published

on

technology helping blind and visually impaired people

How is modern technology helping blind and partially sighted people and improving accessibility?

As technology continues to advance, so does its ability to become accessible to those with disabilities, including people with sight impairment. Assistive technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and more are all helping to bridge the gap between the blind and partially sighted community and those that are able to see. Here, we will look at some of the technology helping blind and partially sighted people and the benefits it has on their lives.

Living a full life

The technological tools available today make it easier for those with vision loss to access information, communicate, travel, learn and live fuller lives. From voice recognition software like Dragon, and Siri, to smart glasses, and smartphone applications that use AI to detect objects, the possibilities are virtually endless.

By giving people access to information, communication, education and so much more, technology is helping them to become more independent and empowered. This can include getting them from A to B for work or leisure, making it possible to work where this was previously not possible, and improving their job prospects.

technology helping blind and visually impaired people

© Be My Eyes

Object detection software

At the forefront of this technological revolution are assisted technology and AI. Assisted technology includes things like voice recognition software, which allows people with sight impairments to use their voice as a tool for communicating with computers or other devices. 

Advertisement

Two examples of assisted technology using object detection software are TapTapSee and Be My Eyes. These capture the image of a setting or specific object, and then a volunteer who receives the feed will quickly relay a description to the app user. These rely on volunteers.

AI has been used in various applications to help detect objects in a scene or provide navigation assistance. Seeing AI is similar to the above software but uses artificial intelligence to help the user navigate their surroundings and do simple daily tasks. For example, when shopping, it uses the barcode on products to provide information on the name of the product and any relevant information. It has many other uses from describing photographs and objects or settings around the user to recognising currency and people.

 Wearable technologies and what next?

Wearable technologies provide navigation assistance and voice command systems for controlling home appliances and other devices. These technologies are another tool in helping people with sight impairments become more self-sufficient.

We can expect to see even more advancements as technology continues to improve. 

Advertisement

Augmented reality can be used to accurately transcribe spoken words into text, while virtual reality applications can provide navigation assistance. Examples of what to expect next include improvements to existing tech such as smart glasses which currently provide visual feedback to aid navigation; and smartphone applications using AI to detect objects in a scene. We can also expect to see voice command systems becoming increasingly advanced as they are used to control home appliances and other devices.

technology helping blind and visually impaired people

© DTU

More suggestions

Other than those already mentioned, here are some specific suggestions for sight-assisted technology:

  • AIRA – Smart glasses which provide assistance on the wearer’s surroundings, using a trained assistant
  • Audible – A great option for book lovers who want high-quality narrators to read them their favourite books
  • Giraffe Reader – Scans documents
  • SightPlus – A wearable device for people with low vision to help with reading, seeing faces, working, travelling, etc.

In short, technology is quickly advancing and providing many new opportunities for people with sight impairments. Assisted technologies such as AI and automated voice-to-text applications are becoming more prevalent, while AR/VR apps and wearable technologies are providing navigation assistance. Smartphone applications are using AI to detect objects in a scene, while voice command systems are being used to control home appliances and other devices.

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

5 Ways People With Disabilities Can Propel Your Business Brand to Success

Published

on

In the fast-paced and diverse business landscape of today, inclusivity holds the key to extraordinary achievements, going beyond being just a buzzword. By embracing diversity and harnessing the talents of individuals with disabilities, you have the opportunity to witness a remarkable transformation in your business brand, setting it apart from the competition.

Below are five ways people with disabilities can become powerful catalysts for skyrocketing your business brand:

1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: People with disabilities bring a unique perspective to problem-solving and innovation. Their diverse experiences and adaptive thinking can lead to groundbreaking ideas that resonate with a broader audience, elevating your brand to new heights.

2. Cultivating Enhanced Customer Empathy: Employing individuals with disabilities fosters a deeper understanding of your customers’ diverse needs and preferences. This empathy fuels the development of products and services catering to a wider range of individuals, thereby boosting customer loyalty and enhancing your brand’s reputation.

3. Crafting Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: With a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities, creating authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns becomes second nature. Representation matters, and consumers connect more profoundly with a brand that embraces diversity and reflects the real world.

Advertisement

4. Nurturing an Empowering Workplace Culture: Embracing diversity cultivates a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, respect, and open-mindedness. This welcoming environment attracts top talent, boosts employee morale, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to increased productivity and overall success.

5. Making a Positive Social Impact: Actively promoting inclusivity and providing equal opportunities positions your business as a force for positive social change. Modern consumers appreciate brands that align with their values, and your commitment to empowering people with disabilities will garner genuine support and unwavering loyalty.

Integrating people with disabilities into your workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that can propel your business brand to unprecedented heights. By leveraging their unique talents and perspectives, you have the potential to cultivate a brand that stands out, deeply connects with customers, and makes a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive society.

Continue Reading

Featured

Hansal Emmanuel: Defying Odds as a Disabled Basketball Star

Published

on

Hansel Enmanuel is a true embodiment of inspiration, defying all odds to excel. Not only is he a viral internet star, college student, and immigrant to the United States, but he also stands out as a Division I college basketball player, achieving all of this with only one arm.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Enmanuel faced a life-changing accident at the age of six, resulting in the loss of his left arm. Despite this setback, he refused to let it define him and discovered his passion for basketball. Moving to the United States at 16, with limited knowledge of English, presented another challenge, but he tackled it with unwavering determination.

As a tall and gifted athlete, Enmanuel’s talent for dunking caught attention during his high school days at the Life Christian Academy in Florida. His internet fame skyrocketed, amassing over 4 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined.

Though highly accomplished, doubts from college coaches initially clouded his path. However, he persisted, earning a place at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. His journey in Division I college basketball started with modest beginnings, but his dedication and hard work were evident in every practice and game.

On the court, Enmanuel’s unique sense of balance and tenacity set him apart from his teammates. His astounding rebound and dunk during a game against the University of Louisiana Monroe left the crowd in awe, but the humble athlete remained focused on his defensive responsibilities.

In the face of success and popularity, Enmanuel’s work ethic remained unshakable. He rejected any special treatment, choosing to be treated like any other teammate when it came to discipline and responsibilities.

Advertisement

Despite not mapping out this extraordinary journey as a child, Hansel Enmanuel has become an inspiration to countless individuals around the world. Through perseverance, resilience, and an unyielding passion for basketball, he has proven that greatness knows no limitations. As his college career progresses, the attention he receives is bound to expand even further, allowing his story to reach and inspire even more people. 

Hansel Enmanuel’s tale is a reminder that with the right attitude and determination, anything is possible, and dreams can be achieved regardless of the challenges life throws our way.

Continue Reading

Featured

Disability campaigners lose legal fight over Grenfell recommendation

Published

on

Campaigners have faced a disappointing outcome in their High Court battle against the government’s decision not to implement evacuation plans for disabled residents living in high-rise buildings. The Claddag campaign group had hoped for a legal requirement to have escape plans in place for those who might face difficulties in safely evacuating during emergencies.

However, the government’s Home Office conducted a consultation and concluded that the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry would be excessively expensive and impractical to put into action. Instead, they are now exploring an alternative solution.

Back in October 2019, the chairman of the Grenfell Inquiry recommended a legal obligation for owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings to create “Peeps” (personal emergency evacuation plans) specifically tailored to residents with mobility issues or sensory impairments, such as visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments. 

This recommendation was prompted by the tragic Grenfell fire in June 2017, which claimed 72 lives, with 41% of the deceased being disabled residents of the tower. In response to the inquiry’s suggestions, the Home Office initiated a consultation to consider implementing the Peeps proposals. However, in May 2022, the government decided not to make Peeps a legal requirement, citing concerns about practicality and cost.

Claddag, an organisation founded by two disabled tower-block residents, Sarah Rennie and Georgie Hulme, contested this decision through a judicial review at the High Court in December. The government’s legal representative argued during the hearing that they were still consulting on the proposals, and a final decision had not yet been reached.

Recently, Mrs. Justice Stacey delivered her judgement, stating that the government had indeed decided against implementing the Peeps recommendation. However, she emphasised that the government had the right to make such a decision after carefully considering the fire-safety implications versus the associated costs.

Advertisement

In response to the ruling, the founders of Claddag expressed their disappointment, accusing the government of putting financial concerns above the lives of disabled individuals and leaving them without a means of escape in high-rise buildings.

A Home Office spokesperson welcomed the court’s decision, explaining that it would allow them to move forward with plans to enhance the safety of residents who may have difficulties evacuating during emergencies. They are currently reviewing responses to a public consultation on Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing Plus, an alternative approach to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, to determine the best course of action to safeguard those who may struggle to self-evacuate.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement