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Technology Helping Blind and Partially Sighted People

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

 

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Culture

The African Artists with disabilities changing the Narrative

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The African Artists with disabilities changing the Narrative, one step at a time.

Calvin Ratladi

Born in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province on January 29, 1991, Calvin Ratladi is a South African powerhouse. Not only is he a SAFTA-winning artist (2022) for his captivating performance in the historical drama series Shaka iLembe, but he’s also a prolific writer, director, and champion for disability inclusion in the arts.

Ratladi’s artistic journey began in 2010 with the establishment of the Calvin Ratladi Foundation, a testament to his dedication to nurturing artistic expression. He holds a B.Tech degree in Drama from the Tshwane University of Technology and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at UP.

Adept at captivating audiences on both stage and screen, Ratladi boasts an impressive theatre career dating back to 2013. He breathed life into diverse characters, from Animus & Ensemble in Dis[illusion] to Estragon in Waiting for Godot. From 2017 to 2018, he delivered a powerful performance as Man in Human Pieces II, further solidifying his versatility.

Ratladi’s talents extend far beyond acting. He’s a skilled writer and director, having helmed productions like King Lear (2016), Silent Scars (2017), and The Dead Chant in Death (2018). His 2019 work, Nongqawuse, showcased his ability to both write and direct.

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african artists
Source: Facebook

Ratladi’s dedication to social causes is evident. In 2022, he received the Outstanding Person with a Disability award at the SAFTAs. He’s also the recipient of the prestigious Naledi Award and the 2019 Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award, becoming the first Black recipient in the award’s history.

Ratladi’s literary prowess extends beyond scripts. He’s the author of “The Ram And Its Behind” and co-authored “Roots in The Sky” and “MaNgoyi – The Life of Lilian Ngoyi.” Additionally, he serves as the curator of the international theatre project A Gathering in a Better World (GIABW).

Calvin Ratladi is a true renaissance man of the South African arts scene, consistently pushing boundaries and inspiring others with his multi-faceted talent and unwavering commitment to social change.

Victor Sitali

Born and raised in Zambia, Victor Sitali now paints his vibrant vision from his Dubai studio. Deaf since early childhood, Sitali discovered his artistic voice at the age of 27. His motto, “My voice is heard through the work of my hands,” speaks volumes about the power of art in his life.

Mentored by British artist Trevor Waugh, Sitali’s work focuses on capturing the essence of Africa through portraits, landscapes, and the captivating beauty of birds and eyes. He’s a master of multiple mediums, wielding oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and charcoal with equal skill.

african artists
Source: pressreader.com

In 2013, he won “Best Artist” and “Highly Recommended” awards at the first Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival. His talent shone internationally as well, receiving an honorable mention at the International Emerging Artists Award. A highlight of his career came in 2019 with selection for the prestigious 12th Florence Biennale.

Sitali’s artistic journey extends beyond the canvas. From 2011 to 2014, he honed his skills at Mawaheb from Beautiful People. In 2017, he graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from SAE Institute, Dubai. 

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Today, his passion extends to fostering creativity in others. He conducts workshops on art and sign language, sharing his talents and experiences in schools and art spaces across the UAE.

Sitali’s passion for photography complements his paintings. He freelances for fashion and art events, capturing the vibrancy of the region’s creative scene. His artistic portfolio continues to flourish, as he puts in efforts to attain greater heights. 

Prince Nahimana

Prince Nahimana, a deaf Rwandan artist, has carved a space for himself and countless others in the world of art. Despite facing communication barriers and a lack of resources, Nahimana’s artistic passion blossomed at a young age. 

Today, at 34, he is the driving force behind the Kigali Deaf Art Gallery, a platform not just for his own work, but for 11 deaf artists to showcase their talents and Rwandan heritage through paintings, sculptures, and fashion.

african artists
Source: Facebook

Nahimana’s vision extends beyond personal success. He aspires to shatter the silence by advocating for sign language as a fundamental right and equipping the deaf community with the tools they need to thrive. His dream is to establish an art training center for deaf children, nurturing their creativity and fostering a path towards self-sufficiency.

By: Yahuza Bawage

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Life, struggles, and triumphs of Jessica Long

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Born in Siberia, Russia, Jessica Long faced an uphill battle from the start. Fibular hemimelia, a rare condition affecting her leg development, presented an immense challenge during her childhood. 

Jessica’s young mother, overwhelmed by the situation, made the difficult decision to place her in an orphanage. But hope would later arrive for 13-month-old Jessica, when Beth and Steve Long, a couple from Baltimore, Maryland, adopted her.

Years later, Jessica found herself growing up in a new home, and she soon embraced life in America through exploring various sports, including gymnastics, ice skating, rock climbing, and even trampolines.

Amidst difficulties, Jessica persevered. This resilience, coupled with her unwavering determination, led her to the pool. It was in the water that Jessica truly found her calling.

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The path wasn’t without roadblocks. However, her inherent strength and unwavering spirit propelled her forward. Soon enough, Jessica was recognized as Maryland’s Female Swimmer of the Year with a Disability.

At the young age of 12, Jessica’s competitive career reached a defining moment at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Having only honed her skills for two years, she defied expectations and stunned the world by claiming three gold medals. This accomplishment, even surpassing the aspirations of swimming legend Michael Phelps (with whom she would later train for Rio 2016), and transformed Jessica as a force to be reckoned with.

Jessica’s journey has not been solely about medals. Her 23 gold medals for Team USA made her one of the most decorated international athletes. However, beyond the accolades, she has transcended her victory to become a symbol of inspiration for future generations.

“The only disability in life is a negative attitude”, she often voiced.

Jessica has since overcome her physical limitations and become resilient enough to chase her dreams, no matter the obstacles. Her achievements stand as a powerful reminder that disability isn’t the end of life. With an unwavering determination and a positive outlook, persons with disabilities can also become great and influential people across the world.

By: Yahuza Bawage

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Culture

Fannie Lou Hamer: A Powerful Voice in the Fight for Civil and Women’s Rights

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On March 8th, International Women’s Day, is a day of commemoration, advocacy, and protest. On this day, we remember all those women who gave their lives, efforts, and dreams to achieve a better life for themselves and for all. These brave women have left an indelible mark on history. One of these heroines was Fannie Lou Hamer, an American activist who fought for women’s rights and universal suffrage. Despite her disability and the violent racism she faced, she managed to bring about change in the state of Mississippi.

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First years

Fannie Lou Hamer, born on October 6, 1917, in the Mississippi Delta, a southern state with a history of slavery, experienced the daily impact of racial segregation, which was theoretically abolished. Lou grew up in poverty as the daughter of cotton pickers. At the age of six, she followed the same path and began working in the fields alongside her parents. Fannie attended a one-room schoolhouse meant for the children of farmers, which only operated during the winter (between harvests). It was there that she developed a deep love for reading and poetry. Unfortunately, at the age of 12, she had to leave school to support her family. During those years, she contracted polio, which left her with a disability, making it difficult for her to walk normally, a challenge she faced throughout her life.

Despite her precarious circumstances, Fannie continued to hone her reading and writing skills. In 1944, she was selected as a timekeeper on a plantation. A year later, she married Perry Hamer, a farmer on the Marlow plantation, where they lived for 18 years.

Fight for civil rights

Fannie Lou Hamer began her interest in civil rights in 1950 when she attended the Regional Council of Negro Leadership (RCNL). Local leaders provided messages of hope, struggle, and social reform during these gatherings, which deeply resonated with Fannie and led her to become part of the movement.

Indignant at the government’s efforts to disenfranchise people of color, Fannie decided to act. Along with 17 volunteers, she registered as a suffragist at the Indianola courthouse. Unfortunately, an unfair literacy test denied them the right to vote. This act sparked controversy in the city, and authorities began harassing this small group of activists. As a result, Hamer was fired from her job, and most of her belongings were confiscated. Fannie and her husband relocated to Ruleville, Mississippi, to start anew.

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The struggle didn’t end in Indianola. A year later, Hamer completed a voter registration program in Charleston. She also participated in a peaceful demonstration with a group of women at a “whites-only” restaurant, which landed her in jail. There, she was brutally beaten and mistreated, resulting in lasting physical effects. Undeterred, Fannie decided to go further. Fed up with bureaucratic obstacles preventing Black voter participation, she co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) in 1964. This movement aimed to encourage Black political participation while challenging the Democratic Party figures in Mississippi

The fight for change

The MFDP, in collaboration with hundreds of young volunteers who arrived in Mississippi during the Freedom Summer, made the decision to challenge the political representation of the so-called ‘regular’ state party at the national convention of the Democratic Party, scheduled for August in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Fannie, along with several volunteers, traveled to New Jersey to express the difficult situation faced by Black residents of Mississippi. Her speech moved many, but due to the actions of President Lyndon Johnson, who sought a peaceful and uncontroversial resolution, the MFDP’s intentions were thwarted.

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Finally, Walter Mondale, then Attorney General of Minneapolis, awarded all the seats to the general party and only two to the MFDP. Party members, after a civil rights march, decided to reject this ‘charity.’ Mrs. Hamer declared, ‘We didn’t come here to have only two seats because we are all tired.’ Despite this setback, Fannie Lou Hamer’s fight continued, and she and her party persisted in changing a backward, racist, and unjust system. Thanks to her tireless advocacy and nonconformity, the Democratic Party managed to reform itself by expanding the participation of women and minorities.

By: Álvaro Lago

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