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.

© 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.
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.
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.

© 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.