Assistive Devices for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Assistive Devices for the Blind and Visually Impaired

With advancements in technology, the opportunity to assist individuals with low vision, impaired eyesight or blind has never been greater. Several companies and organizations are at the forefront of designing and manufacturing assistive and AI-powered devices. These innovations are playing a crucial role in improving the quality of life and independence of people with visual impairments, making what once seemed impossible a reality.

The development of various devices and technologies specifically aimed at helping those with low vision is transforming the landscape of accessibility. From smart glasses that enhance visual input to apps that provide audio descriptions of the environment, the range of solutions available is expanding rapidly.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of further enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to navigate their surroundings with greater ease and confidence. The commitment of companies and organizations to innovate in this space is paving the way for a more inclusive future.


NOTABLE ORGANIZATIONS:

American Council for the Blind

Non profit organization advocating equality for the blind and visually impaired.Inspires community a connection to education,resources ,inspiring community, fostering support to each other.

American Foundation for the Blind

AFB has played a significant role in addressing the all too important needs of the blind and visually impaired.They have been at the forefront in breaking down societal barriers,and the promotion of broad systemic change.

Specific AI devices for the Blind

AI tools provide significant assistance for blind individuals by enhancing their ability to navigate, interact with the world, and access information. These tools utilize computer vision, image recognition, and natural language processing to provide real-time audio descriptions of environments, objects, and text. The following are some of the assistive devices and services that are available.

Apps and Devices:

Sight Assistance

Be My Eyes

This app connects blind or visually impaired users with sighted volunteers or companies via live video calls for assistance with tasks like identifying objects or reading labels. It also has a Virtual Volunteer feature based on OpenAI that provides real-time AI assistance.

American Foundation For The Blind

Microsoft's Seeing AI is an app that uses a smartphone's camera to describe the user's surroundings, read text, and identify faces, objects, and scenes.

Finger Reader:

American Foundation For The Blind

A wearable gadget that helps visually impaired individuals read printed text by scanning it with a finger.

Bone conduction headphones:

Independent Living

These headphones transmit sound through the skull, allowing users to hear audio while keeping their ears open.

Software reader

American Foundation For The Blind

Software that reads text aloud, making it accessible for blind individuals to navigate computers and websites.

Braille keyboards:

Logic Keyboard

Keyboards designed with braille characters for inputing text.

Accessible Pharmacy Services:

Accessible Pharmacy

This company uses AI to create accessible websites and apps.

Braille Assistance

Blindness and Low Vision>

AI is being used to enhance the creation and use of Braille, ensuring a more inclusive digital experience.

AI-Powered Tools for Diabetes Screening:

My tools for Living

AI is being used to automate the screening process for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. These AI tools are constantly evolving, offering increasingly sophisticated and personalized assistance to individuals who are blind or have low vision, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

Pedestrian Walk Signal App

OKO
OKO for the Blind is an AI-driven app that recognizes pedestrian walk and don't walk signals.

Jobs, Job Support, Job Skills

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Light House for the blind is a non profit organization, based out of Seattle, Washington whose sole mission to provide people who have visual impairment with jobs, support and job skills to be successful and productive. An all inclusive, welcoming environment providing hope and opportunity to people with disabilities.

  1. 2501 Plum Street Seattle Washington 98144
  2. 800-914-7307

    Prepared by Lou
    Writer: New Horizons Un-Limited

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