The fast-paced modern era gave rise to various advancements in many aspects of life. Daily lives have been easier and more convenient, from household appliances, vehicles, infrastructures, machinery, artificial intelligence (AI), gadgets, to medical technology. Visual disability is a term for having a low vision to total blindness. Low vision is an irreparable visual loss affecting daily affairs. Total blindness refers to being legally blind and having no vision.
Present-day innovations have greatly changed the lives of blind people. Windows of opportunities have allowed them to live and navigate their surroundings independently. Thanks to the advanced modernization of assistive technology products, their daily and special challenges are now addressed.
Here are scientific innovations that can help blind people live a more confident life:
1. High-tech Glasses
The macula is located at the center of the retina which is responsible for your keen central vision. When damaged, it results in central vision loss. Daily activities such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces are highly affected.
Using eSight’s revolutionary glasses is a great alternative to surgery. It’s clinically proven to help the brain receive more visual information and effectively improve visual acuity, color, and object perception. You can have it custom fit for comfortable daily use.
2. Software Applications
There are many available software applications on the market nowadays – each has its specifications in helping blind people in their everyday life. A ‘reader’ software dictates the screen’s texts, emails, and books. Money identifiers are very helpful for the blind when they pay cash in buying bus tickets, groceries, and other purchases.
Premium ones can describe the photo with accurate details of the photograph – the color, animal, object, or any other living thing. They have higher specs in voice command, can read handwritten notes, fill out online forms, scan a barcode to describe the product, dictate the object’s exact location, and interpret a detailed map whenever the user asks to.
These software applications play a great role in making blind people live a more independent life. Rather than having a family member or hiring a guide, they can learn how to navigate and do errands by themselves.
3. GPS-encrypted Bracelet
A GPS-encrypted bracelet helps blind people navigate their way to schools, offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies. It has audio and voice controls connected through wireless Bluetooth earphones. Its discreetness helps the blind do errands, go to work, or school with a boost of confidence.
4. Note-taking Tablet
Visual disability isn’t a hindrance to going to school and attaining a degree. Note-taking tablets have assistive technology like that of software applications, but with an addition of educational tools such as dictionaries, calculators, converters, spreadsheets, and graphic tools. Instead of hiring tutors, they can now learn by themselves.
5. Keyboard with Braille Controls
Keyboards with braille controls are one of the best innovations made for the blind. Learning the actual controls and keys is challenging – now, they can independently do their work, assignments, and surf the internet without difficulty.
6. Braille Watch
It’s easier to track their time with braille watches, whether commuting, walking on the street, or at their desks. It increases their self-esteem, knowing they don’t need to ask someone else or check their phones.
7. Braille Embosser
An embosser is a combination of software and hardware. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, it connects to your phone, laptop, or computer. A hard copy of the braille system is produced from the files you wish to have printed. Emails, books, and graphs – it has a high-resolution technology that makes tactile graphics.
8. Smart Backpack
This GPS-encrypted smart backpack is run by an AI camera embedded in a vest or belt bag. A laptop inside the bag helps send notifications to the wearer via Bluetooth earphones. It detects traffic signs, obstacles, path elevation, crosswalks, and people. Guide dogs and canes can attract attention, but this innovation allows blind people to walk and travel confidently.
9. Bluetooth Beacons
Bluetooth beacons are high-technology GPS-encrypted guides installed in buildings, stores, institutes, or restaurants. It sends signals via Bluetooth earphones or gadgets with directions to the bathroom, counter, rooms, and other facility areas.
10. Smart Mug
Starting the day with coffee or tea is therapeutic for people. A smart mug with a water level sensor can surely boost a blind person’s confidence and prevent the risk of burning.
Taking All Into Account
People can’t imagine the daily challenges of people with visual disabilities – the day-to-day commute, navigating places, studying, working, and doing errands. While canes and guide dogs are helpful, they could attract attention and lower their self-esteem.
Blind people need assistance, but they also need room to grow, discover things and places by themselves. Windows of opportunities have surely opened with these state-of-the-art scientific innovations; they can now live a more confident life.
