Devices for Visually Impaired People Are Enabling Independance Beyond Measure

People who are living with visual impairment rely on tools and devices to live more independently. Devices for visually impaired people come in many shapes and sizes. There is a large variety, each having its own unique features. When it comes to the technology-based devices, there is just as wide of a variety. The difference between one device’s features and capabilities and those of another device can be as far apart as a bicycle is from a car.

High Tech and Low Tech Devices

Devices for visually impaired people can be broken down into two main categories. Electric and non-electric. Furthermore, they can be divided into portable, wearable, and many other sub-categories. The white cane has become the most well-known device used by people who are blind or visually impaired. It is probably also the one that is most commonly used. However, even the white cane has various types of availability. Variations are in form of material used, length, width, weight, and many others.

The variety, however, does not end there. Even the iconic white cane is going through a digital transformation. New canes are now being offered with technological enhancements and capabilities. Sensors and monitors are now being used in canes in order to upgrade the benefits to blind and visually impaired people using canes. They are being used to prevent walking into obstacles and to navigate the user’s path more efficiently. When the most iconic device for visually impaired people is being digitized, it should come as no surprise that other devices are following the technological revolution.

Devices for Visually Impaired People are Creating A New Way of Life

Technology is becoming more available and more advanced. The whole world is experiencing a new lifestyle available due to the technological capabilities of the devices and appliances that we all use. Most people have already gotten used to relying on technology so much, that we can’t imagine living without it. Even mundane tasks that are simplified by technology, can seem difficult for people if they need to perform them without technology.

Smart devices for the visually impaired are opening doors and breaking down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. Only a short time ago, job availability, academic capabilities, and daily life independence for visually impaired people were limited in comparison to what they are today.

Improving Quality of Life

There is almost no academic or career-related accomplishment that a blind or visually impaired person can’t achieve thanks to smart devices available today. Technology-based devices for visually impaired people are now performing tasks with state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Tasks that allow them to complete degrees on their own or become professionals in many of the available job categories. People with visual impairment are now performing daily tasks independently using technology devices, at home, at stores, and even at work.

Among the available devices for visually impaired people, there is one that stands out among the crowd. It is one of the most awarded assistive technology devices in the world. Making it possible for blind parents to raise their kids on their own. It has even helped blind veterans increase their daily independence. These inspiring life-changing stories have been featured on Dr. Phil, Steve Harvey, Good Morning America and more…

OrCam MyEye 2

OrCam MyEye 2 stands alone among the available devices for the visually impaired. It uses a miniature camera to analyze visual data into an audio description. It is easy and intuitive, using hand gestures and buttons for activation. The first attribute that makes it stand out is that it is a lightweight wearable device. Attaching magnetically to any pair of glasses, it allows both hands to be available for use. One of the most commonly used features is text reading. Users can read any text, whether printed or on a digital surface, the device will read the text out loud to them. The reading volume and speed can be adjusted according to the user’s convenience. There is even an option to use earphones connected via Bluetooth for more privacy.

This way, people who are blind or visually impaired can read anything. Books, magazines, newspapers, text from any screen, printed mail, menus at restaurants, and even street signs. When they go shopping, they can use the barcode recognition feature to know which item they are holding. They can even read the text on the packaging to receive more information such as nutritious value or ingredients. Personal items can be saved in order for the device to recognize them when users want to identify them. Even colors can be recognized. This is useful when choosing clothing or anything else that is differentiated by its color.

Facial recognition is another feature that sets OrCam MyEye 2 apart from the other devices for visually impaired people. Users can save a friend, family member or co-worker’s face and name for future identification. Once any face is saved with a name, every time the device recognizes that person, it will say the name out loud. It is by far the most advanced assistive technology device for the people who are visually impaired, changing the lives of thousands of users worldwide.