The use of assistive technologies is becoming more common, with many people now using them to support their visual impairment and other complex needs. 

Assistive technologies are designed to help individuals overcome problems that they face in daily life. This can include everyday tasks, social activities or leisure pursuits.

Aids for people with visual impairment include a wide range of devices, such as screen readers, voice output systems and Braille technology. Such aids are crucial in improving the quality of life of people with vision loss. They can be used in any setting, including home, school, work and leisure.

We’ll take a look at the various aids and how they help people with vision impairment. We will look at the difficulties experienced by people with vision loss, and how to make their lives better.

Vision aids navigation and communication

Accessible smartphones

Smartphones are not only useful for navigating, but also for communicating. People with vision impairments can easily stay connected with friends and family through texting, emailing, and calling. Screen reading software helps people with vision impairments use computers by reading out what is shown on the screen.

Most modern smartphones are equipped with voice recognition, allowing users to access apps through voice commands. It allows visually impaired users to call a specific contact or number on their phone, without any physical input. It can also be used to set reminders, access information or to simply check the time.

Guide dogs

While they’re more than just an aid, guide dogs are providing crucial support for helping visually impaired people get around.

Guide dogs provide assistance to those who cannot see, enabling them to navigate safely and independently. Guide dogs are trained to lead blind and partially sighted people. The dog’s job is to keep its owner safe and to alert them to obstacles.

There are different types of guide dogs available, each suited to specific situations. These include working dogs, mobility dogs and service dogs.

Service dogs are specially trained to provide emotional and practical support to people with disabilities. They may be used to help people with vision loss, autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental health issues, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

GPS navigation

Travelling can pose a major challenge for people with vision loss. However, with modern technology like GPS, people with sight loss can move independently.

GPS navigation is another type of aid which provides information about a person’s surroundings. Most modern mobile phones have accessibility features built into them. These allow users to access directions, maps and public transport timetables.

GPS apps like BlindSquare are specifically developed for the blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted. It directs the user through self-voicing, providing reliable travel for outside and inside.

Vision aids reading & writing

Screen reading software

Screen reading software helps people with vision problems access computer screens by reading aloud what appears on the screen. 

The user can then navigate the web page or document using arrow keys on the keyboard. Some programs enable the user to highlight words or phrases which are read out loud.

Braille technology

This type of aid allows blind people to read books, newspapers and magazines. Braille is made up of raised dots, which represent letters and numbers. It’s usually printed on paper, but it can also be embossed into plastic cards or braided into fabric.

It was first developed in 1824 by Louis Braille, after he lost his eyesight during childhood. Since then, it has been a universal aid for the visually impaired.

Talking book players

These devices allow blind or partially sighted people to listen to audio books. Talking book players, such as Amazon’s Alexa, are voice controlled, and can download audio files from online sources. 

Alexa can also play music, answer questions, and even tell jokes. It’s a handy tool that can also provide information about local attractions, weather forecasts and news headlines.

Vision aids for TV and entertainment

Accessible Televisions

Thanks to modern technology, there are now televisions available with built-in accessibility features. These TVs are designed to make watching programmes easier for the visually impaired. 

Many of them feature voice guidance systems, so they can be operated without having to look at the screen. Voice guidance can also read out channel names, numbers, guides and other text that allows the user to navigate the TV.

Accessible radios

Radio stations can be accessed via an accessible radio. This device uses a microphone to pick up sound waves and convert these into digital signals. An amplifier amplifies the signal before it is transmitted over the airwaves. 

Accessible radios work just like normal radios, except that they’re equipped with additional voice controls to make listening more comfortable.

Accessible console gaming

There are many consoles available today that are designed to be used by the visually impaired. They use a combination of tactile feedback (such as vibration) and audible cues to guide the player around the game. This includes modern consoles such as Playstation, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

For more information and advice on aids for your visually impaired child or relative, feel free to get in touch with us at enquiries@infocus-charity.org.uk.