Technology to Help With Visual Impairments
There have been various technological advances to help people with visual impairments. Here are eight advancements you might be interested in if certain tasks are becoming more challenging due to vision loss:
- Magnifiers. Handheld or stand magnifiers can be used for reading small texts and certain hobbies. Electronic magnifiers that can also zoom, change color, or read text.
- Glasses. There are telescopic glasses that can help you see distant objects. Special glasses can also subtly change how an image falls on the eye for people with central vision loss.
- Screen readers. These are programs that can read text on websites, emails, and digital books
- Voice activation. Voice-activated features and voice recognition software can help people with low vision type, make calls, or read articles.
- Smartphones. Most smartphones have magnifiers and other apps to help people with low vision or vision loss.
- Smart glasses. High-tech glasses can provide even higher magnification, read text aloud, and help you navigate the world around you.
- Braille displays. If you read Braille, these devices connect to your computer and translate what’s on-screen into refreshable Braille dots you can feel.
- Smart canes and apps. These use sensors and GPS to let you know about things in your path and help you find your way outdoors.
Tips for Using Assistive Technologies
There are many great tools to help you manage visual impairments and aid you in your daily life. The most important thing to remember is that a device is only helpful if it matches your needs and lifestyle.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Talk to your eye doctor. They can recommend the most helpful tools based on your vision.
- Try before you buy. Many places selling these tools will let you test them out first to ensure they’re right for you.
- Practice. Sometimes, learning to use a new device takes a little practice. Many eye clinics and community centers offer classes to help.
Should You Use Assistive Technologies?
Before considering assistive technologies, you should ask yourself what tasks you struggle with and what your goals are with assistive technologies. Do you need something that you can take everywhere or something you can use at home?
Knowing what you need help with can give you some direction on what you need. You should also consider if it’s something you can easily learn and practice with.
Additionally, you don’t have to worry about price. Many insurance plans, vocational programs, and organizations exist to help people obtain assistive technology.
The Role of Assistive Technologies in Daily Life
Assistive technology can help people with visual impairments or vision loss navigate their daily lives. AI cameras can help you recognize signs, obstacles, and even faces.
AI can be highly customizable to address your specific needs. Additionally, voice recognition software can feel like having a personal assistant that can help you read, write, check the weather, etc.
Smart glasses can also help you read, boost contrast, and magnify text. These can be convenient for daily tasks like grocery shopping, paying bills, and other errands.
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