People
who are visually impaired are usually left behind in the world of technology.
Developers seem to forget that there is a certain percentage of the population
that are visually impaired yet computer and technologically savvy. Thankfully
for this special group of people, apps developers are coming through for them
and now there are a number of apps available for the visually impaired. Now
they can function just like the sighted populace talking, texting and
participating in online forums. Here are a few of these apps and how they
benefit the visually impaired.
1. BrailleTouch is an open-source mobile app that is being developed
by Georgia Tech. The app features six buttons (three on either side of the
screen) and is used with the screen facing away from the user. The user will
type using the six-dot code Braille characters that represent the English alphabet
along with different combinations of dots being used to form each letter of the
alphabet. The app reads out the letters to the user as he or she types allowing
them to do so at speeds of up to 32 words per minute and while maintaining an
accuracy rate of 92%.
2. Big Digital Clock
This
clock is fully customizable with a display of very large numbers showing the
time. The visually impaired will have no problem reading the time on this
clock, which can easily be kept on their desk or nightstand. The clock features
a fully customizable display that allows the user to change the font, color and
the background to suit their liking. The font that is used is inflated, making
it possible for the visually impaired to find the largest possible font display
that suits their device.
3. Text to Braille
This
is a great app for every visually impaired and basically anyone who was ever
curious about what their name would look like in Braille. It requires the
simple step of entering your name or writing a sentence in the text field then
tapping the convert button. The words will appear in Braille. This is a
fantastic app for anyone interested in Braille basics, as it can ideally be
used to educate oneself about it.
4. VisionSIM
VisionSIM
was developed by the Braille Institute not for the visually impaired, but to
help those with a healthy vision gain some insight into how people with certain
eye conditions see the world. These include cataracts, glaucoma, macular
degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or cataracts. Special filters
are applied to the screen of the Android (using its camera) so that the
symptoms of the various diseases are stimulated. Those with an iPhone and iPad
can access the app.
5. EyeDROPS
If
you or a loved one with an eye problem are having problems remembering to use
your eye drops then this is the app you'll need to solve that problem. This app
is an eye medication reminder. It supplies the user with a database on all the
eye medications, and allows them to capture a picture of each bottle. The app
can also be used to give reminders about eye nutrition supplements.
All
these apps are wonderful additions to the lives of the visually impaired and
those who assist them. Now the visually impaired have more independence than
they ever knew before and it's all thanks to apps made especially for them.
Author Bio:
Kelly
Padmore works as an optical technician in a busy eye care center. In her spare
time, she likes to share her know-how on eye health. For more information,
visit pinhole-glasses.com.
Other References